Freedom House Church and Healing Centre

Relief, Retribution and Revelation

This is a plain indication of God’s righteous judgment so that you will be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you indeed are suffering. For after all it is only right for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you, and to give relief to you who are afflicted, along with us, when the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, dealing out retribution to those who do not know God, and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. These people will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, when He comes to be glorified among His saints on that day, and to be marveled at among all who have believed—because our testimony to you was believed. (2Thess. 1:5-10 NASB)

Hello Friends and followers of our Master,

Jesus is coming back (1Thess. 1:10; 2:17; 3:13; 4:15; 5:23). That is a sure thing! The Word of God declares it over and over again. Jesus Himself declared it. The church is proof – we are the bride of Christ for whom Jesus is returning. When you look at the state of our world – mass shootings, pandemics, wars, legalization of blatant sin, lawlessness, godlessness, callousness, and many other “ness” words - a person who is loving and serving Jesus longs for His return, praying it would be soon! In Thessalonica, in the middle of the first century, believers were longing for an end to the suffering and persecution associated with following Jesus. You may be longing for the same as you see the world rapidly decaying before your eyes. I know I am eagerly waiting for Jesus to come back!

The return of Jesus is well described in the Bible, most notably in the last book of the New Testament entitled, “The Revelation of Jesus Christ”. The return of Jesus will be just that – a Revelation to the world that Jesus is indeed the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and every knee will bow and declare Him as such. This little baby that was born in humble circumstances 2,000 years ago, will return full of majesty and glory, accompanied by mighty angels, full of power and authority to do whatever Jesus commands them to do. He will not be a lamb meek and mild but appear in “flaming fire” as a roaring lion, fully glorified, fully righteous and just, fully in control, fully God. This picture is one that the Israelites at Mount Sinai saw when the Shakina glory of God descended upon the mountain – fire, lightning, thunder, majesty, awe, fear and reverence (Exodus 24:15-18; Matt. 24:30-31). Jesus, the King revealed, will be received two different ways by two groups of people.

The first group are those “who do not know God, and those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus”. These are those for whom retribution is awaiting. Retribution is judgment - payment for a crime. God, the righteous Judge, who is holy, honest and true, who alone has the right to judge people and sentence them to punishment, will one day hold every person accountable for his or her actions. From our text, they will be judged for the following sins:

  1. They afflicted, persecuted, troubled, and made life difficult for the saints (vs. 6), the followers of Jesus who love God and His Son (See 1Thess. 2:14-16))
  2. They do not know God (vs. 8a)– they had no personal relationship with God. “Knowing God” is not knowing about God, but knowing Him on an intimate level, as in a Father-son relationship, or even a more intimate way, as husband and wife. (See John 8:19, 54, 55; John 17:3; Matthew 7:23)
  3. They did not obey the gospel of Jesus Christ (vs. 8b) – This may or may not be the same group as above. Think about all the people who claim to know God – every person who practices some kind of religion, even Christian religion. They claim to know Jesus but live their lives like they don’t. These people don’t spend time with Jesus, read His word, nor do what He says. They are Christian by name only. They might even look like real Christians because they do “Christian” stuff. Now, you have to read Matthew 7:21-24! Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15,21, 23). One cannot claim to know Jesus without obeying Him as Lord and King, and obeying the commands associated with living out the Gospel! For their disobedience, they will be judged and condemned.

Notice the punishment for their sins will be “eternal destruction” - meaning, it will last forever. These God haters and disobedient people will experience the fires of hell forever. This is the reality for those who reject Jesus and His gospel. The word of God and Jesus confirm this repeatedly. And, since they wanted no relationship with God, and chose to persecute His people, they will be far “away from His presence”. Their will be a day of retribution, vengeance and justice! Their own choices will condemn them.

The second group are those “afflicted”, persecuted for the Kingdom’s sake. These are those for whom relief and rest are coming. The word “relief” was actually a word used to describe the bow string, after it fired the arrow. That string was stretched so tight, so much tension, almost to the point of breaking, but then relief came – a slackening and restoring to its resting place. The role will be reversed – the persecutors will be persecuted, and the persecuted will be at rest – no more pain, death, sorrow, tears, fear, anxiety, etc. Peace and rest!!! Bring it Lord! And the greatest part of all – we will enjoy the presence of the Lord in all His glory, and we will be glorified!

Two different groups of people; two different present realities and two very different future realities. A song is running through my mind as I write,

“Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on

And there will be an end to these troubles

But until that day comes

Still I will praise You, still I will praise You”

(You never let go by Matt Redman)

Can you see how the return of Jesus would be a blessed hope, especially for those suffering for their faith and/or enduring a hostile, lawless, God hating world. Friends, hold on! Persevere! Your day of redemption is drawing near (Luke 21:28)! The world will get worse. Following Jesus and His word may soon be a crime but keep looking to the glorious future we have in Christ! God will right the wrongs, bring us relief, judge our enemies, and bring us into our eternal dwelling place. We can be sure of this because God said He would do it! For this... we can praise God….in every situation.

Have a blessed week!

Leave a Comment