DAD'S RAMBLINGS – A PRAYER
"Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you..." (II Thessalonians 3:1)
Paul asked for prayer for himself that the word of God – the Gospel – would run swiftly, that is, with speed and haste. He apparently felt that there was not much time to accomplish his goal of proclaiming the Gospel. The King James Version translates this as "have free course" – nothing hindering or holding back the declaration of the Gospel. Satan would do whatever he can to hinder the proclamation of God's Word. But we can pray that those obstacles that he raises would be put down.
Paul wanted the Gospel to be glorified. The word "glorify" means to praise, extol, magnify, celebrate, honor, make glorious, make renowned. The Bible has become abandoned, rejected, dishonored, forsaken, and held in low esteem in American culture. Even people who call themselves Christians no longer hold it in reverence as the very Word of God as we once did. To many, it is of little value except as a piece of literature to read as one would read "Gone with the Wind," or "To Kill A Mockingbird." It no longer has the place of honor and authority. I long for the day when the Bible would be proclaimed unhindered and have free course in America and be glorified, honored, and celebrated as God's Word.
Only the Bible reveals the way of salvation to eternal life, and the way to know God. It has the power to transform lives as no other book can as the Holy Spirit makes it come alive. It is still powerful, but Paul's desire was that through him the Word of God would be extolled and magnified and be rapidly propagated, even in the face of rejection and mocking. May that be our goal and our prayer.
Love, Dad
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