Second Coming of Christ

Do Not Be Quickly Shaken

We ask you, brothers, not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed… 2 Thessalonians 2:2
 
2020 ANXIETIES
Anytime people experience wars, recessions, famines, shifts in governmental power or natural disasters there are invariably anxieties about the end times. The current pandemic is no different. I want to remind you of two things the Lord announces in his Scripture related to these kinds of tribulations:
 
DO NOT BE SURPRISED
First, the Lord announces that his people will experience tribulations and persecutions in this world. Such will increase leading up to the second coming of Christ (Read Mt. 24; Mk. 13; Lk. 21; 1 Thes. 4-5; 2 Thes. 2; and Revelation). Christ return may be soon or it may be far away – only the Father knows. We pray it will be soon, yet we wait in faithful, enduring anticipation. This we know:  Jesus is coming back and there will be tribulations. No Bible-believing, Jesus follower should be surprised at this.

DO NOT BE QUICKLY SHAKEN
Second, when Lord announces these tribulations he also provides comforting instruction about the sovereignty of God, the sure victory of Jesus Christ, and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. Consider these “quick takes” of comfort from the very passages that announce coming tribulations and persecutions:
 

  • Don’t be lead astray (Mt. 24:4)

  • Stay awake (Mt. 24:42)

  • Be ready (Mt. 24:44)  

  • Do not be alarmed (Mk. 13:7)

  • Do not be anxious (Mk. 13:11)

  • Do not be terrified (Lk 21:9)

  • Watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down (Lk 21:34)

  • Encourage one another and build one another up (1 Thes. 5:11)

  • Do not be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed (2 Thes. 2:2)

  • Let no one deceive you in any way (2 Thes. 2:3)

  • Stand firm (2 Thes. 2:15)

  • To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God (Rev 2:7)

  • Here is the call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus (Rev. 14:12)

  • The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son (Rev 21:7)


Brothers and sisters, do not allow all that is happening in 2020 cause your heart to fear. Do not be anxious about tomorrow. Be wise about what you feed your mind and feel in your heart.  Don’t be lead astray. Feast on the Lord. Study his Word and talk to him in prayer.  Continue to delight in the One who gave us this very promise: “Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Mt. 28:20).
 
For His Glory,
Pastor Thomas