When I was a child, the summer months seemed endless. Those long hot days were spent playing outside with friends or riding our bikes to the park. As an adult, my perspective on time is much different. When the 4th of July arrives, I am always shocked to realize summer is nearly half gone.
At the start of chapter 3, Peter explains that God’s view of time is much different than our own. He addressed scoffers who interpreted the delay of Christ’s return as evidence that He would never come. Peter corrects their perspective, analyzing the delay through the lens of Scripture. Quoting Psalm 90:4, he points out that time is not the same to God as it is to us (v. 8). Our perspective is limited by our short lifespan. God has all eternity in which to work. A long time to us means something very different to God.
The reason for the delay is not that God does not care. Rather, He delays because He cares so much. “He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (v. 9). What we may interpret as God being slow to keeping His promises is in reality an example of His kindness and compassion.
We should not mistake His delay for indifference. The day of the Lord will come, “like a thief” (v. 10). The New Testament teaches that history has a goal that it is moving toward. It is not a meaningless series of random events. One day, the Lord Jesus will return and make all things new. This motivates us to live differently today, “to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming” (vv. 11–12). Amazingly, Peter here says that through our faithfulness, we can hasten the day when the Lord comes.
Go Deeper
How is God’s timing different than our timing? How does this shift your understanding of God? Of your prayer life?
Pray with Us
Who is like You, God? Your patience, kindness, and compassion inspire us to praise and worship You. We long to see Your face. Come quickly, Lord Jesus!
With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.2 Peter 3:8
DAILY DEVOTIONS, NEWS AND INFORMATION 