I COME AS A THIEF

The times of which we have read today are truly momentous. Three things are happening. Firstly, the armies of men are involved in campaigns which will result in them coming together in conflict with each other. Secondly, evil spirits who work miracles will go forth unto the kings of the earth to gather them together in order that man’s military might should com­bine against the Lord and against his Christ, Ps. 2. 1-3. Thirdly, divine purpose is being worked out in all of this, as the great day of God Almighty approaches. This is the time of man’s greatest rebellion against God, when he will endeavour to cast off every divine restraint and overturn forever divine order, yet heaven is in total control of everything.

In this present day we do not think in terms of the Lord coming for us as a thief. The coming of a thief is as unwelcome as it is surprising but we are in the happy position of daily expecting His return to take us to be with Him. ‘We look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ’, Phil. 3. 20, and ‘rejoice in hope of the glory of God’, Rom. 5. 2. The imminence of His return is a precious truth.

At the same time, the scoffers mock and ask, ‘Where is the promise of his coming?’ 2 Pet. 3. 4, not realizing that it is the offer of grace which holds them back from instant judgement. Such an attitude ensures that when He comes they will be surprised and, in view of the fact that His coming will result in eternal loss to the ungodly, it will also be most unwelcome.

These words will be so encouraging, however, when read by the remnant in that day. They will be stimulated to watch, as one might watch at his door, properly attired, to receive a friend who has said he will visit, even though that visit is delayed. There is here, then, a great encouragement to tribulation saints to main­tain the character of those who belong to the King during the time He is absent. They shall be as those in Jerusalem who were loyal to David and who looked for him all the while he was absent during Absalom’s rebellion.

We should, of course, apply the lesson so that we too shall maintain Christ-honouring character until He comes.