A man we knew bought a piece of property with some acreage and rented it out until He could sell his own house and move in. The renters were filthy and destructive partiers. In a short time, the beautiful property became a haven for squatters and drug dealers. One day the owner of the property arrived unannounced to see how things were going. The renters treated him with contempt and anger. How dare he show up unannounced! He was treated as a trespasser and a criminal, by trespassers and criminals. And when He announced his return and gave them notice, they called him a thief.
This is the same story as our Lord. The Greek word for Lord is “Kyrios” meaning “Owner: the One having all right, power, and authority.” The earth is His and everything in it… but when He came to earth and walked among us, visiting us in “good will” and loving-kindness, He was treated as a thief and crucified as a criminal between thieves.
The glory of the story is that Jesus let them. He willing gave His life for us at the Cross, forgiving our sins and offering everlasting life to all who receive Him as “Lord.” The message we preach is still offered to all by faith… “If you shall confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved” (Romans 10:9).
The world will see His return as a ‘Thief in the night’ but those who love Him will see Him as a long-awaited King, bringing a rescue of unimaginable delight, and hopes fulfilled… “For our citizenship is in Heaven, from where also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20). Be ready.
(Devotional by Lisa Cataford)
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