Established and protected by the Lord
Reverend Ed Fredrich
Still, the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and protect you from the Evil One. (2 Thessalonians 3:3)
“Established in 1839.” This is the byline of the oldest Lutheran church in the state of Wisconsin. That is almost 10 years before Wisconsin became a state.
In 1843, immigrants from the same area of Germany came to settle in the place where I grew up. Remembering that heritage was an important part of our training as descendants of those who came to America.
In 2 Thessalonians, Paul is requesting the prayers of the Thessalonians on behalf of him and his fellow workers. His goal is “that the word of the Lord may spread quickly and be glorified just as it was among you.” (verse 1)It was important that the Good News of Jesus continued to spread. An eternity was at stake. The Thessalonians were examples of the Gospel’s success. Paul continues in verse 2: “Pray also that we may be rescued from evil and wicked people. For not everyone has faith.”
Not everyone has faith. Paul found that out firsthand. Based on that truth, Paul asserts this blessed truth. “Still, the Lord is faithful!” Paul learned that truth firsthand, too.
Look how he applies it: “He will establish you.” ”Establish” can also be translated as “strengthen.” But “establish” hits the meaning of the Greek word better. There are times in life when we find that we have no strength. The future is dark, and it looks like there is no hope. On our own, that is true. That is why it is important to remember that our faithful God established us. Even when we have no strength, our God is with us. He has established us.
Our faithful Lord also protects us. Protection in a dangerous world is always important. It is dangerous because the devil is always looking for ways to destroy and hurt. Pray to the faithful Lord because his Word defeats evil. The devil can’t stand against it.
How do we know that God is faithful? He has given us faith in Jesus. Rejoice in the victory that he has won!
Prayer: Lord, what a comfort to know that you have established us and that you continue to protect us. Keep us in your Word that we will always trust in you, our faithful Lord. Amen
Devotion used by permission of The Lutheran Home Association
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