November 17
1 Thessalonians 5:12-28; 2 Thessalonians 1:1-3:18; Acts 18:4-23
We may feel like the only people saying Jesus is coming back are strange people on TV holding up placards, but the truth of Christ’s return is in the message of 2 Thessalonians. The reality of Christ’s return must be believed, shared, and acknowledged. There were some in Thessalonica who thought they had missed Jesus' return, but Paul reminded them it had not happened yet. He states that the "lawless one" (elsewhere called the Anti-Christ and the beast) had not yet come, so neither had Jesus. There is a calendar of end time events, and the lawless one must come before Jesus’ return.
When we think of this evil individual, it may be overwhelming to think of someone more wicked than Stalin, Hitler, or Pol Pot. However, the focus of Paul's letter is not fixating on evil but to give hope in the greater power of Jesus. 2 Thessalonians 2:8 says the lawless one will be overthrown "with the breath of his mouth and...by the splendor of his coming." Jesus' words and presence are enough to overcome all opposition against him, even the lawless one. So rather than being worried or afraid, we are told to be filled with peace, thankfulness, and productivity. The world may try to make us afraid but when we consider Jesus, we can have a confident joy no matter what surrounds us.
Father God, thank you Jesus is coming back to make all things right. Help me to live in light of his return. Amen.
How should Jesus' return help you overcome worry and fear?
We may feel like the only people saying Jesus is coming back are strange people on TV holding up placards, but the truth of Christ’s return is in the message of 2 Thessalonians. The reality of Christ’s return must be believed, shared, and acknowledged. There were some in Thessalonica who thought they had missed Jesus' return, but Paul reminded them it had not happened yet. He states that the "lawless one" (elsewhere called the Anti-Christ and the beast) had not yet come, so neither had Jesus. There is a calendar of end time events, and the lawless one must come before Jesus’ return.
When we think of this evil individual, it may be overwhelming to think of someone more wicked than Stalin, Hitler, or Pol Pot. However, the focus of Paul's letter is not fixating on evil but to give hope in the greater power of Jesus. 2 Thessalonians 2:8 says the lawless one will be overthrown "with the breath of his mouth and...by the splendor of his coming." Jesus' words and presence are enough to overcome all opposition against him, even the lawless one. So rather than being worried or afraid, we are told to be filled with peace, thankfulness, and productivity. The world may try to make us afraid but when we consider Jesus, we can have a confident joy no matter what surrounds us.
Father God, thank you Jesus is coming back to make all things right. Help me to live in light of his return. Amen.
How should Jesus' return help you overcome worry and fear?
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