"But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. 2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. 4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that day should overtake you as a thief" 1 Thess 5:1-4).
Paul made it clear that the faithful believers in Thessalonica understood that Jesus would return as a thief in the night. But although they knew that Jesus will come as a thief in the night, (meaning no one knows when he will come), Paul also said that beacause they were not in darkness the day would not overtake (surprised) them as a thief. "Instructed Christians will not be surprised by the coming of this day. Not just because they have been told it is coming, nor simply because it cannot take believers by surprise since they will by then be with the Lord (1 Thess. 4:13-18; 5:9), but because they are to be living differently from the “this generation” kind of people mentioned above. Christians are to be living as alien ambassadors and not as the worldling who seeks all the gusto he can from this life." In addition, he wrote of those who will not be ready when Jesus returns and as a result will experience sudden destruction that will come upon them without warning, remedy or escape.
The Apostle John wrote, "And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming" (1 John 2:28). If Jesus would come today will you be shamefully surprised or gladly ready?
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