What Is Right
2 Thessalonians 1: 5 All of this proves that
God's judgment is just and as a result you will become worthy of his Kingdom,
for which you are suffering. 6 God will do what is right: he will bring
suffering on those who make you suffer, 7 and he will give relief to
you who suffer and to us as well. He will do this when the Lord Jesus appears
from heaven with his mighty angels, 8 with a flaming fire, to punish those who
reject God and who do not obey the Good News about our Lord Jesus. 9 They will suffer the
punishment of eternal destruction, separated from the presence of the Lord and
from his glorious might, 10 when he comes on that Day to receive
glory from all his people and honor from all who believe. You too will be among
them, because you have believed the message that we told you.
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“She hit me” I said in tears. When the teacher took away her
toys, I felt vindicated. I began smiling. “What are you smiling about?” she
asked as she took my toy away. “What did I do?” I asked. “Gloating over someone
who is punished is not good either. Both of you need to make up.” was her
answer. We made up and played together.
- I did not know I could be wrong while being “right.”
- I needed a higher power to intervene.
- I truly did not know what was “right.”
Paul, Silas and Timothy provide solace to those who were
suffering because of their belief in JESUS. Their words of hope was to provide everyone
fuel to endure persecution for their beliefs in JESUS. They also presented the “just”
side of GOD that is difficult to hear. Those who cause suffering would have to
deal with GOD. But this was not a point
to gloat over, rather a time of concern.
My Observations
- GOD wants all to be redeemed, so HE wants me to seek HIS salvation for me and for those who cause me pain or I cause them pain.
- JESUS will return someday and wants me ready with HIS love.
- GOD defines what is “right” and is just in HIS decisions.
“What is right” is difficult to swallow sometimes. I mean, I
may think I am right when I am really wrong. BUT GOD has a way to clear up my
confusion over what is right and wrong. HE made it clear that belief in JESUS
makes me and you right. All have sinned and fall short of HIS glory. We could
never reach HIM by our actions and would be destined to be separated from HIM
throughout eternity.
HE is just and “right” in HIS decision and structures. HIS
love is a redemptive love that endures forever. I am glad GOD is right and makes
you and me holy because of HIS declaration.
Challenge
- How do you feel about the writer’s comment “God will do what is right?”
- Do these words make you want to get to know GOD or be upset with HIM?
- Will you see HIS love differently and know HE feels your pain?
- Will you allow HIM to bring you through your suffering by opening up your heart to HIM today?
