2 Peter 3:8, 9 says...

Today's verses are 2 Peter 3:8, 9 which read,

v.8 - But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day.

In the previous passage what was "escaping" the false teachers was the fact that God was in control of the ability for all to be fulfilled.  God created the heavens and the earth.  God destroyed the earth with the flood.  God would bring the judgement to come.  If we "fall asleep" on the desire to know and love God's word, we will be tempted to go the route of the false teachers to doubt or contradict or twist God's Word.

Now Peter is saying, "Don't let this one fact escape you."  The fact is not only is God in control of the ability for all of this to happen but He is also in control of the timing for all of this to happen.  Verse 8 is a common phrase like phrases we us today.  "Don't count your chickens before they are hatched."  "A bird in the hand is better than two in the bush."  "A dime a dozen."  "A chip on your shoulder."  "Barking up the wrong tree."  They are phrases using images to make a point.  The main message here is that God's timing is not our timing.  God's timing seems long or short to us but it is not to Him.  The Lord's return is not about us but it is all about Him.

v.9 - The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.

The Lord's return is not about us but it is all about Him and yet God is thinking about and having compassion for us in the midst of that timing.  How patient is God?  Probably way more patient than we are with others.  How many times has God's name has been blasphemed, how many has His law been broken, how many times has open rebellion of Him happened, and He is patient for more to turn their eyes to see Him for who He is?

All this false teaching is going on and God, instead of moving up the time table and going straight to judgment, is continually at work in people's lives to be followers of the true gospel in the midst of it all. 

The world may look like it is going from "bad to worse" or "down the wide road to destruction" (a couple more phrases) but God is still "on point" or "zeroed in" to allow the preached message of Jesus Christ to penetrate people's souls.  This is a point to be truly thankful for and also something to not forget or "escape" you.

"Lord, thank You that Your timetable is not ours.  Thank You that Your heart is bigger than ours.  Thank You that Your focus in 'spot on' in this world that has so many things thrown around.  Thank You Lord for cutting through all the messages of the world and capturing my heart.  Amen."

Pastor Adam