“For after all it is only just for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you, 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, dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus” (2 Thessalonians 1:6-8).
When the rebellion is over, there will be two kinds of people, those who received the salvation of Jesus and those who continued their rebellion against the Lord. There are both those who are a god unto themselves and the faithful who know that Jesus is Lord of lords and King of kings. Vengeance belongs to the Lord and He has promised that all things will work for good for those who love the Lord.
Lord, I do become angry and want vengeance. But You teach me to love my neighbor and have a desire that they too come into the salvation You offer us all. Teach me the balance I need to love my neighbor, but not fall into any temptation that may come through my rebellious neighbor. Guide me, Lord, in living the life of faith You give me, learning how to be faithful in this world.
Lord Jesus, You will return to judge the living and the dead. Help me to understand that this judgement belongs to You alone. Help me to discern where I need to discern and to refrain from desiring anything other than the salvation You give me to be given to my neighbor as well. As far as it concerns me, help me to be obedient to the Gospel which You have given me by grace through faith. Amen.
