DAILY GUIDE DEVOTIONAL: Let us be Alert!

 

Bible Text: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

Living one day at a time in total dependence on the wisdom of God and his righteousness is the only solution to our assurance of being ready at Jesus' imminent manifestation. We cannot predict because God has not revealed when it will be to any living soul, not even Jesus his son. It is God's prerogative. It is in his exclusive list. This passage is our apology to all the those who try to play God out there;  who give us dates, signs and wonders or tell us how they have seen a vision or a figure or apparition. The secret things belong unto the Lord  our God, but what he has revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law (Deuteronomy 

29:29)

Paul needed to correct this wrong notion and debunk any fallacy among the brethren in Thessalonica concerning the day of the lord. His teaching here corresponds completely with what brother Peter discussed in 2 Peter 3:1-18. The day of the lord is one day that will be like no other. It is one day of definition which God has set apart...it will meet every man and woman suddenly  like a thief in the night, like a woman in labour. There won't be any notification. It is very important that we note this. Jesus is not going to give us "expo" because we are his "faithful disciples", NO! True worshippers and unbelievers alike will receive the same treatment. Therefore, he warns; watch and be sober, do not sleep as do others (verse 6). Put on the helmet of salvation and guard yourself with the amour of faith and love (verse 7). If we consistently walk in this three, we can never be found wanting. 

Moreover, it is not the Lord's will that we perish. Verses 9-10 assured us of this. " God has not appointed us to wrath but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him...let these thoughts console us as we continue to edify and equip one another with prayers and loving admonitions. Having known this, Peter would ask: "what manner of persons ought we to be in all holy conversations and godliness?" (2Peter 3:11)

Read also: There is Hope after this Life

PRAYER: Father, you never leave us in ignorance. You don't want us to know the exact date of your son's return. Your wisdom in this supersedes every argument. Give us the grace to cease being babies asking questions continually without learning the basics. Help us to focus on what you've revealed and conduct our time here in the light of this revelation. That whenever Jesus appears, whether we are awake or asleep we shall be where he is. This we pray in his most precious name. Amen.