Second Peter: Part Four
As we close this study Peter touched my heart when he chose the word ‘beloved’ five times. Loving God is the first and greatest commandment Jesus taught, yet as his life drew to a close Peter felt compelled to warn the Church; that’s loving his neighbor as himself (Mark 12:30-31). We find a mixture of intimacy and hard truth in Chapter Three: Peter’s final words.
This second letter has been about remembering, recalling, and reminders, Old and New Testaments, to wake you up and actively live with a heavenly perspective. Even today people ridicule Christians with the same questions: “Where is He? Wasn’t Jesus supposed to return? I thought it was promised.” Peter emphatically reminds us that God’s words are as true today as they were when He created the world, consequently, when He says the world is stored up for fire, as it was for water (the flood) then it’s inevitable.
In verses 8-10 Peter doesn’t want us to miss this one, vital fact: God’s understanding of time is different from ours. We’re limited by time but He’s actually outside of time so one day is like a thousand years to Him and vice versa. However, and here’s the clincher, God isn’t on low speed but His patience or longsuffering over mankind holds back Judgment Day. Make no mistake, it’s coming, but Peter teaches us that God didn’t plan or intend (vs. 9) anyone’s violent destruction but desires that all would repent; that means He wants everyone to turn from sin and return to Him before that Day. Will that happen? No.
Nevertheless, Judgment Day is on its way as Jesus instructed:
Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected. Matthew 24:43-44 NLT
What will it be like on The Day of the Lord? Peter teaches that the heavens will pass away with a fire-breathing roar that causes them to dissolve before us. The earth and everything on it, animal, vegetable, or mineral will dissolve. Paul also wrote about that Day:
But you aren’t in the dark about these things, dear brothers and sisters, and you won’t be surprised when the Day of the Lord comes like a thief. 1 Thessalonians 5:4 NLT
How should we respond to these truths (vs. 14-18)? Peter encourages us to live godly lives, watch expectantly for His return, and see renewal everywhere. Yes, false teachings will be around but if we’re on guard, growing in His grace, and intentionally studying His Word we won’t walk around in fear. The Day of Eternity (vs. 18) is coming but we also live for the ‘now’ by letting our lives shine in a dark world. Peter’s final words of love and warning are a wonderful balance for us to study today.
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