2 Thessalonians 2:8 - THE OPPOSITE OF HALLITOSIS

The Opposite of Halitosis

“His breath could knock you down,”

is said with pinched nose and a frown

when someone’s breath is truly found disgusting.

But the breath that will totally consume

and send the Antichrist to his doom

is the sweet breath of the Savior we’re trusting.

“And then the lawless one will be revealed,

whom the lord Jesus will overthrow 

with the breath of his mouth

and destroy by the splendor of his coming.”

II Thessalonians 2:8 (NIV)

analiskō³⁵⁵ – prop. to use up, i.e. destroy: - consume.

pnĕuma⁴¹⁵¹ – a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by anal. or fig. a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul, (by impl.) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ’s spirit, the Holy Spirit: - ghost, life, spirit (-ual, -ually), mind.

katargĕō²⁶⁷⁶ – to be (render) entirely idle (useless), lit. or fig.: - abolish, cease, cumber, deliver, destroy, do away, become (make) of no (none, without) effect, fail, loose, bring (come) to nought, put away (down), vanish away, make void.

ĕpiphanĕia²⁰¹⁵ – a manifestation, i.e. (spec.) the advent of Christ (past or fut.): - appearing, brightness.

            “If looks could kill...” is another trite expression. But when Christ returns at the end of the tribulation, the brightness of his appearance and the breath of his mouth will totally annihilate the Antichrist. Ultimate Light will overcome all darkness.

            Christians debate over whether we will be taken to heaven before the tribulation, midway through it, or at the end of it.  It’s interesting to study, and I have my own opinion based on the scriptures. However, the most important concept to grasp is that when it is all said and done, Jesus wins. If we are his children, we are in the winning army; and we have the advantage of already knowing the outcome.

            Our Lord is powerful. We can trust him in every trial, great or small. We can tap into his might through prayer, and we need never fear. Life here and now is just the beginning, not the end of our journey.  The present is difficult, often painful, sometimes discouraging. But take heart! This is a mere moment in time compared to eternity with our Lord Jesus.

            Lord, help me to live in the present with my hope resting solidly in the amazing future you have planned for me.  Thank you for being with me through all the problems here on earth, my “ever-present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1b NIV)