As I was reading the first chapter of 2 Thessalonians, I started thinking about a few things; particularly - persecution. Having been born and raised in America, I've never really known "persecution". Because I am a Christian, I may have been made fun of, rejected, or disliked - but I wouldn't consider those as "persecution"; more like inconveniences. However, this chapter explains persecution in one of the ways it should be seen, so I’d like to share with you. ;)
Dear brothers and sisters, we always thank God for you, as is right, for we are thankful that your faith is flourishing and that you are all growing in love for each other. - 2 Thessalonians 1:3
Two key elements right there! A strong faith, and love for others. I don't think you can have two more powerful weapons than faith and love. I know you certainly can't stand against Satan without them! They are the very core of a Christian. "There are three things that will endure (Forever) - faith, hope, and love - and the greatest of these is love." - 1 Corinthians 13:13
We proudly tell God's other churches about your endurance and faithfulness in all the persecutions and hardships you are suffering. But God will use this persecution to show his justice. For He will make you worthy of his kingdom, for which you are suffering, and in His justice He will punish those who persecute you. - 2 Thessalonians 1:4-6
And so we keep on praying for you, that our God will make you worthy of the life to which he called you. And we pray that God, by his power, will fulfill all your good intentions and faithful deeds. Then everyone will give honor to the name of our Lord Jesus because of you, and you will be honored along with him. This is made possible because of the undeserved favor of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ. - 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
Interesting... did you catch it? "For He will make you worthy of his kingdom"
Let me tell you something - armies don't attack something unless it's a threat. Period. The same thing goes for Satan and his fallen angels - they wont attack you unless you’re a threat. If you are going through life, minding your own business and staying away from God, you have nothing to worry about! You pose no threat to Satan and you're walking right down the path he wants you to go - the path to hell. So, why would he bother you?
However, if you're interrupting Satan's plans, if you're doing God's will and sharing God's love with others - you just made yourself a target. You're now fighting on God's side - against Satan. So, you can be sure that Satan will send any kind of persecution he can to hold you back, cause you pain, and get you to stumble. He doesn't want you to keep doing what you're doing - you'll ruin his plans!
As you draw closer to God and start following his will for your life more and more, you'll encounter stronger persecution. The bigger a threat you are; the more Satan will work to stop you. Just look at the lives of the Apostles, Paul, Martin Luther, and Jesus. They had lots of trouble from Satan's attacks and traps. They were HUGE threats. But you know what? Their lives and their suffering was a testament to their worthiness of the kingdom of God.
They showed their faith in Christ and their love for others through their sacrifices. And with each new challenge they looked to God, and He gave them the strength and the wisdom to continue doing His will. He made them worthy of His kingdom. "And we pray that God, by his power, will fulfill all your good intentions and faithful deeds. Then everyone will give honor to the name of our Lord Jesus because of you, and you will be honored along with him."
If you are in the game of life - whether on God's side or Satan's side - you're going to get tackled. Someone will see you as a threat and try to take you down. You're playing for the goal - our goal is Christ and a non-stop worship concert in heaven where God reigns. So if you suffer persecution you know that you're making a difference. A difference Satan wants to stop.
And God will provide rest for you who are being persecuted and also for us when the Lord Jesus appears from heaven. He will come with his mighty Angels, in flaming fire, bringing judgment on those who don't know God and on those who refused to obey the good news of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction, forever separated from the Lord and from his glorious power when he comes to receive glory and praise from his holy people. And you will be among those praising Him on that day, for you believe what we testified about Him. - 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10
Like I said, I can remember the last time I was persecuted. So this really has me thinking about whether or not I'm living my life for God - or for myself. Am I a threat to Satan or not? Because one day everything I do for myself will be burned up - It just plain won't matter. (Not to mention the fact that the life God has for me is 1000000x better.)
So let me ask you this - if you haven't been tackled, if you haven't faced persecution, if you are just sitting on the sidelines never going anywhere - seriously, what is the point of your life?
