Friday, November 9, 2012
2 Peter 3:8-9 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. 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.
ENCOURAGEMENT TO BE PATIENT
Many think what Christians do every Sunday is foolish. Why meet to remember the promises of a man who lived 2,000 year ago? Why do we still expect Him to return?
But the apostle Peter reminds us to wait patiently just like God. God isn't dragging His feet in keeping His promise of Christ's return. God is patiently waiting for His people to share His message. God is patiently working through the Gospel message, bringing sinners to repentance and faith in the one Savior. Because God is gracious and loving, He waits, and works through His Word.
But just like the flood eventually came in Noah's day, the return of Christ will also come at last. For the scoffers, the time of grace will come to an end. For the believers the time of patient waiting will come to an end. Then our new home will be revealed.
Don't let the world make you impatient for Christ. He keeps His own schedule, and for reasons we do not always know. What we do know is that His reasons are gracious and right.
Thousands of years intervened between the time when God promised to send the Savior, and when Christ was born. But, regardless of the time, He came. The same will be true when Christ Jesus comes again. He promised to return when he ascended up into the sky, disappearing from the disciples' view. Regardless of the time, He will come again. Believe it. Trust His promise, and pray that all followers of Christ might wait patiently while cherishing and sharing the promises connected with His return.
