Daily Devotion, Feb. 5, 2021, The Second Coming

For you know quite well that the day of the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night (1 Thessalonians 5:2, NLT).

The New Testament is abundantly clear. Jesus will return to planet earth. When He came the first time, He came clothed in humility. When He comes again, it will be with power. It will be the day of final judgment.

Over the years, many have tried to predict the day of Jesus’ coming. They have been 100% wrong! The early Christians knew that His appearance would be unexpected, like a thief in the night. Of course, Christians are always expecting that the Lord will return. It is the time of His return that is unknown to us. So, we are ever to be ready. Since we are not privy to the time of His coming, we are to be prepared at all times (Mark 13:35).

The metaphor of a thief in the night is helpful. Thieves do not announce the day or hour of their arrival. You have to anticipate that thieves might come at any time. When Marie and I found that a thief had taken the two wagon wheels at our driveway entrance, there was no advance announcement of the day and hour of their arrival. They came quietly in the night.

God’s word to us is not “predict.” Rather He says, “What I say to you I say unto all, WATCH!” (Mark 13:37).

Father, our world can be in such a mess that I find myself hoping Jesus will come soon. Make me content to know He is coming even though I don’t know when. May I be busy serving Him when He comes. In Jesus name, Amen.