1 Thessalonians 5:2 - Blackout Clouds

A couple nights ago, I took a picture of a near-full moon, surrounded--but not covered--by clouds. I had hoped last night to capture a photo of an orange-colored "Harvest Moon." But the sky was filled with clouds. There was no moon, no moonlight, no starlight. Just darkness. 

The clouds ruined what I though would be a great photo-op. Oddly, though, it was a comfort. It is prophesied that when He returns, Jesus "is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him" (Revelation 1:7, New International Version, 1984). I've always visualized Jesus coming back to earth in broad daylight.* However, the apostles remind us that "the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night." (1 Thessalonians 5:2, NIV84. See 2 Peter 3:10) 

Those verses aren't saying that Jesus WILL return at night, only that it may be night. After all, if "every eye will see Him," only half the world will be in daylight, the other half in darkness. I won't try to explain the physics or metaphysics of how the whole world will see him all at once. The point is that darkness is no barrier to the presence of God. Or time. Or space.

As David wrote, "even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you." (Psalm 139:12, NIV84) 

God, who "dwells in unapproachable light" (1 Timothy 6:16), thank you that even when the world seems to be at its darkest, it doesn't limit Your presence with us now, and won't hinder the return of Your Son, whatever day or night that may be. In His name we pray, Amen.

Dedicated to Ashley Donkersloot

 

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*Other devotions on this theme:
July 7, 2020 - Acts 1:11 - Why you should be a nephologist
May 13, 2021 (Ascension Day) - Acts 1:9-11 - Why the Cloud?
May 14, 2021 - James 5:7-8 - Farmers Worth Imitating