Diving Delay

“Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior, knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.’” 2 Peter 3:1-4

The Apostle Peter wrote his second letter to a church under persecution by a wicked empire, whose leaders were descending into greater darkness, demanding worship, and persecuting the Church. Peter began with a reminder that the words spoken by the biblical prophets are all true and will come to pass. Though these words are true, mockers will arrive who will ridicule their words because of a “divine delay”. In the delay, there is a temptation to believe that what God has spoken is not real, but the “delay” has a divine purpose. “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. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.” 2 Peter 3:9-10

The same word of God that created all matter and judged the world in the flood will one day bring a judgment of fire upon the earth. The truth is that God will keep His promise, and without delay according to His timing. Any perceived delay from our perspective is due to the longsuffering of God, who allows man as much time as possible to repent.

My prayer is that we would see that the reason why Jesus’ return isn’t sooner is so that all should come to repentance, because God is not willing that any should perish.

Love & Prayers,

Alan James Schrader