End Time Joy

1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 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? 20 Indeed, you are our glory and joy.  
 
1 & 2 THESSALONIANS are considered the earliest of Paul’s epistles. They also seem to be among his most direct writings to encourage and teach a church to be assured of Jesus’ return. A repeated theme through the two letters is Jesus’ Second Coming and the end of the age. Paul and all Christians then lived, as we do, in the fervent hope Jesus would soon come to judge evil and save the righteous.
   1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 at first glance, though, could be seen as Paul elevating the church and even himself above God. To refer to people as his hope, joy and crown could seem he is replacing the hope and glory of the gospel with hope in people and works. But in truth, Paul is rejoicing of the future reward they will share in Heaven. Paul is as the pastor who is looking forward to being with his church in eternity.
   This passage, then, is a particular expression of Paul's affection for the church. Paul was telling his beloved church the greatest blessing he could possibly receive at the judgment seat of Christ is to be with the Thessalonians!
   They were examples of everything that was of value to Paul. As Paul’s sure hope was in the resurrection, the church was his hope in the sense their growing faith was a sign of the gospel’s growing future. He was as a father who confidently expects his children grow up to maturity in Jesus, so they will produce fruit and reproduce faith. They also were his joy. Paul found delight in remembering how they were before their salvation and who they had become new in Christ. As we watch people grow in Christ, we may often consider how they used to be. Then we see how God has transformed them. We experience a special happiness when we look forward to who they will become by God’s grace.
   When Paul labels them his crown, they themselves were the symbol of God's blessing on Paul’s life and ministry. They were the glory and joy of Paul and of his companions in the gospel labor because they demonstrated the gospel’s power to change lives.
   “Paul said in essence, ‘When life is over and we stand in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming, you Thessalonians will be our source of glory and joy; you mean that much to us.’” (from Bible Knowledge Commentary/New Testament)  
   It is good, isn’t it, to rejoice in God’s favor? As the church is gathered to Jesus one day, his faithful stewards of the Word will rejoice in Christ’s glory and triumph. This is the winning team celebrating with the head coach. The work is done and it will be time to enjoy the glory of our labors.