What a pointed chapter is chapter 2! False prophets, the unrighteous, and blasphemers are named, and judgment against them is announced. On the other hand, Noah and Lot are singled out as those delivered by the Lord. It is all summed up in: “The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment” (2:9). Better to live in God’s favor than to face his judgment. That sort of goes without saying, doesn’t it? And, yet, we need to say it over and over again.
Peter continues, “I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles” (3:1-2). This reminder is necessary because “scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. They will say, ‘Where is the promise of his coming?’” (3:3-4). A question, though? Has God ever failed to fulfill any of his promises? Answer: “NO!” And though it might seem as if God is moving slowly, we can be assured that his is faithful and will do all he has promised. And, oh, what promises we have!
O Christians, haste, your mission high fulfilling,
to tell to all the world that God is light,
that he who made all nations is not willing
one soul should perish, lost in shades of night.
Publish glad tidings, tidings of peace,
tidings of Jesus, redemption and release. --Mary Ann Thomson (1868)
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