Read: 2 Peter 3:8-9
8 But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
These verses found in Peter’s farewell address to the church are some of the most beautiful that we find in scripture. It reminds us what is at the heart of the Gospel: People. I’m not sure about you, but there are times that I need that reminder.
Sense the heart of Peter’s message:
“. . . with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.”
God is not bound by time.
We are.
And:
“The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise . . .”
Since He’s not bound by time things don’t always happen on our timetables. For instance, Peter is referring to Christ’s return. It’s 68 AD. Jesus ascended to the heavens with the promise of return 35 years before. But He hasn’t returned. So, people are already doubting His return—doubting He was who He said He was. (We don’t have the time to talk about it, but people have always and will always doubt His return. Be sure of this: He is coming again!)
Peter continues:
“. . . He (God) is patient with you . . .”
Aren’t you thankful that He is patient? I’ve always loved how the King James Version states that God is ‘long-suffering us-ward’. Maybe you haven’t needed that patience. I have. So, God is patient with us. With me. With you.
Why would He have such patience?
“. . . not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”
Wow.
Look at those pronouns. Any. All.
God is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
The people you like.
The people you don’t.
The people you love.
The people you don’t.
The people you agree with.
The people you don’t.
The people like you.
The people who aren’t.
Get the picture?
Let’s not treat time as a burden.
Instead, let’s see it as a gift!
As we begin this new week together, remember that time is a gift. Let’s take advantage of the time that we’ve been given to go and announce the power of the Kingdom of God! As He gave Himself, may we be willing to give ourselves for any and all to come to repentance.
It’s the heart of the Gospel.
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