Finding the Undecided

Scripture: And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12

Observation: Paul discusses the second coming of Jesus and the timing of it, indicating that there is this uprising of sin, lead by a man of lawlessness, that must first come. While there are many, many questions when this will be, whom this person is, and even some of the literalness of this section, there is this added condition here provided by Paul.

People will be deluded and believe the lies ... the lies that indicate there is goodness and pleasure in unrighteousness ... for this reason: So that they may clearly identify themselves as standing opposed to the truth and love of Jesus, and thus may be rightly condemned. When Jesus comes in judgment, the weight and outcome of that judgment will be determined by the clear and obvious decisions of all.

Application: Today, there are more and more people who are outright opposed to Jesus, and this is by God's design. These people are firmly and adamantly believing the lies, and therefore are establishing their fate. This is their right of free will granted by God himself.

However, there are still so very many people who are undecided. There are many, many people in our own neighborhoods who simply are not engaged in even making a decision. For these people, it isn't that they have chosen against Jesus, they have simply not chosen anything. They have disengaged from the conversation. They may believe the lies of Satan because that's the only message they have heard, or they may believe nothing at all.

Whatever the case, these are the neighbors we must reach with the message of Jesus. Not all will receive it, but neither can they receive it without hearing it. We must tell them of Jesus' love, and of the free gift of salvation through faith. If they receive that truth, there will be celebration in heaven! If they instead choose the lie ... there will be weeping, but we will be closer to the coming of Jesus.

Prayer: Lord, we are preparing to delivery your message to thousands. I ask already that you begin preparing them for receiving our message and hearing about Jesus this Christmas season. May we bring a strong message of love and hope, and an opportunity for any and all to engage in a deeper understanding. Help us all to be strong in service to you in these months to come. Amen.