August 13 | 1 Thessalonians 2:12-13

Judy Webb
15 hours ago
2 min read

DAILY READINGAUGUST

1 Thessalonians 2:12-13

Not Your Everyday Hero

By Judy Webb

^“We pleaded with you, encouraged you, and urged you to live your lives in a way that God would consider worthy. For he called you to share in his Kingdom and glory. … You accepted what we said as the very word of God—which, of course, it is. And this word continues to work in you who believe. (1 Thessalonians 2:12-13 (NLT)

Hero: a person who shows great courage, a central figure in an event or period, an object of extreme admiration and devotion.

Children have lots of heroes when playing pretend games allowing their imaginations to come alive. For instance, Superman or Annie Oakley (from my era), Frodo Baggins, or Katniss Everdeen are more current super-types. These heroes are bigger than life and have earned a place in our children and grandchildren’s make-believe playtime.

The text for today reveals a different hero, a true superhero, one of many we will discover while reading and studying scripture. Today let’s focus on a special man, a man who gave up everything for the sake of the gospel.

We all need someone to look up to, to learn from and to follow. Looking closely, we recognize the disciple Paul to be a major candidate. His heroic adventures are classic, the stuff of true heroes. He began as the bad guy, but once he was knocked off his horse by Jesus, and blinded by the light of truth, he began to see the world differently. This could be your life, and mine too.

His ministry is the stuff great stories are made of. When we read the books Paul wrote we are motivated to change our sinful ways and turn to the good side. We could explore his texts in search of ways to improve our lives, our hearts and learn about loving Jesus.

We’ll discover how to prosper in this world all the while preparing to follow Jesus into eternity. The Word of God… “continues to work in you who believe.” v.13b

Paul spent years sharing the gospel. His missionary journeys were notable, and he traveled and taught many new believers about Jesus and the Good News. He was welcomed as a god, arrested as a criminal and put on trial in Rome. He was betrayed by a valued companion, shipwrecked and finally martyred under Nero. This is surely a hero’s tale.

PRAYER

Dear Lord,

Help us recognize and then imitate the heroes of scripture such as Paul. These early saints paved the way for us. I am reminded also of Steven, the first martyr, a hero as well. Lord, give us heroic tendencies. We have big shoes to follow, and a huge faith to embrace. Come Holy Spirit. Remind us daily of Your heroic love. Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JUDY WEBB

I have been a member of UALC for 26 years and have been writing devotions for this site for almost 20 of them. Writing is my passion. As retired staff I still love everything about UALC and its members including my small group.