Journey Through The Bible
      Old Testament Reading: 2 Chronicles 12-15
     New Testament Reading: 2 Peter 3

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. Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, it is clear what sort of people you should be in holy conduct and godliness as you wait for the day of God and hasten its coming. Because of that day, the heavens will be dissolved with fire and the elements will melt with heat. But based on his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:10-13).

Peter is nearing the end of his life and he begins this last chapter reminding his readers that this is now the second letter I have written to you; in both letters, I want to stir up your sincere understanding (v 1). What is it that Peter doesn’t want them to forget and to fully understand? His primary message throughout his two letters is summed up in this statement; it is clear what sort of people you should be in holy conduct and godliness as you wait for the day of God and hasten its coming (v11b-12a).

Peter reminds his readers that God is faithful to keep His promises. He warns them that scoffers would come, but they should not be discouraged by the arrogant and blasphemous denials of these men. Rather, they should see in them a definite sign that the end of the age is nearing.

God has promised to end the history of ungodly men with judgment. If there seems to be a delay, it is not because God is unfaithful to His promise. It is because He is patient. He does not want any to perish. He desires that all should come to repentance. He purposely extends the time of grace so that men might have every opportunity to be saved.

Peter tells us, 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 (v10). No one knows when Christ will return, therefore we need to be continually ready. Everything in this world will pass away. The things of which men boast, the things for which they live, are passing things. To live for material possessions is to live for the temporary. Common sense tells us to turn from the tinsel and toys of this world and live in holiness and godliness. It is a simple matter of living for eternity rather than the present pleasures, of emphasizing the spiritual rather than the material, of choosing the permanent over the passing.

Believers should wait for and earnestly desire the coming of the day of God. Peter states, based on his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness dwells (v13). The truth concerning the new heavens and the new earth should deepen our desire to live holy as to the Lord.

Christ’s coming should motivate all believers to live in anticipation of his arrival. Jesus is preparing for you a place. A perfect place of perfected people overseen by our perfect Lord. And at the right time, he will come and take you home.