As kids in the back seat traveling to anywhere, long trips, or short trips across town to our grandparents’ house of love and fun, we pleaded and whined, “When are we going to get there?”  We trusted the driver to know exactly how many miles and minutes it would take to get where we were going, even though time doesn’t mean much to children.  Sometimes, there were stops along the way that would lengthen the journey.  Flat tires, hunger, potty stops, detours, were some of those things that hindered the journey.  But we took in stride, with a little whining, and looked forward to our destination.  We couldn’t wait to get out the car that was overcrowded with stuff for the trip while sitting in cramped quarters.  We looked forward to the wide open spaces of grandpa and grandma’s farm or discovering new places we had never before seen. The trip was worth the arrival!

Peter, who got his information from Jesus, tells us to stay alert with undistracted attention on the Driver of life on earth who determines our rest stops, detours, and places to find nourishment along our brief journey.  “Soon” we arrive in a spectacular place—our final destination. We are promised no more tears, whining, sadness, or troubles—only unspeakable joy, unending love, and peace with extreme gratitude for the Driver who brough us there!  So, we ask, “When are we going to get there?”  But that is not for us to know or worry about.  Only God knows.  Trust the Driver, He’ll get us where we need to be at just the right time.  In the meantime, we keep our eyes on the Driver and enjoy the ride!

2 Peter 3, The Message

In the Last Days

^1-2 My dear friends, this is now the second time I’ve written to you, both letters reminders to hold your minds in a state of undistracted attention. Keep in mind what the holy prophets said, and the command of our Master and Savior that was passed on by your apostles.

^3-4 First off, you need to know that in the last days, mockers are going to have a heyday. Reducing everything to the level of their petty feelings, they’ll mock, “So what’s happened to the promise of his Coming? Our ancestors are dead and buried, and everything’s going on just as it has from the first day of creation. Nothing’s changed.”

^5-7 They conveniently forget that long ago all the galaxies and this very planet were brought into existence out of watery chaos by God’s word. Then God’s word brought the chaos back in a flood that destroyed the world. The current galaxies and earth are fuel for the final fire. God is poised, ready to speak his word again, ready to give the signal for the judgment and destruction of the desecrating skeptics.

The Day the Sky Will Collapse

^8-9 Don’t overlook the obvious here, friends. With God, one day is as good as a thousand years, a thousand years as a day. God isn’t late with his promise as some measure lateness. He is restraining himself on account of you, holding back the End because he doesn’t want anyone lost. He’s giving everyone space and time to change.

¹⁰ But when the Day of God’s Judgment does come, it will be unannounced, like a thief. The sky will collapse with a thunderous bang, everything disintegrating in a raging inferno, earth and all its works exposed to the scrutiny of Judgment.

^11-13 Since everything here today might well be gone tomorrow, do you see how essential it is to live a holy life? Daily expect the Day of God, eager for its arrival. The galaxies will burn up and the elements melt down that day—but we’ll hardly notice. We’ll be looking the other way, ready for the promised new heavens and the promised new earth, all landscaped with righteousness.

* * *

^14-16 So, my dear friends, since this is what you have to look forward to, do your very best to be found living at your best, in purity and peace. Interpret our Master’s patient restraint for what it is: salvation. Our good brother Paul, who was given much wisdom in these matters, refers to this in all his letters, and has written you essentially the same thing. Some things Paul writes are difficult to understand. Irresponsible people who don’t know what they are talking about twist them every which way. They do it to the rest of the Scriptures, too, destroying themselves as they do it.

^17-18 But you, friends, are well-warned. Be on guard lest you lose your footing and get swept off your feet by these lawless and loose-talking teachers. Grow in grace and understanding of our Master and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Glory to the Master, now and forever! Yes!

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

It is after reading this that most preachers ask, “Are you ready for that DAY when Jesus comes back to judge the living and the dead?”  Good question.  If you are ready, then your question is, “When are we going to get there?!”  Like Paul, who Peter quoted as being wise in these things, we are inclined to agree; “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21) 

Paul explains the tension between earth now but heaven bound as he looks forward to living eternally with Jesus, the Savior and Lord of his life—

“I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For me to live is Christ, to die is gain! If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.” Philippians 1:20-26, NIV

May we respond with Kingdom of God thinking that matures with our growing relationship with God through Jesus, our Lord and Savior.  Live expectantly because of the Hope given to us by Jesus who rose again to live forever.  Live gratefully knowing that Jesus sits on the throne beside God who’s desires that no one be left out to be lost in darkness forever!  As Peter reminds us, “He is restraining himself on account of you, holding back the End because he doesn’t want anyone lost. He’s giving everyone space and time to change.” 

Believe and be saved forever. 

Focus on the Driver. 

Relax on the journey.  He knows where we are headed.  He will get us through all the detours until we reach our final destination.  This is the Blessed Assurance that lessens the blows of troubles and circumstances now that are temporary.

Tell others to get on board!

Lord,

Help us to lighten the load of earth stuff to make more room for you in our hearts.  Equip us to readily love, show mercy, and humbly serve others while pointing the Way to You.  Cleanse our hearts, renew our minds, refresh our souls with your tender mercies, and restore the joy and peace of your salvation work in us. Lord, you called out to me.  I’m listening, and I’m coming along with you.

In Jesus Name, Amen