14 For you, brothers and sisters, became imitators of God’s churches in Judea, which are in Christ Jesus: You suffered from your own people the same things those churches suffered from the Jews 15 who killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets and also drove us out. They displease God and are hostile to everyone 16 in their effort to keep us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved. In this way they always heap up their sins to the limit. The wrath of God has come upon them at last.REFLECTIONSWritten by Ken WongHave you ever felt the crowd was against you? Have you ever been sidelined because of your faith? You are in good company: Jesus, the Prophets, and the church in Thessalonica felt the same way. The Thessalonians believers were a church that was not afraid to make the tough choices. They received the Gospel joyfully in suffering (1:6), and they turned from idols to serve the Living God – something that was not easy in the world they lived in (1:9, 2:14). They also followed in the footsteps of their fellow believers in Judea who also suffered for their faith. But Paul reminds the Thessalonians, like their brothers and sisters in Judea, that they are in Jesus. In Jesus, they recognised Him as Lord and Saviour by turning from their old ways and receiving the Gospel. In Jesus, the Thessalonians were justified and were no longer under judgement and could look forward to His return with joy. We also see the heart of God in this passage. The wrath that God reserved for those who oppose the Gospel is inevitable and total. God wants people to know Jesus, and to honour Him as Lord and Saviour, and anyone who opposes this is justly condemned. As I reflect on this passage I am forced to reflect on my own commitment to the Gospel and how I can serve for the good of God’s Kingdom. I am also encouraged and challenged by the Thessalonians who professed their faith with their whole life. Let us pray that God will help us cherish the Gospel for the treasure that it is, and may God help us to live in Jesus and for Jesus even as things get tough.ABOUT THE AUTHORKen is part of our Fairfield Evening Church.