Splasher or Splashee?

I’m not sure which is more fun; riding the ride or catching the splash? At Geauga Lake it’s called “Shipwreck Falls.” This boat ride sends riders down a 50 foot waterfall drenching everyone onboard, but the splash is so big those watching on the platform get soaked too (and if an innocent by-stander gets too close they may get wet too). The reality though is that if no one is willing to ride the ride, then no one can enjoy catching the splash either. One depends on the other.

Paul was concerned about the Thessalonian believers. Were they continuing to grow in their love for God and one another? Were they continuing in Christ or had they given in to persecution and abandon their faith and returned to a life separated from God? At long last Timothy brought Paul the news that they had not forsaken God but were maturing in their faith. They too longed to see Paul again as their love for him had not diminished either.

As you might expect the news brought great joy to Paul and his companions. Even in the midst of persecution and hardship they were encouraged to continue in their ministry because of the steadfast faith of the Thessalonian believers. Their efforts were not in vain; God was nurturing the young church there.

I love Paul’s prayer that follows the good news. I can picture him overflowing with joy as he prays for the Thessalonians.

• [12] And may the Master pour on the love so it fills your lives and splashes over on everyone around you, just as it does from us to you. [13] May you be infused with strength and purity, filled with confidence in the presence of God our Father when our Master Jesus arrives with all his followers.
  1 Thessalonians 3:12-13 (MsgB)

Paul prayed that God’s love would continue to be poured into their lives and that God would continue to strengthen them to live holy lives as together they awaited Jesus’ second coming. But that’s not all he prayed; Paul asked that God’s love would actually overflow to those around them.

Oh that our lives too would be so full of God’s incredible love and presence that it slashes on everyone we get close too. Perhaps we should start warning people that they are in the “splash zone.” But who is having more fun now, the splasher or the splashee?