Tuesday morning greetings to you, brother! May our Good God pour His abundant blessings out on you and all that you undertake as you go out today!Read II Thessalonians 2.
Here’s a quote directly applicable to today’s reading: “If you squeeze a lemon, you should get lemon juice. If you squeeze an orange, you should get orange juice. If you squeeze a Christian, you should get Christ.” – Anon.
Yesterday, we looked at Revelation 19’s wonderful depiction of triumphant and victorious Jesus as He returns to earth. Today’s passage provides more detail about that great and glorious Day when He returns. And what marvelous harmony is provided by the Holy Spirit – through John’s writings in Revelation; and Paul’s second letter to the church at Thessolonica.
As you consider this morning’s scripture, take note of the following:
Paul commends (as a matter of fact, he says he “boasts” about) the Thessalonians for their patience and faith while experiencing persecutions and tribulations. And he marvels at their response – that their faith grows exceedingly and their love for one another abounds.
Paul goes on to say that the Believers response to their suffering (vv 5) “is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer;”.
Brothers, let us respond to the trials we face today in a like manner, so we also may be counted worthy of God’s Kingdom! May our faith grow and our love for each other abound, even as we face increasing hardships in and from this world. And know that the confidence to endure persecution while displaying God’s grace and His peace is made easier when we embrace the promises contained in vvs 5 and 6: “it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels,”.
My friend, Jesus is indeed returning, and His judgement is indeed righteous! And while we wait for His glorious return as promised in this passage, be encouraged and let each of us walk so (vv 12) “that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.”. Amen!
