Read 2 Thessalonians 1
Highlights:
Jesus is coming! Prepare to meet your Creator (II Thess. 1:3-12). Knowing your Bible is of utmost importance to recognize the difference between false claims and true (2:2-12). Stand firm; our comfort, hope, and strength are in the Lord (2:16-17). Occupy until Jesus comes (Luke 19:13). This means doing our Father's business (2:49; II Thess. 3:6-15).
The majority of mankind are blindly rushing toward the eternal lake of fire, ignoring the Word and will of God. But 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) (II Thess. 1:7-10).
To be sure, as Jesus said, there is a broad . . . way, that leadeth to destruction. . . . Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father (Matt. 7:13,21).
Many have their hearts set on worldly activities and goals with little, if any, concern that they are ignoring the plan of God for their lives. That is why the Word of God states: Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. . . . For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world (I John 2:15-16). All who dedicate their lives to Christ shall hear Him say: Come . . . inherit the Kingdom prepared for you (Matt. 25:34). And every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He is pure (I John 3:3).
It was Jesus Himself who revealed the final destination of all who refuse to allow Him to rule their lives: Depart from Me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the Devil and his angels (Matt. 25:41). 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 to the earth, every eye shall see Him! Jesus will be: (1) Glorified in His saints, and (2) admired (adored) in all them that believe (II Thess. 1:10). What a glorious future for each of us who choose to live for Jesus!
We pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling . . . That the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in Him . . . (II Thess. 1:11-12).
Thought for Today:
Be not weary in well doing. . . . Now the Lord of Peace Himself give you peace always (II Thess. 3:13,16).
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 sitting, right; 2:17 stablish strengthen, make firm; 3:7 disorderly irresponsibly.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. V.R. Stuebing, Jr. • Staff: Beth Carlton • Country: Lithuania (4 million) eastern coast of Baltic Sea in northeastern Europe • Major languages: Lithuanian and Russian • Limited religious freedom • 80% Roman Catholic; 5% Russian Orthodox; 1% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Amidst uncertainty, seek the guidance of God (Is. 42:16).
Memory Verse for the Week: 2 Chronicles 7:14