1 Thessalonians 5: 1-11
Now, brothers, 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 upon them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like the 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. 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.
A Thought
Paul has just revealed that the Lord will come down from heaven with a loud command and all who have died in Christ will rise first and those who are alive will be caught up together with them in the clouds, Now Paul is describing what it will be like at the day of the Lord. Paul states that there is no need for us to know the time or the date; perhaps, because the Church has already been removed to meet Christ in the clouds. As sons and daughters, we only need to be alert and self-controlled living in the light of day, to put on faith and love as a breast plate, and put on the helmet of salvation. These will give us deliverance from the wrath of God on the day of the Lord. Let us build up and encourage each other to be ready.
Our Prayer
Yes, Father thank you for our deliverance in Jesus the Christ from the darkness of this life. Help us to grow in your love and faith as we learn to control ourselves in honor of your word. Lead us by your Spirit to help others to be awaken to your love and forgiveness to avoid the coming destruction. Help us to receive courage and to be ready when Christ returns for us to live together with him. We ask in Jesus’ name, amen.
