Today's Scripture: 1
Thessalonians 5
Paul cleverly uses a subject all natural mothers know all too well about-- birth pains to describe our Lord's return! In fact, I'll bet if you've experienced labor pains in the past, your mind can flash back to that time instantly! He's got our attention in the first few sentences, but thankfully we don't have reason to fear.
He's
right labor pains can come on when we least expect them, and Paul then
goes on to mentions a few more things to ensure he has gained our
attention!
1.) It will be a period of great destruction. Paul is referring to the vast judgments described in the book of Revelation, when the seals are broken, the trumpets sound, and the bowls of God’s judgment are poured out on the earth (Revelation 6-8)
2.) When
God’s judgment is poured out on this earth, no one will escape. The world cannot escape the tribulation period.
Thankfully Paul also goes on to add other things we do know about the Lord's coming so we needn't fear that day!
"But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness” (vv. 4-5).
1.) We are children of the Light! Light and darkness symbolize the two great divisions of the human race—the saved and the lost.
2.) The coming of Christ will clearly reveal those two kinds of people. Sometimes it’s hard to tell if a person is a believer or not, but on that day there will be no doubt, and we who belong to the light won’t be caught by surprise when Jesus returns and sudden destruction comes to the earth.
“So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet” (vv. 6-8).
In verse 6 Paul uses two words to describe how we ought to live while we wait for Christ’s return.
__ First,
we must be alert. The word means “to make a determined effort
to stay awake.”
__Second,
we must be self-controlled. Which means
“serious-minded” or “earnest.” It doesn't mean Christians shouldn't enjoy life,
but we should always be conscience of His return and be prepared.
WHY? Because we know our destiny,
“For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing” (vv. 9-11).
Our destiny is deliverance! If we know Jesus Christ, we have already been
saved from God's wrath—now and in the future.
But there's still work to be done until Christ comes! Paul goes on to list some of the things God's children should be about doing now as we wait, in the rest of this chapter (1Thes 5:12-28)
But what's most important to note today is, are you ready?
Jesus is coming back! Are you ready?
If He should come today, are you set to go?
God’s Word tells us -- there
is no reason for us to be unprepared. Jesus has now
tarried over 2000 years and some may have become complacent, but God's word is
sure: Jesus is coming just as a thief in the night.
Do you remember those days of pregnancy; wondering if you'd ever go into labor, or if your child would ever be born, but they've all arrived, maybe not in our time, but in God's.
We need to be ready! And grateful we have nothing to fear, for we will not face God's wrath or destruction, and let's be about our Father's business until Jesus comes back for us!
Blessings!
sue