2 Thessalonians chapter 1 reminds me of the difference between ignorance and disobedience. There are things we do not yet know, but with investigation we can gain understanding. That is very different from stubbornly rejecting wisdom. Today’s lesson is an encouragement for those struggling through difficulty. Paul writes to remind this young church that though they are living in the midst of persecution, they remain in “the Lord Jesus Christ”. In other words, our circumstances do not define who we are. He greets them with “Grace and peace”. God’s grace leads to peace. When I focus on the things that irk me, I get frustrated. When I ponder God’s forgiveness, I am quickly pulled out of my funk. Paul says he continuously thanks God for them, in part because they inspire him. “Your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing”. Love is an action word. Their faith leads them to take uplifting action. This church is able to demonstrate their love despite the fact that they are enduring “persecutions and trials”. Interestingly, Paul says that this is evidence that “God’s judgment is right”. I think he is saying that God chose the right people to represent His plan of salvation. They did not allow persecution to prevent them from loving unconditionally. Paul says they “will be counted worthy of the kingdom”. In Christ, we are not made worthy through our own goodness; we are made worthy by accepting His perfect sacrifice. Persecution made them more determined to show mercy in response.
Paul adds that “God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you”. We want God to immediately punish wrongdoers, but God does not rush to judgment. He is perfect in righteousness, and unlimited in mercy. I thank God for His patience with me! But Paul warns of the Day of the Lord; “when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with His powerful angels”. When Christ returns, salvation through faith will no longer be possible. His glory will overwhelm any doubt. Those who have rejected Christ will be without excuse. “He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus”. Note that Paul links knowledge of God with the conscious decision to reject Jesus. I believe every one of us will be judged on our level of disobedience. Just as in the story of Noah’s Ark, the door was open to all to enter, until God shut it, and then the rain came. Those who reject Christ will be “shut out from the presence of the Lord”. What is stopping you from believing?
On the day that Christ returns, “those who have believed” will marvel at what they witness. Paul says emphatically, they will be blessed, “because you believed our testimony”. The chapter closes with a warning to the self-righteous. Paul says he prays constantly that God would “make you worthy of His calling”. Humility teaches us that none are righteous and all have fallen short of perfection. We are called to share what we believe, “by His power”. He continues, the Spirit will “bring to fruition” our desire for goodness. Paul prays that everything we do in the name of Christ would be “prompted by faith”. In closing, he prays for the Thessalonians and for us today, “that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you”. Those that have knowledge of God’s will desire to restore the broken because we have been where they are. We have an obligation to faithfully represent God’s mercy to all. It is not our job to pick and choose. The Holy Spirit of God alone is responsible for changing hearts. We are to trust that we are useful instruments, “according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ”. My friend, do you trust God enough to tell someone about God’s grace?