How Should You Prepare for the Return of Jesus?
When Apollo 13 launched in 1970, the astronauts had a clear mission: travel to the moon, land, complete their work, and return home. Then an oxygen tank exploded, and everything changed. Suddenly, the most important question was no longer how they would reach the moon. It was how they would get home safely. From that point forward, every decision was shaped by their destination.
Peter closes his second letter with a similar perspective on the Christian life. We don't know exactly when Jesus will return or everything that will happen before He does, but we know where history is headed. Christ is coming again, and God has promised a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells. Knowing our destination should influence the way we live on the journey.
How Should the Return of Jesus Change the Way You Live?
Peter describes the coming day of the Lord as a time when the present world will pass away. He doesn't give Christians this picture so we will become consumed with fear or spend our lives trying to predict when it will happen. Instead, he asks, "What sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness?"
The return of Jesus gives us a different perspective on what matters now. So much of what competes for our attention is temporary. Knowing where history is headed helps us hold those things with the proper perspective while investing our lives in what matters to God. Peter calls us to live with the "hope of Christ" in our hearts, walking in obedience and confidently expecting God to keep His Word.
That expectation also gives Christians something wonderful to anticipate. Peter says we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth "in which righteousness dwells." The future God has promised is a place where righteousness will finally be at home because we will be at home with the Righteous One.
What Does It Mean to Be Ready for Jesus to Return?
Because this future is certain, Peter tells believers to "be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless." The promise of Christ's return should encourage us toward holiness. We prepare for Jesus by faithfully following Him in the life He has given us today.
That gives everyday obedience eternal significance. We can examine the areas of our lives that don't reflect Christ and allow God to change us. We can make peace where relationships are broken, confess sin instead of allowing it to remain hidden, and pursue integrity even when no one else is watching. We don't do these things to earn a place in God's future. We pursue them because we belong to Jesus and want our lives to increasingly reflect Him.
Peter also reminds us that the time before Christ's return reveals God's patience. Every day that passes is another opportunity for someone to repent and receive salvation. Where would any of us be without that patience? Rather than becoming frustrated that God has not acted according to our timetable, we can be grateful that His patience continues to make room for people to turn to Him.
How Can You Keep Growing While You Wait?
Peter ends his letter with both a warning and a command. Believers need to remain on guard so they are not carried away by false teaching, while continuing to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." Spiritual maturity gives us stability in a world filled with voices that can easily pull us away from truth.
Growing in Christ is a lifelong pursuit. There will always be more to learn about Him and more ways His grace can shape our lives. We don't have to spend our days anxiously watching the calendar or trying to decode every event around us. We can spend them becoming the people God has called us to be.
So don't idly wait for Jesus. Keep growing in your knowledge of Him. Allow His grace to shape your character and His Word to guide your decisions. Pursue holiness and obedience as you learn to love Christ more deeply. We know where history is headed, and that gives us every reason to live faithfully on the way there.
Reflect on Jesus’ Return
If you lived with a greater awareness that Jesus could return, what might change about your priorities or decisions?
Is there an area of your life where God is calling you toward greater holiness or obedience?
Where do you most need to grow in your knowledge of Jesus and your relationship with Him?
A Prayer of Anticipation
Father,
Thank You for the hope You have given me through Jesus and for the promise that He will return. Help me live with that future in view without becoming fearful or distracted by trying to understand everything that will happen.
Show me where my life needs to more closely reflect Jesus. Give me the desire to pursue holiness, obey Your Word, and make the most of the time You have given me. Thank You for Your patience and for the grace that gave me an opportunity to turn to You.
Help me continue growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus. Keep me grounded in Your truth and faithful as I wait for the day when I will be at home with You.
In Jesus' name, Amen.