2 Peter 3:8 Don't overlook the obvious here, friends. With God, one day is as good as a thousand years, a thousand years as a day. 9 God isn't late with his promise as some measure lateness. He is restraining himself on account of you, holding back the End because he doesn't want anyone lost. He's giving everyone space and time to change. 10 But when the Day of God's Judgment does come, it will be unannounced, like a thief. The sky will collapse with a thunderous bang, everything disintegrating in a huge conflagration, earth and all its works exposed to the scrutiny of Judgment. 11 Since everything here today might well be gone tomorrow, do you see how essential it is to live a holy life? 12 Daily expect the Day of God, eager for its arrival. The galaxies will burn up and the elements melt down that day - 13 but we'll hardly notice. We'll be looking the other way, ready for the promised new heavens and the promised new earth, all landscaped with righteousness. 14 So, my dear friends, since this is what you have to look forward to, do your very best to be found living at your best, in purity and peace. 15 Interpret our Master's patient restraint for what it is: salvation. Our good brother Paul, who was given much wisdom in these matters, 16 refers to this in all his letters, and has written you essentially the same thing. Some things Paul writes are difficult to understand. Irresponsible people who don't know what they are talking about twist them every which way. They do it to the rest of the Scriptures, too, destroying themselves as they do it. 17 But you, friends, are well-warned. Be on guard lest you lose your footing and get swept off your feet by these lawless and loose-talking teachers. 18 Grow in grace and understanding of our Master and Savior, Jesus Christ. Glory to the Master, now and forever! Yes! (The Message)
One of the most special times in my pastoral life was leading the candlelight service on Christmas Eve. It is hard to describe, but it comes close to what Peter says is to live in "peace and purity." The photo above shows us at that moment just this week in worship. Our daughter, Nellie, photographed us without our knowing and captured a great shot of Grandma Nellie holding Eliana who was deep in sleep. To hold a candle in the darkness and sing "Silent Night" is a connectional moment. I remember all the past Christmas Eves and all who are now singing in the presence of God. After this service was over I heard my name called and it was a dear friend from my childhood who attends this church and his eyes were like mine, red. He said, "I love Christmas Eve but it gets to me - I remember my Dad and my sister..." Another connectional moment. Peter's basic message in this second letter was to connect with God and to stay connected, regardless of what is all around us or what may be coming. The last ConCafe was written on the 20th, the day before the Mayan calendar ran out and many interpreted this as the End. As far as I know you and I are still here and we're still living. I would pray living more connected than ever before. The world and its temptations still is going strong and we need to be likewise, but strong in the Lord.
Peter outlines biblical measurements as to "a day is like a thousand years" and a reminder that "no one knows the day nor hour," but reminds us that the end will come. His urging is to live in peace and purity. It is so urgent even now to tell people about God that the best way will be to live an inviting life. The Sunday NY Times shared two articles about faith or the lack there of. The main article said that one in five Americans now claims "None" as their religious preference. The second article in the Book Review said that modern books no longer share faith or issues of faith even in novels. The 1950s may have been the last more-or-less sacred decade. There is no question that our present time is a secular time, with the Christian Church no longer have the same influence it once did; all the more reason for those of us who are believers, to live a life that says, "There is a God of love, but whose invitation is to connect in a way that defeats sin and the consequences of sin." Peter says for us to grow as we stand strong in our faith.
PRAYER: Loving God, we pray that we might connect with You in a way that blesses us and others. May our connection be a blessing of strength and inspiration that we might bring about a revival of hearts for the good of humanity. We pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
