December 1, 2015
Scripture Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3
1Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
Questions for Reflection:
Paul begins this section of the letter much like he began 1 Thessalonians 4:9 with a paralipsis. (To read more about the use of paralipsis, you can glance at the daily Bible reading from last week where we dealt with that.) Paul is writing to address a concern among the Thessalonians. What was the concern?
The phrase that Paul used to introduce the idea of Jesus’ return was “the day of the Lord.” FF Bruce in his commentary notes that “the Day of the Lord is an [Old Testament] concept; it was the day when Yahweh would vindicate his righteous cause and execute impartial judgement.” The church at Thessalonica wanted to know about Christ’s return. What’s interesting is that Paul could have easily wrote this same section to the church today. There has been constant speculation around the return of Christ. There have been books, websites and countless tabloid rumors speculating on the return of Jesus. Based on this passage, what conclusion can you draw on those speculations?
The point of this passage (and the verses that follow) is not to give a prediction of when Christ will return. Instead Paul wants to point us to what truly matters which is the confidence we can have based on the saving work of Jesus. In times where there are wars, rumors of wars, terrorist strikes, economic uncertainty and natural disasters, we can continue to trust God, his timing, and the peace that he will bring.