«Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you» (2 Thessalonians 3: l).
THE APOSTLE PAUL PRAYED for his friends and brethren and now in 2 Thessalonians 3 he asks them to pray for him and his companions in ministry. Paul always acknowledged his inadequacy and was aware of his need for divine power. That is why he was pleading for intercessory prayers.
He was not superhuman, but a person with needs like everyone else. However, he does not necessarily ask for himself, but for the preaching of God’s Word. In other words, it is a very noble request.
Paul affirms that the Lord is faithful (v. 3). Instability, variability, and human infidelity, especially on the part of the Jews who had turned their backs on God, are contrasted with God’s stability, invariability, and fidelity. Paul himself was a testimony that God is always faithful.
The apostle reacts as a good leader: he asks the brethren to turn away from those who were unfaithful (v. 6). In other words, he does not reject them, but considering that much work had already been done on their behalf and they had insisted on disobeying, separating from them was a wakeup call for them to reassess their actions (v. 14, 15).
Paul also warns those who walk in a disorderly manner and meddle in the lives of others (v.11) Why is it that there are always people who are interested in other people’s lives and constantly gossip? Maybe it is because they have nothing better to do, have too much time on their hands, and end up misusing it. Thus, the best remedy is for these people to do something productive, to work, to fulfill their duties (v. 10, 12), because those who are careful in carrying out their tasks will not find time to meddle in other people’s affairs.
On one occasion, renowned psychiatrist Karl Menninger said, «Lock up your house, go across the railroad tracks, and find someone in need and do something for him.»
«The effort to bless others will react in blessings upon ourselves. This was the purpose of God in giving us a part to act in the plan of redemption. He has granted men the privilege of becoming partakers of the divine nature and, in their turn, of diffusing blessings to their fellow men. This is the highest honor, the greatest joy, that it is possible for God to bestow upon men. Those who thus become participants in labors of love are brought nearest to their Creator”. (Steps to Christ, p. 79)
