In II Timothy 4:6-8 Paul writes these words to Timothy as he is on trial before Caesar’s court.
For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
As I read these words that Paul writes to Timothy about his coming departure from this life, I realized that Paul must have known that the Lord’s return to the earth was not going to happen before his death. Last night as I was reading I Thessalonians 5:13-18 as Paul was writing to the Thessalonians about the Second Coming of Christ, I wondered why we as Christians don’t talk about His return in our everyday conversions. Yes, I am getting older, but unlike Paul my death is not interment. I am still looking for the Lord’s return. Just turn your eyes to the major events of the world especially those in the Middle East and ask yourself the question “where is this Coming he promised?”. Peter answers this question in II Peter 3:10 “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief”.
Peter’s warning to us then is to look forward to this Coming and make every effort to be found spotless, blameless, and at peace with Him.