The Christians at Thessalonica understood “full well” that the coming of the Lord would occur unexpectedly, “like a thief in the night” (1 Thess. 5:1-2). A thief does not announce his arrival. Neither does he come by invitation at an appointed time. His appearance is a surprise, at a time least expected. Peter describes that day, saying, “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up” (2 Pet. 3:10). Regarding our inability to know the time of His return, Jesus says, “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son but the Father alone” (Matt. 24:36). While many are banking on a delay in the Lord’s return, we must live with an awareness of the fact that Jesus might come back today!
In the Old Testament, “the day of the Lord” was an expression often used in reference to God’s judgment upon the nations. In fact, it could refer to any major event demonstrating God’s sovereignty and power—thus, “the day of the Lord.” But this phrase was taken up by New Testament writers to refer to Christ’s return. The second coming of Christ is also an occasion of judgment—in fact, there are remarkable similarities. For example, when Babylonian Captivity was on the horizon, the false prophets of Jeremiah’s day were saying, “Peace, peace” (Jer. 6:14; 8:11). But their popular prediction of peace was mere deception. Sadly, Jeremiah adds, “But there is no peace.” In like manner, at the time of Christ’s return, there will be those telling people that everything is all right—directing hearts away from God’s call to repentance. But, then, “destruction will come upon them suddenly like birth pangs upon a woman with child…” (1 Thess. 5:3). Just as labor comes upon a woman with child, so also the Lord’s return will come suddenly.
The apostle Paul goes on to speak to the inevitable nature of the Lord’s coming, saying, “they shall not escape” (1 Thess. 5:3). The second coming of Christ is inevitable. We can be sure that “every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him…” (Rev. 1:7). Likewise, we can be certain that “all who are in the tombs shall hear His voice, and shall come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment” (Jn. 5:28-29). It is inevitable.
His coming will be unexpected, sudden, and inevitable. He is coming and we will be judged on that day (Jn. 12:48). Are you ready for that day to come?