As I sat down to gather information for today’s blog post on the return of Christ, I noticed that the date, April 23, 2018, was the most recently forecasted date for the end of the world.  As I sipped on my coffee and watched the birds play in the gentle rain, I could only imagine how the scene could shift in a mere instant.

Since AD 66, there have existed recorded accounts of people predicting the end times.  Every few years, a news article appears with another proclamation of a coming “Dooms Day” or “Day of the Lord.”

Before Jesus ascended, He told the disciples He would return.  This promise is a recurring theme throughout the New Testament.  In 1 Thessalonians, Paul draws on this point as he teaches the church how to live a Godly life.  He desires for the body of believers to be ready and live in anticipation of Christ’s return.  However, he didn’t want them to be overly concerned about details.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:1, Paul states that he doesn’t need to write to them about the dates and time of the return of Christ. The reason why his words are better spent elsewhere is because Jesus’ return is unknown.  Predicting the events of the future is as fruitless as trying to foresee how a robber acts at night.

The important aspect for the believer is to be prepared.

The Day of the Lord is a day of both punishment and blessing.  For those who believe, it is a day of rejoicing and celebration.  It’s a day of hope fulfilled. So often, we get caught up in the doom and destruction message that we forget about the joy this day brings for those who are in Christ.

As believers, we must recognize that our relationship with this world is temporary. Our time here will end when, either Christ returns to gather us in glory or, when we return to be with Him in heaven. This revelation should motivate us live with intentionality.  Our love for the Gospel and for others highlights this urgency.

While we don’t know when the time will come, Jesus promises He will return.  For those who reject Him, the day brings judgment. Paul writes that the day will come when no one expects it.  The destruction will be swift and sudden.  Escape will be futile.  Imagining friends and family facing this kind of punishment shatters me.  Recognizing my opportunity is limited spurs me.

Friend, as you lean into this study this week, I encourage you to not focus on trivial details that are not of concern to Jesus.  But rather utilize the time the Lord has given you to make a difference for the Kingdom and show someone the difference Jesus has made in your life.  Your action could make an eternal difference.

Living the Difference,

Week 3 Challenge: We are reminded this week that Jesus is coming back. What changes do you need to make to live expectantly of His return?

Week 3 Reading Plan

Week 3 Memory Verse

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Angela Perritt

Angela Perritt is the founder and director of LoveGodGreatly.com, a nonprofit online Bible study ministry reaching thousands of women in over two hundred countries around the world with God’s Word through their translated Bible studies. She and her husband live in Dallas, Texas with their three daughters. Angela is passionate about God’s Word and believes one woman in God’s Word can change a family, community and ultimately a nation. Her greatest joy is to encourage her children and others to love God greatly with their lives one day at a time. You can connect with her on Instagram.