The cause of marveling - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my mind and heart in 2 Thessalonians 1:8-10,

"He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might 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."

Paul speaks of a time when the Lord will right all wrongs. The fellowship in Thessalonica was suffering for their participation in the kingdom of God and Paul wanted them to know that their perseverance and faith would not go unnoticed and that judgment would be coming for those who caused their suffering. Possibly a good message for today for believers in other parts of the world and possibly our part in the not-to-distant future.

In his encouragement to them, Paul mentions that the timing for their vindication will take place when the Lord returns. Of that day, Paul says that Jesus Christ will come "to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed." He encourages them with the words, "This includes you, because you believed our testimony to you."

We also are included in this number, all who have believed the gospel message, "our testimony" Paul speaks of. We will be among those who will glory in the might of Jesus Christ when he comes. We will be of those among whom the Lord will be glorified, we will be among those who will marvel at the Lord.

What is it exactly that we will "marvel" about? Merriam-Webster defines "marvel" as "one that causes wonder or astonishment... intense surprise or interest." What is it that will cause this reaction among us? Will it be due to the vindication of our faith, belief and trust in him? As we marvel at the Lord, is it because of his pristine nature, or his tremendous love for us? His mercy and his kindness expressed toward us? Will it be due to the power he exerts in his return to earth with his "mighty angels, in blazing fire? Will it be due to the ferocity of his judgment he visits upon of his enemies? Will it be all these things?

What do you think will be the cause of your marveling at the Lord when he comes? Will it be the eternal life he brings for believers? Will it be the nature of the new age he ushers in? The order of things we find within this new age, this new kingdom on earth? Will it be that we finally will come face to face with our Creator with a new sense of purpose and fulfillment in life? What will bring about your marveling at him?

I am certain all believers will marvel at him. I suspect we have many things in hand today, that we need not wait until that day to marvel at our wonderful Savior! What might cause you to marvel at the Lord today?

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

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Trevor Fisk

trevor.fisk@gmail.com