Daily Devotion in I Thessalonians 5

 

Artwork from a 1611 KJV


Daily Nugget:
I Thessalonians 4 left off after telling about the rapture of all saints — living and dead. The beginning of I Thessalonians 5 (I Thessalonians 5:1-11) chronologically continues what is prophesied to happen after the Rapture.
“But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.” I Thes. 5:1

“Times and seasons” (I Thessalonians 5:1) refer to things that will happen on Earth. Paul knew the church would not need to know about those matters as they would not be here. That is why the preacher did not feel it was necessary to detail those events. Those who are saved will be raptured out of here (I Thessalonians 4:16-18).

After the rapture, however, another prophesied event will occur. The raptured church will not experience it, but those who remain on Earth will go through this horrific time. That time is called the “day of the Lord.” The “day of the Lord” will be the beginning of the terrible things (Isaiah 13:9, Joel 1:15) prophesied to happen after the Christians go home (after Revelation 4:1).
“For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.” I Thes. 5:2

Another reason Christians will not experience this event is that it is told when Jesus comes, He will come as a thief in the night. Christians have been awaiting Jesus’ return for over two thousand years, so it is an expected time. However, the exact time of His catching away of Christians is unknown. Since it is expected, it will not be a surprise. Also, Jesus cannot “steal” something that is His own. He bought the church with His blood so he will not be a “thief” to His own.

However, Jesus’ return will surprise those who do not know Him as Saviour. He will come to them when they least expect it and begin the prophesied pouring out of His wrath on mankind. For an unsaved person, this will be a horrifying time. They will experience God’s wrath.

To a Christian, he is to be comforted with the thoughts of these times (I Thessalonians 4:18, I Thessalonians 5:11, as he will not be here.  However, we have a God-assigned task to win as many as possible to the Lord so they will not face the tragic events mentioned after Revelation 4:1.

As a Christian, you can feel relieved that you will be in Heaven when the “day of the Lord” begins. However, are you sure your family members, neighbors, and people you work with will be called up to Heaven at the Rapture? Now, while there is an opportunity is the time to tell others how to be saved so that they will not have to face the times of the “day of the Lord.”

Today’s Thought: 
“Win others to the Lord? If not now, when? If not you, who will?” — Author Unknown

Words to Understand:
Esteem: respect; honor

Today’s Reading:
I Thessalonians 5
1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.
2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
6 ¶ Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.
8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.
11 ¶ Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
16 ¶ Rejoice evermore.
17 Pray without ceasing.
18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
19 Quench not the Spirit.
20 Despise not prophesyings.
21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
23 ¶ And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
25 Brethren, pray for us.
26 Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.
27 I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.
28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.