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Reflection on 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17

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Scripture

So then, brothers, stand firm and hold on to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.

Observation
Paul warns the Thessalonians against the teachings of those who claim the Day of the Lord has already come. No, that day will not come until the time of rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed. At that time the Lord Jesus will destroy the lawless one and all the works of satan.

Paul encourages the church of Thessalonica to stand firm in Christ in order to share in His glory.

Application
Through the ages there has been speculation about the end times and the return of Christ. Our age is no different.

Paul seems to be saying here that we cannot be confident of the details of the time of Christ’s return but we can be confident that there will be an uprisng in rebellion and that a man of lawlessness will be exposed as satan’s tool to deceive the elect.

Therefore we need to keep our eyes on Jesus and not on the time in which we live. Look to obeying Christ now, and trust Him for the details of His return and triumph over evil.

Prayer
Holy Spirit lead me into all truth. Let me stand firm in the power of your grace and never be deceived by the Evil One. Amen.

Reflection on Haggai 2:1-9

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Scripture

“I will shake all nations, and the desired of all nations will come , and I will fill this house with glory,” says the lord Almighty.

 Observation

People are returning to Israel to rebuild Jerusalem after the Exile in Babylon.

 The Lord speaks to Haggai and tells him to go to the people and say “Do you remember the former glory of the Temple?” What they have seems to be nothing compared to what they had, but the Spirit of the Lord is still with them.

 Soon, the Lord will shake the heavens and the earth, and the temple will be rebuilt to its former glory. The silver and gold of the entire earth is the Lord’s and He will provide what is needed.

 The glory of the latter house will exceed what was formerly there and God will bring peace to his people.

 Application

When we go through difficult times we can lose sight of God’s faithfulness. We look at the surface of things and miss how God is at work underneath.

 The Israelites had returned from exile, but were discouraged by the state of the Temple. It seemed so poor and inadequate compared with what had been. The Lord reminds them that He is still with them and has never left them since the time of Moses. He will rebuild the Temple and He will restore His people.

 The Lord never leaves us. Even when we can’t see Him, He is still with us,

 Prayer

Thank you Lord for always being here. I confess that sometimes I don’t understand what you are doing, but Lord you promise you will never leave me. Amen.