Let’s spend one more day reflecting on this passage.

2 PETER 3:10-14  But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.  Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed it coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with His promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.  So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless, and at peace with him.

Peter speaks of the return of Christ, the day of the Lord, as being something that will take us by surprise. Jesus is coming again. It will be the last day, but Jesus said, “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” (Matthew 24:36). We cannot know when it will happen, but it is certain. In 1789, Benjamin Franklin wrote a letter to a man named Marshall LeRoy. You may never have heard of Marshall LeRoy, but I would guess you are familiar with the words Mr. Franklin wrote to him in that letter: IN THIS WORLD NOTHING CAN BE SAID TO BE CERTAIN, EXCEPT DEATH AND TAXES. While this is often quoted as a truism, the Bible tells us this is not so. Taxes are certain; death is not. Our Lord could return before you die. Most people dismiss thoughts of His return being any time soon, but Peter makes the point that it will come unexpectedly, like a thief. He is coming back. The second coming of Christ is more certain than death. And the scene described in the passage above is not at all pleasant. A tremendous fire that will destroy the earth, melting the elements, until nothing is left. This is the stuff of which fire and brimstone sermons are made. This is meant to instill fear in the hearts of men. Why? So that you will latch on to the only One able to save you. It is designed to lead you to cling to Jesus Christ in faith as your Lord and Savior.

 A traveler in Switzerland discovered a beautiful secluded estate on the shores of a tranquil lake. Knocking at the garden gate, he was met by an elderly caretaker, who cordially asked him to come in. The custodian seemed glad to see another person and eagerly showed him around the garden. As he viewed the beautiful garden, the tourist asked, “How long have you served here?” “A very long time,” came the reply. “And does your master spend very much time here?”  “No, he has been here only four times in all these years.” “When was he here last?” “Over ten years ago. I am almost always alone. It is very seldom that anyone–even a stranger–stops by.” The traveler noticed that the garden was in perfect order, with the plants flourishing and the beds clean of debris. He said, “It looks as though you were expecting your master to come sometime this week.” “No sir,” exclaimed the old man. “I have fixed the garden as though he were coming today!”

That state of preparedness, constantly ready and on the alert, is a description of how the Christian should live. We are always prepared for the return of our Lord in faith, faith that leads us to live godly lives. Yet this readiness is not one of worry or anxiety. It is a joyful wait, knowing that whether we die first or Christ returns first, we will be with Him. We are prepared!