…for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.

1 Thessalonians 5:2

Waiting for anything can be very difficult.  Waiting can make us uncomfortable, impatient, sluggish and complacent (as in the case of the foolish virgins), but waiting can also heighten our anticipation.  If you’ve ever tried to wait for the stock market to go up, or for the price of your favorite car to come down, or for your baby or grandbaby to be born or for grass to grow, then you know what I mean.

The believers in Thessalonica were young and impatient.  They were also experiencing persecution and were wondering, when Jesus would return.  They also had pressing questions about what would happen to their loved ones at death.  And while they waited, they tried to figure out the exact time of Christ’s return.  Paul reaches out to them, to let them know, that all their guessing was futile.  Christ’s return was as inevitable as the birth of a child, once labor pains have begun.  Paul tells them to understand the season they were living in and what it pointed to.

Dear friend, do you understand your season?  Do you know what the signs in our world point to?  Are you waiting for something and wondering why it is taking so long?  Could it be that like the Thessalonians you are wondering how much longer you must put up with the craziness of this world?  Are you wondering whether Jesus will ever return?  God’s word reminds us that Jesus will return suddenly, like a thief in the night.  Matthew 24: 40-41, reminds us that “Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left.  Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left. 

If Christ’s return is inevitable, then understand the signs and get ready.  Don’t worry about the date or time.  Get ready.  He has called us to be the salt of the earth (Matthew 5: 13); the light of the world (Matthew 5:14); a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation (1 Peter 2:9).  Jesus died for us, so that awake or asleep, we will be reconciled to him and live with him.  He’s taken care of his part?  Have you taken care of yours?  Are you ready for his return?

Heavenly Father, here I am waiting for you.  I welcome your presence into my life now, even as I wait for the fullness of your return.  Help me, by the power of your Spirit, to be a faithful ambassador of your word; a wise steward of your gifts and a compassionate friend to your people.  In Jesus; name I pray, Amen.