May 11, 2026

NO NEED FOR FEAR

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“Now concerning how and when all this will happen, dear brothers and sisters, we don’t really need to write you. For you know quite well that the day of the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night... But you aren’t in the dark about these things, dear brothers and sisters, and you won’t be surprised when the day of the Lord comes like a thief. For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don’t belong to darkness and night.” 

 1 Thessalonians 5:1-5 NLT

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TODAY’S THOUGHT

In 1972, a movie called A Thief in the Night was released. (I was a sophomore in high school and remember watching it.) It was shown in churches across the country and, for many of us, its main purpose seemed to be scaring us into "living right" by showing the chaos of being left behind. But when we look at Paul’s actual words, he isn't trying to scare the church; he is trying to prepare the church.

1. Futility of Date-Setting  

Scripture gives us "signs of the times," but God intentionally kept the specifics hidden. Over the centuries, many have tried to name the day. From the early founders of the Jehovah’s Witnesses (who predicted his return in 1914, 1918, and 1925) to the famous "88 Reasons Why the Rapture Will Be In 1988" book in 1988 (it sold 4.5 million copies), every human prediction has failed. When we focus on dates, we miss the point. For the world, Jesus’ return will be a shock; for the believer, it should be a graduation.

2. Promised Reality  

While the timing is a surprise, the event is a certainty. The "Day of the Lord" will come. The same Jesus who ascended into the clouds will return in the clouds. Throughout the New Testament, this isn't presented as a "maybe” it is the ultimate "soon-coming" reality. We don't serve a God who makes empty promises.

3. Living in the Light  

As followers of Jesus, we don’t have to fear His return because we are "children of the light." Light is a symbol for truth. When we live in the light, we live open, transparent lives with nothing to hide. There is no "closet sin" or secret behavior because we agree with God’s Word. As John says, the hope of seeing Him “purifies” us (1 John 3:2-3). We don't live right because we are afraid of getting caught; we live right because we love the One who is coming for us.

Today’s Reflection

• Readiness Check: If Jesus returned this afternoon, would your first reaction be "Oh no!" or "Finally!"? What does that reaction tell you about your current walk?

• Transparency Audit: Is there any area of your life you are currently keeping in the "dark"? What is one step you can take to bring that into the light of God’s grace today?

• Mission: Are you sharing the hope of His return as "Good News" or as a threat? How can you lovingly inform someone about the reality of Christ this week?

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TODAY’S PRAYER

Holy Spirit, show me any area where I have become complacent or secretive. Forgive me for the times I’ve tried to hide in the shadows. Help me to live fully and unashamedly in the light of Your truth today, so that I can look forward to Your return with joy. Amen.

“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”