Minute in the Word
“Why God is Delaying Jesus' Return”
Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace and count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures. You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.
(2 Peter 3.14–18 ESV)
Before leaving this world, Jesus said, And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also, John 14.3. It has been almost 2000 years since Jesus died and rose again. Why such a delay in His return? In today's text, Peter explains. The delay is due to the merciful goodness of God's patience in holding back the day of judgment, which gives every possible opportunity for unbelievers to come to Christ before it is too late. Paul also taught this where he spoke of the riches of His kindness and forbearance, and patience, and that, God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance, Romans 2.4. Have you taken advantage of God's patience? Are you living each day for Him? Are you ready for His return? If not, today needs to be the day that you get your spiritual life in order. Will you?
