For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you?
1 Thessalonians 2:19 NIV
Boasting in Others
Mark McMorris, a professional snowboarder, three-time Olympic medalist and 24-time Winter X Game medalist said this in boasting about Canada: “I love being able to travel around the world and say I’m Canadian. It’s the best thing ever. We are such a great nation…” Although he can “vividly remember” having Canadian pride as a kid, “everything really changed” after he won his first Olympic medal in 2024. That’s when the athlete could fully appreciate the immense privilege of representing his country.
***
Joe came to know Jesus while we were having Chinese food at lunch. He had visited the church for a few Sundays and wanted to meet with me. The Holy Spirit was at work in his heart, and I could tell that, so I shared the Gospel with him, and he readily prayed to receive Jesus into his life as Saviour. That was many years ago, but the other day I heard from him on Facebook. He asked, “Do you remember the lunch we had at the Chinese restaurant? That changed my life forever.” Well, there’s no joy greater than leading someone into a personal relationship with Jesus. Paul knew that joy, and while he couldn’t be with the believers at Thessalonica, he says this in 1 Thessalonians 2:19: “For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you?” When we stand in the presence of Jesus, the crown we will wear will be those with us there with whom we had a part in their coming to know Jesus.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley