A Thief In The Night
1 Thessalonians 5:2
“For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.”
Today while looking at some of the crazy things that are happening in our world I couldn’t help but think that while we were sleeping for so long over the years that thieves have come in and stolen not only our identity, but as time has gone on, our whole culture, faith, and way of life as well. The Bible mentions thief in the night 3 times. The first time is in Job 24:14, “The murderer rising with the light killeth the poor and needy, and in the night is as a thief.” I think this one fits perfectly for us today. Our nations have deteriorated very quickly in the last number of years, and no one is really safe anymore. “We are only safe when we are in God’s hands.” {a quote from my friend}. Corruption is everywhere and seems to thrive in our nations. I believe again that it is because we are still so asleep and trying to survive in this difficult world that we don’t really know who our enemies are and follow the wrong people of the world rather than living with the Lord and letting Him guide us and help us with our decisions. I still find most people seem to prioritize travel, home comforts, decorating, sports, etc. as their main activities after work, school, etc. This is fine to a degree but where is the time for spiritual growth. Most people just seem to be doing any activity, so they don’t have to think about that.
It does seem that we are heading into great danger now. We are in a spiritual war but also heading to a physical war as the nations seem to be banning together to fight. Right now on the Christian calendar, as I write this article we are in the 40 day period of Lent before Easter and the Resurrection. This is a time when we are to spend time in prayer and let Jesus work in us through the Holy Spirit, remembering all that He has done for us. Please think of these things when you get this magazine, hopefully before Easter and our Lord’s Resurrection.
Hopefully it appears that the time for this murdering “thief in the night” is coming to an end and the 2 other verses refer to the day of the Lord. There is a lot happening in the world right now and recent events in Mexico have made some people realize that places they used to feel safe going to for a holiday are not necessarily as safe as they thought. I think this will happen more and more as the darkness covers the world, but the darker it gets the brighter the light shines through and soon our Lord will return. His truth, grace, and glory will be revealed.
Here are the other 2 verses:
“But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.” (1 Thessalonians 5:1-3)
“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,” (2 Peter 3:9-11)
We live in a dangerous but exciting time, and we must stay focused on the promises that God made to us. He will be with us through it all. Keep looking up for “your redemption draweth nigh”.
