20 Jan February 4th Daily Devotion

 A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON PAUL’S FIRST LETTER TO THE  CHURCH AT THESSALONICA

THE DAY OF THE LORD WILL COME LIKE A THIEF

1 Thessalonians 5:1-3 “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.”

1 Thessalonians 5:1-3 continues the conversation from the previous chapter regarding the end times, that is the end of the world and how Christians should live their lives with the Parousia (end of time) in mind. Recognizing that time continues to move forward and Christ’s return is closer than ever before, the Christian lives their life conscious that His return is at hand.  God has not revealed to anyone when that day will occur.  It will come like a thief in the night, unannounced, unexpected and for many with a total lack of preparation.

Jesus used a parable to teach how you should be always prepared for that day.  It is the parable of the Ten Virgins.  Five were wise, not knowing when He will return, they were always prepared.  Five were foolish, giving no thought to the uncertainty of the day and time of Christ’s return, they failed to prepare themselves for the time it would happen. (Matthew 25:1-13)

The population of the world will continue to live as it has always lived, sleeping, and working, raising families, engaging in recreation, visiting with family and friends, etc.  The years will pass on. One period of time will be followed by another.  What is for sure is that there will be only one last day. Jesus says, on that day the Son of Man will be seen “ . . . coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.” (Matthew 24:30-31)

Jesus’ words to His disciples in Gethsemane, “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation” are good ones for you to take to heart and practice daily.

Prayer:  Prepare my heart and life daily Holy Spirit, to be ready for the Last Day.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

The Bridegroom soon will call us, “Come to the wedding feast.”

May slumber not befall us Nor watchfulness decrease.

May all our lamps be burning With oil enough and more

That we, with Him returning, May find an open door!

There shall we see in glory Our dear Redeemer’s face;

The long-awaited story Of heav’nly joy takes place;

The patriarchs shall meet us, The prophets’ holy band;

Apostles, martyrs greet us In that celestial land.

There God shall from all evil Forever make us free,

From sin and from the devil, From all adversity.

From sickness, pain, and sadness, From troubles, cares, and fears,

And grant us heav’nly gladness And wipe away our tears.

In that fair home shall never Be silent music’s voice;

With hearts and lips forever We shall in God rejoice,

While angel hosts are raising With saints from great to least

A mighty hymn for praising The Giver of the feast.

(LSB 514)