for the future kingdom

2 Thessalonians 1:5-7 (JDV)

2 Thessalonians 1:5 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,
2 Thessalonians 1:6 since it is just for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you
2 Thessalonians 1:7 and to give relief to you who are afflicted, along with us. This will take place at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with his powerful angels,

for the future kingdom

There’s a verse to that spiritual “Farther Along” that reflects this truth.

“When we see Jesus coming in glory
When he comes down from his home in the sky
Then we shall meet him in that bright mansion
We’ll understand it all by and by.”

At the revelation of the Lord Jesus, those who have lived without him — and afflicted those who trusted him — will be repaid. The God of grace who rescues us is also the God of justice who will punish them with permanent destruction (1:9).

We should not be surprised, then, when we suffer, because our present suffering is for the future kingdom (5).

Lord, give us courage to suffer without losing faith, knowing that our present suffering is for your future kingdom.