SEPTEMBER 17 READING…1 THESSALONIANS 5
What does the Apostle teach us about the “day of the Lord”? This is an Old Testament phrase that speak of the end times, including the second coming of Jesus. In yesterday’s reading Paul talked about the living believers being “caught up” (raptured), when the dead in Christ are raised and Jesus comes for His church. There is disagreement as to when the day of the Lord begins. Some say that Daniel tells us in chapter 9 of his book, when Israel signs a covenant agreement with the Antichrist. Then there are those who say it begins with the rapture of the church. What is clear is that the term “day of the Lord” is not talking about a 24-hour day, but a span of time…similarly to saying, “he lived in the day of cowboys”. Paul gives us some indicators of what it will look like when the day of the Lord comes. He first says it comes as “a thief in the night”, that is unexpectedly and quickly. The world will be declaring peace and safety, yet sudden destruction will come upon them…and there will be no escape and no place to hide. Jesus came the first time as a humble child and a servant…when He comes again it will be as a conquering king and judge. Those who walk in the light of Christ will be ready for this time. Not that they know the exact timing, but they live with anticipation and expectation. While the world will see destruction, the followers of Christ are not appointed for wrath, but for salvation. The world ought to fear the day of the Lord…but they don’t care. The thought of the day of the Lord ought to bring believers comfort, and we ought to live our lives lifting one another up with this promise of God.
Please share your thoughts.
TOMORROW’S READING…2 THESSALONIANS 1
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