October 18

2 Thessalonians 1
Where can I see the glory of Christ? I can see it in the people whom He changes! Did you know that there is greater persecution in the world today against Christians than there has ever been in church history? We are to a degree safe here in the USA. But world wide there are places where our brothers and sisters are enduring great atrocities because they love Jesus. Jesus places it in their hearts to love their enemies and to walk worthy of the kingdom in spite of the atrocities performed against them. Now that is glory! It is one thing to stand yourself against those who hate you. However, it is a totally different thing to be able to give others the ability to love their enemies. Yet Jesus does this on a daily basis in our world today! He did it in the Thessalonians and He does it today.
There is another aspect of His glory. He will one day return and bring an overwhelming end to those who hate him and persecute those who love Him. When He does, He will punish them with everlasting destruction from His presence and from the glory of His power. In that day we will give Him great glory. I cannot even imagine the horror of being eternally shut off from His presence or from the glory of His power. Yet He will be just in doing just that. They will deserve all that comes upon them.
Where can I see the glory of Christ? I can see it in the people whom He changes! I will see it in the people whom He judges! Indeed we serve a glorious King! Speak His glory to someone today!
--Pastor John