Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you. But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good.
--2 Thessalonians 3:1, 13 (NKJV)
From the daily Bible reading on September 8, 2013 of Proverbs 3:7-18; 2 Thessalonians 3; Job 37-38:30.
Paul was very pleased, even excited with how well the church in Thessalonica was faring in his absence, how true and strong they remained in their faith. His second letter to the church, sent shortly after the first, confirmed his joy with their steadfastness and he praises them and thanks God for their faith throughout the epistle. But there was a concern he needed to address, a new situation that came to his attention between letters, the result of a misunderstanding, if not an outright misrepresentation, of his earlier teachings regarding the coming return of Jesus to His glory. Some thought that the judgments Paul described when he was with them had already begun, so Jesus should be coming very soon. Because of this confusion, they had stopped working, depending on others for sustenance, expecting Jesus to return any day now, if not within the next few hours. Paul needed to correct this somewhat embarrassing situation immediately, and he clarified his teachings in this letter.
Every now and then a person or group will come forward and say that the Tribulation has already started, that God's judgments are now upon us, and that Jesus will appear soon and take His church home. We know from scripture, including Jesus' own words, that we mortals are simply not intended to know when Christ will return. Sure, some of the warning signs exist today, just as some have been evident all throughout history since our Lord's resurrection and ascension. And many preachers today do feel an increased sense of urgency to gather the church together, to seek out the lost, to further God's kingdom before the end begins, but the surest signs of the Tribulation's onset have not yet occurred. The time of the Rapture is still known only to God.
So we have no choice but to follow Paul's instructions, including those in today's focus verses. We need to pray for all those who strive to carry the Gospel of Jesus into all the world, and doubly pray that God's Word is received, turning the hearts of man, bringing them to Christ. And we must continue doing good, not because our acts might have any impact on our salvation but because we truly love Jesus and one another, and because this is what He wants us to do. We don't know when the end will come, so we need to be constantly vigilant while waiting for our Lord, not shirking our responsibilities to Him or to our fellow man. Paul stressed this to the Thessalonians, and to us. Whether our Lord returns within our lifetime or after we've passed on, we need to continue doing good while we walk this earth. And then, when we do face our Lord, we will hear Him say those beautiful words, "Well done, good and faithful servant" (please see Matthew 25:21). Amen.
Heavenly Father, as long as we draw breath, may we do good. Until our Savior returns to take us home, may we endeavor to spread the Good News of Jesus throughout the world. And may we do all we can to help our fellow man, both with their physical and their spiritual needs. We love You, Lord, and want to serve You. In that holiest of names, Jesus we pray. Amen.
Every now and then a person or group will come forward and say that the Tribulation has already started, that God's judgments are now upon us, and that Jesus will appear soon and take His church home. We know from scripture, including Jesus' own words, that we mortals are simply not intended to know when Christ will return. Sure, some of the warning signs exist today, just as some have been evident all throughout history since our Lord's resurrection and ascension. And many preachers today do feel an increased sense of urgency to gather the church together, to seek out the lost, to further God's kingdom before the end begins, but the surest signs of the Tribulation's onset have not yet occurred. The time of the Rapture is still known only to God.
So we have no choice but to follow Paul's instructions, including those in today's focus verses. We need to pray for all those who strive to carry the Gospel of Jesus into all the world, and doubly pray that God's Word is received, turning the hearts of man, bringing them to Christ. And we must continue doing good, not because our acts might have any impact on our salvation but because we truly love Jesus and one another, and because this is what He wants us to do. We don't know when the end will come, so we need to be constantly vigilant while waiting for our Lord, not shirking our responsibilities to Him or to our fellow man. Paul stressed this to the Thessalonians, and to us. Whether our Lord returns within our lifetime or after we've passed on, we need to continue doing good while we walk this earth. And then, when we do face our Lord, we will hear Him say those beautiful words, "Well done, good and faithful servant" (please see Matthew 25:21). Amen.
Heavenly Father, as long as we draw breath, may we do good. Until our Savior returns to take us home, may we endeavor to spread the Good News of Jesus throughout the world. And may we do all we can to help our fellow man, both with their physical and their spiritual needs. We love You, Lord, and want to serve You. In that holiest of names, Jesus we pray. Amen.
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