But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth.
2 Thessalonians 2:13 NIV
Beloved of the Lord
Any list of beloved Canadians would likely include Stuart McLean, who passed away back in 2017. McLean was a Canadian radio broadcaster, humorist, monologist, and author, best known as the host of the CBC Radio program The Vinyl Cafe. Often described as a “story-telling comic,” he was known for fiction and non-fiction work which celebrated the decency and dignity of ordinary people, through stories which often highlighted the ability of their subjects, whether real or fictional, to persevere with grace and humour through embarrassing or challenging situations.
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There is nothing more precious than to be loved by someone. It doesn’t matter how young or old we are, if we know that we are in the heart of someone, whether it’s a spouse, a parent, a sibling or a friend, our lives have more meaning and purpose. If this is the case with human love, how much more impact does it have when we know, and have experienced, the love of our Creator God. Paul understood this, and in writing to the Christians in Thessaloniki, he says, in 2 Thessalonians 2:13: “But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth.” To be referred to as “loved by the Lord” – other translations use the more archaic, but perhaps more precious, word “beloved” – ought to give a spring to our step and joy to our hearts. Paul says that because we have experienced his saving and sanctifying work by the Spirit, we have the assurance that we are the Lord’s beloved.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley