Reflections on I Thessalonians 1:10
I have two precious nieces. They are currently in the throes of all the excitement and angst of adolescence. Being teenagers, they sometimes make decisions that I don't think are in their own best interests. I have typically handled these situations in one of two ways. Sometimes, I become quite parental, bestowing guidance and wisdom from above. Other times, I try to see things from their perspective, imagine how they feel and become a part of their world, if only for a bit. It's not too difficult to guess which approach is more effective.
You know we lived among you for your sake (v. 5).
This is exactly one of the beautiful lessons from the incarnation. We needed someone who would not just declare laws and commandments from afar. Rather, Christ joined our world, felt the full range of human emotion and experienced for himself our struggles and joys. True transformation necessitated Emmanuel. We needed not only God for us, but God with us.
Especially during Advent, may we be reminded that our care for others is often best received when we follow this incarnational principle.
I have two precious nieces. They are currently in the throes of all the excitement and angst of adolescence. Being teenagers, they sometimes make decisions that I don't think are in their own best interests. I have typically handled these situations in one of two ways. Sometimes, I become quite parental, bestowing guidance and wisdom from above. Other times, I try to see things from their perspective, imagine how they feel and become a part of their world, if only for a bit. It's not too difficult to guess which approach is more effective.
You know we lived among you for your sake (v. 5).
This is exactly one of the beautiful lessons from the incarnation. We needed someone who would not just declare laws and commandments from afar. Rather, Christ joined our world, felt the full range of human emotion and experienced for himself our struggles and joys. True transformation necessitated Emmanuel. We needed not only God for us, but God with us.
Especially during Advent, may we be reminded that our care for others is often best received when we follow this incarnational principle.