II Thessalonians 1:7
“and to give relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well when the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire,”
The introduction of christianity to the town of Thessalonianica brought a social earthquake. A church made up of jews and greeks was formed. Some in the town were jealous, so they recruited some troublemakers and they incited a riot. According to the comments in Paul’s letters (including today’s verse) the pressure didn’t subside.
In light of all these troubles, he also speaks of relief. A time will come when the Lord will put an end to the persecution. This is at the return of Christ. This is not like a referee stepping in reminding everyone to play fair. The game is over. Life as we know it will stop. The bullies will no longer bully.
This is the first mention of one of the major themes in this book, the Second Coming of Christ. Paul expounds on this topic for the next chapter and a half. Jesus’ return will change many things. Relief from persecution is one of them.
This topic of relief is important with the message of the gospel. Some may not respond to the message for fear of persecution. However, the message of the end includes how one side gets relief and the other punishment. So while some may wish to remain neutral, the Return of Christ pushes the point that we are either for or against Him.
The Lord wants us to anticipate that relief. Those that dread it, haven’t chosen Him. To bring the choice closer to our attention, the Lord has built enough ambiguity into the second coming, so that most peoples over time have felt that He could return in their lifetime. Choosing Christ has thus been changed from an end of life decision to something more immediate.
Lord, thank You for pushing that choice for You early in our youth. We look forward to the relief You will provide.