Day of the Lord

DAY OF THE LORD
2Timothy 3:1-5
V. 1: “But mark this: there will be terrible times in the last days.”

(PARENTS: You may want to consider whether this devotion is suitable for your very young children.)

“Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night” (1Thessalonians 5:1-2). “Day of the Lord” is not referring to a 24-hour period, but rather, a season. Sprinkled throughout the Bible—in Ezekiel, Daniel, Matthew, Luke, 1Thessalonians, 2Timothy, 2Peter, and Revelation, believers are forewarned about the future. The point is not to frighten God’s children—but to maintain proper perspective, knowing that these things will happen—forewarning is both knowledge and comfort.

Jesus said many times in the Bible, “I am coming soon” (Revelation 22:7). This present participle statement implies present time. Each passing day brings us closer to His coming. The season He’ll usher in will be marked by the establishment of a new heaven and a new earth (Revelation 21:1).

First: believers who have died will rise from the dead. Then those believers who are alive will be caught up in the clouds, uniting with Jesus in the air (1Thessalonians 4:13-18). This event is called the rapture by many. (That label is not found anywhere in the Bible).

In those days, the Antichrist will rise to power 1John 2:18. There will be a seven year great tribulation in which unparalleled trials and hardship will spread around the world (Revelation 7:14). This future worsening days are signs that God’s Kingdom calendar is right on time (2Peter 3:3-18).

We must not sleep during this time. Our job is vigilance. To be sober and awake in a world ruled by Satan, inhabited by fallen men, affords us front-row seats—with theater guide (the Bible) in hand. Devastating world events are not frightening when viewed through the lens of Biblical prophecy.

The church (body of believers)—need not endure the tribulation—for we are destined for salvation, rather than wrath (1Thessalonians 5:9).

Take Home Nugget

Though no one knows the exact time of Jesus’ coming, our job is to pay attention. We’re to continue working diligently through this season (Matthew 24:36, Luke 21:13, 1Thessalonians 5:2).

Jesus didn’t provide us dates, only signs of widespread trouble (Matthew 24:6-14).

Every day brings news that’s worse than before,
As I peer skywards outside my door.
“Come soon, Lord Jesus, come soon”, I cry!
I look for You to come—either before or after I die.

J.D. Griffith

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Written for Bible Study for Kids.