1 THESSALONIANS 5:1–11
For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night
(1 Thess. 5:2).
None of us were eyewitnesses of the manifestations of Christ’s glory that we have studied so far. They all happened centuries ago in a faraway place. But the most magnificent display of Christ’s glory is yet to happen. When it does occur, it will not be for just a small group of followers but it will be for all people. The glory of Christ will be manifest to the whole world, to believer and unbeliever alike. It will be a terrible, wonderful day when the Lord comes on the clouds of glory to bring His people home.
Jesus proclaimed, “For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together. Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other” (Matt. 24:27–31).
We can be sure that the day will come when this will come to pass, when the glory of Christ will subdue the earth and the elect will be brought into His everlasting kingdom. As you look forward to this next year, think about that day. It might come this year—are you ready for it? Are you prepared to join Christ when He comes? Will you recognize His voice? Will you embrace eternity with joy and delight, or will you look back as Lot’s wife did? Will this world prove to have a stronger hold over you than the love of Christ?
Do not be discouraged by those who scoff at Jesus’ return. They say He will never come again, but we have His Word, and it is trustworthy: “The Day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat.” All will be destroyed, but “we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:10, 13).
CORAM DEO
Malachi
Revelation 22
Do you look forward to Jesus’ coming or are you attached to the things of this world? Remember that if you are a Christian, you are a stranger on earth, a sojourner whose home is elsewhere. Read the passages for today. Ask yourself, “Am I ready for Christ’s return?” Prepare yourself for that final day.
For further study: Joel 2:10–11 • 1 Thess. 4:16–17 • 2 Peter 3