Photo from Beach Retreat 2011 with Rusty Freeman, by Eradio Valverde
Instructions on Preparation
From 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11: Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. When they say, "There is peace and security," then sudden destruction will come upon them, as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and there will be no escape! But you, beloved, are not in darkness, for that day to surprise you like a thief; for you are all children of light and children of the day; we are not of the night or of darkness. So then let us not fall asleep as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober; for those who sleep sleep at night, and those who are drunk get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, and put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has destined us not for wrath but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep we may live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing.
Some people are ready for whatever in a matter of minutes. Others, and you can't see me pointing at myself, or you for that matter; take our time. Very few people like to leave for an event or a journey in a rushed manner. I never like to leave the house for an extended stay without my medicines. Life would become too interesting without them. I know from experience. So, now my medicines never leave my suitcase, and my suitcase never leaves the side of my bed. Okay, TMI. But it lets us understand how the author of this passage took being ready for Christ's return. One thing was certain, it is emphasized, no one knows the day nor hour. "A thief in the night" is the most common illustration. Nor should we be lulled by a false sense of security and peace. And, taking a lesson from pregnancy, the start of labor for some is the start of a long day or night; the longer the delay the more the urgency for wanting the baby born. And, like a pregnant woman who cannot tell her baby to wait until a more opportune time, can we expect that the coming of the Lord will depend on our readiness or willingness.
The good news is that we who believe an trust the Lord, are ready now. And we should be awake and sober, keeping to our task of helping us know and be ready for Jesus. Here, the writer uses the illustration of the Roman soldier's armor: Protect our hearts with the breastplate of faith and love, and keep our thoughts protected with the certainty of our salvation; for we are ready, not for wrath or destruction, but for eternal life through Jesus Christ, who is our Lord and Savior. Live a life that encourages and builds up one another.
In other words, brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus, live a life that says Yes, I know Jesus. I love Jesus, and I'm ready right now for Jesus to return.
PRAYER: Loving God, may that be my prayer; that I live a life that reflects and encourages others to believe and be ready for Your coming. In Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
