Reading 1 Thessalonians 5v1-11; Matthew 25v14-30
Prayer
Thief – Break-in
Getting a visit from a thief is a scary thing to contemplate. None of us wants that to happen, but it is all too common, with 1.27% of households experiencing a break-in in the year ending June 2023, according to government statistics. None of them were expecting it (well, you can never say none, but the vast majority weren’t). None of them were adequately prepared either (and I do mean none). That’s partly because it’s not really an expected event, but also in our world, people don’t have a clue how to be prepared.
That was certainly true for us, when we were burgled back in 2017. Had I known before it happened, just where the weaknesses were in my preparations, it would not have happened.
Now, I have different security in place, which I hope is good enough. I’ve learnt a little from the experience.
Only once
Some things only happen once, and I really hope that the 2017 incident was the one and only occurrence, but you never know.
We can be sure, of course, that the 2nd coming of Jesus will only happen once. We can’t learn from experience about that, as it will be a one-off that can never be repeated.
Jesus in Luke
In this part of the letter to the Thessalonians, Paul is echoing what Jesus told His followers in Luke 12:35-40, when Jesus is encouraging them to be ready for the return of the Son of Man. Jesus’ words are also recorded in Matthew and Mark.
Not for us
The warning though is, in a way, not for us. In verse 3 Paul says:
While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labour pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
But there is no reason for us to need to escape.
Pax Romana
The phrase “peace and safety”, refers to the propaganda of the Roman Empire. That was the promise the Empire made to its subjects. At that time it was largely true. In the period from 27 BC to 180 AD, there were few serious wars. Nothing threatened the centre of the empire at all, there were only skirmishes on the edges. The period is known as the Pax Romana. The empire was at the height of its powers. Even this says Paul is an illusion, because if the Day of the Lord arrives any protection the Empire provides will be useless.
Christians in the light
We, as Christians, are not in the dark about such things, so when the Day of the Lord arrives, it should not be a surprise for us. We should not be like others who are asleep. We should be awake and sober.
The analogy has changed a little, as Paul’s focus changes to the Christians, rather than the rest of the world.
Since Christians are children of the light and children of the day, they must behave that way. Preparedness means there are things we must do – put on faith and love as a breastplate and hope of salvation as a helmet. Paul expands on this in his letter to the Ephesians, Chapter 6. It’s worth noting that the breastplate and the helmet are defensive armour, they are designed to protect you from the attack of the enemy.
If you are well protected, you will be ready for anything that comes at you.
Faith, Love and Hope
Faith, love and hope are the basic characteristics of any Christian. They are mentioned throughout the New Testament. Here are a few verses that highlight each.
For Faith:
Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Faith to Love
2Pe 1:5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.
Hope
1 Peter 1:3 According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
V9
In verse 9 he reminds the Thessalonians (and us) that God does not intend them (or us) to suffer the coming wrath, but that they (and we) have salvation because of faith in Jesus.
v10
And in verse 10 that Jesus died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live with Him.
Awake, not asleep
Well, I’d rather be awake than asleep. If we are to be awake, we must stay watchful, so that we know what’s coming. There are plenty of signs that the 2nd coming of Jesus, The Day of the Lord, is near.
The signs
Some of the signs might be:
· easy global communication, because Jesus will be seen everywhere at the same time when He returns.
· increase in wars and unrest across the globe
· possible war in Israel, if the surrounding powers can get their act together, it is possible that the war with Gaza will spread into the surrounding area, and especially into Israel.
· Individualism, as everyone has their own beliefs and goes their own way.
Final Story
Let me leave you with a story that illustrates the way constant readiness might work.
Shackleton
During one of his expeditions to the Antarctic, Sir Ernest Shackleton left some of his men on Elephant Island. He did this with the intent of returning for them and carrying them back to England. But he was delayed.
By the time he could go back for them, the sea had frozen, and he had no access to the island. Three times he tried to reach them but was prevented by the ice. Finally, on his fourth try, he broke through and found a narrow channel. Much to his surprise, he found the crewmen waiting for him, supplies packed and ready to board.
They were soon on their way back to England. He asked them how they knew to be ready for him. They told him they did not know when he would return, but they were sure that he would.
So every morning, the group leader rolled up his bag, and packed his gear and told the crew to do the same thing, get your things ready, boys. The boss may come today.
For us, it ‘The Lord may come today’
Amen
References:
https://shortpowerfulsermons.com/1-thessalonians-51-11-the-not-so-secret-rapture/
https://drjustinimelsr.com/sermon-on-1-thessalonians-51-11-waiting-on-jesus/
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