Obadiah 1, 2 Thessalonians 2

Obadiah 1

"The day of the LORD is near for all nations. 
As you have done, it will be done to you; your deeds will return upon your own head.”

What a reminder of God’s justice. We get what we deserve. Sooner or later, it will happen. Good or bad. I’m also reminded of God’s sovereignty. He knows us so intimately. He knows our weakness and our flesh. But he also knows how hard we are TRYING. And it actually counts! It’s like when I take my boys fishing. I want them so badly to be able to put the bait on the hook, cast out the line, not get hung up, catch a fish, and enjoy the process. They try hard. But can’t do it without getting their lure hung in the tree behind them. I want it for them soooo bad. I want them to experience that success, the thrill of catching the big one! I’d rather them catch a 10 lb bass than me catch one (I think).

God, as we pick out our fishing poles and buy our bait, as we choose what lake to go to and, throw out our lines, may we ALWAYS do our absolute best with what we know what to do. We confess our ignorance and our inability. God, if we hit the ball off the tee and start running to third base instead of first base, if we feel that you are telling us to run that way, may we run with everything we have. May we run straight out into left field. But God, as we run, shape us. Move us… move the field if you have to, but set us on a straight path. In our abandonment, may you see our hearts and our desire to please you as our heavenly father. Don’t let us screw this up God. We love you. You know our hearts, keep them pure. May we try with all YOUR might!

2 Thessalonians 2

“But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.”

Paul reminds us that all this is happening in their lives and church so that they might share in the GLORY of Jesus. God will be glorified. This we can be sure of. The question is, how hard will we CONTEND for His Glory in our lives and in our efforts? Will we have the honor and privilege of seeing him be glorified through and in all that we do? May we fight with everything we have for the glory of God to be revealed!