Payback (Our Payday) :: By Edwin Tan

“Since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Thess 1:6-8).

The Apostle Paul, in writing his epistle to the church in Thessalonica, clearly states that the Lord will exact justice on those who persist in acts of lawlessness. This statement would probably be scoffed at in the present-day context where the law of the jungle appears to be the norm. Even the weary believers in Christ could find not much comfort from the above-said passage when the onslaught against what is held dearly in their hearts becomes barely bearable!

The most recent uptick in lawlessness and the anti-God rage that follows can be a nerve-wrecking thing if not for the restraining power of the Holy Spirit. Matters would be far worse (they will be so during the Tribulation) if not for the covert hand of the Restrainer who shields the Body of Christ with a protective hedge. On this significant point, we who are members of this body are doing quite well – so long as we believe in the power of the Lord that is consistent and never shirking!

The whole problem with many who claim to walk with Christ is their dumbfoundedness in the face of an upsurge in godlessness and demonic activity. These happenings unravel at a pace most unimagined, like an extended version of a scary show! There is no doubt that many of us were never born to face up to this stuff. Yet, we forget that we are endowed and equipped with the resources to withstand even a protracted battle. Herein lies another dirty trick of the enemy, making us feel powerless by frightening us with nothing but a stack of intelligently choreographed lies.

The recent diabolical flaunts across the globe that unnerve many could foreshadow a lot of horrors in the pipeline of perdition. Question is, will we be in the direct line of fire? Will it be a case of being on the run while being tracked and hunted down like fair game? Guillotines!

It is not the Holy Spirit that conjures up those dastardly images that cause many to be weary. It is none other than he who authors and orchestrates chaos. All this will only apply to the people that either have serious doubts about their salvation or those who do not walk in righteousness, even if they claim to know Jesus. But as for us who are confident where our eternal destiny goes because we abide in the Truth, we have nothing to fear.

The evil that is for all eyes to see may be on an uptrend, but for how long? All that wickedness has an expiration date or a cut-off point. So please wise up and take notice of one sure thing – the ways of the Lord remain constant. That is equally so when we mention His Power and Glory. Even in these seemingly testing times, we can call on Him, and He will surely not forsake us.

Every fragment of Holy Writ is pure and true. Nothing will ever be held back as far as the Author and Finisher of our faith is concerned. Though there may be perceived tarrying, the Lord will deliver. The waxing we see at this moment will meet its day of reckoning; this will certainly be sooner than we think. The abominations that currently go about like there is no tomorrow will meet the moment of truth. That is when all acts of iniquity will be accounted for and due penalties given.

That chosen time for the Lord’s retribution on the rebellious ones will coincide with our reward. The unexpected supernatural event will be a joyous moment for the Bride of Christ but a dreadful day for the wicked. The Lord will keep His Word on this one.

“The grass withers, the flower fades, But the Word of our God stands forever” (Isaiah 40:8).

Maranatha

Edwin

Contact me at edwinuk13@gmail.com