LIVING IN THE LIGHT- 1 THESS. 5:4

Pompeli, an ancient city in Italy, for nearly 1700 years lay buried under volcanic cinders, ashes and stone. Since being unearthed by archeologists it has become a mute reminder of the possibility of sudden and violent destruction. In A.D. 63 the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius brought limited damage of Pompeli. However, the people not believing there would be more damage repaired their city and continued cultivating the rich soil. Suddenly, in the summer of A.D. 79, Vesuvius erupted with great violence. Hot ashes, stones and cinders rained down upon the city. The darkened air was filled with poisonous gas and fumes. About 2000 persons out of a population of 20,000 were killed. Some were trapped in their homes while others, breathing the poisonous gas died as they fled.

Paul emphasizes on the sudden judgment of God upon a sinful world and exhort believers to be alert towards prophetic fulfillment of end-time events- 1Thess. 5:1-3. Paul reminds us that the particular time of the Lord's return cannot be known, hence there is need for adequate readiness always; but  the signs of the times can be realized. Many errors and heresies have been predicted and taught about the actual date of the Lord's second coming but God has kept quiet and is waiting for the day of the Lord when He will punish sin. The scripture assures us that God in His own way will bring every soul to judgment. In Zephaniah, the day of the Lord is seen as the time when God will deal with sin and a time                                z of God's judgment- Zeph. 1:14-16. It will also be a period of deliverance and blessing for the nation of Israel. The millennium or 1000 year reign of Christ on earth is also included in this day. During this period, Christ personally direct s the government of the world. Because of the rebellious nature of mankind, the Millennium will end with another period of judgment- Rev. 20:9-15.

The unexpectedness of the coming of a thief and the unpreparedness of those to whom he comes is used to describe how the second coming of Christ would be. The suddenness of the end-time events are likened also to the travail upon a woman with child. The event of that D-day will give rise to a new age of God's revelation to mankind. Those who know Christ as savior long for that day- Rom. 8:21-23.

Hence, every believer has to keep awake- Matt. 25:1-13; be watchful (alert)- Matt. 24:42-52 and be sober- 1 Pet. 4:7. Those who live in the light remain aware of their relationship with God and also exercise self-control. The Christian's sobriety brought to Paul's mind the picture of a soldier on duty and he calls our attention to the articles of defensive armor- breastplate and helmet.
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