1 Thes 2:19 For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at His coming? Are not even you? (20) For you are our glory and joy. Phil 4:1 So then, my brothers, beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, in the same way stand firm in the Lord, beloved.
Verse 20 indicates that since the apostles were the believers' nursing mother and exhorting father (vv. 7, 11), the believers, as their children, were their glory and joy. Apart from them, the apostles had no hope, glory, or crown of boasting. Here Paul seems to be saying, "You are our hope, our joy, and our crown of boasting. Brothers, we are here only for you; we are not here for anything else. If we do not have you, we do not have anything. You are our hope, even as your hope is the Lord's coming back. Without you, at the Lord's coming back we shall be short of joy and glory. We need you! You are our hope, our joy, our crown, and our glory before the Lord Jesus at His coming." Once again Paul expressed deep emotion in caring for his children. He certainly was a father exhorting his children. Such a word from parents is deeply touching; it touches the heart of the children. This kind of speaking fosters children and helps them to grow. As a good father, Paul knew how to touch the heart of his children. If you are able to touch the heart of others, you will be successful in fostering their growth. The best way to foster others is to touch their heart deeply.
Bible verses are taken from the Recovery Version of the Bible and Words of Ministry from Witness Lee, Life-study of Thessalonians, pp. 114-115. Both are published by Living Stream Ministry, Anaheim, CA. Please visit us at www.emanna.com. Send comments to: [email protected].
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