20241209

one day

2 Peter 3:1-13

2 Peter 3:1 Cared for ones, this is already the second letter I have written to you; in which I am seeking to wake up your pure understanding by way of reminder,
2 Peter 3:2 so that you recall the words previously spoken by the devoted prophets and the command of our Lord and Savior given through your missionaries.
2 Peter 3:3 Be aware of this first of all: Mocking mockers will come in the last days, following their own evil passions,
2 Peter 3:4 saying, “Where is his ‘arrival’ that he promised? Ever since our ancestors fell asleep, all things continue as they have been since the beginning of creation.”
2 Peter 3:5 It will escape their notice that by the word of God the sky came into being long ago and the land came into existence from water and through water.
2 Peter 3:6 by means of which the world of that time was destroyed when it was flooded with water.
2 Peter 3:7 By the same word, the present sky and land are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.
2 Peter 3:8 Cared for ones, don’t let this one fact escape your notice: With the Lord, one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years is like one day.
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not delaying his promise, as some think of slowness, but is being patient with you, not wanting anyone to be destroyed but wanting everyone to come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:10 But that day of the Lord will have arrived like a thief; on that day the sky will pass away with a loud noise, the elements will burn and be dissolved, and the land and everything done on it will be disclosed.
2 Peter 3:11 Since all these things are to be demolished in this way, it is clear what sort of people you should be in devoted conduct and godliness
2 Peter 3:12 as you anticipate the day of God and hurry its arrival. Because of that day, the sky will be dissolved with fire, and the elements will melt from the burning heat.
2 Peter 3:13 But based on his promise, we expect a new sky and a new land, where righteousness is at home.

one day

Today is the ninth of December. It is only one day of many you have lived. You may be emotionally distraught this day, reeling from a loss you cannot understand. You may be excited and rejoicing this day, looking forward to all it offers. Or, this may be an ordinary day, passing without incident.

If you are without Christ today, today’s text is a warning. On a day like today, the universe was created by Almighty God. On a day like today, the old earth was destroyed by a flood. Most of its inhabitants were not ready, and were destroyed with it. On a day like today, another destruction will come — sudden and horrible.

Or, nothing significant may happen today because with the Lord, a thousand years is like a day. You may yet have time to return to your Maker and repent of your sins. You may have time to restore your relationship with him and with the others you have wronged.

Today might be your last ordinary day. How will you spend it?