2 Peter 3:8-10

“But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfil his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.”

God has not yet destroyed this world in judgment because he wants more people to have a chance to turn to him and be saved!

Two thousand years may seem like a long time to us, for God to wait to bring his promised judgment. But thousands of years mean nothing to God, who exists outside of time. What means a lot to God are the souls of people.

God’s sense of justice is dragging us ever closer to the “day of the Lord” when he makes all things right; but his measureless mercy is holding that day back for a little bit longer to give more people time to find his forgiveness through Jesus Christ.

God’s destruction will be awful, his judgment terrifying—so let’s join him in inviting people to find protection in Christ. Can you see the merciful heart of God here? His desire to see as many people come to trust in him as possible.

MAKE IT PERSONAL

How do your actions and attitude towards the people around you reflect the heart of God? Take some time now to pray a brief prayer responding to what he is saying to you.