“They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might, when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed…” (2 Thessalonians 1:9–10 ESV).
Paul wrote to the weary Thessalonian believers who were suffering persecution for their faith in Christ and wondering when relief would come. Paul assured them that God saw their suffering and would one day make things right. He reminded them of a coming Day when Jesus will return in glory—His visible Second Coming after the Tribulation—to bring both justice and joy: justice for those who have rejected Him and joy for those who belong to Him. The phrase “eternal destruction” does not mean annihilation but everlasting punishment and separation from God’s presence. In contrast, believers will share in the glory of Christ, marveling at His majesty and mercy. Paul’s intent was to strengthen the hope of the faithful and to remind them that the final victory belongs to Jesus.
We, too, live in a world that often opposes the gospel. Like the Thessalonians, we may wonder why evil seems to prosper. Yet God’s Word assures us that the Day is coming when Christ will return to set all things right. For the believer, that Day means glory and rest. For those who reject Christ, it means judgment and separation. This sobering reality should move us—not to pride or harshness—but to compassionate urgency. We have the good news that rescues people from eternal separation and brings them into eternal fellowship with the Lord. Until that Day, may we live courageously, persevere faithfully, and share the gospel lovingly with everyone we can.
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for the promise that Jesus will return to make all things right. Give us comfort in suffering and boldness in witness. Help us to remember both Your justice and Your mercy, and to share the good news of salvation with those who do not yet know You. May we live with joy and urgency, awaiting the Day when Christ is glorified in His saints. In Jesus’ name, amen.