We are living in the age of the church. It is an age of grace and an age of the spirit in which we have, by God’s mercy and love, opportunity to proclaim to the world the good news about Jesus Christ. —Ron James
Let’s be honest, aren’t we all just a little bit skeptical about Christ’s return? It’s been almost 2,000 years, and none of us regularly check the skies to see if His return flight is coming in. Peter’s words to the believers of his day are just as relevant today as they were then. They are sober words, words that put it all in perspective:
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 fathers 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 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. (2 Peter 3:3-9)
Noah had given plenty of warning, but everybody just kept on doing their own thing. Then came a wall of water—whoosh! Today, it’s the same thing: Jesus has given plenty of warning, but many who don’t know Him go about their way indifferent or unaware He will intervene again in judgment. Plenty of believers are doing the same thing.
It is so important to constantly remind ourselves that we are in a very precarious season of human history: We live between the game-winning play (the cross and resurrection) and the end of the game (His second coming). God is taking His time to give us time to play the game through to the end with everything we have!
Lord, I want to use these remaining days, be they few or many, to make an eternal difference. Give me Your heart for those who are perishing. Then live through me in a way that communicates to them Your tangible love. Amen.