Two Things to Remember
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Dear friends, this is now the second letter I have written to you; in both letters, I want to develop a genuine understanding with a reminder, so that you can remember the words previously spoken by the holy prophets and the command of our Lord and Savior given through your apostles.” 2 Peter 3:1,2 HCSB
As we look at Peter’s letters to Jewish believers, we see some familiar themes. Reminders about God’s grace, a call to perseverance and to “holy” living. This shows a consistency with Paul’s writings and also those of James, John and Jude. The teachings of the prophets of the past, Jesus and the apostles of the present were important for believers to pay attention to.
In this short letter, Peter ends with pointing to two important issues.
1 – Be on guard against scoffers and deceivers.Â
“First, be aware of this: Scoffers will come in the last days to scoff, living according to their own desires, saying, “Where is the promise of His coming?…..” (2 Peter 3:3,4 HCSB) The threat to the stability of faith was going to be faced by forces from without and within the “family” of believers. Earlier Peter was forthright in addressing deceivers. He calls them, “Bold, arrogant people! They do not tremble when they blaspheme the glorious ones…like irrational animals—creatures of instinct born to be caught and destroyed—speak blasphemies about things they don’t understand…These people are springs without water, mists driven by a whirlwind.” (2 Peter 2:10,12,17 HCSB)
Paul wrote, “Test all things; hold fast what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21 HCSB) Paul also writes of the issues he faced in his ministry,“…when we came into Macedonia, we had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn— conflicts on the outside, fears within.“ (2 Corinthians 7:5 NIV) All of this requires the development of Christian virtues and consistent faithfulness.
2 – The Day of Lord will come suddenly
“But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief; on that day the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, the elements will burn and be dissolved, and the earth and the works on it will be disclosed…” (2 Peter 3:10 HCSB) While there are those who lose their focus on the Lord’s promised return, faithful followers are called to be patient, watchful and diligent.
Peter words are reflective of Jesus words,  “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man… Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.“ (Matthew 24:36-37,42 NIV)
Paul warned, “For you know quite well that the day of the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night.” (1 Thessalonians 5:2 NLT)
These two realities call for a focused response, “…it is clear what sort of people you should be in holy conduct and godliness as you wait for and earnestly desire the coming of the day of God.” (2 Peter 3:11,12 HCSB)
When our lifestyle and choices are not pleasing to the Lord, His coming is not anticipated. But “right living” and a clean conscience results in an eagerness for the Lord’s return. What was true for Peter’s audience is true even that much more for us today.
Prayer for today…Â “Lord thank You for the teachings and warnings that we see in Your Word. Allow the reminders and admonitions that we read, arrest our attention and direct our lives.”