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.
But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.
1 Thessalonians 5:1-10
Scripture Notes
Contemplating the Second Coming of the Lord can be overwhelming. Many try to understand the meaning and timing of such a significant event, yet none of us, not even the Son, knows when it will happen. We know it will be unexpected. People often see societal moral decline and global disasters as “signs” of the end, but ironically, it might occur when we feel most secure—when the world seems to be in a good place. It may happen when people believe they have achieved worldwide peace and security, leaving no reason to fear. No one truly knows. However, we do know, like a mother expecting a child, that labor pains are inevitable. For believers who understand what follows the pain, a redemption awaits, but for those who do not believe, the pain will intensify continually, with little or no hope of stopping.
But, like the Thessalonians, we are not part of the darkness—the corrupt and shameless who glory in dishonesty, self, and deceit. Knowing that the times and dates cannot be predicted, we can still live in anticipation of our reckoning. We are called to be the time of a person who may be in the wrong, but when light is shone on our misdeeds or we are exposed, we come forth with an expression of regret, but in all honesty, with a desire to change for the better. One who thrives in wickedness will do wrong until they are caught, and even then, they try to justify themselves.
Unlike those who are indifferent, apathetic, or even resistant to the gospel, who are destined for wrath and judgment and cannot escape, we are to be alert, always watching for the moment when the Lord returns. This should be reflected in our behavior, constantly considering whether we would be caught acting in a way that brings honor to God. It should also influence our speech, so that goodness and kindness flow from our lips rather than discord or villainy. More often than not, wickedness occurs in the dark. Lord, help us when people and societies flaunt their wickedness in broad daylight.
We are not meant to go into the world and be exposed without preparation. We should think clearly, not mimic the speech of leaders, articles, or neighbors. Instead, we are called to step out boldly in our faith, showing love and kindness to one another while always trusting in the hope of God’s love and the Lord’s return. Hope and love should be shared openly, not kept hidden, for we have been saved from God’s wrath through salvation. Consider this: there is a space labeled ‘your name here’ that is destined for darkness. Every harsh judgment is meant to fill that space with pain and suffering, because that space can only be filled with death. But Christ filled that space with the love of a Father who allowed His only Son to die. That space, destined for death, is already occupied, and each of us who believes in the Lord is reassigned to a place where we can live with Christ forever.
We should neither celebrate nor look forward to the end of times. Each of us has been given a purpose, and our responsibility is to follow our calling as best we can. We do this not out of fear or even obligation, but out of hope and love. We should stay alert, vigilantly waiting on the Lord, knowing that His time will come. And yet, in the end, we shouldn’t be surprised at all.
MEMORY VERse
Mary Cassatt. Waiting, 1879–80. The Art Institute of Chicago
Related Verses
More verses about patiently waiting on the Lord:
Prayer Invitation
Application Questions
- How does the assurance of not being destined to wrath but to salvation impact your daily outlook on life?
- How does the idea of Christ’s return influence your perspective on life’s challenges and moments of suffering?
- How can you practically apply the principle of living with the awareness of Christ’s return?
MANÁ 
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