And now you know what is holding him back, so that he may be revealed at the proper time.
(2 Thess. 2:6)
The loveliest sign of spring is the budding of tulips. After many failed attempts, I learned something important. There is a right time for planting tulips. If you plant too early, disease or fungus can set in. If you plant too late, they may not have time to establish strong roots to grow in the spring.
In this passage, Paul illustrated the man of sin’s progression of evil. He will oppose God, promote himself over all that is called God, elevate himself over all that is worshiped, and then set up in God’s temple. His final act of rebellion is to proclaim himself God and demand the worship of the world. He will move into this position by pretext of his true intentions. All his efforts will be fueled by the great enemy, Satan. The full vent of his wickedness is being held back until the proper time—God’s appointed time. This uprising of satanic power sets in motion the coming day of the Lord, the gathering, but not until the ordained time.
Aren’t you glad God in his sovereignty is in control of how and when evil will be revealed? Theologians differ about what is holding back the man of sin. Whether it’s the Holy Spirit or the church, one thing we know is that the Antichrist will not be revealed until God allows it.
Thank God for his sovereign reign over every circumstance in life.
Ladrienne Cage McFarland enjoys spending time with family, listening to music, VBS, crafting, and studying God’s Word.
© 2019 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.
