2 Peter 3:11-18 The Message (MSG)
The other night John and I drove and took friends to a Christmas Dinner Party in downtown St. Petersburg. John was driving and I was sitting way in the back to accommodate our guests (our SUV has three rows of seats). Sadly, many times when I sit in the back of a vehicle I suffer with motion sickness. So, I asked John to drive very carefully; no quick movements, turns, or sudden stops (lol…miracles do happen!). Anyway, I was determined to pray and keep looking forward. He said, “Mar, I may not be aware. How will I know if you start getting sick due to my driving? Give me a secret phrase, so we will not concern our friends.” I said, “Ok. I will say, ‘Did you see that?’”
As I sit here studying our passage this morning, I am reminded how many times in our sin-sick world the Lord places things before His creation as a way to say, “Did you see that?” In other words, God is always working to get our attention to the signs of the time and the sickness of the human soul apart from the work of Christ. We must not allow the sickness of the world to overpower or misdirect us; keep looking in the direction of the Word. Wake up! If your focus each day is on Christ, you are going to be looking in the opposite direction the unbelieving world is looking. What is important to you doesn’t make the list of unbelievers. In fact, devoted believers will be hope-filled, peace-living, joy-driven people whom the unredeemed, angry, and flesh-driven world cannot comprehend. Never forget, the things of the flesh are opposed to the things of the Spirit (Gal. 5:17). Jesus is behind the wheel and is driving on the journey through this sick world and we are going to be experiencing all kinds of things—pressure will build as he reshapes his children in the image of Christ and works to bring salvation to the whole world. But, stay obedient to the Word and keep looking for Jesus, because you are going to see some amazing miracles as promised by God.
2 Peter 3:11-18
11-13 Since everything here today might well be gone tomorrow, do you see how essential it is to live a holy life? Daily expect the Day of God, eager for its arrival. The galaxies will burn up and the elements melt down that day—but we’ll hardly notice. We’ll be looking the other way, ready for the promised new heavens and the promised new earth, all landscaped with righteousness.
14-16 So, my dear friends, since this is what you have to look forward to, do your very best to be found living at your best, in purity and peace. Interpret our Master’s patient restraint for what it is: salvation. Our good brother Paul, who was given much wisdom in these matters, refers to this in all his letters, and has written you essentially the same thing. Some things Paul writes are difficult to understand. Irresponsible people who don’t know what they are talking about twist them every which way. They do it to the rest of the Scriptures, too, destroying themselves as they do it.
17-18 But you, friends, are well-warned. Be on guard lest you lose your footing and get swept off your feet by these lawless and loose-talking teachers. Grow in grace and understanding of our Master and Savior, Jesus Christ. Glory to the Master, now and forever! Yes!
Prayer: Lord, this is such an amazing time to be alive and I thank you for the promises you have given that keeps me moving forward with hope, peace, and joy in your love. You are so good! In Jesus’ name. Amen.