The Rapture: SOONER THAN WE THINK 2 Peter 3:1-10
Bible Reading: 2 Peter 3:1-10
1 This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:
2 That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:
3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,
4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.
5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:
6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:
7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.
8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
The Rapture: SOONER THAN WE THINK 2 Peter 3:1-10
9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
The Rapture: SOONER THAN WE THINK 2 Peter 3:1-10
The Rapture: SOONER THAN WE THINK 2 Peter 3:1-10 – www.odmdaily.com
Satan’s deceptive strategy is to convince man that Jesus will not return, or that there is more time (vs.3,4). This ridicule by scoffers leads to procrastination and self-indulgence, making many to ignore Jesus and the salvation He so graciously offers. Peter saw this evil tactic in his time and wrote: “to stimulate wholesome thinking” (v.1). From vs. 5-7, how does Peter advance wholesome thinking to counteract the scoffers? A recently converted youth, grateful for his salvation, prayed, to thank God that Jesus didn’t return two years earlier; “I would have missed heaven!” What scoffers consider to be a delay is, rather, an opportunity for more people to come to repentance and not perish (v.9). Compare Peter’s prophecy of a melting earth in vs.7&10 with John’s admonition in 1John 2:15-17. Those who think the world cannot be destroyed should revise their notes in the light of contemporary events-earthquakes, collapsed buildings, flooding, wildfires, and wars with weapons of mass destruction. Peter re-echoes what the disciples heard Jesus say about His return (Matthew 24:43). It will be “like a thief in the night” (v.10) – sudden, swift, and unexpected. Be prepared!
Prayer For Missions: SOUTH SUDAN – South Sudan is one of the world’s world newest countries. Thank God for this freedom from the long, painful domination by the North Sudan, now mainly Arab and Muslim, while South Sudan is mainly Black and Christian. Pray for the Church to have a good influence in society and leadership, to make life better for all people. www.odmdaily.com
Prayer: Lord, I believe you are coming back soon. Help me to live carefully, wisely, and in full preparedness.
Bible In One Year: Jeremiah 37-39
The Rapture: SOONER THAN WE THINK 2 Peter 3:1-10
QUOTE: The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you… (2 Peter 3:10)
