Dear Family and Friends,

Like a “thief in the night…” that is the expression we most often hear regarding the Lords sudden return to earth. Jesus was the first one to use this imagery of a thief breaking into someone’s house. An interesting point to Jesus’ one that often is lost to us is that Jesus’ intention was to prepare the disciples so that they would not be surprised when He returns.

For those who are watching, Jesus’ return will not be a surprise. In three of the four gospels Jesus clearly tells the disciples what to look for regarding His soon and sudden return. In the Gospel of John, the one gospel where Jesus’ teaching on the mount of Olives does not appear, the teaching does not appear because John would receive the unique privilege of receiving another Revelation that became the final book in the canon of Scripture. Paul picks up on this important teaching of Jesus in 1 Thess 5 where he says, “and you brethren are not in the darkness that the day would overtake you like a thief.”

How about you; are you familiar with Jesus’ answer to the disciples when they asked him about the signs of Jesus’ coming and the end of the age? Both Jesus and Paul tell us that we should not be ignorant of these things. Why? Why should we be watching for the signs Jesus referred to that would proceed His return? Here are two things that I pick up from Paul’s teaching in 1 Thess 5 that are good reasons for us to be watching for the signs of Jesus imminent return;

1. We are sons of the light.  Paul lumps people into two categories those who are in the light and those who are in darkness.  It’s those in darkness who say, “peace and safety”. In other words their world view is looking for peace on earth and personal safety now, procured through this world system. It seem that this attitude of longing for “peace and safety” in this world results in drowsiness. So if you want to have a lazy faith that dozes through life then ignore the signs of Jesus soon return and just hope that the world governments can bring in “peace and safety”.
2. Being aware of the signs of the times also is a reflection of our hope. Longing for Jesus’ return should beat in our hearts like those joyful couples that are counting down the days till they can, “tie the knot”. Paul reminds us that our destiny is salvation and that means that we will, “live together with Him” forever. This world is not our home, but Jesus is preparing a place for us!
3. I know I said two things but here is a extra, identifying the signs of Jesus soon return is a biblical way to encourage and build others up. That is what Paul said. Jesus says it this way, “So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near! And in another place, “blessed is the servant who is watching for the Masters return.”

When Jesus told His disciples that they didn’t need to know the exact day or hour of His return it was not meant to discourage them from diligently watching for His soon return. If anything it was intended to do just the opposite, to keep them watching.  See what Jesus says in Mark 13:32, 33 “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. And since you don’t know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert!“

After His Glory,

Tim & Andrea Ullum