I try not to devote a lot of time in these devotions to controversial topics or issues on which we disagree. But as I read 2 Thessalonians 2 today, I was reminded of something that is generally misunderstood. Those of you who read this who might be amillennial, postmillennial, or of some other view - I'll pray for you! (Sorry, I couldn't help myself!) But there is a principle that is universally true here, I believe, even if you don't share the end-times view that I hold.
2 Thessalonians 2 describes the rise and reign of the Antichrist, the one who comes to stand against the work of Christ and lead the world against him. There is a perception about the Antichrist which is seen in some of the fiction that has been produced attempting to depict the events of the tribulation. The Antichrist schemes his way to power and brutally represses and oppresses the people of the earth. By crushing people into submission, he unites the world under his evil rule.
That is not the idea that is given in this passage. Look at verses 9-12.
The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, 10 and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. 11 Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, 12 in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
This last great work of Satan is in accord with all the works of Satan. He did not force Adam and Eve into sin. He lied to them and they willingly embraced the deception. They believed the lie and took pleasure in unrighteousness. Thus it was and thus it always has been. Yes, at times Satan possesses sinners in extreme circumstances, but it is not his normal strategy. He lies. When men are deceived they willingly and enthusiastically embrace the unrighteous wickedness that will be their destruction. Human beings always celebrate the sin the that brings them low.
The Antichrist will not conquer the world, he will be carried to the throne on the shoulders of those he will one day crush. The world will believe the lie because it wants to, because it rejoices in the victory of wickedness. Mankind refuses to love truth and instead takes pleasure in unrighteousness. Yes, one day the Antichrist will pull back the cloak and reveal himself for the man of evil he is. Men will regret their choices when it is too late. But he will rise to power celebrated by sinners who hail him as the hope of the world.
Satan lies and deceives and the sinful world cheers those lies. That is why the truth is so important. The greatest thing we can do in this dark and darkening world is to shine the light of Jesus Christ. The prescription for the lie is the truth. Jesus is truth. God's truth. And he blows the lies of Satan out of the water.
We look at this wicked world and see the encroachment of evil. It bothers us, stresses us, even causes us to quake and fear. But it need not. The lie cannot stand in the presence of the truth. Darkness flees when the light shines. And in his coming, Jesus will bring low all the works of the Antichrist and the forces of darkness with him. Jesus will reign supreme.
And so, Paul tells the Thessalonians (and us), in verse 15, to stand firm. Isn't that interesting. That's what he always says in passages about the future. Not panic, or develop a morbid interest, or set dates, or develop charts. Stand firm. Just keep serving Jesus, proclaiming the truth, and shining the light until the trumpet sounds and the dead in Christ rise first!
Father, thank you that the light of Christ dispels all the enemy's lies. Help me to walk in your truth every day.
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