God is Not Slow

Text: 2 Peter 3:1-10

Reflection and Question: The Gospels are clear that Jesus promised to come again soon after His death and resurrection. At the same time, the New Testament letters are clear that time will pass and believers will die, raising the question of when Jesus will return in glory or when the end will come. This passage outlines the complaint and reiterates answers found elsewhere. First, God is not slow; time is simply different for God. Second, the time given to us is God’s grace to keep open our chance to repent and believe. How does the idea of Jesus coming as a thief in the night lead you to behave and think?

Prayer: Almighty God, Scripture teaches us that all was destroyed once by water, and many who went before us believed the next destruction will be by fire, as the writer does here. Sort this all out for us, we pray. Use these truths to Your glory. Amen.

This meditation is based on the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).