Go For the Crown! - 1 Thessalonians 2:17-19

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Paul’s Longing to See the Thessalonians

17 But, brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you. 18 For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan blocked our way. 19 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.

Throughout this letter we have seen Paul's deep affection for the church in Thessalonica.  He is disappointed that he has not been able to visit them personally.  But he realizes that the work he did among them was much bigger than himself.  Paul knew that the word of God was powerful, and as they received the word and lived according to it they would live with great power.  
He knew they were being persecuted by other Jews who were threatened by Gentiles becoming Christians.  The Jews were busy proseltyzing Gentiles to come into their own religion.  But Paul knew God would be faithful to them, and one day their persecutors would be judged for their misdeeds.  
What I find most interesting is that he refers to, "The crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes."  Paul refers this is 1 Corinthians 9:25 as well when he says, "Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever." 
So what does it mean to get a crown that will last forever?  Time does not allow to explain the many instances in which the word "crown" is used in the bible as a reward for Christian faithfulness.  There is a "crown of glory", "crown of righteousness", and "crown of life" in different passages in the New Testament. In today's lesson it is a crown in which we will glory in the Lord's presence when he comes.  Glory always refers to God's presence and brilliance.  There are times when people in the bible are filled with the glory of the Lord, but it is always temporary.  Just like the crown/wreath the Olympic runner received in the games at Corinth, any crown received in this life will fade away.  But the crown we receive in heaven will never fade away.  We will be filled with the crown of God's glory forever in heaven. We will radiate God's presence in His presence. 
Where in your life are you working for a crown of glory that will never fade away?  We are saved by grace not by works, but still there is a consistent theme in the bible for living a life worthy of the calling we have received.  As Paul says, "If I am going to run in a race I am going to run to win!"  

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