READING: Ezekiel 40-41, 2 Peter 3
“Scoffers will come in the last days to scoff.”
2 Peter 3:3
The early church believed that Jesus’ return was imminent, and they challenged each other to live in that light. Not everyone believed the same way, however. Some “scoffers” in the church weren’t convinced at all: “Scoffers will come in the last days to scoff, living according to their own desires, saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming? Ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they have been since the beginning of creation’” (2 Pet. 3:3-4). They looked around even as they heard the warnings of the early church, saw that nothing had seemed to change since the beginning of time, and concluded that God was not going to intervene in human history. They ignored the fact that God had stepped into history when He created the world and later judged it with a flood—and they instead chose to live “according to their own desires.” God would, though, come in judgment; thus, Peter warned his readers, “it is clear what sort of people you should be in holy conduct and godliness” (2 Pet. 3:11).
I trust that I don’t scoff at the coming of Jesus. I fully believe that He is going to return, so I know I’m different from the scoffers of Peter’s day. I do wonder, though, if my actions—or more likely, my lack of actions—might suggest I’m not driven by the urgency that accompanies a strong belief in His return. Do I, for example, consider the spiritual condition of everyone I pass, knowing that Jesus could come back today? Do I fight for godliness, understanding that I could stand before Him any moment? Do I proclaim the gospel clearly and passionately to a world that could be interrupted today by the return of the Son? Do I get sidetracked into things that really don’t matter in the light of eternity?
Perhaps “scoffing” at the return of Jesus is not the best word for my heart, but “ambivalence” or “apathy” might, in fact, describe me on some days. That recognition drives me to my face in repentance today.
ACTION STEPS:
- Consider your own daily responses to the possibility of Christ’s return. How does that possibility affect your life?
- In light of Christ’s return, make at least one needed change in your life today.
PRAYER: “God, forgive me when I ‘scoff’ at Jesus’ return by my actions.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Ezekiel 42-44, 1 John 1
