Now, brothers and sisters, 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. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. (1 Thessalonians 5:1-5)

It is not uncommon these days to hear people predict the end of time. Things just feel so bad—it must be near, right? From pastor to pew sitter to non-Christian, people are sure that some sort of end must be imminent.

Not so fast though. Jesus also speaks—like Paul does here—of the day of the Lord coming in a totally unexpected moment, like a thief. Jesus says it even more explicitly: “about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” (Mt. 24:36).

On the one hand Jesus, like Paul, uses the “unknown” of the day of the Lord as an invitation to be ever watchful and ready, ever obedient and faithful. On the other hand, it is also used to give comfort, and this is more in keeping with what Paul is dong here: lowering the anxiety level.

Paul gives a picture of judgement here though too, and that might trouble us a bit. It’s important to keep the context in mind. The Roman society that was persecuting the Thessalonian church was a society in which everything looked good. The economy was humming along and under the law and protection of the Romans, peace and safety was enjoyed by all. That is, unless you were Christians who did not participate in the pagan practices of that society—then you experienced fearsome insecurity.

Paul’s point is that despite all this—it is actually the Christians who ultimately have the claim to peace and safety, because they rest secure under the Lordship of Christ as children of the light and of the day. The promise of the Roman empire is false—against the judgement of God, Rome cannot offer shelter. It is they of the pagan Roman society who have no hope, or at least who have placed their hopes in gods and emperors who are not gods—they who will be surprised and caught unaware by this thief-like day of the Lord’s judgement. On that day, the faith of the Thessalonian Christians will be vindicated, even as the injustices and suffering they have endured are set right.

The point for them and for us is this: in Jesus Christ we rest in peace and safety. For no matter when he comes and no matter what we suffer until then—we may trust that body and soul, in life and in death, we belong to him.

Yes, things are bad in our present moment even as they were bad for the Thessalonians back then—but hang in there. Stand firm. Don’t be deceived or alarmed. Jesus knows who are his, and you are his. There’s no way you’ll miss him or he you—you are children of the light and the day. So do not be afraid. No matter how bad things get or how fearsome the moment feels, stay calm. You belong to Jesus.

As you journey on, go with the blessing of God:

May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together—spirit, soul, and body—and keep you fit for the coming of our Master, Jesus Christ. The One who called you is completely dependable. If he said it, he’ll do it! The amazing grace of Jesus Christ be with you! (1 Thessalonians 5:23,24,28 The Message).