Daily Devotional

2 Peter 3:9

The Lord is not slow as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

It was in sixth grade when I first remember someone asking me, “Do you think Jesus is coming back soon?” This is undoubtedly one of the questions I’ve been asked the most over the years and my answer is the same today as it was when I was in sixth grade, “Sooner than yesterday!”

I don’t know when Jesus is coming back, but that’s because none of us do. Jesus even said in Matthew 24:36, “But concerning that day and hour, no one knows…” Sure, there have been people who have claimed to know, but so far, their record is pretty bad…like 0% accuracy bad.

2 Peter 3:9 reminds us that God’s delay is not unintentional but rather is part of His plan. God is not delaying the return of His Son due to inability or indifference, it’s all due to grace. God is not slow, He’s patient. I love the way Warren Wiersbe sums it up, “God is never in a hurry, but he is never late.” God has a genuine concern for the unbeliever, just as we need to. God desires that none should perish, and so should we.

Peter goes on to state that the day of the Lord WILL come, but that no one knows when. Instead of focusing on what we don’t know (the day or hour), let’s focus on what we do know (He IS coming back!).

This is not a day that we fear but one that we look forward to with eager anticipation. At the same time, this is a day that should be worrisome to the unbeliever. Out of a genuine concern for the lost, we should not simply sit back and wait for our King to return but we should seek how we can help others to join His kingdom.

In 1993, nine out of ten Christians agreed that “Every Christian has a responsibility to share their faith.” As of 2018, that number had dropped to 64%. With all the recent talk of what is and isn’t essential, we have to remember that the Gospel is always essential to our lives, and also to the lives of those who haven’t yet placed their trust in Jesus.

Ephesians 2:10 tells us that God prepares the good works, and we are to walk in them. With this in mind, be on the lookout for those opportunities. When they come don’t pass them by but remember that the day of the Lord IS coming, and there’s room in His kingdom for more!
"English Standard Version (ESV)
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers."