God's Patience

This morning I am reflecting on some verses from Peter's second letter.


2 Peter 3:3-4, 8-9 NIV
[3] "Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. [4] They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.”

[8] "But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. [9] The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."

I have always liked these verses from Peter, for they describe the Father's heart towards all. He is a loving Father, who wants to see all people come to repentance, who wants to see all enter into relationship with His Son, who wants to save all. This does not negate His final plan of Jesus' second coming and final judgement. We, who are short-sighted, can't fully understand this mercy and patience, so God in His mercy inspired Peter to write this, that we might understand.

The Father thinks generationally, throughout the ages. He thinks of nations and empires and great movements upon the earth, and has a plan that encompasses it all. We think the fullness of His words apply and will be fulfilled in our lifetimes, and in that we are greatly mistaken. His words certainly apply to our lives now, and there will be some level of fulfillment in our present days, but God's plans are perfect, and He has in His heart all people (billions and counting).

We need to stop trying to understand God's actions from our perspective and start praying to understand His actions from His perspective. We need to trust His words, look for His mercy, and apply His words to our lives daily. There will be a fullness of time when His plan reaches completion and there will be a day when Jesus comes again, and until that day occurs, no one will know what day it will be, no matter their level of knowledge or relationship with the Lord. We should look forward to that day, but embrace the days we have in His mercy, and pursue Him. As Peter says to end his second letter: "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen." ( 2 Peter 3:18 NIV)