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2 Peter 3:8-13
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.
New International Version (NIV)
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A second lasts a second. A minute lasts a minute, a day a day, a week a week and a year a year. But sometimes, time seems to stand still. With the exception of Joshua’s experience with the sun in battle, time actually takes the same amount of time as ever. But it doesn’t always feel that way. So in your perception, how fast is time going these days? The days waiting for a wedding or a baby to be born or church to regather seem to move painfully slowly. On the other hand, it is hard to believe that six months have passed since the quarantines started. One friend captured my thoughts, “The days are long, but the years go by fast.”
How does God, who stands outside of time, perceive time? A day can be like a thousand years. A thousand years can be like a day. Remember the little Frank and Ernest comic strip where the loveable old bum asks God, “Is it true that a thousand years are like a minute for you?” God answered, “Yes.” Is it also true that a million dollars are like a penny to you?” God said, “Yes.” “God, could I have one of those pennies,” he asked. God said, “Sure. Just a minute.”
As the first century believers waited for Christ’s return, some just gave up. We may wonder, too. Why is God taking so long to end the pain in our world? Actually, unlike us, God is patient. “He wants everyone to come to repentance.“ Another day becomes another chance to repent of sin and believe in him.
Don’t let the years lull you to sleep, though. The day of the Lord will come. When we least expect it the sky will split and everything will be laid bare. Are we ready? Since this is true, how should we live? Holy. Godly. We look forward to the day when sin and suffering will end. We even speed its coming, Peter says. Christ’s return will be bad news for those who have not trusted in him. But what about for us? We look forward to a heaven and earth that are new, and finally, righteous. Through God’s power, we don’t have to wait for a new world to start living the right way. Today is a good day to live spotless, blameless, peaceful, peace-making lives. If we use one day well here it could make a thousand years of difference in another person’s eternity. Let’s get to it. We don’t have a moment to spare.
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Pray with me:
Father, we thank you for this present moment in this present day. We will never get to live the minutes of this day again. We can use them for good or for evil. Help us to use every moment to give you greater glory. May us holy, godly, blameless people in a world gone awry. Take our lives and let them be consecrated Lord to thee. Take our moments and our days. Let them flow in ceaseless praise. Let them flow in ceaseless praise.” In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Join us in memorizing the Word. Scripture for this week:
Matthew 6:29-30
Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?
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| Our 2020 Every Day with Jesus readings will follow the Foundations New Testament reading plan. Copies of the reading plan are available at Tallowood Baptist Church, or download your copy at REPLICATE.ORG
We would love for you to join us as we read the New Testament through this year, five chapters a week. In addition I will continue my long-standing practice of reading one Psalm a day through the year. Use Robby Gallaty’s H. E. A. R. plan to study each chapter (also found at REPLICATE.ORG). Highlight verses which speak to you, explain what they mean in your own words in a journal, apply them to your own life, then respond by doing what God tells you to do.
Joyfully,
Duane
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