2 Peter 3: 8-15a (NRSV)
Read 2 Peter 3: 8-15a on biblegateway.com
Verse 8But do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day.
Verse 9The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance. Verse 10But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and everything that is done on it will be disclosed.
Verse 11Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, what sort of persons ought you to be in leading lives of holiness and godliness, Verse 12waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set ablaze and dissolved, and the elements will melt with fire? Verse 13But, in accordance with his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness is at home. Verse 14Therefore, beloved, while you are waiting for these things, strive to be found by him at peace, without spot or blemish; Verse 15and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation. So also our beloved brother Paul wrote to you according to the wisdom given him,
Devotion
It might seem to us like Jesus is taking his time coming back. But as the author of Peter tells us, God is patient, more patient than us. God does not want anyone to perish, but wills for all to experience God's love and acceptance. Therefore, God is taking it slow. God is waiting, constantly beckoning, constantly saving and constantly calling us. Come, follow me. I have enough room for you all. If God can be patient, so can we. We can go about living our lives of godliness and holiness because we can trust in God's promises to us. We can strive for peace in this violent world. We have the capacity through grace, faith and the Word to wait with God for all people to understand God’s glory. If God is not ready to judge the sinner and unbeliever, we will not judge either.
Prayer
Lord, it sometimes feels like the suffering and violence in this world will never end. But you see it all. Help us to work with you as you reconcile all people in Jesus Christ. Amen.