44 Days Though the New Testament – Day 32

1 Thessalonians 5 – 2 Thessalonians 2

In his final chapter of 1 Thessalonians, Paul gives the church a bit of encouragement regarding the last days:

Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.

1 Thessalonians 5:1–2, ESV

Our theme song from this year’s I AM Retreat has a second verse that goes like this:

In the twinkling of an eye

You will come

And will purify Your bride

And take us home

Come, take us home

In Paul’s letter, and in the song, the aim is to remind the listener that Jesus is coming back! We do not know all of the circumstances surrounding His second coming, but we know it will happen like a thief in the night (see 1 Thessalonians 5:2), or in the twinkling of an eye (see 1 Corinthians 15:52).

We know it will happen quickly, and we know it will initiate a permanent new reality. All will be made right. Hallelujah!

There is a large part of me that longs for that great and awesome day! I can’t wait to be with Jesus! But there is another part of me that wants the LORD to delay His return… there are so many more people who need to have a chance to hear and respond to the gospel.

That’s where we come in! God truly is a Great Redeemer, a Glorious Savior, and the King Forever! But there are so many people who don’t know this to be true. They have never had a chance to clearly hear and respond to the gospel message. Before He returns, let’s make it our passion to tell as many people as possible!

2 Thessalonians 3 – 1 Timothy 2

I am so encouraged by the words in 2 Thessalonians 3.

But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.

2 Thessalonians 3:3, ESV

I am not always the most faithful! (I wish I were, but sadly, I am not). But when we are faithless, God is still faithful! He will establish us and guard us against the evil one!

How great is our God! Never forget that when it comes to following Jesus, we are defined not by what we have done, but what He has done (and continues to do) for us! Praise God! He is good!