As a Thief in the Night
The coming of Mashiach
1st Thessalonians 5:2
For yourselves know perfectly that the day of Adoneinu (our Master) so comes as a thief in the night.
This phrase is intimately tied to the return of Mashiach Yeshua, and for good reason. However, it is seldom used correctly. That is, it is used to mean that it will surprise everyone, both those who are looking for His return, His followers, as well as those who do not know Yeshua as Mashiach. The context where this passage is found will not support such a conclusion. Here is the context; read it carefully.
1st Thessalonians 5:1-6
1 But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need of anything to be written unto you.
2 For yourselves know perfectly well the day of Adoneinu so comes as a thief in the night.
3 When they are saying, “Peace and safety,” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall in no way escape.
4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief;
5 for you are all sons of light, and sons of the day; we are not of the night, nor of darkness;
6 so then let us not sleep, as do the rest, but let us watch and be sober.
Shaul clearly makes a distinction between “us” and “them” in this passage, the “us” being those who know and follow Yeshua as Mashiach and “them” as those who do not follow Yeshua as Mashiach, nor know Him.
Please note in verse three what “they” are saying as well as what is happening to “them.” Destruction comes upon them. Destruction does not come upon us, the followers of Mashiach Yeshua. They shall not escape this sure fate.
However, just to make sure that his readers do not misunderstand him, in verse four, Shaul makes it perfectly clear. Those who do know Yeshua as Mashiach will not be overtaken by that day as a thief in the night. It would seem to this teacher that anyone who uses this phrase, “as a thief in the night” in reference to followers of Mashiach Yehsua being surprised or not knowing is not really reading Scripture, but rather simply regurgitating what they have been spoon fed by others.
One cannot afford to simply pass along something he has not checked out. If one fails to check out each and every statement for himself, then it will not be long before he will have to retract his words and perhaps even be embarrassed by his own words.
Here is something to consider. If a person states this about himself, that Yeshua is coming as a thief in the night and he himself expects to be taken off guard, what is such a person really stating about himself? Do not dismiss such self-incriminating statements lightly. Perhaps such a person is stating that he is not a true follower of Mashiach Yeshua. Be careful who you listen to, brethren.
The reason one who is a follower of Mashiach Yeshua cannot be surprised is simple. The true follower of Mashiach Yeshua is filled with His Spirit. As such, Yeshua cannot surprise Himself, can He? Of course not! His Spirit within us will teach us all those things we need to know, if we shema, that is, if we are hearing and obeying His Voice. This is vital to not being taken by surprise when He returns.
Shabbat Shalom
Zerubbabel ben Emunah
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