II Peter 3:8-15a
Second Week of Advent
December 4, 2005
This is a rather beautiful passage here, closely tied to Jesus’ own words in Mark 13, written down here by a man who most likely was personally present at the event when Jesus spoke them forth. Peter’s words are filled with hope, as they seek to elicit faith in those who read this letter of his, reminding his readers of what they need to do as they anticipate the second coming of Christ (especially since the first-century church expected Jesus to come back fairly soon after his departure). Twice here Peter declares that Jesus keeps the promises He makes, though we might not ever understand his timetable. Peter slyly contrasts his readers’ patience with that of Jesus by mentioning that Jesus is more patient with humanity’s sins than humanity is with Jesus’ promises, even to the point that Jesus doesn’t want “anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (verse 9ff, TNIV)
Following this, though, Peter references Jesus’ words by telling his readers that Jesus will come back like a thief, unbeknownst to anyone at all. Not only this, but the world will be totally destroyed by fire, laying creation bare before Jesus upon His Return. Thus, Peter declares that people “ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming,” (verses 11ff-12a, TNIV) making the subtle declaration that it’s MUCH more important to live according to Jesus’ commands than worry about when He’s coming back. “Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation…” (verse 13a, TNIV) Each day is a gift – our dual tasks are to obey His teachings and live in faithful anticipation of His promised Return.
December 4, 2005
This is a rather beautiful passage here, closely tied to Jesus’ own words in Mark 13, written down here by a man who most likely was personally present at the event when Jesus spoke them forth. Peter’s words are filled with hope, as they seek to elicit faith in those who read this letter of his, reminding his readers of what they need to do as they anticipate the second coming of Christ (especially since the first-century church expected Jesus to come back fairly soon after his departure). Twice here Peter declares that Jesus keeps the promises He makes, though we might not ever understand his timetable. Peter slyly contrasts his readers’ patience with that of Jesus by mentioning that Jesus is more patient with humanity’s sins than humanity is with Jesus’ promises, even to the point that Jesus doesn’t want “anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (verse 9ff, TNIV)
Following this, though, Peter references Jesus’ words by telling his readers that Jesus will come back like a thief, unbeknownst to anyone at all. Not only this, but the world will be totally destroyed by fire, laying creation bare before Jesus upon His Return. Thus, Peter declares that people “ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming,” (verses 11ff-12a, TNIV) making the subtle declaration that it’s MUCH more important to live according to Jesus’ commands than worry about when He’s coming back. “Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation…” (verse 13a, TNIV) Each day is a gift – our dual tasks are to obey His teachings and live in faithful anticipation of His promised Return.
posted by APN | 7:01 PM
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