“But, in accordance with his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth,
where righteousness is at home.” –2 Peter 3:13
Scholars tell us that after Jesus’ resurrection many people thought Jesus would return in just a few years. As the years rolled by and Jesus did not return, many groups started to scoff at Christians who held firm in their belief that Jesus would come again. The letter of 2 Peter addresses this reality, writing to Christians who are mocked as they wait for Jesus (see 2 Peter 3:3-6). These Christians were likely beginning to wonder how they should live if Jesus isn’t coming back immediately. They were likely starting to wonder if they were hoping for Christ’s return in vain. Peter reminds the Christian community that God is faithful and will fulfill all that God promised. Peter underlines the Christian hope that God will recreate this earth into a place where righteousness will be at home.
Thousands of years later Christians are waiting for Jesus to come again, and Christians are still wrestling with the same issues that the original readers of 2 Peter faced. Scoffers think it is fanciful that we believe Jesus will return. We might sometimes wonder if we got it wrong, and we might question how we ought to live while we wait for Jesus. The words of 2 Peter, then, are still powerful for Christians today. God is faithful and will fulfill all that God promised. In the meantime, Peter urges us: “while you are waiting for these things, strive to be found by him at peace.” While we are waiting for redemption, we are called to be at peace within ourselves and with one another.
As we wait for Christ’s return and the new heavens and the new earth this Advent season, let us focus on being peaceful people. Let us reconcile with our enemies. Let us forgive ourselves for our faults. Let us help the violent see a better way. Let us exude hope and invite people to rest in our presence. Ultimately, by being peaceful people let us invite the world to know the God of peace.
Advent Blessings,
Laura
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