READ: Daniel 11,12; Proverbs 2; 2 Peter 3
SCRIPTURE: 2 Peter 3: 3 Above
all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and
following their own evil desires.
4 They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors
died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.
OBSERVATION: Nowadays, it seems Christians speak more
about their successful and prosperous living in the world than of Christ’s
first and second coming. Sermons on Jesus’ second coming from the pulpits are
becoming rare. Sometimes, we hear skeptical or unbelieving words about Jesus’
coming, even from Christians. People may say, “do you still believe that the
one who has not come for the last 2000 years would come anymore?” Jesus himself
often spoke about his second coming and promised us, “I will come back and take
you to be with me” (Jn.14:3). Prophets, angels, and the apostles have foretold Jesus’
second advent. The Early Church believers expected the imminent return of
Christ. In the New Testament, there are about 300 references related to Christ’s
second coming; almost every book speaks about it. However, false teachers and
false prophets tried to deceive people with their heresies. Apostle Peter tells
about them in the second chapter of his second epistle: “Destructive heresies,”
“denying the sovereignty of God,” “depraved conduct” are the marks of such
false teachers. They cunningly deceive people “by appealing to the lustful
desires of the flesh.” (2 Pet.2:1-3,
17-19). In the last days, we must know that there will be mockers who refuse to
believe God’s word.
These false teachers’ doubts and
unbelief about Jesus’ second coming are not genuine. They mock because they
want to follow “their own evil desires.” They doubt God’s promise and argue that there
is no change in the world order and that all things happen as before. They deny
God’s intervention in human life and his creation. Peter exposes the fallacies
of the false teachers’ argument by saying God’s active role in all and the
power of his words since the time of creation. Peter reminds the church about
the certainty of Christ’s coming in an unexpected time and challenges the believers
“to live holy and godly lives” (v.11). The Lord delays because he wants all people
“to come to repentance” and salvation (v.9,15). Therefore, as Craig S. Keener
says, “Delay should never be taken to indicate that Jesus is not coming back
after all.” We Christians must look forward to Christ’s glorious return. It is
not an uncertain hope but the certainty of our future. It reminds us to live a
life worthy of the Lord and be ready for his coming. Jesus is coming soon.
Maranatha!
APPLICATION: Lord Jesus said, “you also must be ready,
because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him”
(Mt.24:44). When Jesus comes, I must “make
every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him” (v.15). When
Christ appears, I will “appear with him in glory” (Col.3:4) and will be like
him (1 Jn.3:2). My hope of Christ’s return motivates me to live a holy and godly
life.
PRAYER: Father God, thank you for your love that sent
your only Son Jesus for the salvation of humanity. Jesus, thank you for the
promise and blessed hope of your return. Holy Spirit, I can live a pure and
holy life only by walking with you; Give me your strength to believe the word
of God and live accordingly, and help me be always prepared for Christ’s
return. Amen.
- Arputharaj Samuel
+91 9538328573
Day – 335
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