Monday a week ago, thieves broke in to the office suites where Prayertower makes its home. For those who have experienced a break-in, I don't need to tell you how I felt when I first walked through the broken doors into my office. My feelings were progressive as they changed from fear to nervous to concerned to anxious to anger. One week later, I approach the office afraid I'll find the break-in was simply casing the joint to make their next visit more efficient.

When Paul wrote to the young Christians in Thessalonia, he equated the coming of the Lord to my recent experience - a break-in. I admit, I am not especially pleased with the way I've learned this lesson. But the simple fact of the matter is I have a better appreciation for what Paul is speaking after having been the target of a thief. How so, you might ask?

Before the incident, I had grown comfortable in the fact such things happen to other people. It's been years since one happened to me and when it actually occurred, I was taken by surprise. Thank God, certain things were not taken, but they could have easily been and I would have suffered greatly for it. The one area that would have hurt is the lack of a relatively current backup for information on my computer hard drive. If I had lost data, it would have been because of my negligence, not the robbery.

Secondly, I didn't anticipate the event by preparing in other ways, such as hiding personal items that are not replaceable. And the list of "I should have" goes on. But since the event, my fear has made me more careful about where I put things and where alternate information is found. I am also looking for weaknesses in and around my office that make it easier for a thief to do his job. I am finding ways to be preapred for the next surprise for I'm confident it's coming at a time I least expect it.

But you might be asking what my experience has to do with looking for the Lord to come? Here's how: I have replaced my previous apathy with alertness and as a result, I now anticipate it. I am better prepared and even though I will likely be angry again, I've been given a gift: a reason to be prepared in the face of personal loss.

Are you looking for the surprise appearing of Jesus. If you don't have salvation in order, it's your loss. But if you're saved and are taking advantage of the time afforded you to work for the kingdom of God, then you're ready. The very thing that gives a feeling of precarious security to the lost, gives those who are saved a feeling of prepared excitement.

1 Developed from Read the Bible Thru ( Jr. 19:1-21:14 1 Th. 5:2b-28 Ps. 82:1-8 Pr. 25:8-10 )
2. Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society

Copyright © 1998-2004 James R. Green and Prayertower Ministries
All Rights Reserved