Our scripture this morning is 2 Peter 3:3-10.
“Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. They will say, “What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again? From before the times of our ancestors, everything has remained the same since the world was first created.” They deliberately forget that God made the heavens long ago by the word of his command, and he brought the earth out from the water and surrounded it with water. Then he used the water to destroy the ancient world with a mighty flood. And by the same word, the present heavens and earth have been stored up for fire. They are being kept for the day of judgment, when ungodly people will be destroyed. But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants 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 the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment.”
Peter writes that God’s patience is for our sake (v. 9), that He desires everyone to repent and be saved. He reminds us God won’t wait forever, that “the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief” (v. 10). We must live in faith and be ready when Christ returns.
It is no secret that judgement will come. Scripture is quite clear that “the day of the Lord is coming— the terrible day of his fury and fierce anger. The land will be made desolate, and all the sinners destroyed with it.” (Isaiah 13:9). Jesus Himself tells us “Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds with great power and glory. And he will send out his angels to gather his chosen ones from all over the world—from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven” (Mark 13:26-27). There is no denying that earthly things will come to an end.
However, we are given saving grace through Christ’s sacrifice for us. Jesus promised to take us home with Him. Those who put their faith in Him and live as He taught will see the Day of the Lord as a joyous reunion.
Heavenly Father, we give thanks that You have sent Your son to redeem us. Bless us to be Your children, sharing Your love with all the world. Amen.