JANUARY 19, 2024 – VIGILANT

READ: 1 Thess. 5:1-11

Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore, if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. – Rev. 3:2,3

Christ desires to awaken them through His Spirit and the preaching of His Word. They must again be filled with longing for Him, gazing at Him with love and gratitude, expecting everything from Him. Then they can live according to His words in sanctification. Their lives must regain vigilance in the light of the Gospel. Let their lives be such that the Lord rejoices over them because they testify to heartfelt love for Him.

Such a life existed when they first heard the Gospel. They realized that Christ had brought them from the night of misery and death into the light of forgiveness and life. Their hearts were full of the redemption and salvation that Christ had bestowed upon them. It was the time of their first love. Let them remember this and hold onto it with joy!

Christ doesn’t say, “Just die, what use are you to me?” In His love, He still shows mercy to them despite their unfaithfulness. He stirs them up. It seems almost like a final call before it’s too late.

Christ offers help through His life-giving Spirit and His living Word. He draws them to shake them awake and breathe new life into them so that the smoldering wick isn’t extinguished. Let them repent and maintain their love for Him.

It demands a true reformation of the heart. But the church must fully understand what’s at stake: their eternal salvation. Hence, the warning about Christ’s return. If you are not vigilant and prepared with a burning heart to receive Him, He will come like a thief. He will surprise you and say, “I do not know you.”

How strongly do you anticipate Christ’s return?

Singing: Ps. 130:2,3