The Day Of The Lord 

At this time of year, I often visit a certain bluebell wood in the Surrey Hills. It is a place full of memories for me as I used to go camping in the field on top of the hill and play games in the woods at an annual church camp. It was good to be back again this year and see the carpets of flowers under the trees. The thing is, bluebells don’t last long. In two or three weeks they come and go. Their ‘glory’ is short-lived. Time it wrong and you miss them at their peak, or indeed altogether.

In 2 Peter 3, Peter writes about the Day of the Lord. One day Jesus will return. No-one knows when He will return but be in no doubt He will. He Himself taught us to be ready. Peter reminds us of that teaching in this passage. We are called to remember what we have been taught from The Word. We should live as if Jesus is set to return today.

There will be scoffers. There will be plenty of people who mock the very thought of Jesus returning, after all, it has been two thousand years since He walked the earth and said that He would be back. Peter uses the story of Noah to describe the present age (and indeed any age)! People were caught out by The Flood. Sadly, many will also be caught out when Jesus returns. This world is set for judgement by fire (rather than flood) before a new heaven and a new earth are ushered in on Jesus’ return.

Peter tells us: ‘The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.’ (verse 9). Here, we read about why Jesus has not yet returned. The mercy and grace of God means that He is patient, and in His love wants all, to not only hear the gospel, but to have the chance to respond to it.

Recalling Jesus’ own words, Peter writes: ‘But the day of the Lord will come like a thief.’ (verse 10). In other words, we may not know the time of Jesus’ return but we can be prepared and indeed should be. In the light of this absolutely certain event, which is always imminent, what kind of people should we be? – asks Peter (verse 11).

There are a number of things he says to answer that question:

1. Live holy and godly lives – live Jesus’ way not our way; live lives that please Him; live lives that are completely surrendered to His rule; live lives that resist sin and stay close to Him;

2. Look forward to his return and speed it’s coming – do we consider His return enough? We can ‘speed' that day’s arrival by carrying out the things He wants us to do in obedience to Him, not least seeking to tell others about Him and giving testimony to Him whenever we have opportunity.

3. Remind ourselves of the truth – this present life, this present earth, will pass all too quickly. It is our eternal destiny that counts. Remember His promises and live in expectation, hope and thanksgiving.

4. Make every effort to be found spotless and blameless – we are not perfect and won’t be this side of heaven, but we can submit to His rule every day and live for Him. (Galatians 2:20).

5. Bear in mind we live in the days of God’s grace (patience) – Now is the time to bear witness and tell others about Jesus – Peter and Paul are examples of those who have done that and lived their lives in the service of the Gospel.

6. Be on our guard that we don’t get carried away by error – which suggests that it is easier than we think to do so.

7. Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ – We do not stand still as Christians. If we are not moving forward, then we are falling back.

We are surrounded by reminders of how temporary and unpredictable this present existence actually is. The world is on notice - Jesus will return. Now is the time to consciously make a decision to live 100% for Him, following Him wherever He leads. Time is short. Let us all be ready and let us live our lives daily in the light of the truth of The Day of The Lord.