20 Feb March 1st Daily Devotion

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

NOT YET

2 Thessalonians 2:1-4 “Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to Him, we ask you, brothers and sisters, not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by the teaching allegedly from us—whether by a prophecy or by word of mouth or by letter—asserting that the day of the Lord has already come. Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God.”

Already at the time of the early Christian Church, almost immediately after Jesus had ascended into heaven, there were self-appointed prophets proclaiming that His return was imminent.  Self-appointed prophets continue to appear with prophesies as to the exact date and time Christ will return.  Others at times have even said He has returned but has not yet revealed Himself.

Today’s devotional verse says, “don’t let anyone deceive you.”  The time for Christ to return to judge the living and the dead has not yet come.  The Scriptures tell us to not become concerned about that day other than to live as if it will come at any moment.  In the end, you will never know the date or time because 1 Thessalonians 5:2 says, “it will come like a thief in the night.”

Instead of being concerned and worried, simply know that it is coming.  Jesus told the parable of the Wise and Foolish virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) to instruct you that you will not know the time, however, it is important to be ready.  And in this parable, He warned there will be those who will be ready and those who will not.  Jesus exhorts, “ . . . Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap.  For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth.  Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:34-36)

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, keep me always spiritually alert and ever ready for Your return.  Amen.

The Bridegroom soon will call us, “Come to the wedding feast.”

May slumber not befall us Nor watchfulness decrease.

May all our lamps be burning With oil enough and more

That we, with Him returning, May find an open door!

There shall we see in glory Our dear Redeemer’s face;

The long awaited story Of heav’nly joy takes place.

The patriarchs shall meet us, The prophets’ holy band;

Apostles, martyrs greet us In that celestial land.

There God shall from all evil Forever make us free,

From sin and from the devil, From all adversity,

From sickness, pain, and sadness, From troubles, cares, and fears

And grant us heav’nly gladness And wipe away our tears.

In that fair home shall never Be silent music’s voice;

With hearts and lips forever We shall in God rejoice.

While angel hosts are raising With saints from great to least

A mighty hymn for praising The Giver of the feast.

(LSB 514)