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Thomas F. Fischer, M.Div., M.S.A., Editor

Festival Of Christ The King
Series A

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia: to mock is the translation of haôôthal, "to play upon," "mock," "deride" (Jdg 16:10, 13, 15; 1 Ki 18:27, "Elijah mocked them"; Job 13:9 twice, the Revised Version [British and American] "to mock" or "scorn" [2 Ch 30:10; Neh 4:1; Job 11:3; 21:3; Prov 1:26; 17:5; 30:17; Jer 20:7]). Other words are "to laugh," etc. (Gen 19:14; 21:9, 39:14, 17); "to call out," or "cry after," "to scoff" or "mock at" (2 Ki 2:23.

Robertson, Archibald Thomason, Word Pictures in the New Testament: mockers with mockery (empaigmoneôôi empaiktai). Note Peter’s play on words, both from empaizoôô (Matt 2:16) to trifle with, and neither found elsewhere save empaikteôôs in Jude 1:18; Isa 3:4 (playing like children).

II. Remember that the Lord has the perspective of eternity--v8; Ps 90:4

Adam Clarke: one day is with the Lord as a thousand years--that is: all time is as nothing before him, because in the presence, as in the nature, of God, all is eternity; therefore nothing is long, nothing short before him.

III. Remember that He delays the end to give time for repentance--text, v9

Adam Clarke: It is not slackness, nor want of due anger at sin, that induced God to prolong the respite of ungodly men; but his long-suffering, his unwillingness that any should perish: and therefore he spared them, that they might have additional offers of grace, and be led to repentance--to deplore their sins, implore God’s mercy, and find redemption through the blood of the Lamb--Acts 17:29-31

A. The end will come suddenly--v10a

B. His coming will end this world and begin a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness--v13

Albert Barnes: We should feel that there is nothing permanent on the earth, that this is not our abiding home; and that our great interests are in another world. We should be serious, humble, and prayerful; and should make it our great object to be prepared for the solemn scenes through which we shall pass.

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MESSAGE FOR CHILDREN

Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. (2 Peter 3:11-12) "I am not in on the time and place, but I am on the welcoming committee." "Even so, Lord Jesus, come soon!"

HEADLINES: TSUNAMI, EARTHQUAKE, HURRICANE, TORNADOES, FLOODS!

We’ve seen a lot of DESTRUCTION during this year. The tsunami, several hurricanes, floods that followed the hurricanes, tornadoes and, most recently, a terrible earthquake in Pakistan. I don’t know all of what God is telling us, but I do know this: He is reminding us that this earth is not our final home.

We heard about that in the letter from Peter which I read a few moments ago. He said: Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.

Now don’t misunderstand: there’s nothing wrong with enjoying the things God gives us. But we are not to live for these things. We are to dedicate our lives to God. That way we won’t miss these things when God brings an end to the world. If Jesus is right at the center of your heart, seeing him will be the happiest thing that could ever happen to you.

You know that he loves you; he gave his life for you. Now he’s coming back to take you to the big wedding at our heavenly father’s house. There will be great joy there forever and ever. Think of the best party you ever had and then imagine that this joy will never end.

That’s why we pray: "Come quickly! Dear Lord Jesus, come quickly!"

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