Press the play button to watch the video above or press 'more' to read the transcript of the daily devotion below. Please read 1 Thessalonians 2:17-20 (use your own Bible or use the link above to access the in-App Bible).

‘Is it not you?’ 1 Thessalonians 2:19

‘Things like this don’t happen around here. This is a quiet neighbourhood.’ How often do you hear that comment made when there is a disaster being reported on TV, and local views are sought? Just as likely to be heard, when we are walking our Red Setter, is the comment ‘You don’t see many of those around these days…’

Well, in downtown Thessalonica, there had been several such momentous happenings to rock the locals. The ‘great awakening’ in people’s hearts as Paul’s example and delivery of the gospel message had made God’s presence real and fruitful in the lives of amazed simple folk, going on to discover more about God’s power and reality day by day. Great news! Such a refreshing community to belong to. But why the aggro from the religious guys? What was the problem?

But it got worse and worse, and Paul and his team had to be smuggled out. What do we do now they must have thought? Have we failed? Will we see Paul again? From all accounts, the fire that Paul had started in the lives of this new church group carried on brightly, and they continued to thrive, no doubt feeling their way forward, but finding the transforming power from God for themselves. Growing in maturity and wisdom, and seeing others added, as they were themselves. Were they getting it right?

Which is where this little paragraph exploded like honey into their consciousness! ‘Is it not you?’ (v.19). Not really a question, but a tremendous affirmation about the quality of their love for God, and how that continues to enable Paul to rejoice and take heart. Wow!

The Christian path is, arguably, best tread carefully and prayerfully, not brashly or boastfully, but none-the-less, quietly triumphantly – gloriously, indeed. The religious guys, no doubt, were still fuming, but Paul was letting them know the angels were dancing. Things like this happen around everywhere, where God’s spirit is welcome. Rejoice!

The Revd Stef Dnistrianskyj, St James the Great, Wrightington with Heskin.