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.   

As we have been thinking on 2 Peter for some weeks now, previously, we have seen how Peter encouraged us not to be troubled by those who scoff at the promise of the Lord's return. We are to remember the Word of God not the words of men. When we judge truth by the Bible it will be our anchor and our security. God has intervened in this world. The world events are in His hands. We see not only how the prophecies were fulfilled during Christ's first coming, but also how the prophecies are being completed in His second coming. We are also to remember that God's ways are not our ways. He is on a different time schedule than we are - “For the Lord a thousand years is as a day and a day as a thousand years”. Our task is to trust and obey, to be ready and to be working.           

I have seen and heard many popular ministers and Christian writers predicting the Lord's coming. I caution you, regardless of how well known or well-intentioned the author or preacher is, beware. They do not have any greater knowledge than the disciples of Jesus did as to when Jesus will return.     

Are there signs that His coming will be soon? Yes! But I believe God has given to His church various signs so that we can always be expectant and ready. The first call of vs 9 “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

The first step to be prepared for the Lord’s return is by repenting of sin and turning to trust Christ for your salvation by faith. His patience, His desire is to see people prepared to enter into His eternal kingdom. Are you ready for the second coming by knowing you are saved by the grace of the Lord through faith? (Ephesians 2:8,9)    

Repentance is turning from your way, your thinking, your sin and facing Christ. Give up the past and embracing Him for the future.  Trust Him with your life, your soul, your mind, your spirit, your body, your being.    

Although many will discuss the signs prior to His coming, it is clear in this passage that we will be looking at, Peter is calling us to be a people who live for His glory and live as examples of light in our dark world.

Believing in the second coming of Jesus and awaiting that Day of the Lord should make a difference in how you live, not just what you believe.      Dale

Application:  Thank Him for His patience

Prayer:  Lord, thank you for your patience with me and all your children.   Thank you that You have saved me.  In the meantime, I watch and wait for Your coming for Your Bride, The Church!