GOD’S PATIENCE
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.
Remember that the apostle addressed this epistle to “those
who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours” (1:1). This letter was
written to stimulate believers’ thinking to recognize false teachers and
prophets who would lead people astray in the last days (2:1-3:2). These
scoffers mock the Lord’s promises with cynicism and scorn (3:3-5). Because of
their actions, Christians were encouraged to remember God’s power and precious
promises (1:3-4) so that they would prepare for Christ’s coming with all
godliness.
With this as the proper context, Peter tells them in 3:9
that God is not slow in keeping his promises. He has his own timetable. His use
of time is totally different than ours (3:8) to show us his patience. But
notice the recipients of this patience. It says he “is patient toward you”. In
other words, God is patient with believers, not wanting any of them to perish,
but for all of them to come to Christ in God’s time. This verse was originally
given to comfort Christians about God’s ways in salvation, not to the heathen.
Meditate on this glorious thought: God is incredibly patient with us! He hasn’t
forgotten his salvation promises to us or to any of his elect! We’re secure in
him!. That’s comfort!