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
The phrase “Hurry up and wait” seems to have its origins during the United States’ military engagement in World War II in the 1940s. If you can find one still alive, a veteran of that era might tell you that the phrase was synonymous with the military culture of that day.
For those who follow Christ, there is a “hurry up” attitude for the day of His return. They say, “Maranatha, Oh Lord, come!” (1 Corinthians 16:22). From the days of the early church until today, those who believe in the Savior live knowing that He could return at any time. Pastor and author Rob Hoskins says believers are to live expectantly: “Be hopeful, be ready, be alert, be open to the unexpected, and listen to God.”
Waiting patiently is difficult for many who don’t understand God’s delay. Pastor, author, and Chancellor of Phoenix Seminary, Dr. Daryl DelHousaye reminds you that it is God’s desire that all persons should be saved (1 Timothy 2:4, 2 Peter 3:9), and as more and more turn to Him, God is populating His Kingdom to include people from all nations. In the meantime, God’s patience is reflected in His endurance of the breaking of His laws including blasphemes against His name, rebelliousness, murders, sexual immorality, and every imaginable sin.
Jesus said, “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only” (Matthew 24:36). As you cry, “Hurry up, Lord,” so you must also wait. While you wait, always be ready to declare the hope that you have in Christ (1 Peter 3:15). It is the knowledge of that hope that could cause one more person to be added to His Kingdom’s population, drawing closer to the return of Christ.
Pray then, as Charles Spurgeon did, “Yet tarry for a while, good Lord. Let mercy’s day be lengthened. Let the heathen receive the Savior.” In your waiting, be patient. Adopt the Father’s heart for the lost, who has ”no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live” (Ezekiel 33:11). Do your part in fulfilling the Great Commission. As the old Fanny Crosby hymn says, “Rescue the perishing, care for the dying, Jesus is merciful, Jesus will save.”
Today’s Verse: 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.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Matthew 24:36-44
36 “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. 37 For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, 39 and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 40 Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left. 41 Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left. 42 Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. 43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
