But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.
II Peter 3:10
The disciples asked Jesus to describe the sign of His coming again.
In the gospel of Matthew, Jesus described the signs that would precede His coming. However, He also told them that they would not know the time of His return. Peter stresses in his letter that believers are not to be swayed by false teachers or scoffers, those who say Jesus will not return, or those who claim to know the specific date of His return. It is important that we wait patiently, always being prepared for His return. Peter tells us that the Lord is infinitely patient. He desires that no one perish but that everyone is given the opportunity to repent and come to salvation before He returns. For some, the wait for Christ’s return has caused laziness and lack of commitment to a holy life. The materialism of the world has captured hearts, and little concern is given to the return of the Messiah. In fact, the thought of His return is disconcerting because enjoying of the pleasures of this earth is paramount.
Some tend to ignore things like environmental concerns and social issues, believing that when Christ returns, He will transform the earth.
Peter tells us, however, that the day of the Lord’s return will come like a thief in the night. In the meantime, we must take seriously Peter’s admonition to live holy and godly lives as we look forward to the day of Christ’s return. (II Peter 3:12)
Holiness means “being set apart” for God. In what ways do you need to be set apart from the world? Do you spend endless hours watching TV programs that do not edify God? Do you spend time on the phone gossiping or judging others? Ask the Holy Spirit to do a heart exam and be open to the possibility that He is calling you to make some changes. Without holiness, no one will see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14) He is calling us to holiness so that we will be able to behold Him
Heavenly Father, Prepare me for Your return. Keep me from the things of the world that separate me from You. Give me a pure heart so that I might see You. In Jesus’ name, Amen
