There are two passages assigned for today!
SCRIPTURE: 2 Thessalonians 2
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
Don’t be so easily shaken or alarmed by those who say that the day of the Lord has already begun. Don’t believe them, even if they claim to have had a spiritual vision, a revelation, or a letter supposedly from us. [2 Thessalonians 2:2]
Apparently there were some among the Thessalonians who claimed that the Lord’s return had begun; they had “information” that the final judgment had begun.
Paul explains the power of lawlessness will increase for a season, and that the return of Christ is being held back until the time when that lawlessness has reached its peak – the great rebellion against God.
The return of Jesus is being held back because it is not yet His time: And you know what is holding him back, for he can be revealed only when his time comes. [2 Thessalonians 2:6].
Why is it not yet His time?
And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come. [Matthew 24:14]
It appears that the message needs to be preached through the whole world before the end comes.
The power of lawlessness will increase, and the message of Jesus will spread out; both will happen until they reach boiling point.
When this boiling point is, I do not know, but right now is the time for spreading the message!
While it is day, we must live and share the message of God’s love and Jesus’ gracious rule!
The day will come when we will not be able to do so freely (it is happening in some places already), but until then, we must be faithful ambassadors.
Jesus told them, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately. [Matthew 24:4-6]
Christians have often been misled into thinking the Lord’s return will come at a certain date or time.
Based on calculations from specific prophecies, many predicted dates have come and gone, and there are still some dates set for the near future – with christians making plans for His return.
However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. [Matthew 24:36]
No one knows; instead of trying to figure it out, lets do what we are supposed to be doing, lets live and share the message to everyone we can, so that the end can come!
PRAYER:
Lord, maybe today, maybe tomorrow, maybe next year, maybe not – but in the meantime, help me to live and share Your message with others!
The Lord will return. But in the meantime, lawlessness will happen and many will be misled by the one who proclaims himself to be God. However the breath of God ill overthrow him, yet there will be many counterfeit miracles , signs and wonders displayed deceiving the people, These people believe the lie. They have exchanged the Truth for the lie. Oh, open my eyes Lord that I may always see Jesus.
But to all those who are called – stand firm! Hold on to the Truth. Continue to do good works in word and deed because He has given you the power to do so. Help us Lord on our way.
And can it be that I should gain
An interest in the Savior’s blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain—
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?