Reading: 1st Thessalonians 5:1-3

1st Thessalonians 5:2 and 3 – “For you know quite well that the day of the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly… as suddenly as a pregnant woman’s labor pains begin.”

As we begin a few days in 1st Thessalonians 5, Paul continues to answer the Thessalonians’ questions about the resurrection. In today’s verses Paul reminds them of two very important things. The first is this: Jesus is returning. Paul and they (and we) know this in our heart of hearts. They are sure of the “what” and even “how” parts of this coming event. It is the “when” that is the unknown.

In verses 2 and 3 Paul writes, “For you know quite well that the day of the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly… as suddenly as a pregnant woman’s labor pains begin.” They and we do not know the day or hour. We do not know the year. It will, however, come upon us quite unexpectedly. Suddenly there will be a heavenly shout and a trumpet call. The faithful who have died will rise and… Christ will be here. Right now. Suddenly.

Paul uses two metaphors to describe the sudden and unexpected nature of Christ’s return. First he compares it to a “thief in the night.” You are awakened during the night to a noise downstairs. It is too late. The thief has come. Worse yet, you come home and realize that the thief has come and gone. And you’re still here, having to deal with the consequences of that.

Paul’s second metaphor is labor pains. When pregnant, the mother-to-be knows that these pains are coming. They are unavoidable. It is not unexpected in this way – much as we cannot be surprised when Jesus returns. But that due date? It is a best guess. Yet the woman knows the day has arrived when she feels that first pang of pain. And if preparations begin then or if they are ignored – trouble! So we too must be prepared and ready. May it ever be so, because on that day, “There will be no escape.”

Prayer: Lord God, day by day lead us to be prepared to stand in Jesus’ holy presence. Hour by hour guide us to practice the means of grace so that we are right with you and with one another. Moment by moment use us to be love in the world. Being love lived out, we will recognize love when he returns. Amen.