9 The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.

13 But according to His promise, we are awaiting new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.

14 Therefore, beloved, as you anticipate these things, make every effort to be found at peace—spotless and blameless in His sight.

17 Therefore, beloved, since you already know these things, be on your guard so that you will not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure standing.

18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity.

— 2 Peter 3:9, 13-14, 17-18

My soul yearns for You in the night;
my spirit within me earnestly seeks You.
For when Your judgments are in the earth,
the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness.

— Isaiah 26:9

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace, and mercy from the Lord Jesus to you.

Some people shrink back from the thought of God’s judgment, wondering how God can be loving and pour out His wrath on real people. When we respond to people’s shrinking back of this nature, we need to trust in God’s character. God exercises just judgment against everything His righteous love protect. His judgment expresses His purifying response to sin, rising from His divine love. God would not leave evil unpunished. God sent His Son to earth to offer people a way to escape the penalty their sin deserves. God remains gracious and compassionate, delaying judgment as He yearns for people to repent.

Truth about the day of the Lord demands a response. We pray that people can recognize God’s patience and love in drawing them to repentance and faith in His Son. Salvation in Christ not only provides escape from coming judgment but brings purpose to this life and hope for eternity. Let’s look forward to Christ’s return and let the certainty of the day of the Lord motivate the way we live and the message we share with others. The future reality is both sobering and stirring. The good news of God’s forgiveness offers hope despite the difficult news of coming judgment. God is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abound in love—a refuge and stronghold for His people. Hallelujah! Though our sins are many, we can find shelter from God’s wrath through His own Son.