Longing to See Your Face (1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:5)
I assume that if you're reading this, on your computer or phone, that you've probably made an online purchase. A book. An article of clothing. 27,000 other things. It's pretty typical for us to make purchases without actually checking the binding or trying on the product before we hit "buy" and have it arrive at our door within a day or two. Now, return policies being what they are, there's little to no risk in this. If it's damaged or doesn't fit, we simply send it back and try again.
But what if our purchase was a lot of money, like buying a car or even a house online or over the phone? Now that would definitely be a risk. There are some things that you need to be there for, right? Descriptions, and even pictures, just don't cut it. You can't kick the tires online and you'll never know to ask, "what's that smell?" when you walk through a virtual tour of the kitchen in your soon to be new home. Some things just need to be experienced in-person.
Books and clothes and cars and homes are important. But nothing is more important than people. Relationships. Being with others. Being together. There is no substitute for being face-to-face. During the past 2 years, we've had to settle for less, in some cases. And thank God for technology that makes distance not quite as devastating as it would have been in previous generations. But still, there's no substitute for physical, unmediated, flesh-and-blood presence.
When you have it, with those you love, it is sweet and you want to savor it. And when it's gone, you want it back. You long to see your loved ones. Phone calls and text messages are great. Zoom and FaceTime, even better! But nothing can replace being face-to-face.
If you've ever felt this longing, Paul knows how you feel. He had a lot of reasons for wanting to return to the Thessalonians. You can read the passage to discover them for yourself. Even better, join us in-person on Sunday and we can discover them together!
Many blessings,
Pastor Tim
But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us. For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy.
Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone, and we sent Timothy, our brother and God's coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith, that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this. For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know. For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:5