Scripture: For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. 1 Thessalonians 5:2-5
Observation: The "thief in the night" metaphor spoken here has a double meaning. The meaning we often hear is the coming of Jesus will be a surprise - an act people are not ready for - and therefore Christians are to remain vigilant and prepared. However, the second meaning here is specific to night ... the coming of Jesus will occur when the people of the world are living in darkness, but Christians are informed and live in the light of faith.
Application: God's light is his word, and the truth of Jesus Christ. Therefore, the "second coming" is never a scary thing - I actually pray for it. Clearly the way to be at peace with the coming of Jesus and the impending end times is, therefore, to cling to God's word as the light and lamp of our lives.
Two years ago, I lamented because I couldn't get into a bible reading routine. Today, it is something I do about five times a week. I have SOAP journaled about the reading over 280 times. I look forward to it most days, and am happy for it every day. God has blessed me with this discipline. I do NOT mean he has blessed me because I keep this discipline; The opportunity and discipline to read his word is the blessing of God. I look forward to continuing to see how God's light guides my life on earth.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for your love, your guidance, and your truth. And please ... come, lord Jesus. Amen, and amen.
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