They were born again amid persecution, and they lived amid persecution. They received, by faith, the good news from men who were constantly harassed and afflicted, and they followed Jesus, by faith, being harassed and afflicted themselves. Being saved, for these Thessalonian believers, was to suffer.

So, when Paul writes to them and tells them that God’s righteous judgment would repay their oppressors and provide relief from their suffering, that had to be good news. Right? But it’s the timing of God’s justice that I’m chewing on this morning.

It is clear evidence of God’s righteous judgment that you will be counted worthy of God’s kingdom, for which you also are suffering, since it is just for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you and to give relief to you who are afflicted, along with us.

(2Thessalonians 1:5-7a CSB)

You will be counted worthy. Vindication. Check! It is just for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you. Compensation. Check. Relief to you. Alleviation. Check. All good news. So, when?

This will take place at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with His powerful angels.

(2Thessalonians 1:7b CSB)

When? At the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven!

Really? If we’re honest, aren’t we wanting something a bit sooner?

While some who suffer for the kingdom might see justice in their lifetime, seems to me that Paul’s saying we shouldn’t expect it. It’s gonna get better, says Paul, for sure! But that guarantee will only be certainly and fully known when Jesus comes again — “on that day when He comes to be glorified by His saints and to be marveled at by all those who have believed” (2Thess. 1:10). That’s the timing.

Good timing? It’s gotta be, it’s the timing of a good God. At just the right time, justice will prevail, wrongs will be set right, and suffering will cease. All when Jesus returns.

But what about until then?

In the meantime, sanctification occurs. The nature of Christ formed in us as we bear the cross of Christ. The people of God purified in the crucible. The bride made beautiful amidst the injustice of wrongs declared to be right and suffering which seems to simmer season after season. Faith flourishing in the church as together the church endures affliction (1Thess. 1:3-4).

The revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven. That’s the timing for an upside-down world to be set right-side-up.

Until then, His grace is sufficient. His presence is made known through His Spirit. His power is made manifest through our weakness.

Good news!

His perfect timing!

By His grace, for His glory.

Even so, come, Lord Jesus!