Thought for Thursday
For the mystery of iniquity doth already work, only He who now letteth will let, until He be taken out of the way. 2 Thessalonians 2:7
Our daughter had bought some pasta that was marked down because it was getting old. Not long ago, she had to throw the bargain pasta into the garbage, because it had worms in it. The worms were not apparent when she bought the packages, but emerged only after a couple more months in the cupboard. The creatures were there all the time, in egg form; they simply emerged when conditions became right for their development. Satan’s unbridled influence over this world is the same… he is being held in check by the Holy Spirit, but when the Holy Spirit is no longer dwelling in believers on the earth, Satan’s romp of power-thirsty evil will be unbelievably horrible.
What is holding Satan and his man of sin from the full force of their evil power? Our text speaks of One who letteth, or in more modern words, One who hinders Satan. Despite all of the carnage and destruction that Satan vents on this earth, he is being held at least partially at bay. The upsurge of immorality and corrupt laws in our society would be much worse than it is were it not for the hindering influence of the Holy Spirit.
Let us not forget that the Holy Spirit’s influence on this earth relies much on us. He indwells us and strives for us to be an influence for good and God while we are here. He works in individuals and Assemblies to help us maintain a testimony for our Lord. If we allow Him to work through us, we make a difference. We are part of the great hand of restraint that is upon the evil one.
Let us not be like Jonah who told the mariners about God, the God he was running away from. We ought to move in the direction God would have us move, and we should run, for the time is short.
Give thanks for the Spirit’s hindering hand today. Also give thanks that when He is taken out of the way, we will be at home with our Saviour. And Satan’s woes won’t touch us. – Jim MacIntosh