"He Who Laughs Last" October 26 Readings: Lamentations 2-3, 2 Thessalonians 1, Psalm 119:53–56, Proverbs 26:7–9

 

 Through the Bible in 2021

Bible Readings: Lamentations 2-3, 2 Thessalonians 1, Psalm 119:53–56, Proverbs 26:7–9   

Daily Devotional:  He Who Laughs Last

Watching the news - whatever one you choose - can be an exercise in discouragement these days. You can watch (or read about) atrocities and dishonesty and perversion of justice pretty much every day. While it is right to educate ourselves about what is going on in the world, those who devote themselves to current events and are guided by the 24-hour news cycle can often develop a twisted view of the way of things in this world. 

It would be easy to conclude that the enemy is winning, wouldn't it? It seems logical to deduce that darkness is overcoming the light and everything is headed toward destruction. That conclusion is completely, totally and 100% wrong. In this sinful world, the powers of darkness are having their day. They do their evil and it seems they get away with it, but we need to remember...the rest of the story.

Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, people who knew a level of suffering most of us here in America know absolutely nothing about. That church was forged in the fires of suffering and became a people used to being persecuted for their faith,. Paul commended them for their endurance in suffering, repeatedly.

But he also gives them an important assurance in 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10.

This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering— 6 since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you, 7 and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels 8 in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9 They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might, 10 when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed.

God's judgment may be delayed but it will not be denied. It is certain and unavoidable. He will "repay with affliction those who afflict you," as he grants relief to the saints who are afflicted. God turns the tables in a powerful, dramatic, and eternal way. Those in power who think they can treat God's children with disdain or cruelty, who think there is no God in heaven whom they need fear, who think they can act with impunity and without fear of judgment - they will find one day that God protects his children. He loves us and he will watch over us. 

For those who know Christ, there is glory awaiting at the end of this life of suffering. For those who scorn Christ and afflict his people, there is judgment. God is just and he will act! We need not fear or panic. Even if suffering comes our way we can know that our God is in control, that in the end, he will dispense a justice that is both eternal and perfect. 

So, when you see things happening in this world that are disconcerting, don't get angry. Don't panic. Don't fall apart. And don't be afraid. Remember the God you serve. He is mighty and powerful and he will protect his people. 

Father, thank you for being a God of might and power who will comfort his people and bring justice to those who afflict and persecute us. We can trust you in all things and that is comforting in this sinful world. 

Consider God's Word:

Which of the readings spoke most powerfully to you today?
Is the Spirit of God moving you to repent of something you are doing, to begin something new, or to change something about your life as a result of your readings? What?

Remember today that even when things are hard, there is a day more important than today. Jesus is coming again to bring complete justice and to reward those who serve him. He will also punish those who persecute or mistreat us. Remember this and rejoice in Christ.