Paul continues his theme of the end times (4:13-18) but switches his focus to begin talking about the judgment of unbelievers. He writes “for you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.” So, what is the “day of the Lord?” Paul is specifically pointing to the end of the 7 year tribulation period where God pours out His wrath upon those who have rejected Jesus Christ (Revelation 19:11-21). This time will conclude with the Battle of Armageddon where God will slaughter those who have rebelled against Him once and for all. Isaiah, Joel, Ezekiel, Jesus, and Paul prophesied about this future event. This day is said to come as a “thief in the night” meaning God will act without warning and “sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.” Paul did not want the church at Thessalonica to fear this judgment on unbelievers so he reminded them “that this Day should [not] overtake you as a thief.” Since the church will be raptured before the 7 year tribulation period, they will not experience God’s wrath (5:4-5). So why does Paul mention the day of the Lord when writing to the Thessalonians? He wants to remind them that they are not supposed to live in darkness as those who rebel against God, but “watch and be sober…putting on the breastplate of faith and love, as a helmet the hope of salvation.” (5:6-8)Speaking in military terms, Paul wants them to prepare for spiritual battle. A soldier needs to be “sober” meaning that he should be alert to what is happening around him. The Christian soldier should be alert to the temptations which come from the world, the flesh, and the devil. Having faith and love for God will protect the Christian from giving up and provide strength to withstand the battle between good and evil. Paul gently reminds them that “God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake [are alive] or sleep [are dead], we should live together with Him.” Although times seemed tough for the Thessalonians, Paul wanted them to keep in mind the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ and “comfort each other and edify one another” with these words. Christians need not fear the wrath of God during His judgment on those who have rejected Him, but should live with vigilance and seek to please Him in all our ways.
Dear God, thank You for the promise of eternal life with You and help me to live in light of Your soon return.
