Wednesday, November 9, 2016
2 Thessalonians 1:6 God is just: He will ... give relief to you who are troubled.
SWEET RELIEF
A significant word in the verse above is RELIEF. We are well acquainted with what it means. When we're suffering from the flu we take medications that will help to soothe the symptoms. When we suffer from joint sprains or muscle strains we apply ointments designed to alleviate the discomfort.
The Bible teaches that when the Savior returns on Judgment Day He will bring us permanent relief from all that now pains us. Not only will He transform our bodies so that they are conformed to His and no longer subject to discomfort of any kind (see Philemon 3:21), He will also grant us relief from the sufferings that come our way in this present age on account of our faith-connection to Him, the troubles that the unbelieving world inflicts on us. When the Day of the Lord arrives He is going to turn the tables, so to speak. He will heap untold trouble on His enemies and bring sweet relief to His saints. "The times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began" (Acts 3:21).
Then rest and peace in endless measure
Shall be ours through eternity;
No grief, no care, shall mar our pleasure,
And untold bliss our lot shall be.
Oh, had we wings to hasten yonder--
No more o'er earthly ills to ponder--
To join the glad, triumphant band!
Make haste, my soul, forget all sadness;
For peace awaits thee, joy and gladness,--
The perfect rest is nigh at hand.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 615:4)
