2 Peter 3:1-10 (NRSV)
The promise of the Lord's coming
This is now, beloved, the second letter I am writing to you; in them I am trying to arouse your sincere intention by reminding you that you should remember the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets, and the commandment of the Lord and Savior spoken through your apostles. First of all you must understand this, that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and indulging their own lusts and saying, "Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since our ancestors died, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation!" They deliberately ignore this fact, that by the word of God heavens existed long ago and an earth was formed out of water and by means of water, through which the world of that time was deluged with water and perished. But by the same word the present heavens and earth have been reserved for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the godless.
But 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. The 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. But 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.
Reflection
God is merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love. God loves his children, but he won't wait forever. God is outside of time in one sense. So to depend on time in another sense, at least for us, is a false hope. We must repent and turn to God in our own time. Repent and turn to God now rather than later. Don't listen to the scoffers or the false prophets, the time to run to God is now. The day of the Lord will come like a thief.
God is merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love. Turn to God. Why wait?
Prayer
Lord, I turn to you in my sin and ask your forgiveness. Fill me with hope and grace that I may serve you in your Kingdom...today...tomorrow...and forever. --- Amen
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