SOAP 07/29/2011; 2 Peter 3:8-9

Today's reading: Isaiah 57, 58, 59; Psalm 103; 2 Peter 3

S) " ⁸ But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. ⁹ The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance."

2 Peter 3:8-9 (NASB)

O) This is Peter's response to mockers, questioning the belief that the "end times" are imminent. 2012 and the Mayan calendar are not the first time people have feared the end of the world. Y2K, 1984, ... I'm sure that in the year 666 AD people were freaking out about the apocalypse. There are 2 main points to Peter's reminder in verses 3-9. The first, is that we can't ever be lax about our faith. We need to chase righteousness every day as if the Lord is coming back any moment. The second part, though, in verses 8 and 9, is that we need to realize God's definition of "soon" and our definition are likely to be very different. Furthermore, we need to bear in mind that God is not being lazy or indecisive. Like a merciful father, He is trying to provide time for people to take advantage of His redemption. He's not procrastinating, He's being patient.
A) So first, I need to lay off phrases like "last days" or "end times" or any other such fads, because they're actually quite old. To be sure, we've never been closer to the end than we are right now; however, every passing day suggests that we weren't as close as some think. So, patience is a must. I need to be patient as I wait for the Lord. In all likeliness, I will die before I'm "raptured". At the same time, I need to walk in a constant repentance and bear fruit, like it says in Matthew 3:8. I need to push myself toward God, and toward holy living. I need to strive for it, as if I might "meet my Maker" via the Rapture. It's like this: it's a marathon, so I can't try to sprint all the time, but that doesn't mean I get to stand around.
P) Father, increase my patience. Help me to work with integrity and diligence at my job. Direct me to raise my children well, sowing spiritual seeds into their lives, so that they grow up and bear spiritual fruit. In Jesus' name, let them grow up as godly people, who then raise my godly grandchildren. At the same time, purge me from laziness and do not let me be fooled into procrastination. Help me to live out my faith as if every chance is my last chance. Holy Spirit, lead me into more and more acts of ministry with the people around me; I want to be obedient now, and put nothing off until tomorrow's tomorrow. Balance these two yearnings within me Lord. Help me to run this race with endurance. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.