Understanding Slowness

In the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” 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. Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation. (2 Peter 3:3-4, 9, 15, NIV 1984).

My Musings – We live in the time of the scoffers and the impatient.

Scoffers – Non-believers who feel that Christ’s delay is compelling evidence that He was not who He said He was or simply is not returning. Of course, this would make Him either a liar (no intent to keep His promise) or a boaster (unable to keep His promise). Either of which would discredit His claim that He was who He said He was.

Impatient – Believers who are so disenchanted with the state of the world that they want the LORD to return without any further delay. Of course, believers are told to keep watch, but not to stop working. “It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns.” (Matthew 24:45–46, NIV 1984).

Despite the jeering of the scoffers and the pleas of the impatient, the LORD remains patient and delays His return. Because He does not want anyone, even the scoffers to perish. Remember His words concerning those who jeered and scoffed at Him as He hung on the cross. He has not forgotten His promise to return, nor is He incapable of doing so. But it is better that the believers grow a bit impatient in order that more “come to repentance.“

My Advice – If you are among the scoffers, consider carefully the implications if you are wrong, and be thankful that He delays still. You still have time. If you are among the impatient, you were a “scoffer” once. Aren’t you thankful that He delayed until you came into the fold? “Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation,” for more who are just like you were once.