That Day Came Unexpectedly
On the morning of Sunday, December 7, 1941 (67 years ago), Japanese warplanes unleashed a stunning surprise attack on the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor. The attack, which came while many U.S. military personnel were still in their bunks or going about the usual routines of a casual Sunday morning, was so startling that not much of a defense was able to be raised against the onslaught. As a result of the events of that day, it is estimated that 2,402 U.S. military personnel were killed and another 1,282 were wounded (not to mention non-military casualties).
An Attack of Divine Judgment is Coming.
On the morning of September 11, 2001, terrorists pulled off a surprise attack against the United States that was so unexpected and shocking that many of us watched in disbelief as the events unfolded on our television screens. The attack, which came while people were coming and going through the usual routines and paces of daily life, was so startling that virtually no defense could be raised against the onslaught. It is estimated that nearly 3,000 innocent people perished that day.
These two tragic events were indeed horrible and shocking (to say the very least), however nothing we have ever experienced can compare to the “Day” in which Christ will return to judge the world (also known as “the Day of Judgment”). It will be a great day for those who will be saved (cf. Matt. 25:34), but it will be sad and terrifying day for those who will be lost (v. 41). Just as men were caught off guard on December 7, 1941 and September 11, 2001, so shall many be caught off guard on the last day (Matt. 24: 36-44).
Jesus revealed that no one (except God the Father) knows when that day will come (Mk. 13:32), nor do they know what hour (v. 35). Therefore He said, “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man” (Lk. 21:34-36). Friends, are you ready for that Day to come?