September 11 2026

September 11 Friday

1 Thessalonians 5:1-3

The Day of the Lord

Welcome to Pastor’s Chat. As we begin 1 Thessalonians chapter 5, Paul continues the subject he introduced at the end of chapter 4—the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. In chapter 4, Paul comforted believers concerning their loved ones who had died in Christ. He told them that the Lord Himself would descend from heaven, the dead in Christ would rise first, and believers who are alive would be caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the air.

Then he said: “Therefore comfort one another with these words.” Now in chapter 5, Paul turns from the comfort of Christ’s coming for believers to the seriousness of “the day of the Lord.” He writes: “But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you.” Apparently, Paul had already taught them about these things. Notice that Paul does not give them a date. Throughout history, people have tried to calculate the exact time of Christ’s return. But Jesus said in Matthew 24:36: “But of that day and hour no one knows.” Our responsibility is not to set dates. Our responsibility is to be ready.

Paul continues: “For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.” A thief does not normally send a notice saying, “I’ll be at your house tonight at 2:00.” The point is unexpectedness. The day of the Lord will come suddenly upon a world that is unprepared. The phrase “day of the Lord” is used throughout the Bible to describe a time when God directly intervenes in human history in judgment and ultimately establishes His righteous rule. The Old Testament prophets spoke repeatedly about it. Joel called it “the great and terrible day of the LORD.” Isaiah, Zephaniah, Amos, and others warned of a coming day of divine judgment.

Then Paul says in verse 3: “For when they say, ‘Peace and safety!’ then sudden destruction comes upon them.” Notice the words “they” and “them.” Paul is describing unbelieving humanity. The world will believe that everything is secure. People will be saying, “Peace and safety.” Yet suddenly God's judgment will come. Paul compares it to labor pains upon a pregnant woman. That illustration tells us two things. First, the event is certain. Once labor begins, the birth is coming. Second, the event becomes inescapable.

Paul says: “And they shall not escape.” That sounds serious because it is serious. The Bible presents the return of Jesus Christ as both a wonderful hope and a solemn warning. For the believer, Christ’s coming means reunion, resurrection, transformation, and being forever with the Lord. But for the unbelieving world, the day of the Lord means judgment. And that raises the most important question: Are you ready? Not, “Do you know all the prophetic charts?” Not, “Can you explain every detail of Revelation?” But: “Do you know Jesus Christ as your Savior?” Jesus came the first time to provide salvation. He died on the cross for our sins. He was buried. He rose again. And today He offers eternal life to everyone who will trust Him.

Second Peter 3:9 tells us that God is “not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” God's warning of judgment is actually an expression of His mercy. He warns us because He wants us to turn to Him. Perhaps there is someone listening today who has never personally trusted Jesus Christ. You may know about Him. You may attend church. You may be a good person by human standards. But have you received Christ? The question is not whether we know when Jesus is coming. The question is whether we are ready when He comes.

And for those of us who know Christ, these verses should cause us to live with urgency. There are people around us who are not ready. Family members. Friends. Neighbors. Coworkers. We should pray for opportunities to share the good news of Jesus Christ with them. The day of the Lord will come. God's Word says it is certain. So today, let us make sure that our hearts are ready and that our lives are faithfully pointing others to Jesus.

Let's pray. Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise that Jesus is coming again. Thank You also for the warning in Your Word concerning the day of the Lord. Help us not to become distracted trying to determine dates and times, but help us to live ready. For anyone listening who has never trusted Jesus Christ, may today be the day they turn from sin and receive Him as Savior. And Lord, give those of us who know You a renewed burden for people around us who are not prepared to meet You. Help us faithfully share the gospel until Jesus comes. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

God bless, and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day!