ALERT AND READY

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

The Hope of the Resurrection

1 Now concerning how and when all this will happen, dear brothers and sisters, we don’t really need to write you. 2 For you know quite well that the day of the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. 3 When people are saying, “Everything is peaceful and secure,” then disaster will fall on them as suddenly as a pregnant woman’s labor pains begin. And there will be no escape.

4 But you aren’t in the dark about these things, dear brothers and sisters, and you won’t be surprised when the day of the Lord comes like a thief. 5 For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don’t belong to darkness and night. 6 So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded. 7 Night is the time when people sleep and drinkers get drunk. 8 But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation.

9 For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. 10 Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. 11 So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.


Jesus Christ is coming back again (I am pretty sure you have heard me say this before). Paul tells us “…the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly … so … stay alert…” Since we don’t know the day, we must be alert every day.

One who is alert is attentive to the work that needs to be done while there is still time. One who is alert is not taken by surprise. One who is alert is watchful for the signs … the Word has given us these … we know what to watch for.

We are ready, not because we are alert or because of any other work we may be doing. We are ready because “… God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ … Christ died for us …”.

As Paul encouraged the Thessalonicans, I encourage you.

Note: Pray for President-Elect Obama