2 Thessalonians 2 - 3.12.24
SCRIPTURE: 2 Thessalonians 2:13 – 14
“ But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
OBSERVATION: Paul begins this chapter by spelling out some key points to the second coming of Jesus from verse 1 – 12. Then in verse 13 he begins with some encouraging words on how to stand firm through it all. He begins with giving praise to God because we are loved by the Lord, and He chose us as firstfruits. How wonderful to know we are considered so special as the firstfruits. In gardening, the first fruits are very significant. When you’ve spent so much time and effort in preparation for the fruit, watering, pulling weeds (don’t get me going about the weeds!), then the blooms appear in Spring and your heart is so happy. Once the fruit matures, there are so many emotions that go into seeing it ready and ripe. There’s a sense of such excitement and viewing that first fruit as so very special. As believers, we are set apart and chosen first by the Lord. That’s how God looks at us! In Ephesians 1:4 it says “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.”
Paul continues in the second half of verse 13 with “to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth.” The Holy Spirit continues to work on us and helps to sanctify us. The sanctification process is something internally – not necessarily externally – that comes from first believing the salvation message in faith and then the Holy Spirit begins the sanctification process to transform us. Some of the sanctification from the Holy Spirit comes from the gentle prodding, guiding us down life’s path, and leading us in a closer walk with Jesus. I am so thankful that the Lord continues to work in me, through faith, to consistently mold (sanctified) me to be more like Christ. Through this process, we can all stand firm and be encouraged through anything – even the end times!
Paul concludes this section to say “that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” He brings it full circle: we were called firstfruits, chosen, have salvation through faith, the Holy Spirit sanctifying us, all with the end result of reaping the “glory” at his Second Coming. We get to share in all the glory of His Return, and ultimately in Heaven. Cue “Oh Happy Day”!!
APPLICATION: When I think about how God chose me, my mind explodes with love and gratitude for His saving grace. It’s hard to reconcile His perfect love with my imperfect life. I am so unworthy yet He chose me and you as firstfruits. Thinking about the depth of His love instantly brings me joy! His love is so overwhelming! Seeing His great love for me only increases my desire to bow down at his feet and follow Him.
PRAYER: Thank you, Lord, for choosing me as your firstfruit – so special and called apart from other fruits. My heart is overflowing with love for you! Thank you for your Holy Spirit that continues to sanctify me, day by day, from the inside out to become more like Jesus. Help me Lord to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s moving in my life - whether it be in words or actions. Search my heart and lead me in your path. Praise you, Lord, for everythig! And like a crescendo with cymbals, my heart is overflowing as I look forward to share in the “glory of our Lord Jesus.” In Jesus Name - Amen!
- Mary Oberg
