2 Peter 3:17-18
Ever since Christ’s ascension, there has been the anticipation that He’s return is imminent. And it is right to have felt, as then, and to feel even now this way. For man does not know the day of His return. Even though there have been two millennia, Christ’s return remains at “any moment.” Eschatology, the study of end-times, is dicey. It’s important to have an understanding of what is revealed In Revelation, but not be consumed by it. But with that, we are cautioned and urged to be ready at all times. Peter is writing to these early Christians to be “on your guard.” When we look at the cultural crisis that is going on around us, it is easy to fall into the trap of fear. We are literally seeing lawlessness becoming an acceptable alternative to constructive discourse. Religious persecution…and especially more recently…the persecution of Christians, has always been something that happens somewhere else but not here. But as we have seen, it is now on here. Just as then, we too must beware of letting ourselves get carried up in the emotion of what is going around us. There are plenty of mornings when I make the mistake of checking the headlines only to be driven to anger or despair because of what I just read. The urge to overreact. To fall from our secure position does not mean risk of losing our salvation, but rather falling (or failing) in our confidence in the cross. Our testimony can be shattered in an instant because we let ourselves get caught up in the moment. Rather than fall in steadfastness, we are to “grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Christian, be on guard, stay the course, and hold on to the promises of God, for that is the only remedy to the error of lawlessness.
Ever since Christ’s ascension, there has been the anticipation that He’s return is imminent. And it is right to have felt, as then, and to feel even now this way. For man does not know the day of His return. Even though there have been two millennia, Christ’s return remains at “any moment.” Eschatology, the study of end-times, is dicey. It’s important to have an understanding of what is revealed In Revelation, but not be consumed by it. But with that, we are cautioned and urged to be ready at all times. Peter is writing to these early Christians to be “on your guard.” When we look at the cultural crisis that is going on around us, it is easy to fall into the trap of fear. We are literally seeing lawlessness becoming an acceptable alternative to constructive discourse. Religious persecution…and especially more recently…the persecution of Christians, has always been something that happens somewhere else but not here. But as we have seen, it is now on here. Just as then, we too must beware of letting ourselves get carried up in the emotion of what is going around us. There are plenty of mornings when I make the mistake of checking the headlines only to be driven to anger or despair because of what I just read. The urge to overreact. To fall from our secure position does not mean risk of losing our salvation, but rather falling (or failing) in our confidence in the cross. Our testimony can be shattered in an instant because we let ourselves get caught up in the moment. Rather than fall in steadfastness, we are to “grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Christian, be on guard, stay the course, and hold on to the promises of God, for that is the only remedy to the error of lawlessness.
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