In Today's Reading:
Encouragement in persecution; instruction concerning the day of the Lord; commandment to work
It is horrifying to realize that the vast majority of mankind is blindly rushing toward an eternal lake of fire, ignorant of the intense suffering of their impending judgment. To you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of His power; When He shall come to be glorified in His saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day (II Thessalonians 1:7-10).
To be sure, most people have their hearts set on worldly activities with little, if any, concern that they are living in rebellion against their Creator. That is why we warn them that our behavior does have eternal consequences. Those in Christ shall hear Him say: Come . . . inherit the kingdom prepared for you (Matthew 25:34-40). But all who refused to live to please Christ will hear Him say: Depart from Me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the Devil and his angels (25:41-46). It was Jesus Himself who revealed the final destination of all who refuse to allow Him to rule their lives. Hell is a matter of choice. One chooses in this life to be present with God in heaven or to ignore Christ who died to save them from eternal hell. When Jesus returns all of the attention on that day will focus on Jesus! He will be: (1) Glorified in His saints, and (2) admired (adored) in all them that believe (II Thessalonians 1:10). What a future for each of us who decided to live for Jesus!
At times, we are all tempted to be influenced by the spirit of this world that deceives many that perish; because they received not the love of the Truth, that they might be saved (2:10). We need to remind ourselves that we are in a spiritual battle against satanic forces.
In striking contrast, without exception, are those who choose to invest their lives in serving Christ and receive true satisfaction. We pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of His goodness, and the work of faith with power: That the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ (1:11-12).
Cross References:
For Thessalonians 1:8 See Isaiah 1:28. II Thessalonians 2:3: See Daniel 7:25. II Thessalonians 2:4: See Ezekiel 28:2.
Word Studies:
1:3 meet =b> fitting; 2:17 stablish =b> strengthen; 3:7 disorderly =b> irresponsibly.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Staff: Benjamin Wallace Country: Sweden (8.09 million) in northern Europe • Major language: Swedish • Religious freedom • 90% Evangelical Lutheran; 1.5% Roman Catholic; 1% Pentecostal; 4% Muslim; 3.5% Other (Orthodox, Protestant, Muslim, Jewish, Mormon, Buddhist) • Prayer Suggestion: Cry out to God daily for mercy (Psalm 86:3).
Memory Verse for the Week: Hebrews 12:14