5 All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. 6 God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you 7 and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. 8 He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9 They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might 10 on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. This includes you, because you believed our testimony to you.”
For victims of abuse, persecution, and even death, remember God is just and will punish evil. All that is wrong will be made right. God will judge those who trouble the church and reward those who are faithful.
The Bible says that anyone who will follow Him will suffer. (2 Tim.3:2) That is holding true with this young church and Paul is excited because this also proves God did not leave them to their own resources. He provided strength to endure, and this in turn produced spiritual and moral character. He wants this new group of believers to know there will be tough times, but it will be worth it. He knows because he is suffering too. Because of their persecution they are counted worthy of the Kingdom of God. We need reminders when things are tough that God avenges our mistreatment.
It is hard to see criminals get off free. It is hard to watch Putin kill so many innocent people. It is not fair to see Christian villages burned to the ground in Nigeria with worshippers still in their churches. It is hard to see people feel and act as if they are above the law. We hear many times when child abusers, rapists, burglars, and even killers are freed to continue their crimes because the prosecution does not have enough evidence to convict them or because of some legal technicality. It is an encouragement to the victims to know that God will see that justice is done. That is why I believe Paul stresses the punishment by God to the ungodly. That is why it also serves as a warning to the unsaved that there is everlasting destruction which is divine punishment. They will be forever shut out from the presence of God.
God will punish not only those who are causing problems for the believers, but also those who do not know God and those refusing to obey the Gospel when they are told the Good News. People who reject Jesus are rejecting God and therefore will be rejected by God. The Gospel is the Good News that Jesus died for our sins, He was buried and arose victorious over death. This judgment happens when Jesus comes back to earth. Jesus is unveiled at His return in a blazing fire and with His powerful angels, who will separate the wheat from the tares. There will no longer be a chance for repentance.
Application: At His return there is also a time for rewarding those who do know God and who do obey the gospel of Jesus Christ. Do not miss out on the joy that Jesus has by in being in His presence forever. Do not miss out on His offer of grace. If you haven’t before, pray today. Trust in the Savior. Invite Him into your life. Turn from your sin and seek to follow Him as your Lord. You will be saved and forgiven of all. What a day that will be when we see Jesus.
Prayer: Lord, come onto my life and free me for my sin. I look to you as my Lord and Savior.
