The Lighthouse Devotional
Author: Elizabeth Scott
SCRIPTURE PASSAGE
“But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one” (2 Thess 3:3 NIV).
PERSONAL REFLECTION
As a person with multiple sclerosis, I have mobility challenges and have fallen many times over the years. However, I can testify that God has protected me through it all, and I have no broken bones. I last fell about one month ago, and my ability to walk has been seriously challenged. However, I know God continues to protect me, and I am confident about what His healing hand can accomplish.
SCRIPTURE REFLECTION
In the broader passage surrounding today’s Scripture verse, Paul asks the Thessalonians to pray for God to rescue him and his colleagues from wicked people as they carry out their mission of spreading the gospel (3:1–2; cf. Rom 15:30–32; Eph 6:19–20). Furthermore, he assures them of God’s power: (i) to make them strong in the faith and protect them from “the evil one”; (ii) to help them to obey God’s commands; and (iii) to experience God’s love and endure sufferings as Christ did.
God protects His people from “the evil one.” For example, He protected David from Saul, who yielded to Satan’s persuasion and plotted to kill David because of jealousy (1 Sam 18:10–19). However, God’s greatest protection of His people from “the evil one” is His gift of grace, Jesus Christ, to humanity who died spiritually because of sin (Gen 2:17; 3:1–19). As a result, Jesus’ atoning death on the Cross makes it possible for us to be in right relationship with God (Rom 3:23–24; Eph 2:1–9).
Moreover, Jesus shows us how to deal with “the evil one.” He hides his Father’s words in his heart and uses them correctly to ward off the devil’s advances (Matt 4:1–11; Luke 4:1–13). We, too, must do the same if we are to endure like Christ, putting on God’s full armor, including the sword of the Spirit, so we can stand against the devil’s schemes (Eph 6:10–17).
EXHORTATION
Let us, therefore, clothe ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ (Rom 14:14; Gal 3:27; Eph 4:24; Col 3:10, 12), knowing that “we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Eph 2:10).
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, Your love for us is unfathomable. We thank You for Your grace that sustains us through life’s changing scenes. Forgive us for not trusting You and obeying Your commands fully. Guard and protect us as we follow the Way of Jesus Christ. We ask these things in Jesus’ name. Amen.