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Waiting For God: Forewarned Is
Not 
Ready
Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11
Ron Mathieu
Last night, I read a new virus is attacking computers through the internet. When I turned onmy laptop, a message popped up that said, “A critical update is available or your operatingsystem that can aect your computer’s security.” Then there were two boxes I could check:“Change now” or“Continue what I am doing.”I don’t know about you, but more oten than not I continue what I am doing, fguring I canchange my operating system at a time when more pressing matters are not staring me in theace. This situation has application with today’s reading.In this passage the apostle Paul is addressing a church that has been orewarned, but is notready or a cataclysmic event. And whereas “the rapture,” as it is known, could command a loto discussion in its own right, the real point deals more with readiness rather than the detailso what will happen.Some Thessalonians were so convinced you wouldn’t die i you believed in Christ that theyhad stopped working and were just waiting or him to come back. Others were concernedthat those believers who had already passed away would lose their place in line. In his letterPaul was trying to change their (and our) perspective on the implications o Jesus’ return.As with the computer update notice, being
forewarned
is not the same as being
ready,
andmany o us are more inclined to continue with what we are doing rather than doing what weshould in order to be prepared.But Paul takes it beyond the caricature o holding a sign that proclaims, “The End Is Near!” Weshould so much be ready to die as to live again and orever with Jesus.And, he says, that should encourage us.
PRAYER
Lord, I pray that whether You come today or tomorrow or not beore I die that I might live alie o one prepared, and not merely orewarned that You will come again. I pray that I mightboldly live accordingly, and encourage others in my journey. In Your name I pray, Amen.
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