But the day of the Lord …
Summary: Finality is one of those things we humans love to ignore. It is easy to put off doing what we know we should do. We think there will always be a tomorrow until we wake up on the “day of the Lord.”
My first job with a small-town municipal Engineering Department was inspecting subdivision construction. Each subdivision built in town had to have construction plans approved by the City, much like building a house. The difference is that when the developer finishes building; they dedicate the streets and public improvements to the City. Since the City expects these improvements to last a long time, they pay people like me to keep an eye on the construction and make sure it is done right.
Some developers and contractors expect to make money by skimping on the cost of construction. This means that every penny they save on construction can go into their pocket. On a big job, this can add up to thousands of dollars. As you can imagine, this situation can put the inspector at odds with the builder.
Most builders tend to be reputable, but for those who operated on the shady side, there was always a day of judgment. Without the inspector’s approval, they could not get their subdivision accepted by the City Council. Without that, they could not build homes. If they cannot build homes, then they are in deep trouble.
At the beginning of a project, inspectors are not very important people to the shady builder. They ignore them, work around them, or sometimes trick them. Occasionally, the inspector is fooled, but most of the time, they know what is going on. In the end, they have the power to do a final inspection that can make or break the project.
I found it amusing that when we got to the last weeks of a development; the inspector was suddenly a very important person. Developers who had been dismissive were suddenly very attentive. Contractors who had cut corners became very nervous. After months of construction, the Day of the Inspector had arrived.
What is the “Day of the Inspector”?
At the end of the project, if there is any doubt about the quality of the construction, the inspector can require certain tests that reveal the unseen flaws underground. If the work fails the test, then the contractor is put in the position of doing the work over again. This can be extremely expensive.
The “Day of the Lord” is similar. There will come a time when the owner of this planet we live on comes back to see how we are doing. He will not be interested in how stylish or politically correct we are. Instead, he will be inspecting to see if we honor God in what we do and say and if we treat others as God wants us to treat them. He will want to know what we did that was “unseen” to others.
Unlike subdivision construction, when the day of the Lord comes, there are no second chances. Whether we meet the Lord because our body has died or because the Lord has come back in judgment does not matter. Both have the same effect: There is no turning back.
Application: Do a quick self-inventory. Are you ready for the day of the Lord?
Food for Thought: What does the word “day” mean in the context of this passage?
I woke up this morning and began “to start my day” with different activities. The truth is, there was never really an end to the last “day,” I just lost unconsciousness for about 7 hours prior to that, along with most other people. My “day” began when I regained active unconsciousness. In the context of this passage, the word “day” means the event when God gives us full (or at least greater) consciousness. By that I mean, all the perspective of earthly things will fall away and everyone will know with all certainty that God exists.
The Bible uses terms like “day” and “hour” not because God goes by an Earthly clock, but because it is something we understand. I liken it to a child using the word “boo boo” in place of a more technical, medical term for an injury. The “day” is an event, not just a place in time.
Matthew 42-44 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”
Chris,
Thank you for sharing about your “day” this morning! I love the example of “boo boo” being a substitute for a technical description of an injury. Truly we are only children when compared to the Father’s knowledge and intellect!
The Day of the Lord is simply a way to talk about the time of judgment. Malachi 3: 1 – 6; Malachi 4: 1 – 6 are apt descriptions.
I think day is just given to us to relate it to a marking of TIMe. What is a Day to God? His TIMing is up to Him. What is TIMe to the creator of the universe who knows everything past to the TIMe He wants it to stop. 2 Corinthians 6:2, Ecclesiastes 3:11, John 9:4, Romans 13:11, Mark 13:32-33, and ofcourse 2 Peter 3:8-9.
TIM,
The TIMing of your comment is good. I am glad that you were not TIMid about sharing it! (Some people feel inTIMidated.) Personally, I found your comment sTIMulating. 🙂
Haha!
12-29-2021, 2 Peter 3:10a, What does the word “day” mean in the context of this passage?
To all humanity “day” describes a period of time where light illuminates all things verses night when all things are hidden in darkness, and this leads me to understand it will be a time of total, Godly illumination of all things previously hidden.
Romans 2:5, 2:16, John 12:48, Revelation 22:5
For all believers looking forward to this great event, the end of darkness, it will be a time of great rejoicing. For those who have rejected the conviction of the Holy Spirit it will be a time of great dread and anguish as all things that have been hidden are exposed for all to see.
That’s a different way of looking at it! “The illumination of all things previously hidden”
Ron,
I have to agree, the idea of “day” referring to “light” in this context is insightful. Thank you!
I think my understanding and more has already been covered this TIMe. Have a great day y’all!
Something stood out to me in my comment. What is Tim to the creator of the universe. I would initially think nothing. But after learning and understanding Gods character. I’m starting to realize Tim matters a lot more than I ever thought. He is helping me the more I build my relationship with Him.
Amen, Tim!
Not only is he helping you, but all of us who sit at the Lord’s feet are learning as well. We are all in the same boat.
Tim matters a lot to God. The cross demonstrates this truth clearly.
Tim matters to me too