“…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…since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For GOD DID NOT APPOINT US TO SUFFER WRATH but TO RECEIVE SALVATION THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.” (1 Thess. 5:4-9)
Paul said in verse 3, “While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly…”, Since God DID NOT APPOINT US TO SUFFER WRATH He has a way of escape planned for us who are faithful to Him, before this sudden destruction takes place. “…the Lord himself will come down from heaven…the dead in Christ will rise first…we who are still alive and are left will be CAUGHT UP TOGETHER with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air…” (1 Thess. 4:16-17)
We must make sure we are ready, Paul said we should be sober, which means to be sober-minded, treating the truth very seriously, putting on faith, faith comes by hearing the word of God. So we must hide it in our hearts, which will provide hope, motivating us to love as Jesus loved.
COME LORD JESUS AND RECEIVE US UNTO YOURSELF…
-Bill Stockham