20 Jan February 24th Daily Devotion

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON PAUL’S SECOND LETTER TO THE  CHURCH AT THESSALONICA

YOU WILL BE COUNTED WORTHY OF GOD’S KINGDOM

2 Thessalonians 1:5 “All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering.”

The context of verse 5 is the Thessalonians have been suffering trials, tribulations, and persecutions because of their faith and trust in Yahweh.  Their earthly life was not going well.  Some would have most likely, as occurs today, asked the question, why would they remain faithful to Yahweh?  In his commentary on this verse, R.C. H. Lenski writes, “To endure persecution and painful affliction in perseverance and faith may seem like a hardship, often like a needless hardship for the believers.  Viewed in its true light, ‘it is an indication of the righteous judgment of God.’”

When undergoing trials, challenges, and even persecution you also may ask why God permits such things to happen to you.  Shouldn’t He do exactly the opposite.  Instead of permitting such things to come into your life shouldn’t He be protecting you and bringing good things?  Note the words of the Psalmist in Psalm 73:23-26 “I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

The words of Today’s devotional verse says that the outcome or result of God’s righteous judgment is “so that you are deemed worthy of the Kingdom of God.”  This outcome is theirs because they have persevered in their faith and trust in Yahweh.  1 Peter 4:16-19 says, “ . . . if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.” This is God’s promise: “And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To Him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 5:10-11)

Prayer:  Lord, whenever I am in the middle of trials, tribulations, and suffering, send Your Spirit to assure me that You will use such times to bless me.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Jesus, Thy boundless love to me No thought can reach,

No tongue declare; Unite my thankful heart to Thee,

And reign without a rival there! Thine wholly, Thine alone I am;

Be Thou alone my constant flame.

O grant that nothing in my soul May dwell, but Thy pure love alone;

Oh, may Thy love possess me whole, My joy, my treasure,

And my crown! All coldness from my heart remove;

My ev’ry act, word, thought be love.

This love unwearied I pursue And dauntlessly to Thee aspire,

Oh, may Thy love my hope renew, Burn in my soul like heav’nly fire!

And day and night, be all my care To guard this sacred treasure there.

In suff’ring be Thy love my peace, In weakness be Thy love my pow’r;

And when the storms of life shall cease, O Jesus, in that final hour,

Be Thou my rod and staff and guide, And draw me safely to Thy side!

(LSB 683)