Fifth Sunday after Pentecost (NTA)

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. ² For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. ³ While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. ⁴ But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. ⁵ For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. ⁶ So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. ⁷ For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. ⁸ But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. ⁹ For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁰ who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. ¹¹ Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

Do not be distracted by the world around you. Stay alert and aware of the coming of Christ. It is a sobering time, when we know that we are going to lose our job. It is a sobering time, when we see other people losing their jobs. These are times of uncertainty. Anxiety levels can get really high. But turn to The Lord, and keep the cross before your eyes, you will see your salvation.

We can easily get caught up in the daily routine. We can focus on our own job, activity, little part in the greater plan. But remember that each day we are getting closer to the last. Each day we are coming closer to judgment. This may just be one more day in the week for you, but it will come like that, the judgment of all mankind.

Staul encourages the Thessalonians to be ready, to act as children of light. But he also reminds them that God does not desire to destroy you. God sent his Son to save you. He gave you armor to defend you. He gave you the comforter to strengthen you, and help you stay alert. He also gave you each other, to help and care for one another. Sometimes that comes in prayer. Sometimes it comes in lower debts. And sometimes it comes in being a friend.