Sometimes a television or book series is so good that I don’t want it to end. And when I finally get to the last episode or the last page, it feels kind of lonely to know that the story is over. Peter’s final words in 2 Peter 3 are some of the most powerful from the Apostle we knew so well. From his time with Jesus, his work with the church, to his letters of encouragement, we’ve watched him grow and mature. So, what does he leave us with at the end of his story? The Day of the Lord. Let’s find out today why this day was Peter’s final words.

The Day is Definitely Coming

  • As we begin our reading in 2 Peter 3:1-7, Peter goes head-to-head with “scoffers” who are convinced that God isn’t coming in judgment. Though they claim that nothing has changed since the beginning, they forget about God’s great flood to punish humanity once already.
  • God promised never to destroy the earth with water, not that he would never destroy the earth period (Gen. 9:9-11). If the Almighty Lord was able to wipe out humanity once, he’s certainly capable of doing it again.
  • But what about us? We may not make these kinds of claims like these “scoffers” do, but deep down, are we convinced about this kind of destruction? If we had been alive in Noah’s day, would we have believed the news about God’s worldwide punishment? The day of the Lord is definitely coming, but will we be ready?

The Day Waits for Repentance

  • Peter continues to remind us in 2 Peter 3:8-9 that God’s timetables are not equivalent to ours. While thousands of years have passed, it’s only a blink of God’s eye. And God patiently waits so humanity will repent of their sins.
  • While God has always held people accountable for their wrongdoing, he has also never delighted in having to punish someone (Ezek. 18:30-32). Instead, he’s holding the door open as long as possible to give us all time to obey.
  • Do you appreciate God’s patience toward you? Countless mornings I pray thankfully for another day of life. And today, I’m grateful that God has blessed you with another opportunity to live for him. Are you taking advantage of his patience?

The Day Will Be a Surprise

  • Peter continues in 2 Peter 3:10 to explain how surprising that day will be. It’s coming like a thief, an unmistakably loud and glorious day where God will destroy everything.
  • And so many of Jesus’ great parables and teachings were preparing us for this day. His words in Matt. 24:36-44 echo into 2021 as we continue to wait for this fantastic final day. There will come a moment, as in the days of Noah, where it’s too late to submit to Jesus.
  • So, are you ready for the day of the Lord? Are you coasting through life, ignoring the clear signs that danger is up ahead? Will you open your eyes to the spiritual reality we’ll all face after this life is over?

Conclusion

As Peter concludes his final words, he felt it necessary to share this powerful message about the day of the Lord. Are you going to take it seriously?