The deep, deep love of Jesus

Last night I finished reading a book, a diary written by a nurse who served in a field hospital in the middle east. I cried through most of it, partly for the people suffering from horrific war injuries and partly for the joy of how God was in their midst. Scripture tells of God blessing His people in times of trouble. This nurse describes His presence in the absolute worst conditions and His touch on the lives of medical personnel, the injured, those dying — men, women, children, babies, including even members of the enemy forces responsible for the carnage. She learned about the love of God through His people and the reality of loving enemies even as their drones dropped bombs.

When I read of Paul’s life and work, can I read between the lines? Would more detail tell me the sufferings that made him and the early Christians strong in faith so they survived horrid treatment at the hand of their enemies? Do most of us who live comfortable lives have any idea about the length and breadth and depth of the love of God, not only for ourselves but for those who hate us?

On his second missionary journey, Paul and his companions arrived in Thessalonica, the capital of Macedonia. Things went well until jealous Jews raised a cry against them, charging them with acts “contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus” (Acts 17:7). The believers sent Paul and Silas from that city to Berea.

During his travels, Paul did not forget the Christians in Thessalonica. He wrote to them when he found out they were being persecuted since his departure. He wanted to go see them, but that plan did not happen:

But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us. (1 Thessalonians 2:17–18)

Instead, they sent Timothy who brought back the good news that even though they were afflicted, their faith held:

But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you— for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord. For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God, as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith? Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. (1 Thessalonians 3:6–13)

The church in Thessalonica wanted Jesus to return, however they feared they had missed this great event. Assurance that was not true was part of Paul’s reason for writing, but another part was to encourage them in their walk with the Lord. They were doing well and he wanted them to continue. His love for them is evident and a reflection of God’s love.

^^^^^^^^^^^

Jesus, As I put the nurse’s diary alongside these two New Testament letters, I have even greater compassion for those who suffer for their faith, and for those who suffer period. I’m thinking of how You are the hiding place for all who are persecuted, ill-treated and troubled. You love humanity with a love that I scarcely understand, a love that I should also demonstrate to those I consider the worst of sinners. This nurse makes me realize that You not only cry for victims but also perpetrators. Your kind eyes glisten with tears for those who are deeply caught in sin — sin that drives them to destroy innocents and laugh. Your heart is broken at what breaks my heart yet it is also broken for those who seem to have no heart. Oh God, I know I fall short and cannot claim to love as You love. Forgive me and fill me that I might be more like You. Amen.

Battle tactics

When Satan in mentioned, many minds go to a cartoon character with horns, a forked tail and bright red body. By reducing this fallen and rebellious angel to this image, the next step is to take him lightly or dismiss him from existence.

Paul didn’t do that. He was aware of this enemy whom Jesus called the Liar and Destroyer and several times mentioned how Satan hindered him. 

But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, because we wanted to come to you — I, Paul, again and again — but Satan hindered us. (1 Thessalonians 2:17–18)

When I am praying, I’m aware that God does not need my persuasion. He is eager to bless people and do good. The Bible indicates prayer is spiritual warfare and the enemy and opposition to all that is good is Satan. He hindered the work of Paul and he tries to hinder everything that anyone attempts in service to Jesus Christ, including prayer.

Paul also knew that this enemy had various methods for stopping God’s people. Of course the big two are unbelief and sin. If he can get us to stop trusting God and tempt us to go our own way, this will effectively immobilize our efforts.

He does this in several ways. He lies. He makes suggestions that sound good at first but are contrary to the Word of God. He tries to make us think we can do good even in disobedience or that God is not interested in “this little sin.” He dares us to step out without relying on the Holy Spirit. He discredits the character of God and accuses God’s people. He tries to get us focused on minor issues, or pushes us to fight with one another. When rifts and spats happen, he knows that forgiveness is an important testimony to our faith, so he tries to stop that from happening.

Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive. Indeed, what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ, so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs. (2 Corinthians 2:10–11)

He also uses false teaching and false teachers who disguise themselves as messengers of God, even as “angels of light” who appear to be genuine but are telling lies. For those, God’s people need to have sound doctrine and be very alert.

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. (1 John 4:1)

When Satan tempted Jesus, he preyed on his physical weakness and extreme need at that time (hunger). He also promised worldly authority and power. Jesus resisted and answered him with Scripture.

Satan wants to silence the gospel and stop the spread of God’s Word. When the gospel is preached or shared, he tries to blind people’s understanding so they cannot grasp the meaning of the message. He might use violence and affliction as a way of deterring faith. He certainly uses distractions like the cares of this life and worldly pleasures. He will hit our weaknesses and make us proud of our strengths. 

I don’t look for Satan under every rock and think he is behind every activity that goes contrary to my plans, but I am aware that when God calls me to a task, there will be opposition. Sometimes I do not “feel” like obeying or am pulled aside by doubt, reasoning, or my own wants and wishes. However, the Spirit of God is more powerful than all of these. As I pay attention to Him, Satan’s methods begin to lose their strength. This is a very real war. I can win it by one major tactic . . . 

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7)

Faith is vital, but so is obedience. Submission to God gives me what I need to resist this enemy, and not only does he lose, he must also take flight. He cannot do anything to me when I am yielded to the Lord.

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Father, these days of blessing are also filled with war. It seems that when Your goodness is at work, this enemy intensifies his efforts to deceive, distract and destroy. Keep me alert. Lead me not into temptation, but deliver me from evil — that You and Your name are glorified.