November 29, 2018
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 The Message (MSG)
Have you ever found yourself sleepwalking? I remember a movie I saw years ago that depicted the hilarious antics of a sleepwalker who remembered nothing about his night adventures the next morning. I know very little about sleepwalking or the medical reasons for it, but I did read it usually takes place during the first third of the night when a person is in his or her deepest sleep pattern. At that time, the brainwaves are slow, relaxed, and peaceful, but the body is still active tossing and turning or moving around.
In our passage today, the Apostle Paul reminds us we are to be alert and spiritually awake for Christ’s second advent or coming. We are warned against a false sense of peace. We are to guard against sleepwalking through life; being oblivious to our actions or how we are living. Let’s keep our minds fixed on Jesus and his work of redemption; focus on eternal life and stay vibrant in the righteousness of the Lord. Fight the temptation to be preoccupied with only earthly activities. Choose to spend time allowing the Word to transform your mind and grow you up into Christ who speaks hope into the lives of others getting them ready, as well.
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
5 1-3 I don’t think, friends, that I need to deal with the question of when all this is going to happen. You know as well as I that the day of the Master’s coming can’t be posted on our calendars. He won’t call ahead and make an appointment any more than a burglar would. About the time everybody’s walking around complacently, congratulating each other—“We’ve sure got it made! Now we can take it easy!”—suddenly everything will fall apart. It’s going to come as suddenly and inescapably as birth pangs to a pregnant woman.
4-8 But friends, you’re not in the dark, so how could you be taken off guard by any of this? You’re sons of Light, daughters of Day. We live under wide open skies and know where we stand. So let’s not sleepwalk through life like those others. Let’s keep our eyes open and be smart. People sleep at night and get drunk at night. But not us! Since we’re creatures of Day, let’s act like it. Walk out into the daylight sober, dressed up in faith, love, and the hope of salvation.
9-11 God didn’t set us up for an angry rejection but for salvation by our Master, Jesus Christ. He died for us, a death that triggered life. Whether we’re awake with the living or asleep with the dead, we’re alive with him! So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you’re already doing this; just keep on doing it.
Prayer: Lord, make me ready for your return and help me shake others awake, too. In Jesus’ name. Amen.