Wednesday 1st October
Read 2 Thessalonians 1:5
“All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering.” (NIVUK)
How do you reconcile the thriving of the wicked and the persecution of the righteous? Biblical writers wrestled with this for nearly a thousand years – and the Thessalonian believers are wrestling with it now. Perhaps it troubles you also?
When Paul considers their faithfulness amidst suffering, he does not see defeat. He does not see any failure on their part to claim the victory that is rightfully theirs. He sees proof that God’s judgment is right. He is comforted. Their suffering is evidence that they will be counted worthy, for God is making them worthy, and this is at the heart of their prayers (v11).
They turned from idols towards God. The price they were willing to pay was hatred and persecution at the hands of those they once considered friends. They are going through the divine fire and are coming out refined. They are being counted worthy. This is and was the teaching the teaching of the early church. Peter praises God for the privilege of being counted worthy.
“In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith – of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire – may result in praise, glory and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed.” (1 Peter 1:6-7) (NIVUK)
