"The Lord isn't really being slow about His return as some people think. No, He is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to perish so He is giving more time for everyone to repent. But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the Heavens will pass away with a terrible noise and everything in them will disappear in fire and the earth and everything on it will be exposed to judgment. Since everything around us is going to melt away, what holy, godly lives you should be living! You should look forward to that day...while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to live a pure and blameless life. Be at peace with God." 2 Peter 3:9-12, 14
One certainty that Jesus gave His disciples before His ascension to heaven was that He would be returning one day. Throughout the Bible you will read about that day, although you will not find anything that might tell you exactly when it will occur. You wil however read much about the state of the world when He does return.
Peter spends some time in Chapter 3 talking about this. To sum up what he says, people will hear the truth about Jesus's return but will scoff at it, doing "every evil thing they desire". They will mock His promise to return saying, "Jesus promised to come back, did He? Then where is He?" (verses 3-4).
Peter then reminds his readers that this God they mock made the heavens by His mere command and brought the earth up from the waters. He also took that very water that the earth came up from to destroy the world with a flood (Genesis 6). That same power will command that the heavens and earth be consumed by fire on the day of judgment, or when Jesus returns...a day when ungodly people will perish.
Question Do we take the power of God for granted? Do we feel like we somehow deserve His favor...that He should just overlook our sinfulness? How does God feel about anyone who knows they should live a life without sin yet decide to pursue "any evil thing they desire"? After all, wasn't it the matter of sin that led Him to sacrifice His only Son, our Savior Jesus? So in saying that, how often do we fail to show our gratitude to God for that great sacrifice by living for Him?
Are you feeling a bit uncomfortable? I am for I have failed. We all have. But the good news is that through repentance...asking God for forgiveness and then taking action toward turning from sin, we can experience His love which is as great and powerful than His judgment. Remember...draw near to the Lord and He WILL draw ever nearer to you. Seek to be godly for that is the Lord's desire for you. As Peter encourages, "make every effort to live a pure and blameless life. And be at peace with God. (verse 14). If you do this, you can ensure that you will be one of those who look forward to the day Jesus returns so they can join Him in the new heavens and earth He has promised, a world where everything is right with God. I pray you'll join me as we journey together toward godliness and that day when we will be spared from judgment and instead rise with Jesus in glory thanks to His love and grace.
In Christ,
Mark
PS: Please share this message with anyone you wish. It may be what they need for salvation.
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