Hastening the Day

“Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat?” (2 Peter 3:11-12).

Peter has just provided assurance about the coming of the day of the Lord (end of time) when the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, the elements shall melt with fervent heat—the earth and everything in it shall be burned up.

The apostle teaches through his question in these verses that since these things are going to come to pass, people should show deep concern for their spiritual lives and should be serious in preparing for the coming judgment. They should live holy and godly lives.

“Hastening” means showing an earnest desire for or waiting with anticipation. Christians should expect and patiently wait for the coming of the Lord with an earnest desire--they should not dread that day but look forward to it positively. Going to heaven is something to be excited about.

"Thought for the Week - 5/19/2013" by Joe Norton of Arlington, Texas.