So begins Paul’s second letter to the church of believers in Thessalonica. It had presumably only been a few months, but Paul felt he needed to give more encouragement and clarification to this fledgling church. They apparently were under attack for their faith and had questions about when Jesus was coming back. Paul touches on both brilliantly, helping us still today navigate what’s happening to us and what we can expect.
Apparently, the church was still impressing Paul with their faithfulness. But Paul knew firsthand about persecution and how that can wear you down. His counsel can speak to our hearts if we find ourselves feeling abused for our faith. “And God will use this persecution to show his justice and to make you worthy of his Kingdom, for which you are suffering.” There’s something oddly comforting to know that in the midst of our suffering God “will use” it for good. Isn’t it an honor to know God is standing by, ready to bring justice?
We don’t have to worry. We don’t have to seek revenge for mistreatment or to be right in every argument. We just need to trust God and let Him fight our battles. That’s not always easy for us humans who love to cling to our control, but it’s certainly the smart option for believers. I certainly am no match for a powerful God, and these verses remind me that His justice is the one that matters. He will settle the score and protect his children without question.
I do feel sorry for people who don’t know God, especially on that day when Jesus returns. By then, it sounds like it will be too late to start listening, accepting, and obeying the Good News. Lost people will be “punished with eternal destruction, forever separated from the Lord and from his glorious power.” To me, that sounds horrible. I don’t wish that future on anyone, especially those loved ones who may have strayed from the truth.
Paul knew the waiting would be hard when he extended this blessing, “May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do.” What good things are you doing for the kingdom these days? If you’re struggling to know how you can help those who don’t know Jesus, be sure to ask for God’s power, for the direction to do good things, and then see how your faithful heart moves you. Maybe it’s to volunteer at church or go on a mission trip. Maybe it’s to help a neighbor who is struggling. What is your heart telling you? How is Jesus prompting you?
The people receiving Paul’s letter would have appreciated his counsel on the second coming. They must have thought it was happening soon, and Paul helps put that into perspective. People today, thousands of years later, agree it’s happening soon. And the answer is the same as it was then. Jesus is coming back; be ready. Don’t fall for false information that will be projected as truth.
Paul gave us a clue about leadership in those last days. Who is this “man of lawlessness”? Is he the same as the Antichrist or beast in the book of Revelation? Is Paul speaking of a person or a government, or is this persecutor and enemy of God just a symbol? We could speculate all day long. For me, I see it as the force that opposes God, who wants to be God and have ultimate control. Thankfully, no matter what or who it is, they will never be victorious.
What is a little unsettling is that Paul warns us that “this lawlessness is already at work secretly, and it will remain secret until the one who is holding it back steps out of the way.” If it was at work in Paul’s time, it is still secretly plotting today. That’s why it’s so important to test everything against Scripture. Otherwise, we can be easily deceived. Those who are lost are in the most danger, for they are weak and don’t have faith to keep themselves safe.
Passages like this can be hard to read. Rather than dwell on the negative, remember who wins. On that day when Jesus comes, Paul wanted to reassure his audience that “the Lord Jesus will slay him with the breath of his mouth and destroy him by the splendor of his coming.” Jesus will save us just like he promised. We will rejoice and give him praise and worship. “When he comes on that day, he will receive glory from his holy people—praise from all who believe. And this includes you, for you believed what we told you about him.” Hallelujah! We have nothing to fear.
Let’s pray. Lord Jesus, so many people are talking about your return. It’s exhilarating to think that I could be alive to witness that day and be caught up in the throng of believers worshiping you for your victory. Yet at the same time, there is uncertainty about how much suffering is yet to come. Thank you for your promise to fight for me. No matter what comes, I know you are by my side, my protector, guide, and friend. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
