When you least expect it!

Yesterday, I discovered that my main e-mail account had been compromised, and that a load of spam had been sent to almost everyone on my list of contacts.  I don't have the IT expertise to understand how the account was accessed, or why some people were not 'got at' (unless, in their cases, they have exceptionally good anti-spam software installed on their own computers!).  However, I do know enough to have been able to determine that the perpetrator of this cyber-offence is based in China, and that (s)he committed the offence while I was safely tucked up in my bed - not even dreaming about e-mails, let alone sending them!

The consequence of this unexpected cyber-attack is that I have had to change my e-mail account password (it's now more than twice as long!) and, just for my own peace of mind, I have added additional security to my PayPal account by changing the credit card details, and setting up the requirement for a code to be sent to my mobile (cell) 'phone before any transaction is confirmed.

Of course, the old adage about "Shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted" comes to mind.  If I had known what was going to happen while I slumbered, I would have taken extra precautions before going to bed.

In Matthew 24, we have words of the Lord Jesus concerning His Second Advent.  He gives some indicative signs and then, in vv 42-44, we read His words: "Watch therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.  But know this, that if the householder had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have watched and would not have let his house be broken into.  Therefore you also must be ready; for the Son of man is coming at an hour you do not expect." (RSV)

The warning is clear.  When He appears, it will be too late.  Nothing that I could have done would have recalled all of those spam e-mails.  Likewise, those who have not made their peace with God before the Rapture and the Second Advent will be lost in their sin, and spend a Christless eternity.

"As God's partners, we beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God's kindness and then ignore it. For God says, 'At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation , I helped you.'  Indeed, the 'right time' is now. Today is the day of salvation." (II Cor 6:1-2; NLT; my emphasis).