The (Not So) Mysterious Man of Lawlessness

“Let no one in any way deceive you, for it (the Day of the Lord) will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship…displaying himself as being God.” 2 Thessalonians 2:3 – 4 (NASB)

While these verses were written almost 2000 years ago during Roman empirical domination, they came to mind last week as I listened to the ongoing threats of deployment of the National Guard by the Department of Defense to the city of Chicago to “make the city safe” despite the statistics and despite the fact that neither the Illinois Governor nor the Chicago Mayor have requested federal assistance–the lawful process for Guard activation.

Though the president and his administration have portrayed themselves as the defenders of law and order, we have watched them circumvent rulings by the courts–and slander and call for the impeachment of judges that rule against their illegal policies and practices. Again and again, this administration has thumbed its nose at attempts to place guardrails on executive power.

Is #47 the mysterious “Man of Lawlessness” of 2 Thessalonians that sets himself up as the Almighty and is the “son of destruction?” Though the identity of the man is shrouded in speculation, lawlessness is definitely #47’s ‘modus operandi.’ He has demonstrated an obsession for self-aggrandizement, and he has acted with absolute authority and demanded total fealty–ie worship. Though he maintains a facade of ‘religion’, his conduct denies its validity. Though he acts to punish his political enemies while he pardons his convicted friends. Though he claims to be a champion of the poor, he greedily amasses wealth at their expense. Though he scapegoats immigrants for spikes in violent crime, he claims victimization for his own felony convictions. Though he promises a return to American greatness, he destroys the foundational democracy upon which the nation is built. It is all deception.

But the writer of 2 Thessalonians says the rise of the man of lawlessness does not happen in a vacuum. He is revealed in the context of a spiritual crisis identified as “the apostasy.” The man of lawlessness is made possible because people of faith have abandoned the truth and renounced the message of kingdom of heaven–the message of Christ. Sadly, Jesus predicted the same shift of allegiance in the “last days.” He said, “Many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. Because lawlessness will multiply, the love of many will grow cold.” (Matthew 24:11-12 – NIV) This rejection of truth and justice feels very contemporary as we watch people of Christian faith not only encourage and embrace the president’s cruel and dehumanizing policies and executive orders, but also defend his lawlessness–all the way back to the infamous “Access Hollywood” interview where he proudly celebrated his lawlessness. Billy Bush was fired. Donald Trump was elected President by evangelical Christians.

Are these the “Last Days?” I’ll let you decide.

Whatever you think, remember: there is hope in the Scripture. The apostasy occurs, the man of lawlessness is revealed, but it ultimately leads to re-creation–not destruction. “The Day of the Lord” will come. The reign of lawlessness will come to an end and justice will flow. Peter encourages his readers to “live into” that promised day even in the middle of the turmoil of lawlessness. He writes, “in keeping with [God’s] promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness [ie justice] dwells. Therefore, loved ones, while you are looking for these things, make every effort to be found in shalom, spotless and blameless before [God]. (2 Peter 3:13-14 – TLV) He also warns them to “Be on your guard so that you are not led astray by the error of the lawless and lose your sure footing.” (2 Peter 3:17 – TLV)

Be faithful and watchful. God’s new day WILL come.