Tuesday June 28, 2022

I pray all of you had a good day in the Lord's house on Sunday. At OFA we are going through a series titled "The New Exodus," where we are looking at the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. However, today we are looking at a couple verses in the book of 2nd Peter.
2nd Peter 3:8-9
8 But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. 9 The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.

These passages are pretty well known within the Christian community (for the most part). It's important that we always keep context in mind whenever we are reading God's word. For the most part, the 3rd chapter of 2nd Peter is about the hope of Christ's return. Peter is telling us to ignore those who mock the return of Christ.
I included vs. 8, but I really want to focus on vs. 9, where Peter says that "the Lord is not slow, as some count slowness, but is patient...not wishing for any to perish...". 
To me, this verse is one of the best examples of the grace of our Heavenly Father. Peter is recognizing that we, as believers, are anxious for the return of Christ. However, the Lord is patient...and is waiting for those who do not know Him to come to repentance. The Lord does not wish for any to perish: what an amazing statement, that the creator of the universe is patiently waiting for our unsaved friends and family, so they have an opportunity to put their faith in Him, before He returns. 
Our savior is not bound to our finite timelines, that is the point of vs. 8. The Lord knows the beginning from the end-sometimes this is difficult for us to comprehend. That said, the Lord is patient, waiting for us to shine His light, so that none may perish.