“About the times and the seasons: Brothers and sisters, you do not need anything to be written to you. For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:1-2

It has been my experience that people err to one side or the other when it comes to preparing for the second coming of Jesus Christ. There is one group that pretty much forgets all about it. They live as if Jesus’s return is not a sure thing. The second group obsessives over times and dates, so much so that they seem to forget that Christ is alive and active in the world right now. The problem with this is, both groups ignore how we should be living in the here and now. Scripture teaches us that Jesus’s return is sure. And it also teaches us that no one knows when it will be. So how should we live? What is the healthy place between the two extremes? We are called to live every day as if Jesus will return at any moment. What does that look like? Thankfully, Paul gives us a very clear picture of this kind of life just a little further into the chapter…

“And we exhort you, brothers and sisters: warn those who are idle, comfort the discouraged, help the weak, be patient with everyone. See to it that no one repays evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all. Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:14-18

I would encourage you to write this passage down and look at it every morning. Because this is the daily life of someone who is ready for Jesus to come back.

Father we thank You for sending Your son to rescue us from our condemnation. We praise You because he will one day return to make all things new. Let every moment and detail of our lives shine forth these truths to all those around us.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Shane Cannon