Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the three-year lectionary.
We all want to be considered worthy. Whether we actually are or not, we would like to be in the fast lane, the winner’s circle, the special club. In 2 Thessalonians 1:5-7 we read that God’s righteous judgment intervenes so that not only are we counted worthy of God’s kingdom, but we also are guarded by God. He afflicts those who afflict us, while we are given relief in the time of Jesus’ coming. God has counted those who believe on him as worthy in His kingdom.
How did we get there, into the place of God’s favor? After all, we can see not everyone receives this blessed position. Some receive affliction. What made the difference?
The Bible describes God as measured and reasonable. However, God does insist on His will being done. Outside of the gracious gospel of Christ dying for sinners we would have no hope. We would be condemned out of hand. But by faith in Jesus, we are given all his righteousness and forgiveness. We who take God at His Word are proclaimed to be the chosen ones. This is God’s righteous judgment (v. 5). He has decreed that the just live by faith and that those trusting Jesus are worthy of honor. For this reason since we so often fall short of God’s standards, in verse 11 the apostle prays the Thessalonians will become worthy of the honor God has given them. We likewise pray the Lord would help us live the life of holiness consistent with what he has already given us.
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