Our scripture this morning is 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6.
‘Now concerning how and when all this will happen, dear brothers and sisters, we don’t really need to write you. For you know quite well that the day of the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. When people are saying, “Everything is peaceful and secure,” then disaster will fall on them as suddenly as a pregnant woman’s labor pains begin. And there will be no escape. But you aren’t in the dark about these things, dear brothers and sisters, and you won’t be surprised when the day of the Lord comes like a thief. For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don’t belong to darkness and night. So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded. ‘
Paul reminds us that the Day of the Lord will come whenever God decides, and no one knows when that will be. Jesus told us in Acts 1:7 “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know”. Instead of being concerned with the when, we must be concerned with the what: Jesus will return in glory to gather the faithful.
We must also be concerned with what happens until then. We have been saved by Christ’s sacrifice for us and called to continue sharing God’s love so that everyone knows. This is the most important task we have, to carry on the ministry of Jesus, making disciples of all the world.
Staying focused on our mission is much more important than where or when Jesus will return. Paul says we are “children of the light” (v. 5), and we must be the bearers of God’s light to a world stumbling in darkness. We know that when He returns, we shall see Him as He is (1 John 3:2) and all will know He is Lord.
Gracious God, thank You for the blessing of Your son who came to save us. May we be His representatives, telling everyone of Your love until He returns. Amen.