As a Thief

Christ’s soon return is not like He can be missed. And yet, that is exactly what happens. It would seem like it would be impossible to miss such an event as HIS return. The whole bible culminates and concludes with HIS return. Although, I don’t think that it can be said enough. I say that because the bible speaks of such warning, time and time again. Even Jesus describes what it will be like.

Matt 24:42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come

43 But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.

44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.   KJV

This is the description of the LORD Himself. Even this language is repeated not just once but several times. Peter said it like this with again the same description.

2 Peter 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.    KJV

Paul also used the same language.

1 Thess 5:2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.    KJV

Not focusing on each setting or even the context as to why it’s given. But the emphasis is on (HOW JESUS IS GOING TO COME.) “As a thief.”

The thief knows the art of surprise. Because in doing so, the thief has the greatest of opportunity in getting away. The thief knows to use the cover of darkness to perpetrate his crime and use the darkness to mask his getaway.

The description of each writer is (AS A THIEF.) However, not so that Jesus can catch all unaware and surprise so many can be lost. Its just the opposite. Jesus says, how HIS coming will be. HE plainly says, “AS A THIEF.”  The fact is, Jesus rather gives us this as a warning. We are to know how HE IS COMING.

Jesus tells how HE is going to come. Peter and Paul repeat it. And not to leave without one last warning. Jesus has John on the isle called Patmos record for us again in the 66^th and final book of the bible.

Rev 3:3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.   KJV

This was to Sardis. One of the seven churches that Jesus writes and visits specifically. Sardis the dead church. This warning is not unbelievers but to the believers. It was those who followed HIM. Believers. To those who Peter and Paul warned. Believers. The church.

Don’t be flabbergasted that the world misses HIM. The world will always miss HIM. Always has and always will. That is until it’s too late. When HE sound’s HIS trump and with a shout, “the dead in Christ and those that are alive and remain shall be caught up to meet HIM in the air”. Its worth noting that all these warnings were to those that believed.

Jesus even gives us the story of the 10 virgins. All represent the church. All were virgins, all dressed, all ready. Each knew how to look. Yet, only 5 went because when the bride groom came HE came in the night when the demand of preparedness is the highest. One must have oil for light to reveal the bridegroom. Again, (AS A THIEF.)

I’m reminded just the other day. October the third. Out of nowhere, unexpectedly my phone and perhaps yours as well began to sound an alarm. Surely, we all have had our phone make that certain sound. Usually it’s due to weather, a storm or perhaps an “Amber or Silver Alert.” But on this October day. That sound, an alert and note the first of its kind. Some, perhaps just passively looked at it. Maybe, some didn’t think twice about it. Maybe you that are reading this has already forgotten it. But just to remind you, this is what it said. “Presidential Alert, 1:18 pm. THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System.” And then the words. “No action needed.”

If you don’t know the purpose of the above said alert. Its all about preparation. A warning to take precautions in case as one said for the purpose of; “incoming missiles, terrorist threats, or ANY OTHER PUBLIC PERIL.” A TIME WHEN ACTION IS NEEDED.

This is by most forgotten by now. However, I remind you not of what could happen, but what is going to happen. The alarms are sounding. The end-times are not coming they are here. Jesus is soon to RETURN. And HE said, what its going to be like when HE DOES RETURN. HE’S GOING TO COME AND TO MOST IT WILL BE AS A THIEF, BUT ONLY BECAUSE MOST WILL NOT BE GIVING ATTENTION. HE’S COMING LIKE A THIEF IN THE NIGHT.

Thank you for reading.