That Day Will Not Come Unless

This meditation is based on a passage for December 9, 2010 in the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12

Reflection and Question: This is another attempt to speak to the prevalent expectation among the early Christians that Jesus’ coming, the day of the Lord, was near. Here, the writer approaches the situation by describing what needs to happen before Jesus’ return. Lawless rebellion and exaltation of false gods in the temple by a usurper will be the signs to watch for. And the impact of these warnings is the same now as it were then: they challenge us to follow the truth rather than lies, to stay strong in our faith in Jesus, the Christ. What wisdom speaks to your expectation of Jesus’ return?

Prayer: Jesus, our Brother and Savior, keep us from being shaken in mind or alarmed in spirit as we await Your coming in glory. Give us hearts that trust in God’s good time and gracious purpose so that no one may deceive us or distract us. Amen.