2 Thessalonians 2:1. “Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and, by our gathering together unto Him,” THE GATHERING. We are not alone in this; there are others – many, many more who are looking and waiting.
We are family – brethren united by a common bond – “our Lord Jesus Christ.” We are people of faith – we know the end, so do not fear; do not be shaken, do not be deceived. We are going to see Him honored, glorified, exalted, coming – and we with Him.
They are deceived – they know the wrong god – and follow him and become deceivers. They are “seers”; without faith; without compunction; without knowledge; without truth. They are falling away – sin multiplies; they follow the wrong person – and know it. They are writers - trying to change the advance of truth and righteousness, and hope.
He is a devil – in flesh, it is true, but an implacable enemy of God and His people. He is a man, the man of sin, not just against holiness, but opposed in the worst way. He is a usurper of the position he wants to claim, of the place of worship. He is wicked – beyond all others, under Satan’s working, with evidence and wonders – all lies.
The Lord is the Gathering Center – we will be gathered together unto Him! The Lord is the Consumer of the evil one – His Word and His glory shall destroy the deceiver! The Lord is the One who has loved us, chosen us, called us, and sanctified us for His glory! The Lord is comforting and establishing; preparing and teaching; coming and gathering – when and how He wants!
For us, there is no need to panic or worry. For us, though everyone else around us may wonder, we rest in Him. For us, we press on with what we know to be His will and work. For us, we leave the timetable to God – and move on daily with good cheer because of His grace.
“What a gathering that will be, Father God: when in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ, we see all His foes put under His feet and His Name and Person honored. I can hardly wait. Amen.”
2 Thessalonians 2:1. “Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,” OUR GATHERING. There is no question about it; the Coming of the Lord is going to happen – So, from this truth and promise, never deviate. But rather than create fear, this truth should really gladden
The hearts of believing saints whose Savior’s coming we anticipate.
The Lord Jesus Christ promised there will be a time when He will come, And the saints of God will gather, and all will see His face. So, don’t be disconcerted by the foolish dating of some – Who try to get a following, or even money by setting dates.
This fact is one to comfort and give assurance, not despair – That God has a plan He follows, and we are part of it. A reason He has not come yet is so people can still prepare – He is not done saving people, so on His throne still sits.
This is not a cause for alarm; it is careful clarification – That there are things that happen before Christ is revealed. Presently, there still sounds forth the message of salvation – And we can still tell sinners that by His stripes, we’re healed.
So, with respect to Christ’s coming, it is well to get things right – The work of God goes on, and all is in His control. It is incumbent upon us all that we are salt and light – So those who know or hear us will believe to the saving of their souls.
“Holy God of the ages: please give us wisdom and clarity to express divine truths understandably to Thy dear people. There is a tendency on the part of some to be misled by the sensationalism of either deceptive charlatans or easily misguided people who are filling roles they are not qualified to fill. Preserve Thy people from ungodly fears, I pray, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”