The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance” (2Pe 3:9 ESV).
The jeers of atheists and scoffers have echoed down through the years as they attack the Word of God and His plan for the ages. Peter reminds us that in the last days men will question the return of Christ: “Where is the promise of His coming?” Nothing has really changed for centuries. It’s not unusual to hear people in our day challenge the very existence of God: “If there is a God, why doesn’t He do something to clean up this mess?” The short answer is, He will! But not yet. And in one verse, Peter gives us three great realities that underline the time-sensitive actions of the God of heaven.
Heaven’s Guaranteed Promise
Peter reminds his readers that God’s timetable is not behind schedule and that He is not indifferent to the sin and rebellion of the world. God has promised to “shake not only the earth but also the heavens” (Heb 12:26 ESV) in that day when His wrath against sin is revealed. Interestingly, Enoch, in the early days of the history of this world, prophesied that the Lord would come with 10,000 of His saints to “execute judgment on all, to convict all who are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have committed in an ungodly way” (Jud 14-15 NKJV). Paul included the same guaranteed promise when speaking on Mars Hill: God “has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man [Christ] whom He has ordained” (Act 17:31 NKJV). We all need to face the fact that God will ultimately have “the last word”! Heaven’s “wheels” turn slowly but surely.
God’s Amazing Patience
So why hasn’t God already stepped in with decisive action? The amazing answer is found in the very character of God: His patient loving concern for sinners. He desires that no one would perish in their sins. His scope of compassion is astounding, for no one, regardless of their attitude or lifestyle, is excluded from His desire for their eternal blessing. God “desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1Ti 2:4 ESV). So, He waits and calls with mercy and long-suffering. Peter reminds us that the Lord is not “slow to fulfill his promise” but “slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness … but He will by no means clear the guilty” (Num 14:18 LSB). How long has the Lord waited for a response from your life?
Life’s Essential Purpose
The obvious question needs to be asked, What’s the purpose for His patience? Peter gives us the crystal-clear answer in one word: “repentance” – a change of mind, heart and life. Our sin has separated us from God, showing itself in attitudes of defiance, independence and unbelief. It has put us on a collision course with the righteous judgment of God, but when we acknowledge our sin and guilt, we will find that there is a Saviour, our Lord Jesus Christ, who has suffered for our sins and now invites sinners everywhere to trust Him alone (1Pe 3:18).
Have you come? Graciously, He is still waiting.
