Revelation 16:15: A further thought on the thief.

15 ‘Look, I come like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake and remains clothed, so as not to go naked and be shamefully exposed.’ NIV

I had some friends who owned a bakery. I often visited them as they were fairly new Christians. One day, as I was stood in the back of the shop, drinking a cup of tea with them, one of the couple said, ‘You never know when the Public Health Inspector is going to call. So you always have to keep the shop clean. He could drop in, unexpected, any time.’ I can’t remember what else in the conversation this was related to, but I do remember it being said (and I was deeply grateful for the sermon illustration!!)

Lights went on for me when he said that. I drew a mental parallel with what the Bible teaches about the second coming of Jesus. Again and again, in the New Testament, His return is spoken of without date, to keep us on our toes. Many Christians respond to second coming teaching with speculation; but the response the Bible wants to stimulate has everything to do with sanctification. We are to believe that Jesus is coming soon and let that affect how we live now.

PRAYER: Lord, I pray that the expectation of Jesus’ return will get into my bloodstream and affect all I am and do.