Receiving the Word with Joy

This meditation is based on a passage for April 27, 2010 in the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

Reflection and Question: 1 Thessalonians is the oldest section of the New Testament. It begins with thankful appreciation for the congregation in Thessalonica, who received from Paul “the word with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit.” From that foundation, their own proclamation of the Gospel became so widely known that Paul reports he has heard from others about their “work of faith,” their “labor of love” and their “steadfastness of hope in Christ,” faith for which Paul gives thanks everyday in his prayers to God. What grows from your receiving the Word with joy?

Prayer: Ever present Holy Spirit, You inspired Paul to bring the news of Jesus to Thessalonica. You inspired people to receive the Word with joy so that they became an example to all believers, including us. May we sound forth Your Word as well. Amen.