by Tim Hall

"You became examples ... in every place." That statement from the Bible could have been spoken of many individuals. The deeds and words of people like Noah, Abraham, Deborah and John continue to inspire us, though they lived long ago. But the words we've quoted were not spoken of anyone so famous as these. They were spoken by Paul to the Christians at Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 1:7,8, NKJV).

What is it about these relatively unknown believers that serves as an example for us? One trait highlighted by the apostle was their joy, a joy that overcame strong forces trying to pull them from their newfound faith. Consider this passage: "And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit" (v. 6). Read that verse again and take note of the contrasting ideas. On the one hand, they received the gospel in the midst of persecution and affliction. Pressure from their peers attempted to discourage them from becoming Christians. In spite of that affliction, however, they received the message of Jesus Christ with joy. That joy must have been powerful.

The power of their joy is again suggested in verse 9 when Paul wrote that "you turned to God from idols." Idolatry was their culture. Many had been raised in that context, and shutting the door on their heritage would not be an easy decision. How did they do it? Joy -- overwhelming joy -- furnished the ability to choose Christ over idols.

Where did they find such joy? Paul wrote, "... how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come" (vv. 9,10). Note three sources of joy mentioned by Paul, and how they all revolve around Jesus.

First, there is the deliverance of Jesus, "who delivers us from the wrath to come." Why was the death of the Son of God necessary? The Bible reveals it was part of God's plan for atonement. Only a perfect sacrifice could atone for the world's sins, and only Jesus' life was perfectly lived on earth. To know that he was willing to pay that price for us ought to make us glad (even while feeling sadness for making his death necessary).

Second, there is the resurrection of Jesus "whom He raised from the dead." Has there ever been a story so stirring and so hope-filled as that of the empty tomb? To know that Jesus conquered death and that his victory has ramifications for our mortality (see Hebrews 2:14,15) should evoke joy in our hearts. Those who don't rejoice over this message don't yet understand it fully. That joy has the ability to burn perpetually.

Third, Paul points to our future with Jesus; that's why we "wait for His Son from heaven." The fact that these Christians were waiting shows their hope for a brighter future. A day was coming in which their afflictions would cease and their companionship with Jesus would be direct. Again, it's reason to rejoice, and these Thessalonian Christians did.

Those three aspects of Jesus' ministry -- his atonement for our sins, his defeat of death and his sure return -- are still as true today as they were then. Understanding and meditating upon each will still kindle joy in the believer's heart. And that joy will still give power.

Yes, these Thessalonian Christians are examples for all times. A life without joy is deficient in power.