Dates and times are an integral part of daily life. If, like me, you keep a diary or calendar of appointments you’ll find them essential if you are not to miss an important engagement, meeting or appointment. To be late or to miss an appointment could be critical and consequently devastating, resulting perhaps in a very serious situation not only effecting ourselves but potentially those we love most. You may have had such an experience, one you wouldn’t want to repeat and now find yourself paranoid that such an occurrence might happen again. But Paul reminds the Thessalonians in this closing chapter of his first letter to them that there is one event that those who believe in Jesus as Lord and Saviour need not worry about. It’s an event that doesn’t require an entry on our calendars because it’s date and time no one knows - the day of the Lord’s return.
Those who believe need not fear because as children of the light and of the day we are assured that when He returns we will be taken up with Him into the heavenly realms to live in eternity. What a wonderful assurance and what an event to look forward to. But for those who do not believe, those who live in darkness, it is not a welcome event for it will bring God’s wrath upon them. During the waiting time Paul encourages those who believe to warn those who are idle and disruptive and to encourage the disheartened; to help the weak and be patient always striving to do what is good to everyone. We are called to rejoice, always giving thanks to God in all circumstances, even when life is difficult. We are not to resist the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives for He knows what’s best for us. Paul concludes his letter with a blessing of God’s peace and the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
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Question:
How often if at all do you think about Christ’s return; does it bother you that you don’t know the date or time. Is it something that you’re apprehensive about or do you look forward to it with excitement? And, are you concerned about those who do not yet believe, particularly family and friends?
Pray:
Pray continually and consistently for those who do not yet believe; name those especially on your heart to the Lord that their eyes may be opened and become children of the light and of the day.