Yesterday we spoke on the parable which says it is good for those who keep watch for Him and live that way. Today we will read what Paul has to say in 1 Thessalonians.
1 Thessalonians 5:1-8- 1 Now, brothers, 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 labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
4 But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8 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.
Two messages here from Paul. First, if you’re paying attention, you won’t be caught off guard like those in the darkness. Second, we don’t live like those who are in the darkness. Then he reminds us about the armor of God.
We are supposed to be looking for Jesus’ return.
2 Timothy 4:8 – 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
Rewards from the Lord aren’t cheap. A crown will be given for all those who were looking for Him in the past before they died, as well as for those who will be when He comes.
Important?
It really is too bad, because I have talked to many people that their answer is something like this, “When He comes, He comes. Since I can’t control that I will not let that affect me on how I live my life.”
If you knew He was coming in a month, how would you live your life? If the Master comes back and finds His servants doing His work and will, it will be good. If He comes back and they are out in the crowd going berserk like Moses had some of the Israelites doing when he came back to the camp after receiving the Ten Commandments, it won’t be so good for those people. At least not from what I read.
We need to be children of the Light.