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Power, Patience, Repentance

Scripture reading for November 18: 2 Peter 3

“They will say, “Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.” For they deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the Word of God, and that by means of these the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished. But by the same Word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly. But do not over look this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years and a thousand years as one do. The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” 2 Peter 3:4-9

Peter was well aware of the current worldview of many in the church and the world of his day. When Jesus Christ’s return in power was declared by the preachers and apostles, scoffers mocked them by stating that these kinds of warning had been around for thousands of years. Things really never changed, they said, so why make any changes. They said these things while deliberately rejecting God’s Word detailing the judgment of the world through water in Noah’s day. God created the world out of water and used water to judge the rebellion of man and start over.

But God’s Word also declares that the current heavens and earth will one day be destroyed by fire when Jesus returns in power to judge the ungodly. Peter plead with them to consider that with God a thousand years are as a day, and a day as a thousand years. God was not locked in our time frame and was certainly not slow or unable to bring about what His Word declared. Instead, God was showing His great kindness and patience with mankind. He wanted none to perish in fiery judgment, but that all would find repentance leading to eternal life in the new heavens and earth that would result after the fire.

Have you ever scoffed at preachers warning of Christ’s return? Do people in our world still use the argument that things will go on as usual despite God’s Word? Do you have a friend or loved one that needs to repent? Would you pray for them today and ask God to reveal Himself to them?

Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your amazing patience with the scoffers and mockers. Help me to declare Your patience and kindness in Jesus Christ and the coming judgment of the ungodly at His return. Forgive those who mock and reveal truth to them through Your Word and past fulfilment. Amen.