Thursday, Second Week of Advent
2 Peter 3:1-10 (NRSV)
This is now, beloved, the second letter I am writing to you; in them I am trying to arouse your sincere intention by reminding you that you should remember the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets, and the commandment of the Lord and Savior spoken through your apostles. First of all you must understand this, that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and indulging their own lusts and saying, "Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since our ancestors died, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation!" They deliberately ignore this fact, that by the word of God heavens existed long ago and an earth was formed out of water and by means of water, through which the world of that time was deluged with water and perished. But by the same word the present heavens and earth have been reserved for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the godless.
But do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day. The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and everything that is done on it will be disclosed.
DEVOTION
During this Advent Season, Christians and non-Christians alike, may ask the question, ""Where is the promise of his coming?"
We are asked to wait and pray during the month of December as we anticipate Jesus' birthday celebrations, as well as the promise of his glorious return on the Last Day.
Some people do not like to wait. We are a microwave, drive through, text messaging, society! We want instant gratification and we want it NOW! We have never been taught to wait for anything and impatience is actually celebrated--by some--as a virtue.
But, today's scripture reminds us that God is also waiting. In God's grace and mercy, God does not desire for anyone to perish, but for all to inherit eternal life.
Since one thousand years is like a day to our God, God is willing to wait. God is giving us opportunities to hear and/or share the good news with others!
The great day will come that Jesus will return with a shout and in triumph--of this we can be sure!
God has always kept all of God's promises to us, starting with the promise that He would save us! God has saved us, through the life, death, and resurrection of God's son--Jesus, the Christ!
Now, this same God who raised Jesus from the dead, will raise us on the Last Day as well!
Let us wait with love, joy, hope, peace AND patience, ever grateful that God is giving all of us time to come to repentance!
Let us pray: Thank you God for being so patient. Please help me to wait on your perfect timing. Please encourage me by your Spirit to share the good news. I pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen.
INVITATION
If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta
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