0820 JUST ONE MORE

2022-08-23

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AUGUST 20 = 2 PETER 3 JUST ONE MORE I guess it is time to address this important topic again. It seems that Jesus, Paul, Peter and others in the New Testament declare that the coming of the Lord is at hand. These are the last days. The great and dreadful day of the Lord. The end of all things. But then, even back in Peter’s day, there were doubters who came along, saying, “Where is this coming he promised?” They say, “Everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” And still today, we all wonder what happened ...

AUGUST 20 = 2 PETER 3

JUST ONE MORE

I guess it is time to address this important topic again. It seems that Jesus, Paul, Peter and others in the New Testament declare that the coming of the Lord is at hand. These are the last days. The great and dreadful day of the Lord. The end of all things.

But then, even back in Peter’s day, there were doubters who came along, saying, “Where is this coming he promised?” They say, “Everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” And still today, we all wonder what happened to the coming that seemed to be so much at hand. How is this whole thing going to end? More importantly, when will it happen? And what, exactly, should we expect it to look like?

Indeed, why has that day that was so expected not happened? If the return of Jesus is any day now, why have we continued to count the days one at a time for all these thousands of years now? Did God forget? Did the prophets hear wrong? Is God actually in control of history? The doubts creep in and take hold.

In the midst of those doubts and questions, Peter gives this advice:

“But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness.

This is probably the first thing for us to keep in mind: God is eternal, and an entire millennium is like a single day to him. So he is not confused, and he does not grow impatient, drumming his fingers on his desk as he tries to figure out how to solve the puzzle yet again. His reactions have not slowed over the years, so that he can’t make a decision. Something else must be at play.

Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. . . . “Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, . . . ”

‭‭This is an amazing and beautiful truth. Could it be that God has been ready to pull the plug on history, but the reason it has not yet happened is because he is waiting on someone who is just on the verge of repentance? Though he has been waiting to execute justice and judgment against evil, he loves its victims too much to drop the hammer on the universe? Could it be that one soul is worth, not just more than many sparrows, but more than the entire world?

Two thousand years have come and gone—in heaven, just two days—

Generations come and go on earth—in heaven, it’s unchanged

But now the Judge has seen enough—he’s standing at the door

The patience of a holy God will bear his wrath no more

He signals to his captain, who gives the victory sign

Ten thousand soldiers draw their swords and mount their steeds to ride

The Lamb, who’s seated on the throne now stands to take his bride

Anticipating long this day to bring her to his side

He’s seen too much of war and hate, too much of sin and death

He readies for the signal as all heaven holds its breath

And as the trumpet starts to sound to give the victory cry

Again the Father raised his hand and a tear comes to his eye