The Lord Will Be Revealed from Heaven

Note from today’s Bible reading: 1 Thessalonians 5; 2 Thessalonians 1

Paul wrote to the brethren in Thessalonica to offer them some encouragement. They were “suffering” for their faith and being “afflicted” by others (2 Thessalonians 1:5-7). Yet God was aware of this and would one day make things right.

The apostle explained that they would receive “relief…when the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire” (2 Thessalonians 1:7). This is an incredible image of the Lord rescuing His people and delivering them to victory.

However, this is not all that the Lord will do on that day. Paul told these brethren that “God [will] repay with affliction those who afflict you…dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus” (2 Thessalonians 1:6, 8). He continued to explain the terrible fate of those who opposed the Lord and His people: “These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power” (2 Thessalonians 1:9).

Notice who is going to face this eternal punishment – “those who do not know God and…those who do not obey the gospel.” In other words, it is not just those who actively oppose the Lord and His people. It could include others – even us – if we do not remain faithful.

So remember that the Lord will be revealed from heaven. Those who are wicked will be punished. We need to make sure we continue in faithful obedience so that we do not suffer the same fate.