September 5 2023

Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.

From 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6, 9-11, NRSV

In today’s reading, Paul continues to describe Christ’s Second Coming – the Day of the Lord. This time, Paul focuses on what will happen to those who will be alive at this time. For the early Christians, the Second Coming was considered to be imminent and Paul wanted this community to be prepared. He reminded them of what they already knew – that this day would come unexpectedly. He described this day as a reason for hope since all who had been faithful would be united with Christ. However, Paul also reminded them that this day would also be a day of reckoning and of Retribution for those who living “in the dark”. He assured the Thessalonians that as they had been living “in the light” they would have nothing to fear. They were to continue to live as “sons of light” so that they would be ready when the day came.

• • How do you think Paul’s words would have been received by the Thessalonians?
  • Is there anything we can or should do to prepare for Christ’s Second Coming?

In today’s reading, Paul instructs the Thessalonians to keep encouraging and strengthening one another. Make a conscious effort to encourage others today.