April 4th | The Coming of the Last Day - Part 2

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON PETER’S SECOND LETTER   

THE COMING OF THE LAST DAY – PART II  

2 Peter 3:5-7 “But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens came into being and the earth was formed out of water and by water. By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.”   

“By God’s word . . .” This is the key phrase in today’s devotional verses. This phrase is one that takes you, the reader of the Holy Scriptures all the way back to Genesis 1:3, 6, 9, 14, etc. Each of these verses begin with the words “And God said. . .” Each of these verses then follow these words with how God, through the power of His Word, created the world as we know it. Peter picks up these words in 2 Peter 3:5, “ . . . long ago by God’s word the heavens came into being and the earth was formed out of water and by water. . .” 

Peter continues, “By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.” God spoke His creative word and creation was formed. God will speak one last time, at the end of time, at the Parousia. With this word of His He will bring the world to the end.   

Peter says people will “deliberately” forget what God has said. They did at the time of Noah. People continue to forget what God has said today. This is what unbelief is all about. However, what God has said and what God will say no human being can negate. God’s will will be done as His word has said. 

Remember, Peter said in verses 3 and 4, “ . . . in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ He promised?” Whether human beings believe God’s word or do not, the Last Day is coming when God will fulfill His words and bring them to completion in the Day of our Lord Jesus Christ.   

God grant you faith to believe His word and to prepare you for the Last Day whether it be upon your death or it be the Parousia. God grant that that you are prepared by His word for that day. 

Prayer: Lord, bless Your word that it prepare my heart and soul with faith in Jesus to be ready for my last day. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Christ is surely coming Bringing His reward;  Alpha and Omega, first and Last and Lord;  Root and Stem of David, Brilliant Morning Star;  Meet your Judge and Savior, Nations near and far!  

See the holy city! There they enter in,  All by Christ made holy, Washed from ev’ry sin;  Thirsty ones, desiring All He loves to give,  Come for living water, Freely drink, and live! 

Grace be with God’s people! Praise His holy name!  Father, Son, and Spirit, Evermore the same;  Hear the certain promise From the eternal home:  “Surely I come quickly! Come, Lord Jesus, come!”

(LSB 509)