Basking in the Son

2 Peter 3:11-18

I’ve recently been fortunate to share in the harvest of a few tomato gardens of friends and family.  Of course, all I need is an excuse to make up a BLT sandwich and the tomatoes quickly go to good use.  It did seem to take a bit longer this year to get our share.  When the tomatoes finally arrived, they did not disappoint, having good presentation, texture and taste.  But we did have to wait for them to ripen before they could be reaped.

In our text this week, Peter is closing out his second letter to his dear friends in the church.  He ends with words that direct their focus onto Jesus, His grace, and His eternal glory.  In his first letter, Peter writes that “According to His great mercy, He (God) has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”  Peter’s words offer so much hope for each of us as we must wait for His return.  This living hope will carry us through and lead us to live in ways that bring honor to Christ Jesus as our Lord and Savior.  Until He comes again, our hearts must revel in the truth of the Gospel.  And our lives must bear genuine spiritual fruit that will bless the world.  Waiting is hard but it is part of God’s patient plan.  Living hope gives us confidence to know that He who began a good work in us will be faithful to complete it in the day of Christ Jesus.  Let us eagerly expect and hasten that day! 

While we wait, let us pray earnestly as Jesus teaches us for God’s kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven.  While we wait, may we be on guard against false teachings that undermine our spiritual foundation in Christ by knowing the truth of the Gospel.  And while we wait, God help us to ripen without spot or blemish in the grace and knowledge of Him who is our rightful King and invincible Hero, Jesus Christ.  To Him be the glory both now and in His eternal reaping. 

Grateful & Hopeful in Christ,

Jon