Ready to meet the Lord

When people are saying, “Everything is peaceful and secure,” then disaster will fall on them as suddenly as a pregnant woman’s labor pains begin. And there will be no escape. But you aren’t in the dark about these things, dear brothers and sisters, and you won’t be surprised when the day of the Lord comes like a thief. For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don’t belong to darkness and night. 1 Thessalonians 5:3-5 NLT

Paul emphasized the fact that Christ’s coming will come as a surprise. Though this might be the case, he still reminded Christians not to be surprised by this for they are expecting that this event will happen anytime. Those who believed in Christ as Lord and Savior were not kept in the dark about the imminence of Christ’s return. The ones who will be astonished by Christ’s return are the unbelievers. They remained trapped in their sin and are not willing to submit to the Lordship of Christ over their lives. Believers should live their lives in the light of His return realizing that our works will be judged. This means their attitude and behavior should be a manifestation of their view of eternity and their eager expectation. Though they are ready to go to heaven because of their salvation but they should also be ready to meet the Lord and anticipate hearing Him say “well done, my good and faithful servant.” The anticipation then for His coming becomes a source of joy and not to be ashamed for the life has been lived out for His glory. “Dear children, remain in fellowship with Christ so that when he returns, you will be full of courage and not shrink back from him in shame” (1 John 2:28). Being expectant and ready to meet the Lord will provide great motivation to enjoy the Christian life even in times of trials and difficulties. This will also serve as a reminder to not compromise with the world. The coming of Christ will be a demonstration of His great power and glory. “And then at last, the sign that the Son of Man is coming will appear in the heavens, and there will be deep mourning among all the peoples of the earth. And they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory” (Matthew 24:30). Will you be happy seeing Christ in His glory? Or are you fearful because you are not consistent living out the life He gave you? Let us live expectantly and have our lives under His Lordship submitted to the working of the Holy Spirit so that when He returns, we are ready to meet Him.

Blessings,