2 Peter- 09.08.22
SCRIPTURE:
“The day of the Lord will come and take EVERYONE by surprise—as unexpected as a home invasion. The atmosphere will be set on fire and vanish with a horrific roar, and the heavenly bodies will melt away as in a tremendous blaze. The earth and every activity of man will be laid bare. Since all these things are on the verge of being dismantled, don’t you see how vital it is to live a holy life? We must be consumed with godliness.” (2 Peter 3:10-11 TPT)
OBSERVATION:
Peter knowing his death was imminent wrote this final letter to urgently warn us that Jesus was coming back. AND- If anybody in the early church knew the importance of being ALERT, it was the Apostle Peter.
He had a tendency-in the very beginning-to feel overconfident.
He rushed in—when he should have waited.
He spoke—when he should have listened.
He slept—when he should have prayed.
He was a courageous Christian, but at times careless.
Jesus KNEW the Future and How Peter would Grow —“On this Rock I will Build My Church”.
Peter certainly DID go on to Grow…and learn his lesson, and he wants us to learn it too! (Inspired by Warren Wiersbe)
UNDERSTANDING:
The “1” Thing.
Larry and I are going through an amazing year long (Online) study in the book of Revelation with Pastor Daniel Fusco*. This is my fourth time in an intense study in the book of Revelation and each time I have such excitement to learn MORE about Jesus! One thing we both so appreciate about Pastor Daniel is his heart to draw EVERYTHING Back to Jesus—-being that Revelation IS the Revelation of Jesus Christ.
What the study also reminds me of is what this passage from 2 Peter also very clearly states:
Jesus IS Coming Back! AND…There will be a time of Intense Judgement on the earth such as we have NEVER seen—that will be almost unbearable.
…and Jesus…in HIS unbelievable mercy….actually…..delays…..His return……not wanting…..anyone….to….perish.
“This means that, contrary to man’s perspective, the Lord is not late with his promise to return, as some measure lateness. But rather, his “delay” simply reveals his loving patience toward you, because he does not want any to perish but all to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9 TPT)
Some people could read the book of Revelation and the coming Judgements and ask “How could a Loving God do this?”
I really like an answer I recently heard.
What IF God NEVER warned people? If HE just didn’t care enough to let people know this kind of judgment was coming—but worse than that—a judgement that is eternal is ALSO coming—and there is NO escape from the eternal judgement—once—it—happens.
Isn’t God Really a LOVING God—because HE cares ENOUGH to Warn us?
…and then, not ONLY warn us…but HE Gives us an Opportunity to be Saved?
Which HE—HIMSELF—Provided—Through His Sacrificial death on the Cross?
“For God has proved his love by giving us his greatest treasure, the gift of his Son.” (Romans 8:32a TPT)
Pastor Daniel Fusco (Crossroads Church, Vancouver WA)
LIFE APPLICATION:
Stay Alert—Love Others enough to Spread The Good News—while there is Still Time…
Peter in his last words wanted desperately to remind us of the ONE thing that was MOST Important—Living for Jesus. This world is Not our Home. Peter cautioned us to remain alert and awake so “The Day of the Lord [Jesus Return] would not catch us—unprepared.
Lord Jesus,
So many times I feel as though I have taken three steps forward and two steps back. Forgive me for being asleep at the wheel. Help me to remember my Number One priority is living for YOU. Help me to not get distracted with the things of this world that can so easily weigh me down. There is nothing EVER going on beyond your reach or care. YOU are my Joy and Strength. My God in whom I trust. Here I am Lord, Send me. In Jesus Name, I pray. amen.
Tina L Kudelka