As for other matters, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. 2 Thessalonians 3:1
Viral. Merriam-webster.com defines it as, “Quickly and widely spread or popularized especially by person-to-person electronic communication.” When it’s a message you want shared, it’s a dream to have your story, talent, or product forwarded through email, and/or posted on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and more. Like a virus, it spreads swiftly and rapidly. There’s no containing how far and wide it will go!
Viral. This was Paul’s prayer for the message of Jesus Christ. This was his heart’s desire for the gospel! He asked his brothers and sisters to pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you (2 Thessalonians 3:1).
When it comes to spreading the message rapidly, cyberspace will trump sandals every time! Yet speed was just a fraction of Paul’s request. He was also asking for prayers against the great resistance to the message.
Pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not everyone has faith (v. 2).
Resistance to the message is nothing new. When Isaiah responded to God’s commission with, “Here am I. Send me!” God immediately warned him that his work would be difficult and long. Although the people would hear and see, their hearts would be calloused. They would tune out and close their eyes to the message (Isaiah 6:8-10).
Jesus repeated Isaiah’s prophecy within the Parable of the Sower as He reiterated the great resistance to the message of the kingdom (Matthew 13:14-15). Satan seeks to snatch the message, trouble and persecution keep it from taking root, and worry and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it out (Matthew 13:19-22).
Sound familiar? Ongoing opposition to the message was just as real on the streets of Jerusalem and Thessalonica, as it is in the cities and communities we call home. This is why Paul implored the church to pray and shifted their focus from the opposition to the One who is greater than he that is in the world. But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one (2 Thessalonians 3:3).
Send Me: With God’s power, His message can go viral in spite of volatile hearts. Pray specifically that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly in your area and beyond today!
