What Will the Second Coming of Jesus Be Like?

February 21, 2005 — I remember it like it was yesterday.

My wife and I had a little “family meeting” with our two daughters (ages 6 and 4 at the time). They were buzzing with excitement about their new little brother, Adam - due on March 5th. We thought we had plenty of time to prepare.

The next day, while teaching class, I got a phone call: “Can you meet me at the hospital? I think we’re having the baby TODAY.”

TODAY?!

He wasn’t supposed to arrive for 11 more days! I mean, we were “mostly” ready, but still caught off guard. 

Later that evening, our healthy son was born. (Fast forward: Adam is now almost 21, loves God, and loves good food. 😂)

That's my boy!

That moment came to mind recently as I read 1 Thessalonians 5:1–3.  Paul wrote to correct false teachings that the Second Coming had already happened. He reminded the Saints:

“The day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night… as labor pains on a pregnant woman.”

You see the signs. You prepare. But the actual moment still catches you off guard.

Paul continues:

“But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.” (v. 4)

We don’t know exactly when Christ will come again. But we do see signs all around us. And like labor pains, they remind us the day is coming.

So what do we do?

• Stay alert.

• Be “children of light” (v. 5).

• Live with faith and readiness, so we’re not surprised, but joyful when He comes.

We may not know the day or hour — but we know who we’re waiting for. And that makes all the difference.

Let’s walk as children of light, together.

And yes, let's walk together in some nice comfy gospel-themed socks while we're at it! 😀