Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

If we look at the economic crashes of the last few decades, many times they come after people believe everything is going so great, how could it ever end? One day, they are wealthy, and the next, they are bankrupt. I have seen this all too often in my family and in my wife’s family, as well. It is hard for many people to live with the future in mind and plan ahead.  Instead they live for the moment.

Just like swings in the economy are sudden, in a more severe way so will the second coming of Jesus Christ be sudden. It will be sudden for those who are not Spirit-filled and not able to see spiritually by the power of God’s spirit.  For those who are not serving the Lord actively, it will be a surprise.

It says here that people will say, “Peace and Safety” to you one day, as if there is not a care in the world. And the next day their judgement day will have come.

The point here is, as followers of Jesus Christ, we are to live as ones prepared for his second coming. What does this look like? It means we are to stay in close relationship with him by prayer, studying the Bible, fellowshipping with other Christians, sharing meals and time together, and serving in our community.

Lord, keep me alert and active to see the work that you prepare for me each day. May I be ready, by staying faithful to the truth and being the hands and feet of Jesus.  May the day come in your perfect timing. Help me to have an urgency about sharing the gospel!