2 Peter 3:9
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 3:9
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Many times, when we look at the chaos and suffering in the world, our hearts cry out like the psalmist: “O Lord, how long will it be?” (Psalm 6:3). We long for Christ to return soon and make all things new.
But from our perspective, two thousand years have already passed, and it seems as if the Lord’s promise has been delayed. Peter reminds us that the Lord has neither forgotten nor broken His promise, but is waiting out of mercy. His heart is that none should perish, but that more people might have the chance to hear the gospel and turn to Christ in repentance.
This delay is both a great comfort and a clear calling for believers. The comfort is this: Jesus assures us that in our suffering, His promise will never fail. One day, all trials will pass away, and He will surely come again.
At the same time, the fact that He has not yet returned shows us that there are still people who need to hear the gospel. God’s patience is an opportunity for the unbelieving, and at the same time a calling for us to join His mission, to bring the message of salvation to those who need it.
So, who are these people waiting for the gospel? The Bible says they are the lost sheep (Luke 19:10), those walking in darkness (Isaiah 9:2), those who are broken and hurting (Luke 4:18), and even those who appear self-sufficient yet are spiritually dead in sin (Ephesians 2:1). In other words, whether they look obviously weak or outwardly strong and independent, if they do not know Christ, they are waiting for the gospel.
Today, in our families, schools, workplaces, and even among distant unreached peoples, there are many waiting to hear the good news of Jesus. The Lord’s patience means this is the time for mission, the time for evangelism. If we truly believe His promise, we must learn the lesson of obedience in this waiting and bring the gospel to those who need it.
In the end, when Christ returns, we will see His faithfulness and patience bringing to completion a redemption plan far greater than we could ever imagine.
Reflection:
Is there someone around you who, as the Bible describes, needs to hear the gospel? What can you do to bring the good news of Jesus to that person?
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You have not forgotten Your promise, but instead are patiently waiting for us to repent. Thank You for completing salvation in Jesus Christ, and for giving more people the chance to hear the gospel.
O Lord, give me spiritual eyes to see those who have not yet believed. Grant me courage and love to care for them and share the good news of Jesus with them. Help me to live faithfully in Your mission, not in comfort or laziness, as I wait for Christ’s return. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Click to read
Many times, when we look at the chaos and suffering in the world, our hearts cry out like the psalmist: “O Lord, how long will it be?” (Psalm 6:3). We long for Christ to return soon and make all things new.
But from our perspective, two thousand years have already passed, and it seems as if the Lord’s promise has been delayed. Peter reminds us that the Lord has neither forgotten nor broken His promise, but is waiting out of mercy. His heart is that none should perish, but that more people might have the chance to hear the gospel and turn to Christ in repentance.
This delay is both a great comfort and a clear calling for believers. The comfort is this: Jesus assures us that in our suffering, His promise will never fail. One day, all trials will pass away, and He will surely come again.
At the same time, the fact that He has not yet returned shows us that there are still people who need to hear the gospel. God’s patience is an opportunity for the unbelieving, and at the same time a calling for us to join His mission, to bring the message of salvation to those who need it.
So, who are these people waiting for the gospel? The Bible says they are the lost sheep (Luke 19:10), those walking in darkness (Isaiah 9:2), those who are broken and hurting (Luke 4:18), and even those who appear self-sufficient yet are spiritually dead in sin (Ephesians 2:1). In other words, whether they look obviously weak or outwardly strong and independent, if they do not know Christ, they are waiting for the gospel.
Today, in our families, schools, workplaces, and even among distant unreached peoples, there are many waiting to hear the good news of Jesus. The Lord’s patience means this is the time for mission, the time for evangelism. If we truly believe His promise, we must learn the lesson of obedience in this waiting and bring the gospel to those who need it.
In the end, when Christ returns, we will see His faithfulness and patience bringing to completion a redemption plan far greater than we could ever imagine.
Reflection:
Is there someone around you who, as the Bible describes, needs to hear the gospel? What can you do to bring the good news of Jesus to that person?
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You have not forgotten Your promise, but instead are patiently waiting for us to repent. Thank You for completing salvation in Jesus Christ, and for giving more people the chance to hear the gospel.
O Lord, give me spiritual eyes to see those who have not yet believed. Grant me courage and love to care for them and share the good news of Jesus with them. Help me to live faithfully in Your mission, not in comfort or laziness, as I wait for Christ’s return. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.