The Essential JesusSample

Don't Be Alarmed

PRAY: "Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth" (Psalm 57:11).

READ: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12

REFLECT: Recently I was given a book written by a Christian author with whom I was unfamiliar. The first thing I did was look at the back cover to see the list of his other books. I was surprised to learn that one of his previous bestsellers was described as "the definitive book on the afterlife." Really? I thought that book was written a long time ago. It's called the Bible, and our reading today gives us another puzzle piece for the picture of the second coming we've been forming from it.

The first thing we learn from Paul's second letter to the Thessalonians is that some people were sensationalizing the second coming, or simply spreading misinformation about it. As a result, many believers worried they had been left behind (v. 2). Paul says "don't let anyone deceive you" (v. 3), and he proceeds to remind them of the basics: When Jesus returns, his followers will be with him (v. 1). In other words, when it happens, you'll know.

But as Paul continues, he gives us some new information about the end times. In particular, the trigger events will be some kind of "rebellion" and the appearance of "the man of lawlessness" (v. 3). What in the world is he talking about? In different places throughout the Bible we find references to a final showdown between God and Satan; that's the rebellion. Also during that final conflict a key instrument of Satan, called the antichrist, will oppose God and be defeated (Matthew 24:1-51; Mark 13:1-37; Revelation 19:19-21; 20:7-10). Although Paul doesn't take time in this letter to explain everything, that's clearly what he has in mind.

So what does all this mean for us today? Simply this: We shouldn't become "unsettled or alarmed" (v. 2) if world events seem out of control. The Bible teaches that God will let things get worse before he steps in to fix it once and for all. But remember; we've already peeked at the end of the story; Jesus is coming back, and that's all we really need to know.

APPLY: How does your understanding of the second coming of Jesus affect the way you react to world news today? Why?

PRAY: Lord, this world would be a really scary place if I wasn't sure that you were coming back someday. Please show me how I can serve you best until that day.