Be Prepared

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We can only fully understand the New Testament images of the Second Coming of Jesus if we remember that they have an Old Testament background. Many of the most terrible images in the Old Testament are of the Day of the Lord (Isaiah 22:5, 13:9, Zephaniah 1:14-16, Amos 5:18, Jeremiah 30:7, Malachi 4:1, Joel 2:31). The main characteristics were as follows:

  1. It would come suddenly and unexpectedly.
  2. It would involve a cosmic upheaval.
  3. It would involve judgement.

The Bible passages in 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 and Ephesians 5:14-16 reflect that sense of dread but also a sense of comfort as well as urgency of what we should do. While Paul writes that the coming of the Day of the Lord will be sudden and “should surprise you like a thief”, there is no reason why anyone who is a Christian should be surprised when it happens. This is because only those who live in the dark and whose deeds are evil will be caught unaware. Christians live in the light and walk in the light with the motto of “Trust and obey”. Hence, no matter when the Day of the Lord comes, if we are watchful and sober, it will find us ready and waiting to receive our Lord. Waking or sleeping, Christians are already living with Jesus, walking with Him and are always prepared.

Having said that, Paul also adds to these words of comfort a sense of urgency and a need for action even as we wait. In Ephesians 5:14-16, Paul seems to be encouraging us, “Don’t walk in your sleep! Wake up! Open your eyes and make the most of the day!” Some of us who are Christians, though we live in the light, appear to drift through life like sleepwalkers, never making the most of opportunities to live for Jesus and serve Him. Indeed, our English word “opportunity” comes from the Latin “opportunitas” and means “toward the port.” It suggests a ship taking advantage of the wind and tide to arrive safely in the harbour. Likewise, as we wait for the return of our Lord, we should not be caught asleep and unprepared for his Second Coming. Life is short and the days are evil and we should actively make the best use of the opportunities God gives us to serve Him and honour Him in the Kingdom work that He has entrusted us with in this interim time.

BE PREPARED – always in a state of readiness in mind and body to do your DUTY.