2 Peter 3:1-13 "The Day of the Lord, Part 2"

Read 2 Peter 3:1-13.

"But the day of the Lord will come like a thief." NIV

Peter has been explaining why Christ's second coming seems to be slow. Then he comes out with "But." When that day arrives, at a time no man knows, it will happen "in the twinkling of an eye." Think about that. Even if you are a person who hates surprises, you will love this one. We will just be going about our daily busyness of job, picking kids up at school, making dinner...(see yesterday's post ;-) and then we will be gone. All that will be left is a pile of clothes on the floor. (For you neatnix, someone will pick up the clothes later.) It could happen at any time, any where, when you are with any one. Isn't that absolutely amazing?

I think we forget most of the time that this is coming. Nostradamus and the other prognosticators may think they know when, but they don't. Only the Trinity has that one on the calendar. But we can't be caught unaware. We should remember that he is coming and be ready. There isn't going to be a second chance moment. Yes, after the tribulation, Christ will come again for judgement and if you have received Him during that time, you are redeemed. But I don't want to miss the Great Disappearance. (Plus the thought of going through all the seven woes and seven bowls stuff is terrifying.) I always love being in on the beginning of something and watching it unfold to completion, so I want to fly with Him on the clouds. But I have to keep reminding myself it's coming. Be on my toes and ready. There are certain times I just hope He doesn't come. No, not because He might catch me in a sin. Not that I don't ever sin, but I certainly don't plan on it. I was thinking more on the lines of being caught in the bathroom or while brushing my teeth. ("Wait, I need to spit!")

The point is to not forget that there is an end in sight. Maybe not in our sight, but in His. And He's chosen the perfect time. Are you ready? Have you received Jesus as your Lord and Savior? He's waiting for you. He could come tomorrow, fifty years from now, a hundred years. Or it could be ... NOW!

Further Thoughts:

1. I'm not sure I will ever have the gumption to attack Revelation on this blog. We'll see. But in the meantime, go to Revelation and read about what is to happen at the end of days. Find passages in the gospels, as well, where Jesus talks about His second coming. (To begin with, see Matthew 24:36-44.)
   
2. Do you ever think about the urgency of evangelism based on the fact that Christ could come any day? Is there someone you've held off telling about Jesus? Don't leave that opportunity behind. 
   
3. I was reading recently (or maybe it was in my blog. Can't remember.) about if God speaks, we need to act immediately. There's no waiting around and seeing if He says it again like our kids sometimes do when we tell them to do something. We need to act on His command. I know I've suffered some costly consequences for not being immediately obedient. Is the Lord telling you to do something? Time may be short. Do it.
   
4. Do you live your life ready for Christ to return? We'll talk more on Monday about how to be ready.
   

Matthew 10:21-36 "Stand Firm"

Read Matthew 10:21-36.

"All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved." NIV

This is not a concept that we particularly think about when we receive Jesus as our Savior. We see Him as as the one to forgive ours sins and that we will do things His way instead of our own. But do we really count the cost we will pay from those around us? Do we hear the insults and disdain that we may confront -- even from those who are closest to us but don't understand nor have received the Truth?

I think some people do, but not many. Most of us walk into Christianity because we have finally heard the Holy Spirit's call to our hearts; we've messed our life up enough on our own and need a salvation from the path we have taken. But to anticipate opposition -- I believe very few people contemplate the consequences of walking the believer's life.

Jesus' warnings as written here are extreme and dangerous. It sounds like we are walking into a war zone rather than accepting a lifestyle of quiet reverence and piety. But Jesus is placing the reality in front of our eyes -- worse for some than for others -- but the truth none the less.

Whether on a small scale of insults to persecution by death, we will all face some opposition to the choice we have made to follow Christ. And we must decide beforehand what we will do in those situations. Jesus says first in vs. 22 to "stand firm to the end." He also says in vs. 23 that if "you are being persecuted in one place, flee to another. We aren't required to stand and take the punishment if there is a way to leave it. "Stand" in vs 22 refers to enduring by abiding with Christ no matter what.

The idea of facing persecution is not one that any of us want to contemplate. But a healthy view hinges on the right perspective. We see this laid out in verses 28-31. True life is not about these 60 minutes an hour, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week that we live here in a flesh and blood existence. True life is what is still to come. This is just a temporary stop. Too often we want to make the life we live now the end all, and it just simply isn't. There is so much more living we have to do and that will be in eternity with our Lord -- either after the resurrection or through physical death.

If we can look at life in the temporal as we should, then death is nothing to fear. Perfect healing comes with the perfect body we will have in heaven. So anyone can do anything to me here on this earth -- physically, psychologically, or emotionally -- but they cannot touch my soul. I am a child of the King, and I have the promise of an inheritance that goes far beyond anything this world can give me. The only fear I should experience is in reverent fear before the Almighty. If I do not follow Him and declare Him as Lord, He will disown me. He is a jealous God and will not abide competition for my affections. He is to be the one and only Lord.

I have already experienced the separation that can occur in relationships because I have chosen this path -- to belong to Christ. It is not easy; in fact, it's very painful. Only through prayers and the power of the Holy Spirit have I been able to stand. But stand I will to the end. My Lord is great and no one nor anything will separate me from my Father's love nor my love from Him.

Further Thoughts:

1. Joseph was persecuted multiple times -- even by family. But what does he say to his brothers in the end? Read Genesis 50:20.
2. Are we required to forgive the ones who persecute us? Read Matthew 6:14-15 and related post, and Luke 23:33-34.
3. Here is another post on persecution.
4. Persecution can be really difficult to come to grips with while in the midst of it. But we have promises to hold on to. Read Romans 8:28, Psalm 37:1-2, 2 Corinthians 4:-12, 2 Timothy 1:11-12, 1 Peter 3:13-14 and STAND.

Matthew 10:1-16 "The Most Dangerous Job"

Read Matthew 10:1-16.

“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” NIV

Jesus is preparing the 12 to go out among the Jews to tell them that the kingdom of heaven is near, to heal, and to drive out demons…. They are to be Christ’s representatives. But, He also warns them that they are going into dangerous work. The opposition will be strong and bitter, so be ready to face it.

We still face that same opposition when we try to share that the kingdom of heaven is near. It can be painful to be cut down when sharing about a passionate part of our life. I have had many hateful words said to me that felt like a knife twisting in my heart. So how do we live “as shrewd as snakes” while remaining “as innocent as doves?”

We face a crafty enemy and must counter with a cunningness that matches. We must not seek danger, but be alert to it. And all the while, we live in a meekness and humility that represent the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ. This is a difficult balance to attain which is why we can only walk in victory in this world with the power of Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit leading us. We are in a battle we cannot win, but with Christ, we are already victorious.

Do not back away from the wolves, but remain true to the gospel. Know what you believe, establish your position as a servant of The Most High. Remain intimate with Him through prayer so that in those occasions where words fail you, you can stand firm in the power of His presence at work through you. Never, never, never back down. Stand firm.

Further Thoughts:

1. What do we do when people simply will not listen to our message? Read vs. 14 again. Does this mean we give up on them? Support your answer with Scripture.
2. Compare and contrast the acts of being shrewd and being innocent. How does that play out practically in our daily lives today?
3. Research the phrase "the kingdom of heaven." Why does Jesus use that particular phrase in this passage?
4. Vs. 8 says, "Freely you have received, freely give...." What does that mean? What do you need to change in your life to live in conformity with this command?
5. When the Hebrew people were taken to Babylon, they were sheep among the wolves. Read the stories of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego as an example of living shrewdly with innocence.

Ephesians 6:15 "Peace Shoes"

"...and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace." NIV

As I read through commentaries and study notes on this verse, there are so many analogies to pull from it. First is the fact that we are putting something on our feet. The Roman soldier's feet were often covered in brass to avoid galltraps (three pronged metal pieces) and sharp sticks placed in their path. Likewise, the enemy is going to place obstacles in our way. He will try to trip us up at every angle that he can. But if we have our feet firmly covered, we can avoid being put out of commission by the enemy's wiles. A soldier cannot march if his feet are injured and that is one less fighter in the battle.

So what do we cover our feet with? Readiness that can only come from the gospel of peace. Our readiness is strong and impenetrable. It is because of our salvation and the peace that comes from it that we can be made ready to face anything the enemy throws at us. We can march on to do that which we were called to do -- to share the gospel of peace that is our protection. Not only are we guarded by it, but we are made ready to share it with others in need. It is our foundation -- what we stand on -- that will keep us ready. Get your brass shoes on. We've got several obstacles to face today.

Further Thoughts:

1. Where else is sharing the gospel of peace associated with shoes/feet?
2. How does the gospel bring peace? Support with Scripture.
3. Are you at peace with God right now? If not, what stands in the way?
4. What "galltraps" has the enemy placed in your path lately? Did you handle them with peace?
5. List different ways you can prepare yourself to spread the gospel and peace.