Like a Thief by Martin Wiles

Famous Japanese Admiral, Isoroku Yamomoto, said, “I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant.” And his enemy, American President Franklin Roosevelt, said of December 7, 1941, that it was “a date which will live in infamy.”

Until September 11, 2001 when the World Trade Center was destroyed by planes, the attack on Pearl Harbor was probably one of the greatest surprises in American history. More than 350 Japanese planes launched the attack, and by the end of the day over 2,000 people had been killed and America’s Pacific fleet heavily damaged. Currently, the United States of America is continuing to make preparations so she is never surprised like this again.

While there is no way to completely guard ourselves against enemy attack, anticipating it lessens the element of surprise and results in fewer casualties and less destruction. But there is one surprise that shouldn’t be, and there is only one way to prepare for it. For you know quite well that the day of the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night (I Thessalonians 5:2 NLT).

Some may think a two thousand year old unfulfilled promise is of little worth, but I beg to differ. I anticipate the return of Christ just as much as first century Christians did. That he is waiting so long demonstrates his patience and desire that all turn to him in repentance.

Christ’s coming won’t be a surprise for believers—though the appearance itself will be, but it will seize unbelievers by surprise because they are unprepared. His coming will ensue a great separation between those who have and have not accepted his forgiveness.

Have you prepared to meet the Savior of the world? If not, turn to him in repentance today and accept his forgiveness for your sins.

Prayer: Merciful Savior and soon returning King, we anticipate Your arrival and our eternal dwelling with You.

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