2 Thessalonians 2:1-5

“As to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we beg you, brothers and sisters, not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed…to the effect that the day of the Lord is already here.” vss. 1-2

When Paul first wrote to the Thessalonians he was confident that the Lord would return quickly, and that all believers would be gathered to him. Because this was a common teaching in the early congregations, believers began to actively prepare themselves for that Day. And when the return seemed to be delayed many became concerned. It seems that everyone had an opinion, and many folks had become shaken or alarmed. (If they had been around, even the late night talk show hosts would have been talking about it and doing their best to stir up controversy.) Because a sizable contingent was saying that the Day of the Lord had already arrived, Paul had to write another letter to curb the enthusiasm. He tells them that a few things had to happen first, and since the Lawless One had not yet arrived, it would be a while before Jesus returned. It’s interesting how such speculation has hung on in the Church. Even though 2000 years have passed the subject of the Second Coming still sparks controversy, and even now some people are looking for the Lawless One. While it’s tempting to join the fray, it’s probably best for believers to focus on being the presence of the living Christ and not worry about the future.

Thought for the Day: What is the Second Coming?