Highlights In Today's Reading:
Jesus is coming — read what happens to all who are not ready (1:3-12). Deception is all around us; how to recognize the differences between false claims and the true (2:2-12). Stand firm; our comfort, hope, and strength are in the Lord (2:16-17). Occupy until Jesus comes. This means: "Be about our Father's business" (3:6-15).
The second coming of Christ is mentioned 318 times in the 260 chapters of the New Testament. His second coming is the predominant theme in these two short Letters to the Thessalonians where it is mentioned more than twenty times. Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels (1:6-7).
Christ's first coming was sudden, and He surprised the religious leaders of His time; but His second coming will be an even greater surprise to most people. Wherefore also 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).
It will be Good News to all those who love Him and sorrow greatly over the chaos and suffering of a world that is destroyed by sin.
Bible-believing Christians earnestly look for this blessed and long awaited event. As the bride prepares for her bridegroom, so those who sincerely anticipate the return of the Lord Jesus will prepare themselves for this great and wonderful day.
The Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. . . . And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ (3:3,5).
Although we do not know the exact day or hour of our Lord's return, the time is drawing near. But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. . . . Now the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all. . . . The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all (3:13-18).
He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus (Rev. 22:20).
Thought for Today:
And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares (Luke 21:34).
Cross References:
For II Thess. 1:8 See Is. 1:28. II Thess. 2:3: See Dan. 7:25. II Thess. 2:4: See Ezek. 28:2.
Word Studies:
1:3 meet =fitting, right; 2:17 stablish =strengthen, make firm; 3:7 disorderly =irresponsibly.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Dr. John A. Hash • Staff: Ilene Wallace • Country: Netherlands (15.8 million) in northwestern Europe • Major language: Dutch • Religious freedom • 35% Catholic; 28% Protestant; 3% Muslim; 1% Hindu; .9% Buddhist; .1% Jewish; 2% Other; 30% Unaffiliated • Prayer Suggestion: Let your faith in the Word of God overrule all fears (Prov. 3:6).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 18:34