Evening
Read 2 Peter 3vv1-18
11 Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, what sort of persons ought you to be in leading lives of holiness and godliness, 12 waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set ablaze and dissolved, and the elements will melt with fire? 13 But, in accordance with his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness is at home.
14 Therefore, beloved, while you are waiting for these things, strive to be found by him at peace, without spot or blemish; 15 and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation.
Silence is kept for two minutes.
Reflection
Waiting is not a passive activity. It is allowing God to renovate our lives, making us fit for a new world why we live, move, and work in this one. As we pursue “holiness and godliness” we “hasten the coming day of God” (v. 12). We stand firm on his promises that there are a new heavens and a new earth coming, a place where “righteousness will be at home” (v. 13). Peter mixes the deceptively passive verb “wait” with the intensely active verb “strive.” Our waiting is not sitting idly, waiting for it all to work out. Our waiting is cultivating a life of peace and holiness like a farmer cultivates a field preparing for the harvest. In our life with the Lord, though we long to see him face to face (Phil 3), we can regard the patience of the Lord as our salvation.
Prayer- The Examen
1. Ask God for illumination- Peter sees God’s patience as salvation because he sees the world from God’s vantage point. Pray that God will grant you insight to do the same in your own life.
2. Give thanks- Rejoice at the good things God has brought into your life.
3. Review your day- What brought you life and joy? What brought desolation and despair?
4. Face your shortcomings- Holiness is not a life that is lived perfectly in our own strength. Holiness is a life lived fully before God.
5. Look forward to the day to come- Ask that you would live your life fully aware of God’s presence and provision