Daily Devotional for Saturday, May 4

The Requests

“Brethren, pray for us. Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss. I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen,” 1 Thessalonians 5:25-28.

Typically, when parents or children leave the house, parting instructions are given. Do your chores. Obey the rules. Do not eat everything in the pantry. And the famous one: “Be good.” After pouring out their hearts to the Thessalonians, Paul, Silas and Timothy closed their letter with spiritual parting instructions that illustrated a healthy missionary-church relationship.

First, the missionary team requested the church to pray for them. The church likely prayed as we do today—for safety and favor with men, for God’s guidance and for souls to be saved as they shared the gospel. Paul and the team first brought them the gospel, and no doubt, their prayers reflected that gratitude and care.

Next, they instructed the church to share love on their behalf. They loved the church and sent greetings. The church was to greet one another and share in the missionaries’ love.

The third request was more of a charge that directs the focus outward. This letter contained inspired words of life, and it was to be shared with others absent at the original reading, including future believers and those in other areas. Paul strongly charged them “by the Lord,” like an oath, to ensure this letter was indeed read to everyone. His firm wording was a clear directive.

Lastly, the subject of the missionaries’ prayer and their final blessing was in the last request. Paul, Silas and Timothy prayed Christ’s grace would be with the young church. They wanted the church to experience grace as they extended it and received it—going and coming! The Christian life is full of grace. We must extend grace to those around us, realize grace is extended to us and share the meaning of grace with others. That was Paul’s prayer for all believers.

THOUGHT
Pray for missionaries, remember them and know they are praying for you, too.

Kelli Reynolds