I believe at one point or another everyone ponders the end. When I say “end“, I mean the end of time. In Christian circles this is often called the day of the Lord because we know that the end comes when the Lord returns. The issue with everyone’s wondering when the end will come is that false teachers often take advantage of believers. Since the details of the Lord’s return are unclear at best (though some say it is clear to them), false teachers are always trying to take advantage for their personal gain. In 2 Thessalonians 2, Paul is dealing with one of these times when false teachers had actually said that the Day of the Lord had already come. It is interesting to me that some people believed that lie since what we can know about the end seems to make it clear that there will be no doubt when they day happens. None-the-less, Paul had to give a warning not to believe the false report. He even said don’t believe “a spirit, a spoken word, or a letter seeming to be from us.” Seems like he covered all the bases. This warning is still needed in our day for false teachers are still taking advantage of a fascination with the end times. I would simply say don’t ever believe a preacher, teacher, prophet, or even spirit who predicts the end of time. Jesus said no one knows but the father. I would even take it a step further and say stop listening to the teaching or preaching or anyone who predicts the end because if they are false on that matter I would be concerned about what they are teaching in regards to other spiritual matters. Instead do what Paul said at the end of the chapter–“stand firm.” There is something to be said simply about resting in the Lord and trusting him so that you stand firm. If you are on His side then however the end comes you have no worries, you are on the winning team. Second, “hold to the traditions that you were taught.” In other words, don’t look for some new word or new revelation. There is nothing new under the sun and God’s word already contains all we need to obtain salvation and live a godly life. Stick with what God’s word makes clear. If you do you can rest and know whenever and however the end comes you are going to be just fine.
Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17.
VC Devotionals 