Reading time: 3 minutes
Key Verse:
“For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.”— 1 Thessalonians 5:2
The Bible warns us that the return of Christ will not be announced with a countdown or a prior notice. He will come like a thief in the night—suddenly, without warning. This truth should not cause us fear, but instead awaken a holy urgency within us: to live prepared, focused, and full of faith.
Christ’s return could happen at any moment
“But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:4 (Easy-to-Read Version)
The Lord’s return is not a distant possibility; it is an imminent reality. Just as a thief does not give notice before breaking into a house, so will be the coming of Jesus.
Are we prepared for that day?
Believers must not live spiritually asleep. The Word encourages us to wait for Him with active hope:
“as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ”
— 1 Corinthians 1:7
“and to wait for his Son from heaven”
— 1 Thessalonians 1:10
“so that the tested genuineness of your faith—may be found to result in praise… at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
— 1 Peter 1:7
Live each day as if it were your last. Let your life reflect an active faith and a living hope.
We must focus on sharing the message of Christ
“Pray in the Spirit at all times… and pray for me too, that when I speak God will give me the words to say, so that I can boldly explain the mystery of the Good News.”
— Ephesians 6:18-19 (Easy-to-Read Version)
Christ is not delaying out of forgetfulness; He waits patiently so more people can come to know Him. While we wait for His return, we must be busy doing the most important thing: sharing the message of salvation.
Let our lips speak of Christ.
Let our lives reflect Christ.
Let our passion be to see others come to know Him.
While we await His return, let us expand His Kingdom. There is no time to waste.
We must encourage and build each other up
“So encourage each other and help each other grow stronger in faith, just as you are already doing.”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (Easy-to-Read Version)
In these times, love is growing cold. But the body of Christ must stand out for the opposite: genuine love, mutual service, and spiritual care.
Build up with your words, don’t tear down.
Pray for your brothers and sisters, don’t criticize.
Help lift up those who have fallen.
Love and unity are marks of a church ready for the return of its Lord.
An awakened and prepared church
Jesus will come like a thief in the night, but He will not surprise those who are watching.
Don’t get distracted by what is temporary.
Don’t grow cold.
Don’t waste time.
Sincerely,
Pastor Guillermo Ayala