Unashamed Reading Plan

Prayer

As you come to spend time with Jesus, calm your mind and body until you feel fully present. Thank Jesus that he came to save you!

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

We’ve been looking this week at how we as Christians are to live in readiness for Jesus’ return. Paul encouraged us Romans to love one another well. In 1 Thessalonians he said we are to be ready, putting on faith, love and hope as armor in the last days. Today, we read from the Apostle Peter’s words in 2 Peter. Peter’s words are sobering indeed. This world will be “destroyed by fire” on the Lord’s return and “everything done in it will be laid bare.” It will be a day of reckoning. Peter warns us, that even though we have been waiting for these days for a long time, don’t listen to the scoffers who say, “Where is ‘this coming’ he promised?” He is coming. He’s not slow. For a thousand years is but a day to Him. How does Peter say we ought to live with this in mind? “Live holy and godly lives.” It’s a beautifully simple answer. There’s no doomsday approach in the Christian’s actions to the end of the world. We are readying ourselves. But it’s not in underground bunkers, but in holy and godly lives. We’re connecting with God and others. We’re putting on more and more the attributes of faith, love and hope. We’re shining for Jesus in a dark world. For the best is yet to come!

1. What word or phrase from these verses challenges you today?
2. Are you living a holy and godly life? Talk to God about that and ask for His direction.

Prayer

Talk to God in response to the reading today.

Worship Song

You might use this song today to worship Jesus today: