2 Thessalonians 2:13-17

“So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by our letter.” vs. 15

This second letter to the Thessalonians was Paul’s attempt to call them back to the traditions that he had taught them during his visit a few years before. Evidently controversy about the Second Coming had resulted in confusion, and misunderstandings about the Last Times were rampant. Paul had massive confidence in the truth of what he had taught and urged his readers to trust his words above what others were saying. We don’t know whether the people paid any attention to him or not, but we do know that the shelves of bookstores in our time continue to be filled with competing visions of the future. And as information sources keep on expanding the confusion felt by the Thessalonians has not dissipated. So where do we make our stand about what we shall believe? Will we continue to follow Paul, or is there some contemporary teacher or preacher who has become for us a trusted source of truth? Some say we should just follow Jesus and abandon any attempt to gain certainty about future events! That’s not bad advice. We can trust in the certainty of a new life to come without having to know any of the details, and for most folks that’s enough! Praise God!

Thought for the Day: What future scenario makes most sense to me?