Loving God, bless and protect the life and needs of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from 2 Peter 3: 8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish , but that all should come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat , the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up . 11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved , what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved , and the elements shall melt with fervent heat ? 13 Nevertheless we , according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. 15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation. (King James Version)
"If a thousand years are to the Lord one day; Jesus was in our backyard the day before yesterday!" So said one of the speakers at the World Methodist Conference. He was from Galilee so he could say that about Jesus. In today's passage we see the Advent theme: Jesus will come again. God promised this and God will hold to this. When, no one knows. Jesus shared what the writer shares, "The Lord will come as a thief in the night." And the understanding is that when He does come, an apocalyptic event will occur. Peter lists the heavens (skies) passing away with great noise. The elements (earth, wind, fire, and water) will melt with great heat. The earth will be consumed with fire. This is the warning and this is the question, What will happen to us? Peter knew that was a great concern to them and to him. Those who know and trust the Lord will be taken to a new heaven and a new earth, a place where righteousness can be found. This Peter says, is "salvation."
Advent is a time of personal preparation. Just like we decorated our churches to make them ready for this season, again the call is for us to be ready. We don't know the day or hour, but we do know as we say every time we take His Supper, "The Lord will come again." So be it, but let us be ready!
PRAYER: Come, Lord Jesus, to my waiting heart. Let me prepare room for You in my life and in my realm of being. May I seek to tell others about Your love and greatness. May I help others escape an event where those who do not know You are separated eternally from You. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.
Eradio Valverde
