“Look, I come like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake and remains clothed, so as not to go naked and be shamefully exposed.” (Revelation 16:15 NIV)
In this chapter, seven angels are seen pouring out the seven bowls of God’s wrath on the earth. When the sixth bowl was poured out, John saw demonic spirits emerge from the mouths of the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet. And then these spirits gathered the kings of the earth to a place called Armageddon in preparation for battle on the great day of God Almighty.
But there is an interruption in the middle of this account, a public service announcement from Jesus. He is coming like a thief and warns us to be ready. To stay awake and clothed, always prepared for his coming. We will be blessed if, when he returns, he finds us ready and waiting for him.
At first glance, this may seem like an odd place to issue this warning. But, coming amid a description of the enemy’s preparation for battle, this warning reminds us always to be ready to engage the enemy. The warning remains the same whether or not you understand this battle at Armageddon to involve you. We do not know when Jesus will return or when this great day of God is scheduled. But until that happens, we are engaged in a spiritual battle with a deadly enemy who seeks our destruction. So always be alert and dressed (Eph. 6:10-17), ready to engage him at a moment’s notice. You will be blessed if you are.
