If....Then!

Scripture – 2 Peter 2:4-10: 4For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them into gloomy dungeons to be held for judgment; 5if he did not spare the ancient world when he brought the flood on its ungodly people, but protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and seven others; 6if he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; 7and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the filthy lives of lawless men 8(for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)—9if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials and to hold the unrighteous for the day of judgment, while continuing their punishment. 10This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the sinful nature and despise authority.

Reflection: There are a lot of “ifs” in this passage. They all lay the groundwork for God’s great “then.”

History and faith show that God, indeed, rescues godly people from trials. Sometimes He lifts them out of the trials. Sometimes He sustains them in the midst of the trials. Always He beings new life after the trials.

In the same way, the “unrighteous” will pay for their sin – in this life or the next. It’s a bit scary to realize even angels are not immune to this.

The key today is to remain faithful. Like Lot, I can stand firm in the midst of my culture’s destructive behavior. Perhaps I can be an instrument through whom God changes things. Regardless, if I keep my eyes on Christ, then God will rescue me. Such is the promise and call for the church – for all of us.