ESOCS Devotional 5 November
TEXT: 2 THESSALONIANS 1:1-12 KJV
MEMORY VERSE: “In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God,and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Thessalonians 1:8 KJV
Many people have chosen to see God from the perspective of love and mercy only, and not wrath and justice. If the gospel teaches us anything, it teaches us that the good news that Jesus saves sinners does not make sense unless He saves them from perishing under the wrath of God. From the time of Jesus’ earthly ministry down to the last living apostle, God’s wrath and judgment is clearly taught in Scripture.
Our text tells us that it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you (2 Thessalonians 1: 6). In other words, it is just to take vengeance on the disobedient. Verse 7 of our text explains the time given for vengeance: when Jesus shall be “revealed from heaven”. The word “reveal” means to unveil or disclose. This means when He will be appearing in His full glory. Paul says in this passage, two things will happen: He will come to give rest and to take vengeance. Rest refers to relief, refreshment and peace from hardship, difficulties, challenges, pains, sorrows, trials and all troubles. This indeed is an encouragement to the children of light and day.
Jesus shall also come to take vengeance, judge, punish, pour out wrath, and condemn those who do not know God, otherwise known as children of darkness or night. Jesus made it clear that the nature of His coming would be two fold (Matthew 13: 40, 24: 30) because it is a righteous thing with God (v. 6).
Read yesterday’s ESOCS Devotional here
What is your state right now? Do you know God? If your response is on the negative, you still have an opportunity to turn a new leave so that God will not visit His vengeance upon you.
CHALLENGES
- What are the things hindering you from knowing God? Itemize them and begin to work on them.
PRAYER POINT
- Ask God to show you mercy and give you a new heart so that you will be in a right standing with Him, thereby saving you from God’s wrath.
FURTHER READING: Job 8: 1-10; 8:11-22; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17
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ESOCS Devotional 5 November