Practice Holiness While Waiting

God's Urgent Call
Calling of Prophets

Isiah in the Temple

2 Peter 3:11-16 The Message

11-13 Since everything here today might well be gone tomorrow, do you see how essential it is to live a holy life? Daily expect the Day of God, eager for its arrival. The galaxies will burn up and the elements melt down that day—but we’ll hardly notice. We’ll be looking the other way, ready for the promised new heavens and the promised new earth, all landscaped with righteousness.
14-16 So, my dear friends, since this is what you have to look forward to, do your very best to be found living at your best, in purity and peace. Interpret our Master’s patient restraint for what it is: salvation. Our good brother Paul, who was given much wisdom in these matters, refers to this in all his letters, and has written you essentially the same thing. Some things Paul writes are difficult to understand. Irresponsible people who don’t know what they are talking about twist them every which way. They do it to the rest of the Scriptures, too, destroying themselves as they do it.

For Reflection

Early Christians believed that Christ would again visit the Earth, perhaps in their lifetimes. It was the threat of not being chosen and the promise of hope that if one clothed one'self in righteousness he or she would be saved and ushered into a world free from wickedness.

Their vision of a new world has not yet happened.  Yet we know that Christ lives!  Christ has shown us the door into God's Kingdom.  The promise of God is kept alive in the hope expressed by all who believe and practice the holy living God as intended for us.  Righteousness is not a matter of reaping rewards.  Nor is it a matter of avoiding punishment.  God's overture for salvation Is an invitation to collaborate with God in the reconciliation of all peoples. The Salvation of hope is available to all to choose.  Rest in your choice to pursue holiness.

Pray

Pray so that you expect Jesus to enter your soul in the here and now.  Pray often so that God will make your call to a life in Christ a prayer of hope and salvation that wipes away the doubts and uncertainties of living in the hollow of God's hand. Pray that you will rest in the arms of God.