(“Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!”)
Amidst Revelation’s descriptions of God’s judgment upon what’s left of the world, Jesus interjects, reminding us that he hasn’t forgotten his people among the chaos. He reminds us that his coming is entirely unpredictable, but he is most certainly coming. Nothing can keep him from stealing us away to be with him.
The words, stay and keep are continuation words. One who stays awake does so at night when one would usually sleep. It is hard to stay awake, and it is uncomfortable to remain dressed when it is dark out and your bed beckons. Likewise, it is hard to keep our minds focused on the things the Lord has for us to do when they are often uncomfortable and the world is so dark. However, blessed is the one who maintains a perspective of hope, anticipating the Lord’s return like a kid anticipates Christmas morning.
It strikes me as endlessly fascinating that the Lord likens himself to a thief. He comes to rob the world of us, in this case. There isn’t anything that can be done to deter him. See Romans 8:38-39. Even if we fail and are found in less than optimal circumstances, he’ll still bring us home! Blessed are the ones who persevere.
Jonathan Duncan EFCC Member