Right and Wrong - 2 Thessalonians 1

Right and Wrong

2 Thessalonians 1:1-12

In 1 Thessalonians 5:15 the apostle Paul said, "See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone."  That isn't always easy to do, especially when someone else has mistreated you.  This exhortation was appropriate, because at the time the church in Thessalonica was experiencing "persecutions and tribulations."  The believers did not deserve the afflictions to which they were cruelly subjected.  However, they stood fast and endured the suffering with patience and faith.  Paul's commendation is noteworthy. 

Habakkuk, an Old Testament prophet, said to the Lord, "Why do You show me iniquity, and cause me to see trouble?  For plundering and violence are before me; there is strife, and contention arises.  Therefore the law is powerless, and justice never goes forth.  For the wicked surround the righteous; therefore perverse judgment proceeds."  Habakkuk 1:3, 4.  Job complained, "If I cry out concerning wrong, I am not heard.  If I cry aloud, there is no justice."  Job 19:7.  Many others have shared their feelings of despair and injustice.  Some have rendered evil for evil, an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.

"'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,' says the Lord."  Romans 12:19.  See also Deuteronomy 32:35.  He will do what is right.  Paul wrote, "It is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you."  Pay day is coming, the day of the glorious appearing of the Lord Jesus.  He will come "in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.  These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, when He comes in that Day...."  2 Thessalonians 1:8, 9.  Tribulation!  Flaming fire!  Punished with everlasting destruction!  Separation from God!

Thank God for Jesus!  Thank God for the good news of a loving Savior, who suffered for our sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God.  1 Peter 3:18.

In the light of this approaching Day, Paul prayed for the troubled believers at Thessalonica.  He prayed that "our God would count you worthy of His calling, and fulfill 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 you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ."  2 Thessalonians 1:11, 12.  "Rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ."  1 Peter 1:13.

 

Heavenly Father, we marvel at Your grace.  Help us to respond to adversity with patience and faith.  Be glorified through our lives, as we share the good news of eternal salvation.  In Jesus' name.  Amen! 

 
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