Today you should read: 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17
Do you remember the last time you were on a boat? Maybe it was in the middle of a lake, or maybe it was on the ocean. What did it feel like when the wind picked up and the waves crashed against the side of the ship? Did you feel the boat rock back and forth? Remember trying to keep your balance and how difficult it was to stand and keep from falling over when you first walked on board?
Throughout our lives, there are various times when it seems like the ground could collapse underneath our feet. Maybe it’s the passing of a loved one, or the challenge of dealing with a difficult boss, or even a crisis of faith. No matter what comes against us, when the wind howls and the waves rock to and fro, we have a Hope that we can stand secure in, and His name is Jesus.
In today’s passage, Paul is reminding the new believers in Thessalonica of the very same thing. Paul reminds them of the salvation to which they were called and what that salvation affords them – “so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Now, in light of their salvation, in v.15, Paul challenges them then to “stand firm” and to remember the things that they were taught by Paul and the others — to remember the gospel.
In the greek, the word to “stand firm” has a weight of endurance and perseverance, to persevere in godliness and righteousness. The same word is used elsewhere in scripture in similar challenges:
“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” – 1 Corinthians 16:13
“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” – Galatians 5:1
Paul’s challenge to the Thessalonians and others is to stand firm in the midst of persecution and trials. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, we have obtained a hope that is unshakable, a firm foundation. But Paul’s challenge isn’t only to remember Jesus’ death and resurrection. It is for us to take the actions necessary to stand firm in our salvation, to set our feet on firm ground that does not shake when the waves crash against it, to abide in Christ, to fight to maintain our gaze on the one who is our hope, our sure remedy.
How will you stand firm today? How will you continue to stand firm this week? This month? This year?
Take a minute to listen to David Crowder’s “Remedy” and praise God for the hope we have in Him; that because of His death and resurrection, we can stand firm.
Posted: Wes Brooks, West Campus Worship Intern
JumpstartCPC.com 