Like a Thief in the Night

This meditation is based on a passage for May 4, 2010 in the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

Reflection and Question: Our common confession with the Thessalonians is, “Christ has died, Christ has risen, Christ will come again.” But when? Paul offers the oldest answer: the image of Jesus’ return being like a thief in the night. Then he extends the image in another direction by reminding his listeners that they are children of light who need not fear the darkness. In the end, when Jesus comes is less important than how we live with Him right now. Encouraging one another, building each other up, helps us stay awake to be with Him when He is present, each and every day. How do you live with Christ?

Prayer: Jesus, our Beloved, Paul taught the Thessalonians that Your return would be like a thief coming in the dead of night. Now, so many years later, this remains the case. May we learn from Paul how to stay awake and rejoice when You come. Amen.