“Like A Thief In The Night” – Rhapsody Of Realities TeeVo Devotional April 5th

(The Lord’s Return Won’t Catch Us By Surprise)

TO THE BIBLE: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-2 NIV
“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.”

LET’S TALK
“Jesus will come like a thief in the night to take the true believers home.” These were words Keshia often heard as a child, and they stuck in her mind and caused her some anxiety growing up until she studied and received more light on the subject.

Just like Keisha, the expression “like a thief in the night” has troubled many Christians over the years. They imagine that if they do something wrong just before bedtime, and Jesus comes like a thief in the night, they won’t go with Him. However, that’s not what this means!

Looking at the opening verse closely, you’ll observe whom Paul was addressing. He said, “…Brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you…” meaning his brothers and sisters in Christ.

Verse 3 shows something really important: “For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape” (1 Thessalonians 5:3).

This obviously wasn’t referring to Paul’s brothers and sisters in Christ, because he said: “For when they say….” “They” refers to the world; those who aren’t in Christ, described in Scripture as children of disobedience, appointed to God’s wrath (Ephesians 2:2; Colossians 3:6).

On the other hand, for those who are born again, the Bible says, “…You, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief” (1 Thessalonians 5:4 NIV).

Every place where the Lord Jesus talked about coming suddenly upon people, it had to do with judgement, and He never referred to the Church.

In John 5:24, He says, “I speak to you an eternal truth: if you embrace my message and believe in the One who sent me, you will never face condemnation, for in me, you have already passed from the realm of death into the realm of eternal life!” (TPT).

You’re a child of light and of the day; you’re neither of the night nor of darkness (1 Thessalonians 5:5)! Therefore, serve the Lord with peace and joy in your heart, and in full expectation of His soon return.

Go Deeper
Ephesians 5:8; Revelation 3:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:5

Speak:
I’m a child of light and of the day; I serve the Lord with joy and in expectation of His soon return. I walk in His light and in His righteousness, fulfilling His perfect will to the glory of His Name. Amen.

Daily Bible Reading
ONE YEAR
Luke 10:25-42, Joshua 23-24
TWO YEAR
Romans 7:12-25, Psalm 108

Act:
Throughout today, declare like the Lord Jesus: “I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work” (John 9:4).