Read Numbers 31, Isaiah 54, and 2 Thessalonians 2.
This devotional is about 2 Thessalonians 2.
In chapter 1 of 2 Thessalonians, Paul taught that Christ is coming to this earth again. When he comes again, Jesus will punish those who have rejected him and have persecuted his people. He will also be worshipped by those who love him because we have been saved by his grace.
Here in 2 Thessalonians 2, Paul continued to write about end times events. In this chapter, we learned what will happen before Christ comes in judgment in verses 1-12. But, beginning in verse 13, Paul turned from discussing what will happen in the end times to what was happening in Thessalonica. Because God had saved people in Thessalonica and had formed his church there, Paul wrote that he was always thankful for them (v. 13a). But his thankfulness for them was not so much about something they had done for Paul. No, Paul was thankful because of what God had done for them and in them. Paul told the believers there, you are “loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth” (v. 13). They received God’s call to salvation “through our gospel,” according to verse 14a. But, notice what the goal of this calling though the gospel is in verse 14b: “…that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Christ will be glorified when he returns, punishes his enemies, and establishes his kingdom. But this verse says that believers will “share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” In other words, God has an amazing future planned for his people. Other passages spell out more thoroughly what God has planned, but the Bible’s message is consistent: Jesus will rule and reign forever, but he will share his reign and the blessings of it with us.
This is one aspect of the amazing grace of our God that maybe we don’t think about much. God will mercifully save us from hell through Christ. But, because he has adopted us, he also graciously promises to us and will share with us the unbelievable glory he receives as king. Jesus will be honored, worshipped, and magnified in his kingdom. But he wants you to shine, too. We won’t receive the worship that only belongs to him. But he will lavish on us his attention and love for all eternity.
Verses 15-17 close out this chapter by encouraging us believers to “…stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you” (v. 15b). When God saved you by faith, he called you to follow him in obedience and not turn away. This is the doctrine we know as the perseverance of the saints. All those whom God saves will follow Jesus in faith and good works. But we need to hold fast to his truth until he returns.
Are you committed to Jesus Christ fully? Are you determined to follow him forever, even when you experience sorrow, fear, threats, and even persecution? Every good thing God created you to have will be yours in eternity because you believe in Jesus. But, because you believe in Jesus, you will hold fast to him until he comes. Let these words “…encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word” as verse 17 says in closing this chapter. Be encouraged! Be strengthened! Show your love and devotion to Christ in good works and good words today.