2 Peter 3 - 10.7.25

SCRIPTURE:  2 PETER 3:8 – 11

“But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.  The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.

Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives.”

OBSERVATION

In this chapter, Peter discusses the last days when Jesus will come again. He reminds everyone that the scoffers will try to dissuade everyone that Jesus isn’t coming back but to not forget “this one thing”  that the element of time is completely different for the Lord. Imagine a place where time is not calculated by the sunrise or sunset, not by seasons, months of the year or anything else except God’s existence. What a glorious thought! God’s time is not our own and we can rest in His perfect plan.

He’s not being slow in His return but is showing His great love, patience, and desire that all come to repentance. This also comes with a warning the Lord will come when you least expect it so be prepared. How should we be prepared? Verse 11 says it all – live holy and godly lives.

APPLICATION

Besides the scoffers that still exist today, there are those who go around saying His return will be on a certain date or even tomorrow. You can Google “end of world predictions” and find documentation on all the failed dates throughout history. There are still predictions coming up later this year. One recent prediction the world would end and the rapture would take place on September 23 or 24. Well, that’s another false prediction that didn’t happen!

Thankfully we have the Bible that tells us the truth about Jesus’ return. In Matthew 24, Jesus explains it all saying to not believe the false messiahs, false prophets or those who say the Lord has returned. In Matthew 24:35 – 36, Jesus tells us the bottom line about His return:

 “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”

Thank God we don’t need to be concerned with all those crazy predictions about the end of the world or when Jesus will return. All we need to do is be prepared by first making sure our life is right with God. Have you confessed you’re a sinner, asked Jesus to forgive you and come into your life? That’s great if you’ve taken that first step. If you haven’t yet asked Jesus into your life, there’s no better time than the present.

Next, are you living a holy and godly life that shows you’ve repented (turned from your old ways) and now spend time in the Word, in prayer, serving God, and reflecting Jesus’ love and life in all that you do? If you haven’t yet taken the next step of repentance and living a life that glorifies God, you can do that today too!

PRAYER

Lord, thank you for the gift of salvation through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross for my sins (and everyone else who receives your gift). The only life I want to live is for you! Help me to always show Jesus in my life to everyone. I’m so thankful that your Word tells us all we need to know about Jesus’ return. Praise God we don’t need to worry about the day or time of His return – we just need to be ready! My heart is full with anticipation of your return. All I can say is “Come Lord Jesus!”  Amen

 - Mary Oberg