2 Peter 3

Though there are great joys from God in this life, I am soooo looking forward to Jesus’ return. In 2 Peter 3, Peter reminds us to also look in two other directions as we excitedly wait.

As We Look Forward, Look Inward.

At the time of this writing, I am in a hospital waiting room. While a congregation member has surgery, I wait. And wait. And wait. Cobwebs form around me as I look forward to our friend’s return. I look at the clock, the Patient Update Screen, and even the door our brother passed through to go under the knife.

Honestly, it is easy to look so forward to something, even something good like a friend’s return, that we cease “living.” In the Bible, Peter understood this and encouraged the believers of his day to work on wholesome living while they waited for Jesus’ return. Peter writes that “since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless, and at peace with him” (2 Peter 3:14b NIV).

Jesus didn’t give us followers a new heart and mind to sit idle, spiderwebs forming on us, while staring skyward for his return. In every day he gives us, he wants us to grow deeper in love with him, even as we long to see his promised return.

As We look Forward, Look Outward.

As we wait for his sure return, Jesus calls us to holy living and also to look outward to share the Gospel with others. In 2 Peter 3, Peter warns believers not to buy the lies of “scoffers” among them who said, “where is this ‘coming’ he promised?” as if Jesus broke his promise (4a). Peter came against these lies with the Truth that God’s timing is above ours and quotes Psalm 90: “With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day” (3:8). Peter further notes Jesus’ seeming delay is not a broken promise at all; it’s actually his pure patience: “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” (3:9). We may incorrectly perceive his waiting as slow or worse; however, Jesus, in love far above our comprehension, is mercifully waiting on us.

Jesus said, “I will come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:3b KJV). This promise is for anyone who accepts him as the risen Savior from their sin (John 3:16). In 2026 years and counting of true and patient love, Jesus waits-but he will return, just as he promised. Until then, believers, let’s look forward to his return, inward to grow in our love with him and outward to share with others the very Good News of our Savior’s birth, life, death, burial, resurrection, and future return!

Pastor Russ writes to encourage others to trust Jesus, who loves us so much. All are welcome at 154 Church Street in Westfield, Sundays at 9:30 a.m. E-mail: rightdirections4u@gmail.com