NOTES for Pe2 3:12-18

As a rule, only when we encounter some misfortune, illness or death do we understand that we will not walk this earth forever. It is then that we realize that “living in order to live” is meaningless. People who read Scripture are given an additional opportunity to “come to themselves,” to regain their senses. Naturally, there is no guarantee that everyone who picks up the Bible will hear the Word addressed to them. But even if they do not hear it, “the package will arrive later”: the work will continue in the heart and its result will make itself known one day. Today's passage is one of those places in Scripture that remind us that something awaits us after death. It does not merely call us to remember death, but summons us to the purity and joy of eternal life. How wonderful it would be to remember every day and every minute that we live not only by what is happening now, but that everything is directed toward eternal life. It is also easier in this way to “walk with God” (see Gen. 6:9), always remembering His presence.