The Final Approach

I have been fascinated by Air Crash investigations for about 15 years. Virtually every time that there is an air crash, regardless of the severity of the accident and the casualties, Air Crash Investigators always want to find out the cause as much as possible.

This ensures that there is closure (to an extent), important lessons are not missed, and perhaps most critical, that measures are put in place to ensure that such accidents never happen again.

An aspect of the investigation that had always intrigued me is the landing sequence as the team of pilots prepared for the final approach; the various drills, checks, and alignments that they go through to ensure that they are well-prepared to land their craft.

[11] Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,

[12] Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?

[13] Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

[14] Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

[15]And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;

2 Peter 3:11-15 (KJV)

It is worthy to note that the New Testament, in it’s presentation of the second coming of our Lord and Savior, doesn’t stop at merely informing us. It also tells us the expected response we should have.

For the Believer in Christ, the coming of our Lord isn’t a passive event that happens to involve him, rather in a very real sense, it ought to be something he looks forward to in such a manner that is compelling to him in the present.

In our featured passage above, Apostle Peter, having shed some light on impending return of the Lord, goes on to also give us some insight about the manner of persons we ought to be.  

I believe he does this so that we don’t become complacent as the day approaches. Two of the biggest challenges that people facing during the period of waiting are Complacency and Indifference. These do not have a place in the Christian walk.

In our Final Approach, as we see the day coming,  how does the Apostle want us to respond?

First; he wants us to continue to live holy lives.

Since everything here today might well be gone tomorrow, do you see how essential it is to live a holy life? (MSB)

2 Peter 3:11 (KJV)

He doesn’t want us to lose sense of separation and consecration to God. He wants us to remain devoted to our Lord.

Second; he wants us to wait and earnestly long for the coming of the Lord.

Daily expect the Day of God, eager for its arrival. The galaxies will burn up and the elements melt down that day– (MSB)

2 Peter 3:12 (KJV)

Third; he wants us to look forward. A lot will be happening around us. A lot will probably be happening inside us. A lot will probably be happening to us. But he doesn’t want us to look back or look around. He doesn’t want us to be distracted. He wants us to keep our gaze up ahead.

But we look for new heavens and a new earth according to His promise, in which righteousness (uprightness, freedom from sin, and right standing with God) is to abide.

2 Peter 3:13 (AMP)

Fourth; he wants us to live at our best while we wait. (Again, we see reference to the future as having an impact on the present living experience.)

So, my dear friends, since this is what you have to look forward to, do your very best to be found living at your best, in purity and peace.

2 Peter 3:14 (MSB)

Lastly; he wants us to have a proper understanding of the waiting. The Wait is not arbitrary. It’s intentional on God’s part.

Interpret our Master’s patient restraint for what it is: salvation. Our good brother Paul, who was given much wisdom in these matters,

2 Peter 3:15 (MSB)

And remember, the Lord is waiting so that people have time to be saved. This is just as our beloved brother Paul wrote to you with the wisdom God gave him–

2 Peter 3:15 (NLT)

According to the Apostle Peter, these constitute the Believer’s disposition as the coming of the Lord approaches.

We will do well to keep these issues before us, being the people we are supposed to be, doing what we ought to be doing given our Lord’s impending return.

Our Lord is coming again, Glory Hallelujah!!!