December 8

2 Thessalonians 1

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Believers encouraged & commended for remaining faithful through persecution (1:7,12). So, ready or not, Jesus is coming! Some will try to deceive you: (1) believe the Truth; (2) be established in the Word; (3) reminder to remain faithful (Ch. 2). The Lord is faithful to direct and protect your walk through life (Ch. 3). Don't miss 3:13.

There is a growing and earnest worldwide expectation on the part of believers of our Savior and Lord's soon return. It is indeed Good News, to all who love Him and mourn the chaos and suffering of a world that is ruined by sin, that He shall come to be glorified in His saints (1:10).

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 must share the peace of God, which passeth all understanding (Phil. 4:7). Just think! Those in Christ will hear Him say: Come . . . inherit the kingdom prepared for you (Matt. 25:34-40). But all who refuse to follow 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, everyone's attention will focus on Him! He will be: (1) Glorified in His saints, and (2) admired (adored) in all them that believe (II Thess. 1:10). What a future for each of us who has decided to live for Jesus!

The coming judgment seems written so large in human events that no one should mistake or ignore it. Yet, the secular mind seems unable to see the invisible hand of the Almighty in the chaos of world affairs. The vast majority of mankind goes blindly onward, unconcerned as to the imminence of judgment. Without the Savior Jesus Christ there can be nothing but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries (Heb. 10:27).

There are two defining events that everyone in the world must face: death and the coming of Jesus (John 5:22; II Cor. 5:10). 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 (II Thess 1:7-10).

Thought for Today:

The world ridicules the thought of Christ's return, but Jesus taught us: Be ye therefore ready (Luke 12:40). He never said exactly when, just: Be . . . ready.

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 =b> fitting, right; 2:17 stablish =b> strengthen; 3:7 disorderly =b> irresponsibly.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Shortwave Broadcasts for the week sponsored by Bett Brown • Staff: Karen Hawkins • Country: Samoa (190,000) in the South Pacific • Major languages: Samoan and English • Religious freedom • 68% Protestant; 21% Roman Catholic; 2% Baha'i; 1.1% non-Religious/Other • Prayer Suggestion: Ask for understanding of the Word of God so you can share it with others (Ps. 119:27).

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 2:21