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2 Peter 3:9 - What Is Taking The Lord So Long In Coming Back?2 Peter 3:9 (NIV) The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.2 Peter 3:9 (NLT) The Lord isn't really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. INTRODUCTION God may have seemed slow to these believers as they faced persecution every day and longed to be delivered. But God is not slow; he just is not on 'our' timetable (Psalm 90:4). Jesus is waiting so that more sinners will repent and turn to him. We must not sit and wait for Christ to return, but we should live with the realization that time is short and that we have important work to do. Be ready to meet Christ any time, even today; yet plan your course of service as though he may not return for many years. [Life Application SB] COMMENTARY PEARL No Loitering In Oklahoma, a person could be charged with a misdemeanor for "secretly loitering about any building, with intent to overhear discourse therein, and to repeat or publish the same to vex, annoy, or injure others." Loitering comes from an early 15th century Dutch word, which means to "be loose or erratic." Apparently, some people in the apostle Peter's time accused God of loitering. "Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation," they scoffed concerning the Second Coming (2 Peter 3:4). In today's verse, Peter responded by declaring, "The Lord is not slack concerning His promise" The Greek word for "slack," means "to delay" or "loiter." The reason why Christ has not come yet is due to the Lord's "longsuffering toward us" God is waiting for us to choose which reward we want to receive at the Second Coming - eternal life or eternal death (Revelation 22:12). God is not loitering. He's not carelessly twiddling His thumbs; He hasn't erratically lost track of time; He's not plotting how to vex or injure you. God is expending every effort to bring people "to repentance`' so that they will be saved. In every way He can, God is revealing His love for you, uncovering the truth, and prompting your final decision. God certainly isn't loitering - but are you? Who among us is idling, unaware that time truly is of the essence? May we each take God at His word, for when every person has set his heart either for or against God, Christ will fulfill the promise and come again. Lord, thank You for being patient with me so that I can freely decide if I want to be in Your kingdom. [The Most Amazing Bible Promises by Amazing Facts] COMMENTARY God does not forget or neglect His children; but He permits the wicked to reveal their true character, that none who desire to do His will may be deceived concerning them. Again, the righteous are placed in the furnace of affliction, that they themselves may be purified; that their example may convince others of the reality of faith and godliness; and also that their consistent course may condemn the ungodly and unbelieving. GC48 [Remnant SB] Consider the parable of the ten virgins. All had lamps, that is, an outward semblance of religion; but only five of them had the inward piety. Five of them were wanting in the oil of grace. The Spirit of life in Christ Jesus, the Holy Spirit, was not abiding in their hearts. Without the oil of grace, of what use was it to bear about a lamp of profession? However high may be the profession, however high may be the position held by a professor of religion, if the oil of grace is wanting, he has nothing with which to feed his lamp, and it cannot send forth clear, shining rays of light... Through Christ you may climb the ladder of progress, and bring every power under the control of Jesus... In spirit, in thought, in word, and in action, you may make manifest that you are moved by the Spirit of Christ, and your life may wield a power of influence over others. You must pray, believe, and obey. In your own strength you can do nothing; but in the grace of Jesus Christ, you can employ your powers in such a way as to bring the greatest good to your own soul, and the greatest blessing to the souls of others. Lay hold of Jesus, and you will diligently work the works of Christ, and will finally receive the eternal reward. SD118 God is long-suffering, not willing that any should perish; but His forbearance has a limit, and when the boundary is past, there is no second probation. His wrath will go forth and He will destroy without remedy. 7BC946 LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY 2 Peter 3:9 - What Is Taking The Lord So Long In Coming Back? https://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20221203-0835.html http://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20210220-1049.html Habakkuk 2:3 - WAITING TO SOAR! https://www.abible.com/devotions/2018/20180808-1031.html LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT https://abible.com/links/ |