Advent 2 The Second letter of Peter

Isaiah 40:1-11

Ps 85

2 Peter 3:8-15

Mark 1:1-8

 

Isaiah declares "comfort" to the exiles—God is going to lead them back home through the desert lands as their shepherd. The way back will seem smooth and easy to travel! This is “Salvation” to return with God to the land of promise. We should note that Mark uses this verse to begin his Gospel, showing that Jesus is the shepherd of a new deliverance, freeing the people of God from the spiritual exile of worldly and demonic powers. In Jesus is the fullness of this pattern of exodus/salvation repeated in the Bible. We, too, are being led out of exile as the lambs which He holds close to His heart. 

 

If salvation is real, so too is exile. The pain of life often creates doubt and fear in disciples. 2 Peter was written to address those doubts and fears. The letter is a last testament of the apostle facing his own death.

 

A brief overview of the letter: Peter begins by declaring that God has given us the power and knowledge to escape the world’s corruption. We share in God’s life—participants in the DIVINE NATURE (called theosis)—so we must live virtuously as godly people. The Christian faith is not ancient myth. Peter is a witness of Jesus’ ministry. He declares, I was on the mountain when God spoke those words: "This is my Beloved Son with whom I am well pleased." This powerful memory inspires him to say, “Prophecy comes from the Holy Spirit, it is not man-made!” We can trust what we have heard.

 

Yet, in every age false prophets and false teachers emerge. They deny God’s judgment and try to justify their sinful passions, especially lust and greed. Peter says that they mocked the faith in the past, they mock it in his time, so we should not be distressed when they mock it in our own time. One particular issue is, "Why does Jesus delay in His return?" Peter quotes Psalm 90:4, time is relative—for a thousand years are like a day to the eternal God. It’s like Jesus ascended to heaven the day before yesterday.

 

God desires to save us. Mercy and love motivate His patience, but the Day of the Lord secretly approaches. Peter exhorts us to not lose heart. Be godly and holy, he warns us, and stay prepared. Disregard the false teachers and stay alert. Keep your heart set on the ways of God.

 

Let us earnestly pray for the day to come and let us each live faithfully in preparation for the return of our Savior. Let us hasten that return (as Peter tells us)

Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus!