Tuesday

Relationship Over Circumstance

2 Thessalonians 2:16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,
17 Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.

Reading the verses at the beginning of this chapter could leave our attention focused on a frightening view of the end times before Jesus returns. But by the time we get to the end of the chapter, the focus for believers has moved back to where it should always remain, especially in dark times. The focus has shifted from events and circumstances to what we have and who we are in Jesus Christ.

Look at the words: love, consolation, hope, grace. These words describe a permanent, compassionate relationship. This is what believers have in Christ Jesus: an everlasting, unchangeable, inside relationship with the Creator of this planet. I like the personal word “himself” as it is used by Paul in verse 16. When the day is dark, there is nothing like the personal attention and touch of Jesus. And that touch is what Paul prayed for here.

And… all of this comes to us “through grace.” Oh to grace how great a debtor! This means the benefit of the relationship is not based on our merit, for if it was we would have nothing stable and permanent in this relationship. But now, by faith in Jesus' gospel work, we have a personal everlasting consolation which transcends our circumstances. And this grace-based relationship is the fuel for the light shining through us in a world shrouded in darkness.

1 comment:

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