AUG. 12, 2013
The
Blessed Hope
Read: 2 Peter 3:10-18
[We look] for the blessed hope and glorious
appearing of our great God
and Savior Jesus Christ. —Titus
2:13
So
many predictions of the end of the world have come and gone. Those
predictions
are unsettling and often fill people with fear. Yet the Bible does
refer to a
time called “the day of the Lord” when He will return. It will happen,
but only
God knows when.
It’s
a day that Jesus’ followers can look forward to. In light of that time to
come,
the apostle Peter tells us how the believer can live with a joyful purpose
(2
Peter 3:10-18). We can look upward by living Christ-honoring lives (v.11).
We
can look inward by making every effort to be found at peace with God (v.14).
And we can look outward by being on guard so we aren’t carried away by the
wrong influence of others (v.17).
How
do we do this? By “grow[ing] in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and
Savior
Jesus Christ” (v.18). When we grow in character through His written Word,
we
begin to relate more closely to Jesus, the Living Word. The Holy Spirit takes
God’s Word and guides us in the way to live.
The
day of the Lord shouldn’t be a fearful day for Jesus’ followers. Our King will
return to make all things right and to rule forever. We wait for that time with
great anticipation. It is our “blessed hope” (Titus 2:13).
And for the hope of His return,
Dear Lord, Your name we praise;
With longing hearts we watch and wait
For that great day of days! —Sherwood
One day Jesus will return to rule and reign!
Source: Our Daily Bread 2013
