The Lord Is Patient
2 Peter 3:9-10
In 2 Peter 3:9,10 the Scriptures state that "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. But the day of the Lord will come
like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements
will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned
up."
God has not yet handed down judgment. Life continues to take its course despite
various acts of sin, wickedness and rebellion. The militant atheist can shake
his fist at heaven and curse God without fear of any immediate consequence of
divine wrath. The only consequence of wickedness in this world at this time is
the suffering it causes; disease, trouble, mental and emotional anxiety and
trauma, broken homes, social disorder and low self-esteem, to name a few. Thus
it shall continue until "the day of the Lord" (See also Acts 17:31).
Now is the time of grace - our grace period given to us by God. He is now
reconciling all who desire it through His gospel (2 Corinthians 7:17-21).
Further, God's grace instructs us to deny ungodliness and to live soberly and
righteously in this present age (Titus 2:11,12). Some of us answer His call.
Many do not and each day we live is one day closer to that final day when this
age of grace will pass and eternity will begin. It is something to think about.
It is something to prepare for.
By Jon W. Quinn
The Front Page
From Expository Files 15.2; February 2008
