Passage Read: 1 Thessalonians 5 - 2 Thessalonians 1
Meditation Verses: 2 Thessalonians 1:4-7
Thought
Persevering, continuing to grow in Christ, holding firm in faith while enduring persecution and trials, this is evidence that the Thessalonians will be counted worthy of the Kingdom of God, which is what causes their suffering. He gives no promise of relief, except that which Jesus Himself will bring when He returns. This is the only hope given to a church in the midst of persecution. It's not surprising then that they hoped, even expected Jesus' return at any moment. It doesn't seem like much encouragement, unless they've really set their hope on Jesus Christ rather than on enjoying a peaceful life here and now. If they trust more in Christ and long most for His approval, then these are all the reminders they need. Their existence is all about knowing and gaining Christ, and holding fast to faith and the hope of our final salvation is all they need. The more suffering that comes upon them as they seek to know and obey Christ better, to love Him and one another more perfectly, the more confidence they should have of their ultimate salvation because they exalt Jesus Christ above all other gods and all other desires.
Application
I'm not suffering any real persecution, but there are many believers throughout the world who are. These words of Paul's are not far off and theoretical. He would write the same thing to African Christians and Chinese Christians and North Korean Christians and any other Christians undergoing the worst of persecutions. They have been chosen for the highest of honors in Christ's Kingdom. And God will bring relief for them and judgment upon their enemies when Jesus returns. So stand firm in Christ and glory in your sufferings and your steadfast faith. It is certainly natural to hope for relief in this life, but what matters most is that they hold fast to Christ in the midst of their suffering and continue growing in their understanding of Christ and obedience, faith and love for one another and even those who persecute them. This challenges me to care more about my standing in God's eyes over and above my own present comfort and any worldly ambition or hope or desire. And to be ready to suffer disgrace and torment and even death for Christ. Holding fast to Him as my Lord and only savior matters more than anything else in life. It challenges me to pray these things for those churches suffering persecution, that they would understand and rejoice in the privilege they have of suffering such for Christ and that they would be comforted by Christ's choice to bring suffering upon them because He counts them worthy. And that they would be known by their love of Christ and love for one another and such godly lives, that those who persecute them would feel utter shame, even repenting in their presence and joining in their suffering. And that I might one day be counted worthy of suffering as they do.