The Baby is Comin'!!

1Thessalonians 5:1-6 says,"But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, "Peace and safety!" then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.

Our daughter just gave birth to her second son (Grandchild #7 for my bride and myself!). She had a difficult labor as the baby wanted out approx. 6 wks. early. The medical team did everything in their power to stop the labor, but the baby was comin'! She was in the hospital, confined to bed rest, and on powerful drugs, all to no avail...The baby was comin'! Once the labor starts, the blessed event is about to happen!

This text gives an incredible parallel to the start of the birth process. "When they say, 'Peace and Safety'" is analogous to "My water just broke, time to go to the hospital." President Bush is just completing a Middle East tour of which the entire purpose is "Peace and Safety' for the region. My friends, we can now 'take it to the bank'; sudden destruction will be unleashed! The fulfilment of biblical prophecy will once again be read in our newspapers and broadcast across our airwaves.

For those of us who anxiously await the return of Messiah, these days are full of anticipation and promise. We know our time of reigning with Him is just around the corner. For those who are not expecting His return, our text passage addresses their state of mind as well, They will be caught unaware, overtaken as by a thief in the night. The challenge to us, as believers is to be prepared for the events about to be unleashed upon the world. It is wise parents who spend time in 'making the nursery ready' for the arrival of the new baby. Is your home ready for the intense labor period that is coming upon the earth. No matter where you stand in the scheme of eschatological events, we must realize that our Father only has ONE plan and that means a whole lot of somebodies are going to be wrong! We are not talking about our salvation here. We are speaking of prudent preparation and Yeshua Himself gave many warnings to be prepared for this time.

Shalom