Week 8 - Day 2
(3) Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. (4) They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” (5) 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. (6) By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. (7) 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.
Reading: There are plenty of baseball fans that like to bad-mouth your team. They say your team is no good, that your team got lucky this time, and that you aren’t a true fan if you don’t know everything about your team. There are always people out there that are going to try to bring you down because of who you root for – in baseball but spiritually as well. Peter warns the church of those types of people.
There are people in the world that may say God is just a figment of our imagination or that Jesus is never coming back again. Peter’s response to those people is to look at history, to see what God has already done in the world. He points to what happened at Noah’s flood (see Genesis chapters 6-9). It is amazing that many cultures around the world, not just in the Bible, have a flood story, even if the way they tell it is different (because it happened). Peter says these people deliberately try to erase history to prove their point about the future.
We must testify about what we have seen and heard. If God has worked in your life, remember it and share it with others. You may not be able to convince them of the truth but you will be able to stand your ground.
Also, ask people about their “God-stories”. Let others strengthen your faith.
Finally, read the Bible to hear about the amazing things God has done through the ages. Then, know that God is working even today. The truth of it all is that God doesn’t need to be defended because he has proven himself. He does care about you and would like you to join him, to be a defender -- to live in the truth about him. Don’t let the “haters” bring you down as you compete on God’s team today. Peter says the time is coming when there will be a judgement at the end of this world, and we have to be prepared for it. Don’t let others tear you away from God and from right relationship with God for that coming day.
Reflection: What is a lie you may have heard recently you knew was not true based on what you know? And how did you respond?
Prayer Prompt: God, thank you for always being faithful to me even when I lack faith in you. You have proven yourself over and over again. People still don’t believe, and that is a sad thing. It’s sad that I often lack that faith too. Help me in my unbelief. Don’t let me fall away from the truth of who you are. Remind me of you when others try to pull me away from truth. I can see you in creation, in how complex this world is that you made, and I know you will come in judgement one day. Prepare me for that day. Help me get others ready for that day too.