Thursday 13th March
Read 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3
“Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, ‘Peace and safety’, destruction will come on them suddenly, as labour pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.” (NIVUK)
It is reassuring to read in one of the earliest letters, written before the gospels were even penned, statements that echo the words of Jesus. The apostles remembered Jesus’ words and they formed part of the good news from the very beginning. Those who think that the earliest Christians had some idea that Jesus would return in their lifetime fail to reckon with his clear words. Jesus said that no one knew. Paul confirms that was the message the apostles taught to all new believers, everywhere.
The only difference between Christians and pagans with respect to the Lord’s return is that Christians know He is coming and can prepare themselves. Jesus draws precisely that conclusion also. “Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. 43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (Matthew 24:42-44) (NIVUK)
What do you think that preparation looks like?
