It seems that God makes many promises to protect us, care for us, and repay those who are evil towards us because of our faith. But I don’t honestly see a lot of this: God stepping in and vindicating His people in the face of persecution. What gives? Can God be taken at His Word?
Today’s reading was tremendously helpful for me at this very point. I will include verses 6-10, but verses 6-7 are to my main point.
God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. This includes you, because you believed our testimony to you.
Yes, God promises punishment to those who persecute His family and do not believe in Jesus, but this happens when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven, when Jesus returns.
As one who would like to have God roar and give relief today, I still take heart that God keeps His Word and He will vindicate His people… just not today. And God is withholding His vengeance, (read that latter portion of the verses for today), so that as many as will believe have time to believe. In other words, God is withholding His punishment so people have more time to be saved.
“Bill,” God’s voice whispers, “get out there and let people know about Me so that they can believe!”
Lord, You are so gracious. Sitting this morning I am realizing all the more how gracious You are. You will keep Your Word, and yet You are holding back so that as many as will come to You will come. What incredible displays of love on both sides of that last thought.
Blessed be the name of the Lord…
Blessed be the name of the Lord…
Blessed be the name of the Lord, my God… Amen.
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