World events have many asking if the second coming of Christ is near. It is a natural question as many of the signs that Jesus and the prophets gave seem to have been fulfilled or are being fulfilled in our lifetime. In my youth there was a greater emphasis on prophecy in Scripture than there is today. Books like “The Late Great Planet Earth” were widely read, as was the film, “A Thief in the Night.” Larry Norman’s song, “I wish we’d all been ready” and more recently the Left Behind series have both intrigued many and caused fear that somehow, we would miss the moment. 

Even in the early church there was speculation about when Jesus would return. Here is what Paul wrote to the Thessalonian church in 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11. “Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.”

But 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 and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But 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. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

We don’t talk about it much but Jesus is going to return and it will be a surprise to many who are preoccupied with their own affairs, living life in the moment and asleep to the spiritual realities of life. His return will be a great day for those who know Him but a dreadful day for those who don’t. That last statement ought to be an encouragement to us to share the Good News of Jesus with those who don’t know Him because their eternal destiny is at stake. 

How then should we live in light of His return to this earth? Paul uses the analogy of light and darkness, night and day. He calls us children of the light and children of the day. In other words, we are to live wide awake spiritually, paying attention to those things that Jesus wants us to focus on rather than sleepwalking through life. 

In fact, we are to live in light of His return whether it takes place in our lifetime or not. Our words, actions, attitudes, and priorities have eternal meaning. Those whose focus is on joining God in His work in this world will see the results of that focus in eternity when we are with Him. This is why Paul says to be “self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.” We are metaphorically dressed for battle, taking the offense for God and the defense against the Evil One. We live awake, engaged and ready.

Father, it is easy to forget the eternal perspective in all the activities of life. Remind me often to be awake and engaged in Your work. I want my life to reverberate through eternity because of the opportunity I have to serve you today. Amen.