A thief does not send a save the date or tell you when he plans to rob your house. He comes at a time you do not expect and are not watching. That is the image of how Christ’s return will be for the unbelieving world. But when that day comes, there will be no going back. Paul compared it to labor pains. Once true labor has started, there is no escaping it until it is complete.

God is being patient with the world at the present time, “not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance” (2 Pet. 3:9). While God’s patience delays the coming judgment, the church has to act with urgency to bring salvation to as many people as possible. So many are headed for sudden judgment, but we have the way of escape. Will we go with urgency or delay with apathy? May we do all we can to bring as many people into the grace and mercy of Christ as we possibly can.

Do you know anyone who does not know Jesus? What can you do to tell them about the gospel?