The concept of a “thief in the night” is often associated with fear or loss. Yet, when the Bible uses this imagery to describe the return of Jesus, it isn’t a warning of harm, but a loud call to watchfulness. In a world full of distractions yet rich in breakthroughs, the promise of the Second Coming can be a startling reminder: the most important moment in human history will happen when we least expect it.
When we experience tragedy, loss, or any traumatic incident—like a home being broken into by a thief—we are reminded of a fundamental truth about human nature. We often only realize the value of vigilance after our peace has been disturbed.
We tell ourselves, “I would be extra careful from now on,” and we lock the gates.
Jesus will somehow come like a thief—in an unexpected time—when people do not anticipate. It will be sudden, without prior warning as to the exact date.
Of course, there will be signs. Jesus gave us signs. And this calls for our watchfulness.
In a spiritual sense, the “locked gate” is a heart that is continually prepared. We do not know—even the angels—the day or the hour Jesus will come. However, this mystery isn’t meant to cause anxiety, but to encourage constant readiness.
If we knew the exact date, we might be tempted to delay our devotion. Because we do not, we are invited to live every day as if it were the day of His return.
Readiness Beyond the Signs
It is easy to look at the world today—the stress, the global problems, and the prophetic signs—and recognize that the time is near. However, true preparation goes deeper than just “watching the news.” Preparation must be ongoing, not delayed until greater signs appear.
Since Jesus is coming like a thief in the night, how may we best prepare for Jesus’ return?
To be ready for Jesus is to abide in Christ daily, maintain a living relationship with Jesus through prayer, Bible study, and obedience.
To be prepared is to realize that we cannot “fix” ourselves by our own strength, but through the Holy Spirit.
We have to allow the Holy Spirit to shape our character and conduct so that they reflect Christ’s own character. We have to be faithful in service and stewardship, using our time, talents, and resources for the Lord.
Moreover, living with the urgency of Christ’s return shifts our perspective on those around us, transforming our daily interactions into acts of spiritual preparation.
This mindset compels us to practice forgiveness, letting go of earthly grudges in recognition of our citizenship in a heavenly kingdom.
This sense of urgency turns the mission of sharing the Gospel into a natural overflow of a heart that is truly excited to meet its Savior, embodying the commitment “I Will Go.”
The Same Jesus Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
One of the most comforting thoughts is the one Ellen G. White shared: “The promise of Christ’s second coming was ever to be kept fresh in the minds of his disciples. The same Jesus whom they had seen ascending into heaven would come again to take to himself those who give themselves to His service.
The same voice that had said to them, “Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end, would build them welcome to his presence in the heavenly kingdom.”
Thus, as we look ahead, may our prayers express expectant joy, not fear. While we guard against distractions, we keep our hearts open to the King.
𝘈𝘥𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘰𝘧 Mrs. Melodie Mae K. Inapan, 𝘥𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘑𝘢𝘯𝘶𝘢𝘳𝘺 20, 2026, 𝘥𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 third 𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘌𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘊𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘗𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 (𝘌𝘊𝘗𝘜𝘊) 𝘛𝘦𝘯 𝘚𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘗𝘳𝘢𝘺𝘦𝘳, 𝘙𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘸𝘢𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘌𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘚𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘦.
Lyn Lucero/ East Central Philippine Union Conference Communication Department