Paul commended the Christians in Thessalonica, shortly after they had been converted to Christ. For what? He praised them for “how you turned to God from idols…” (1 Thess. 2:9). At one time, they had worshiped pieces of stone or wood, and maybe were even the ones who fashioned those pieces of stone or wood into some kind of image (Isa. 44:10). They were literally paying homage to something that was nothing.
They turned from that dead piece of stone or wood “to serve the living and true God” (2:9). What a change that was for them! How invigorating that must have been! Now to serve the God who is “living,” “true,” real, active, listening, saving, working, caring, etc. No stone could ever do that!
And while continually “serving” (present tense) their continually “living” (present tense) God, they were continually “waiting” (present tense) “for His Son from heaven…who is continually “delivering” (present tense) “us from the wrath to come” (2:10). Does that describe you, too? Have you turned from nothing to everything? What a God we serve!