Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Thessalonians: The blessing of an intensive pronoun

Seven times in the NASB translation of First and Second Thessalonians does the English word “himself” appear. Five of those times it functions as an intensive pronoun, meaning you could drop the word from the text, and the text would still make sense (see 1 Thess 3:11; 4:16; 5:23; 2 Thess 2:16; and 3:16). The intensive pronoun emphasizes, or intensifies, the personal noun that it follows.

For example, in 1 Thess 4:16 we are told that “the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout.” Himself in this case emphasizes that it is Jesus descending, as opposed to, say, an emissary who represents Jesus. The amazing fact that it will be Jesus personally (Jesus Himself) who will be descending is emphasized or pointed out.

The payoff in this thought comes in these three verses:
  • 1 Thess 5:23: Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely . . .
  • 2 Thess 2:16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father . . . comfort and strengthen your hearts . . .
  • 2 Thess 3:16 Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace . . .
Here’s what’s neat: contrary to what some religions teach, it is not a mediator or mediatrix (such as Mary or a saint) who secures blessings (sanctification, comfort, strength, peace) to us: it is God Himself, Jesus Himself! God Himself is personally, immediately (in other words, without a mediator other than Jesus) involved in your life!

If you know Christ as Savior, you are not distanced from Him by layers of heavenly bureaucracy. He personally, immediately, immanently, is involved in your life. He truly is, Immanuel, God with us!

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