Nougat 12

Recently, there has been a resurgence of conversation around the ‘days of darkness’, which is one of the signs that Christ’s return is upon us. More recent than that, the day has come and gone, and the expected darkness has not materialized. Does this cause us dismay, lead us to exultation, or move us to prayer? And how do we treat with visible volcano eruptions, live vaccinations, virulent strains of coronavirus, and all else that is manifesting at the moment?

I invite us to consider today’s Holy Nougat, for such are the times and seasons.

“For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.” 1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5:2‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Although thieves are much more brazen now than before; one thing seems to be constant – they rely on unpredictability. I am not suggesting lack of planning; they are perhaps more hi-tech and organized now than before. However, the success of robbery is catching one’s prey unprepared – even for an inside job.

To counter that, at least in the Caribbean and more so in Jamaica, we build walls around our houses, set up closed circuit tv camera equipment for business, keep our money in banks and establish neighborhood watch. Some even get firearm licenses to secure our lives. With all that, we are still caught by surprise if/when a thief appears.

John 10:10 asserts that it is the enemy of our souls who is the thief – for the enemy wishes to kill, steal and destroy. In contrast, Christ offers abundant life. So WHY, in God’s own name, are we being told that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night? Is that a suggestion that God is evil?

Absolutely not.

The metaphor is intended to raise consciousness about the unpredictability of the actual day/date and an perhaps also to stir one to preparedness. As ones who confess Jesus Christ as Lord, we have naught to fear. However, as indicated yesterday, none is without sin, so we must prepare.

So, we begin to polish our armour (Ephesians 6:10-18), maintain constant relationship with the Triune God, entrust our soul to God’s care and share the hope and joy of Christ with others. The difference is – rather than securing our lives against the enemy; we are preparing our souls for the arrival of our Savior!

Oh what a difference!

The enemy catches us off guard to steal, kill and destroy. God gives us signs to help us stay focused. In fact, I think that God gives us time to get our souls sorted out lest we miss the mark. And if that’s the case, let’s not waste time.

May God’s Spirit keep us as we prepare

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May all we seek be found in Christ