Check out all the previous Christmas readings here.
Christmas Reading Plan | Week 5 | Day 2
Prayer
Allow some silence for your soul to catch up with your body. Thank Jesus that He came at Christmas and ask Him to open your eyes regarding be ready for His return.
Bible Reading: 2 Peter 3:3-13
Read these verses three times slowly.
Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. 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.” But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens came into being and the earth was formed out of water and by water. By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.
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. 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.
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.
Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 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. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.
Reflection & Questions
In yesterday’s reading, Jesus said “I’ll be back.” It’s been 2,000 years though! Is He really coming back? In today’s reading, Peter not only describes Jesus’ coming in devastating detail, he also addresses Jesus’ delay head on. He predicts that people in the last days will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? … everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.”
With those doubters in mind, Peter wants us to know:
- Time works differently for God. “With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.” In other words, for God this doesn’t seem long at all.
- Jesus’ delay is on purpose. He is “not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” Jesus’ wants as many people with Him forever.
- Jesus’ return will be sudden and shocking, and nothing will ever be the same. Jesus is delaying, but when He comes it will be shock and awe. Like a thief’s entrance that might have been prepared for, but is still shocking when it happens, Jesus’ return will be eye-opening and universe-altering.
- We need to be ready: “What kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.” Only things of holiness and godliness will survive Jesus’ coming. And when we choose to live holy lives, we’re removing one more reason for Jesus to delay. Those who lived for the world will have nothing to stand on that day. Those who have lived for Jesus, will be thoroughly prepared.
In sum, Jesus has delayed on purpose, but He’s still coming. And it might well be today. Let’s get ready by living holy and godly lives, sold out for Jesus.
- Are the choices you are making in your life preparing you for eternity?
- If you knew Jesus was coming back tomorrow, what would be your priorities today? Which of those should be prioritized anyways given you don’t know when Jesus is coming back?
Prayer
Talk to God in response to today’s reading.
Worship Song
You might use this song today to worship Jesus today:
Check out more Bible Reading Plans here.
Questions?
Ed Applegate
