Our Hopeful Future

1 Thessalonians 5:4-28

Paul tells us that we don’t know when the day of the Lord’s return will be and yet declares that we are not in the dark about these things. He even tells us that we will not be surprised when Christ returns, even though we don’t have it penciled in on our calendars.

Still, Paul warns us to be on our guard and to not sleep like those around us. Paul says that since we are in the light, we can be clearheaded and sober. We can think straight. We know the truth, so we need not be deceived by the thoughts, philosophies, or predictions tossed around in society. Our faith in Jesus and the love of God can protect us from the lies and the weapons of deception meant to attack us. The confidence of our salvation is our helmet, protecting our minds. We know that Jesus accomplished His work of salvation for us by His death and resurrection. Whether we die before He returns, or whether we live to see that incredible day, we know our destiny. For God sent His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal, never-ending life.

In these days of uncertainty, as we face wars and rumors of wars, famine in various places of the world, disease, poverty, and all these problems that at times seem insurmountable, we can be confident that our hope is in Jesus. We will continue to work for solutions to these important issues, but we do not look for solutions out of fear. We know that our Savior is coming back for us, and the knowledge of our coming life with him relieves our fears.