Day 41
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
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.9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.10 He died for us so that, whether
we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Sons of the Light!
Paul begins this section by writing about the timing of the coming of the Lord. We know from other scripture that no man knows the day or the hour though many have tried to predict the exact date. Most recently we have been hearing the date 2012 used as a possible date and time. Years ago it was 1988 when a man named Edgar Whisenant wrote of the 88 reasons why Jesus would return for the church in 1988. Later after his prediction didn't come true he gave 89 reasons why He would return in 1989, needless to say Whisenant found many less eager ears in 1989 after bring proven wrong in 1988. Since just shortly after Jesus ascended to heaven there has been talk of his return with many predictions as to when. While we cannot know the exact date and time we can understand the times. As Paul writes here we shouldn't be surprised by the coming of the Lord, in other words we should have an understanding of the nearness of His coming. We are not in darkness but rather we are children of light, of the day. Paul says in verse 6 "let us be alert and self-controlled" we belong to the day so we should be self-controlled. Paul goes on in verse 8 "let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and hope of salvation as a helmet. Are you living in hope, faith, and love? Are you trusting God? Are you walking in love? Are you renewing your mind on a daily basis? We have this great hope because Jesus came, overcame, died and arose. We can take courage because He lived the perfect life and became the sacrifice for our sins. Our challenge today is to stay in the light. Many circumstances can bring us down and cause us to doubt, lose hope, or waiver in our faith. But when we choose to walk in the love of Christ He will cause us to prevail even in the most difficult of times. Take courage God is in control.
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
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