Would you not clearly see the signs and be prepared for this to happen to your house tonight? I would be! After all, being caught unaware by a thief in the night is bad, right?
Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. (1 Thessalonians 5:1-3)
This is what the Apostle Paul is saying here about the Day of the Lord. When Jesus comes again, He will come like a ‘thief in the night’. But Jesus isn’t bad, so what is really being said here? It becomes more clear when we read the next few verses from Paul:
But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. (1 Thessalonians 5:4-6)
You see, those of us who are children of God should not be surprised by Jesus' return. After all, it’s clearly spoken of in the scriptures, and the signs of His coming are all around us. What Paul is saying is, those who are not paying attention to the signs, and those who are not believers in the Word of God – those are the people who will be surprised by His coming.
When we read the Word, and pay attention to the signs in the world around us, we will be ready for the coming of the Lord. Do you remember the parable Jesus told of the bridesmaids – five of which were ready when the groom arrived, and another five who were not? What happened to those who were not prepared?
“Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’
“But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’
“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour." (Matthew 25:11-13)
It is clear that we are to be readers of the Word, and watchers of the world. Be prepared for His coming!
Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you. (Revelation 3:3)
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