Where Are They?

DEVOTION
2 THESSALONIANS
WHERE ARE THEY?
2 Thess 1:1-2
1:1 Paul, Silas and Timothy,
To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
2 Grace and peace to you from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
NIV
So how do I deal with a salutation? Of what importance is it to me knowing that three men conspired to write this letter under the influence of the Holy Spirit? Wait that is just it, three men united their hearts and spirits to agree with the Holy Spirit regarding what they were to say to those believers who read this letter. I think that in itself is a great accomplishment. I know God has told his followers that whenever two or three are gathered in his name, he would be in the midst of them. As well as if those two or three agree on anything they ask for it will be done for them. So here are the three and they are asking God the Father to bestow grace and peace upon those readers in the church of the Thessalonians. Of Course I have to accept this for my own personal being as well, for I am also a reader of this letter which God has seen fit to include in his accumulated sayings for all his church. So knowing that he surely answered that prayer of those three who agreed, I have his grace, his divine influence on my heart, and his peace, my oneness with him. That is an awesome thought and feeling to know I am so connected with God, not because of me, but because of him. Now, there is also the point here that I also should be both in agreement with other believers and gathering with them so as to experience his presence in the midst of us. I think all too often this agreement thing is set aside because of doctrines and disagreements over the interpretation of what God said. When that happens I do not think God is in the midst. I think that excludes him completely. Oh sure we gather, but really we don’t agree. Even when two of three of us get together to pray for someone, I think it is possible some really don’t expect God to heal, they might believe he could, but question of he would. Am I at fault in not agreeing with those who interpret the word different them I do? Should I be agreeing with them so God could be there? I am not sure about that. Maybe they should be agreeing with me. See how divisive this becomes. I do think we do need to find those things we can agree on, but that requires open discussions without debate filled with stubbornness. I am not sure I am capable of such kind of thing. I am so solid in how I see the scriptures; in fact, I cannot understand how some could see any