What's the Catch?

Tuesday, December 2, 2014                                                  1 Thessalonians 2:1-12

Donovan Drake

You remember our labor and toil, brothers and sisters; we worked night and day, so that we might not burden any of you while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. You are witnesses, and God also, how pure, upright, and blameless our conduct was towards you believers. As you know, we dealt with each one of you like a father with his children, urging and encouraging you and pleading that you should lead a life worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory. (1 Thessalonians 2:9-12)

The Apostle Paul is having to remind his church in Thessaloniki that the only thing he had to give was the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He didn’t ask for anything. He didn’t demand any money. He wasn’t pulling one over on them. He just wanted people to hear and live into the Good News. Do you think that maybe some thought there were strings attached?

I find it interesting that in Tennessee one of the challenges our ministry of Living Waters for the World encounters is that people wonder “What’s the catch?” “Nothing. We just want you to have clean water to drink.” Folks find it hard to believe. When they do finally believe it, you should see their faces!

As we prepare for the coming of the Lord, we might make it our mission to give love and mercy more freely. Think about someone to whom you might offer a little extra love, care or grace, and see if they wonder “What’s the catch?” The catch is, of course, the Living Word, who always surprises us in how he arrives.

Prayer: Holy God, we pray that by the power of your Holy Spirit, your love and grace may shine through our lives. May we all get caught by its goodness, so that we may be inspired to lead a life worthy of you and the glory of your Kingdom. Amen.