{"id":55048,"date":"2018-07-17T09:00:34","date_gmt":"2018-07-17T06:00:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/?p=55048"},"modified":"2025-09-14T21:42:57","modified_gmt":"2025-09-14T18:42:57","slug":"like-a-thief-in-the-night","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/en\/2018\/07\/17\/like-a-thief-in-the-night\/","title":{"rendered":"Like a Thief in the Night"},"content":{"rendered":"

One of the most sobering warnings Jesus gave about His return is that it will come suddenly\u2014<\/span>like a thief in the night<\/strong>. This image reminds us that His coming will be unexpected, catching many unprepared, just as a thief comes when no one anticipates.<\/span><\/p>\n

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1. The Reality of Spiritual Vigilance<\/h2>\n

Every night, before going to sleep, responsible people lock their doors. They do this not out of preference but for safety. Yet, as we know, locking doors is not enough, because a determined thief often comes prepared to break in. The only real safeguard is not only to secure the house but also to stay awake<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

In the same way, Christians cannot rely on outward religion alone. Baptism, church attendance, and Christian identity are like \u201clocked doors.\u201d But if we are spiritually asleep\u2014lukewarm, careless, or living in sin\u2014we are still vulnerable. What Jesus requires is watchfulness<\/strong>: a life of holiness, readiness, and spiritual alertness.<\/p>\n

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2. Jesus\u2019 Teaching on His Return<\/h2>\n

Jesus Himself explained this in Matthew 24:42\u201344 (NIV):<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cTherefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Here, Jesus links His return with both judgment<\/strong> and separation<\/strong>: two will be in the field, one taken, the other left (v. 40). This is a theological picture of the rapture and final judgment\u2014some will be gathered to Christ, while others will face destruction (cf. 1 Thessalonians 4:16\u201317<\/strong>).<\/p>\n

Likewise, in Mark 13:35\u201337 (NIV)<\/strong> Jesus warned:<\/p>\n

\u201cTherefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back\u2014whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: \u2018Watch!\u2019\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

This \u201csleep\u201d is not physical but spiritual lethargy<\/strong>\u2014a state of indifference to sin and eternal matters.<\/p>\n

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3. The Darkness of the Last Days<\/h2>\n

The Bible portrays the end times as a period of deep spiritual darkness<\/strong>. Just as thieves operate at night, so sin flourishes in spiritual darkness. Today, immorality, corruption, violence, love of money, and rebellion against God show that we are in such a time.<\/p>\n

Paul confirms this in 1 Thessalonians 5:2\u20136 (NIV):<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cFor you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, \u2018Peace and safety,\u2019 destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all children of the light and children of the day. \u2026 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Paul contrasts children of darkness<\/strong> with children of light<\/strong>. The ungodly live for this world, unaware of eternal judgment, while the righteous live alert and sober, clothed in faith, love, and the hope of salvation (v. 8).<\/p>\n

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4. What Does It Mean to Keep Watch?<\/h2>\n

The Bible defines watchfulness not as paranoia, but as a life rooted in Christ, full of the Spirit, and bearing fruit. To \u201ckeep watch\u201d means:<\/p>\n