Today in God’s Word

Today in God's Word—February 2023

East Tallassee Church of Christ

February 9, 2 Thessalonians 2

Today’s portion reminds me of Mark Twain’s words about troublesome Scripture: “Most people are bothered by those passages in Scripture which they cannot understand; but as for me, I always notice that the passages in Scripture which trouble me most are those which I do understand.” One paragraph has some difficult concepts and mystery in it; the other has good news and clear instructions. Some people are more enthusiastic about pondering the mystery than believing and obeying what is clear.

Some writers and teachers go to great lengths to identify the “man of lawlessness,” to explain how he will appear and what his coming will mean to Christians. It’s probably good to remember that these unveilers of the mysterious man of sin don’t know a whole lot more about him than you do.

Paul assured the Thessalonians that they had not missed the Lord’s return. The events that will precede and accompany his return will be of such scope and magnitude that they will not go unnoticed. His assurance to them is good for us, too: “Don’t worry about it.” God has chosen us to be saved. He has called us through the gospel to obtain glory. The perishing and condemnation described in the first paragraph are the fate of those who do not love and believe the truth. Paul said the ones who would be destroyed along with the man of

lawlessness took pleasure in unrighteousness. You don’t have to understand or be able to explain everything about the dark mysteries to be saved. If you love and believe the truth and show that you do by the way you live, you have nothing to fear.

Even the dark, mysterious paragraph is illuminated by the assurance that Jesus will triumph over the lawless one. Paul wrote this passage to comfort his readers, not to confuse them. Instead of wringing our hands and fretting about knowing the identity of the man of lawlessness, we should rejoice in knowing the Man of Righteousness. The comfort comes from knowing and trusting him. He is the basis of our confident trust. We stand firm in the Lord Jesus. His grace strengthens us in every good word and work.

Let’s not be troubled by that first section that contains some difficult ideas and mysteries. Let’s be more concerned about believing the good news and obeying the clear instructions in the second section. There’s great comfort there for faithful disciples. But even those words may be troublesome to those who refuse to believe and obey.

From The Abiding Companion: A Friendly Guide for Your Journey Through the New Testament, Copyright © 2010 by Michael B. McElroy. Used by permission. All rights reserved.