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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, \u201cPeace and safety,\u201d destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 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 5:1-5)

It is not uncommon these days to hear people predict the end of time. \xa0Things just feel so bad\u2014it must be near, right? \xa0From pastor to pew sitter to non-Christian, people are sure that some sort of end must be imminent. \xa0

Not so fast though. \xa0Jesus also speaks\u2014like Paul does here\u2014of the day of the Lord coming in a totally unexpected moment, like a thief. \xa0Jesus says it even more explicitly: \u201cabout that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father\u201d (Mt. 24:36). \xa0

On the one hand Jesus, like Paul, uses the \u201cunknown\u201d of the day of the Lord as an invitation to be ever watchful and ready, ever obedient and faithful. \xa0On the other hand, it is also used to give comfort, and this is more in keeping with what Paul is dong here: lowering the anxiety level. \xa0

Paul gives a picture of judgement here though too, and that might trouble us a bit. \xa0It\u2019s important to keep the context in mind. \xa0The Roman society that was persecuting the Thessalonian church was a society in which everything looked good. \xa0The economy was humming along and under the law and protection of the Romans, peace and safety was enjoyed by all. \xa0That is, unless you were Christians who did not participate in the pagan practices of that society\u2014then you experienced fearsome insecurity.\xa0

Paul\u2019s point is that despite all this\u2014it is actually the Christians who ultimately have the claim to peace and safety, because they rest secure under the Lordship of Christ as children of the light and of the day. \xa0The promise of the Roman empire is false\u2014against the judgement of God, Rome cannot offer shelter. \xa0It is they of the pagan Roman society who have no hope, or at least who have placed their hopes in gods and emperors who are not gods\u2014they who will be surprised and caught unaware by this thief-like day of the Lord\u2019s judgement. \xa0On that day, the faith of the Thessalonian Christians will be vindicated, even as the injustices and suffering they have endured are set right.

The point for them and for us is this: in Jesus Christ we rest in peace and safety. \xa0For no matter when he comes and no matter what we suffer until then\u2014we may trust that body and soul, in life and in death, we belong to him. \xa0\xa0

Yes, things are bad in our present moment even as they were bad for the Thessalonians back then\u2014but hang in there. \xa0Stand firm. \xa0Don\u2019t be deceived or alarmed. \xa0Jesus knows who are his, and you are his. \xa0There\u2019s no way you\u2019ll miss him or he you\u2014you are children of the light and the day. \xa0So do not be afraid. \xa0No matter how bad things get or how fearsome the moment feels, stay calm. \xa0You belong to Jesus.

As you journey on, go with the blessing of God:

May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together\u2014spirit, soul, and body\u2014and keep you fit for the coming of our Master, Jesus Christ. The One who called you is completely dependable. If he said it, he\u2019ll do it! The amazing grace of Jesus Christ be with you! (1 Thessalonians 5:23,24,28 The Message).

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