I have noticed crazy things happening around my house! Lights are left on in an empty basement. The refrigerator door is carelessly left open. Items are misplaced, and tasks are left undone. I look around to find the culprit, only to realize it is me. I leave lights on, in the hurry to get a meal forget to shut the refrigerator, misplace things, and forget to complete jobs because I have started something else. Yes, I am getting older and sometimes forget things a bit more readily than I used to.

In Sunday’s sermon, I heard the phrase, “stir you up by way of reminder.” That definitely caught my attention because boy do I need reminders. I was interested to learn more of the context that phrase was taken from the Bible, so I began my search.

I found the phrase used by Peter in 2 Peter 3:1.

“This is now the second letter that I am writing to you, beloved. In both of them I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder.”

The believers in Peter’s circle needed a reminder of the hope of Christ’s return. They started to wonder, and they were discouraged in their faith because scoffers mocked the promise of Jesus’ return. You see, He had not returned, and because He had not, the mockers questioned – Would He? This caused the believers in the Lord to need a reminder, one that I need as well.

As the chapter continues, Peter assures them of the Lord’s return based on the teachings of the prophets and the apostles. God’s Word declares His second coming repeatedly, and the reminder of the truth of this eternal hope leads to two important instructions for each believer.

While people may question the Lord’s return or wonder why He delays, God’s love toward this sinful world is so abundantly seen in verse 9.

“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”

The delay in Jesus’ return allows more time for sinners to repent and come to Him before the final destruction of this world. We are instructed to “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” (Mark 16:15) Satan wants us to lose sight of our eternal hope, so we forget the importance of sharing the gospel and the hope it brings with those who need Jesus. The imminent return of our Savior should cause us to share truth, so all have the opportunity to live eternally with God.

Knowing Christ could return at any moment should also compel us to live more like our Savior.

“Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace.” (2 Peter 3:14)

Part of the Holy Spirit’s work in us after salvation is to make us more like Jesus. When we lose sight of His return and our eternal hope, we become less concerned with practicing godliness and more interested in following our sinful choices. Knowing the promised return of Jesus could happen at any moment, “let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.” (2 Corinthians 7:1)

Do you ever lose sight of hope? Do the different opinions, thoughts and beliefs in our world cause you to forget? Stir up your understanding by way of reminders. The Bible is filled with reminders. God shares in His Word truth about Himself, about who you are in Him, and about the eternal hope He has provided for all who will follow Him.

If you do not know Jesus as your Savior, there is hope. One day this world will fade away, and every person will spend eternity in one of two places – heaven or hell. Jesus took care of the penalty for the sin of all mankind on Himself when He died on the cross. He offers this gift of salvation and eternal life with Him. The gift is free, but each person needs to accept it as their own. Won’t you choose to accept the hope of heaven rather than eternal death in hell?

When we remember why Jesus came and the eternal hope He has given those who believe in Him, we remember our purpose. We are here on this earth to share God’s beautiful plan of salvation with those who do not believe. We are God’s light. Let the teachings of God’s Word and His promises stir you to remember, so you will go out into the world and shine for Him.

In His Love,

Susan