DAY AND NIGHT
Opening Prayer
Light of the World, shine in my heart so that others may see who you are, and give you glory.
Read 1 THESSALONIANS 5:1–11
The Day of the Lord
5 Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 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.
4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8 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. 9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
New International Version (NIV)Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Bring to mind the most spectacular sunset (or sunrise if you like to get up early) that you’ve ever seen. Consider the many beneficial things that are ours because God has given us the sun.Did you spot how many metaphors Paul mixed here? He began with the ‘day of the Lord’ which is like a ‘thief’ (v. 2), an invasion (v. 3) and ‘labor’ (v. 3). Like the disciples before them (Acts 1:6, 7), the Thessalonians wanted to know when this day would come. I can sympathize—I like to know ‘when’ so I can plan!
Paul’s answer was that they didn’t need to know; they needed to be ready. The ‘day of the Lord’ would come—but the day of God’s kingdom had already dawned. Once again Paul returned to the gospel: ‘he died for us so that…we may live together with him’ (v. 10). Don’t worry about when Jesus will return, Paul wrote, but learn to live the life he has won for you (v. 8).
Again, he urged them to ‘encourage one another’ (v. 11; 4:18). Why? Because keeping focus is hard! We need to remind one another of the truth, uphold one another as we walk, and help one another face the light.
Apply
The contrast between living in the darkness and living in the light is stark. Take time to consider: are there places where your lifestyle and behavior belong to the night?
Closing prayer
Father, show me where darkness still reigns in my life. Help me to turn from it and live instead in the light of Jesus.
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