1 Thessalonians 5: 4 But you, friends, are not
in the darkness, and the Day should not take you by surprise like a thief. 5 All of you are people who
belong to the light, who belong to the day. We do not belong to the night or to
the darkness. 6 So then, we should not be sleeping like
the others; we should be awake and sober.
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After the
discussion about expensive ties, I wanted to fit in, but did not have the
money. I found a discount store and bought suits and ties. I got compliments.
We all went to lunch. On the way, a homeless person asked us for money. “Sorry,
I don’t have anything” was my lie. The others mumbled “Get a job” after we walked
away.
- I was drunk with trying to fit in with “successful” people.
- I was following darkness by withholding from someone in need.
- I was asleep to serving the Kingdom of GOD.
Paul, Silas and
Timothy continue the discussion about the “Day of the LORD.” They bring great news
that believers will not be surprised by the coming of the LORD. They also
explained that believers belong to the “light” and to the “day” and warned everyone
to remain “awake and sober,”
My Observations
- Living in darkness feels right and acceptable, BUT GOD wants my sins to be brought to light.
- Getting drunk on fame, fortune, power, politics, money, mayhem or substances can hurt me, BUT GOD wants me to sober up to see HE is the answer.
- Falling asleep to hurt, pain, and agony of others can make me experience the terrible side of the “Day of the LORD” BUT GOD rescued me by belief in JESUS an d wants me awake to see HIS people.
Awake and sober
means something special to GOD. I mean, when life truly gets hard, it is easy t
want to fall asleep to all the trouble others are facing. When I go into dark
places, I get feel more comfortable getting drunk on what the world has to
offer. BUT GOD wants me to remain awake and sober.
HE not only wants
me to wait on the coming of the LORD, but also be actively pursuing HIS Kingdom
when HE returns. Life gets hard and the answer is the LORD. I am glad HE is the
Day and the Light to shine on my path.
Challenge
- What does “belonging to the day” mean?
- What warning do the writers give?
- Have you ever been asleep about something important or drunk with something not good for you?
- Will you remain awake and sober to see others in need and to see the return of JESUS some day?
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