Elephant in the Room — The Impending Return of Jesus - Monday
Today’s Verse
2 Peter 3:3-4a
…knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming?…” (ESV)
“Hey, Kira—you goin’ to the game tonight?”
Recently, I joined some middle school students for lunch one Friday. As we sat down in the school cafeteria, I overheard three girls to my left, mapping out their weekend plans.
“I can’t go,” she replied. “My daddy’s coming to pick me up...”
Kira’s friends immediately erupted in laughter. Overhearing the conversation, I could tell exactly where this was headed.
“Oh, yeah…your daddy’s coming to get you—just like last time, right?” they teased mercilessly.
“He is!” Kira protested. “We’re going to Cincinnati...”
Putting the pieces together, I could tell this wasn’t a dad Kira probably saw very often. Trying to keep my attention on the boys in front of me, I couldn’t help but listen as her friends continued.
“Girl…you ain’t got no daddy!” They laughed hysterically. Exasperated by their words, Kira stormed off, visibly upset.
When the bell rang, I gathered my things and stood to go bus my tray. Passing her in line, I locked eyes with Kira. Doing my best to encourage her, I smiled gently. “Hey—don’t worry about them,” I told her. “They’re idiots. Have fun with your dad in Cincinnati!” She smiled hopefully.
I don’t know if Kira’s dad ever showed up that weekend, but I’ve never prayed so hard that a dad would. I’m not positive if he ever came to get her—but here’s what I do know: For those of us who are following Jesus, someday, our loving Father is coming to get all of us.
Peter’s reminder is clear: even though we look forward to Jesus’s return, there will be many along the way who will scoff—shamelessly mocking us for the faith we have in Him. They’ll look at us and say, “Where is He now? How can you really believe His promise?”
But here’s the good news: As Christians, we can have confidence in knowing that Jesus really is coming back one day—because God promised He would.
Regardless of what kind of dad you grew up with, God is the kind of Father who always keeps His promises—to me, to you—and to Kira.
APPLICATION
How can you live with that kind of confidence in Jesus today? Maybe it’s by becoming more open about your faith with your co-workers. Or maybe it’s defiantly worshiping Jesus the first Wednesday night of the month at your campus.
PRAYER
Lord, help us to trust your word, even when others mock us for our faith. Help us to believe in your promises.
