Longsuffering of Our LORD

Tonight as a family we read through 2 Peter 3 that speaks of coming judgment which will result in the elements of the universe being on fire and dissolving in fervent heat.  It will be part of the God-ordained process of ushering in the new heavens and earth where righteousness dwells.  2 Peter 3:14-15 reads, "Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; ¹⁵ and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation--as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you..."  It is evident faith in God is to completely shape our view of the future as something to be looked forward to rather than dreading.

Nowhere in scripture are believers urged to dread what the future holds when our good God holds us close continually.  When I was a kid people would employ descriptions of a future state to put people in fear of punishment or being "left behind" to prompt them to respond to the Gospel message.  While it may not have been the best way to share the Gospel, it isn't fear of what's coming that should cause us to turn to God.  Peter urged those beloved by God to look forward "to these things" and be diligent to be found by Jesus in peace, being blameless.  Though we desire for the rapture of the church and Jesus to come quickly according to His promise (and we mean soon rather than being an unexpected surprise), consider that every day God demonstrates longsuffering is salvation:  an opportunity for people to be saved from the wrath to come and to be saved for the kingdom of God.

Paul said in 2 Timothy 3:13, "But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived."  The world is corrupted with sin and will grow worse, and there will be deceivers in the church who are deceived themselves.  This ought not cloud our view of Christ, nor should this put us in fear.  God has given us the truth of His word; God is with us and in us by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Jesus Christ intercedes for us and bids us to approach Him to find mercy and grace in time of need.  Every day God allows us to remain on the earth is an opportunity to serve and glorify Him, to bring others to the knowledge of Christ and His love.  God is willing to continue to be longsuffering towards this world that is begging for judgment for sin so people have more opportunity to turn to Him.  There are Christians who, if God were to take them today, would not receive a full reward.  God desires them to turn to Him so they can receive all He has in store for them.

Beloved believer and follower of Jesus Christ, we have a future worth looking forward to because of our glorious Saviour who is good.  Let us heed God's word to be diligent to be found by Him in peace with Him and one another, to be without spot and blameless, and consider the longsuffering of our LORD is salvation.  We are being saved, and one day God we will receive our salvation in full according to His good promise.