I have recently been struck in my reading of how much the Apostles thought and talked about the return of Jesus.  Of course it would be fresh in their memories since Jesus spoke of it when He was leaving.  He had already come back once and that only took three days.  While I think we all look forward to the return of Jesus, I don’t think we spend as much time thinking about it as they did in the early church.  For the early church it served as motivation to carry out Jesus’ great commandment and great commission.  Let’s look at some of Peter’s words about it from 2 Peter 3 together today.

3 Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. 4 They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” 5 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. 6 By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. 7 By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly. 8 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. 9 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. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. 11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12 as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.

For Peter it is simple the more people we tell about Jesus the sooner He will return.  Peter had strong motivation to spread the gospel.  he wanted his friend back.  Perhaps in this instance we should all think a little more like Peter.  Often thinking and acting like Peter might not be the best advice but certainly in this case Peter has it right!  I pray that we might all share the love of Jesus boldly.  He will be coming back soon.

In His Grip,
Pastor Dave