2 Thessalonians 2
“Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we ask you, brothers, not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by a spirit or a spoken word, or a letter seeming to be from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come.” 2 Thessalonians 2:1-2
The Thessalonians seemed to be concerned that they were already in the middle of the great tribulation. I found that to be very interesting as it seems these days lots of people are saying we are in the middle of the great tribulation now. Lots of things going on in the world today seem to be pointing to “end times” according to scholars and generally people who are way smarter than me. Paul tells the Thessalonians not to be deceived. The day is not here until after the rebellion and the man of lawlessness is revealed. The lawless one is at work and has been at work on earth for all time. Paul says here that the Holy Spirit is restraining him but that when it is time for him to be revealed the holy spirit will get out of the way.
“For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way. And the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming.” 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8
I don’t pretend to understand all there is to know about end times and the day of the Lord and when it will happen. I know this that God’s word tells us no one knows when it will happen not even the Son. I admit I have always been of the mindset I just want to be on the first train out of town. Paul says “For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work”. This is true of today as apparently it was true even back in the Bible days. We know that Satan is working to confuse things. Confusion and lawlessness have his stamp on them.
“The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.” 1 Thessalonians 2:9-10
We, however, are to stand firm. We can be thankful that we are saved and that we are sanctified.
“But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter.” 2 Thessalonians 2:13-15
We can be thankful that God has chosen us and that we hold fast to the truth. We are called to truth in order to glorify God. Stand firm on what you have been taught, stand firm on the traditions of this word. We are to live for Christ whether we think we are in end times now or whether end times will not be for another 1000 years. We are called to stand firm.
I am going to end today again as Paul did and let Paul’s words be our prayer.
“Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your (our) hearts and establish them in every good work and word.” 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
Please pray for the small business industry. Also if you feel safe, visit your local restaurants and shops and by all means if you can tip well. This has been a hard year on everyone.
Restore 