Read 2 Peter 2:4-10
This text clearly warns about the judgment in store for those false teachers Peter spoke of in our last reading. If God doesn’t spare the angels, you can bet he’s not going to spare the false teachers. Those folks who try so hard to lead us astray and confuse us with worldly values are being likened to the corrupt people of Noah’s day and the immoral people that surrounded Lot. God will judge sin, and the unrepentant sinner cannot escape.
God loves us all, but he spares only the righteous. Peter gives us examples that illustrate how God has dealt with the ungodly in the past. Amidst the destruction, God has always spared those who stay true to him, like Noah and Lot. God knows the heart of his people. These men were not sinless, but they put their trust in God.
It’s good for us to remember how good God is at rescuing those who are faithful. As Peter says, “So you see, the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials, even while keeping the wicked under punishment until the day of final judgment.” We can be confident that God will fight our battles and take care of the “bad guys” in the end. There’s a comfort in that, isn’t there?
The rescue that comes to mind for me, that Peter didn’t even mention, is Jesus. God sent his only son to rescue us from sin and death. Jesus’ sacrifice redeemed us and cleansed us from our unrighteousness. We know judgment will come, and, thankfully, we don’t need to fear. Our salvation depends on Jesus.
As long as we live in this world, we will face the temptation to sin. As human beings, we have a choice of following our own desires or seeking God. Noah and Lot stayed true and sought God rather than follow what was popular. God rewarded that.
Take some time to reflect on what Jesus has done for you and how to respond in faith.
Let’s pray. Lord, thank you for Jesus’ rescue mission to save me from my sin. Help me focus on you and stay true to your will for my life, to live in right relationship with you. Keep me safe from the false teachings of this world that distract and manipulate so many people. I pray that those who are lost will return to you. May your kingdom be fully revealed soon. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
