Eyewitness News!

For years, the evening news on the ABC network has been called, “Eyewitness News.” The implication is that the news its reporters bring comes from firsthand experience as they go out to the scene of a fire, crime scene, or whatever it is they are reporting on. As the ABC reporters are dispatched to the location of a particular event, they show live scenes, interview witnesses, and give an “eyewitness” report. The producers of the newscast have known for years, when it comes to reporting, people want to hear from those who can give a firsthand account. There’s nothing like hearing from an eyewitness. 

In the book of 1 Thessalonians, we read of the Apostle Paul sending Timothy to the church in Thessalonica to bring back to him an eyewitness account regarding how it was the believers there were doing.  Paul wrote, “…when I could stand it no longer, I sent (Timothy) to find out about your faith.”  (1 Thessalonians 3:5 – NIV).  What did Timothy report? What was his eyewitness news?  

Paul goes on to write, “But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love.” (vs. 6) Unlike much of the eyewitness news reports we receive, Timothy came with a bit of good news. The believers at the church in Thessalonica had remained steady in their faith in Jesus and filled with love. Thus, Paul goes on to write, “Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith.” (vs. 7)  

I wonder, if the Apostle Paul sent Timothy to check up on your life or mine, what kind of report would Timothy bring back? Would his eyewitness news report be a bit of good news? Or, would he come back with sad news—or even bad news? Would it be said of us that we are continuing in our faith and love? What would be his eyewitness account of our lives? 

The truth is, everyday people all around us are eyewitnesses to our lives. In our homes, workplaces, schools, in the supermarket, at the gym or park, wherever we may go, people are able to see our lives up close. People are constantly impacted by what we say and what we do. They are eyewitnesses to whether or not we are actually living out the faith we profess and whether or not our hearts are actually filled with love.  

My hope and prayer, for you and me, is that the eyewitnesses to our lives would always be able to give a good report. It ought to be such that those around us are able to bring back “good news about (our) faith and love.” 

Have a great day! 

Pastor Tim Harris