Jesus o’clock
Opening Prayer
Jesus, thank You that the new life I have received anticipates the coming renewal of everything.
Read 2 Peter 3:8–18
[8] But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. [9] The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. [10] 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 done in it will be laid bare. [11] Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives [12] as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. [13] But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. [14] So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. [15] Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. [16] He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction. [17] Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. [18] But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Why is God prolonging Jesus’ return?What do you look forward to most about Jesus’ second coming? My mind tends to skate over the devastation involved (10) and go to the moment of fulfillment (1 Thess. 4:15–17), when we’re face to face with the permanently transfigured Christ in all of his glory. Don’t forget that we’ll be transformed, too. As Christ’s beautiful bride (Rev. 21:2), we’ll dwell with him unburdened by the human limitations that once intruded. How does that make you feel about the temporary challenges of your life now? The first Christians expected Jesus to return quickly. Two thousand years on and we’re still waiting! Have we gotten complacent, as if he’ll never come? As ever, Peter is practical (11–14). We don’t know when Jesus will return, but let’s treat all the time as “Jesus o’clock”! Always merciful, God sees that there aren’t yet enough worshippers to populate heaven, and he wants us to change that in our generation, and speed up Christ’s coming! Does that make you feel pressured, as if it’s all down to you? Trust that your growing godliness is grace-powered (18). It’s a wonderful privilege to be used by God!
Apply
Make more time for people, and work on your self-discipline. Run your race to win the prize!
Closing prayer
Lord, open my eyes and move my heart that I may live in light of these eternal things.
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