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I Thessalonians 5 – The Series Continues!

For a little bit we’ve been talking about the Second Coming of Christ. This is a topic we rarely talk about in church — not intentionally, just that other, more “practical” matters come to the front. Actually, the Second Coming IS practical. It motivates us to take the present seriously — to live for Jesus day by day because we face the eventual, possibly soon, change in our lives as we move from “life to life.” That is, from this life to the next one.

Last month we looked at I Thessalonians 4. It makes sense to see what comes next! Paul knew some of the Thessalonian Christians were wrapped around the axle about what they feared that they had missed. Since they KNEW that Jesus would come during that first generation of the church (a bit of overzealous interpretation there!) they had deep concerns.

I Thessalonians 5:1-4, 11 — “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. 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. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

Paul affirms that Jesus was yet to come back. That the Christians of his day, as well as of ours, MUST be ready for that return. It doesn’t mean that we wait at the train station (bus station or airport either!), but that we live like believe that He IS returning! We are not in darkness — we have His light to lead us, to show us the way. We can reflect His glory in a way that helps others find their way to Him. Too often we remain unfocused when we don’t consider just how temporary this world is. That needs to change!

The conclusion is that we are encouraged by this, so we can encourage others. It’s not fear of His return that should move us, but hope and joy that comes from the realization that we get to be with Him forever!

Interesting things are coming. Next month we’ll look at some of those “people” and events.

Blessings!
Matt