II Peter 3:9 “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.”

WHOSE CLOCK?

I have never pictured God as slow. Have you? The preceding verse (v.8) says a day is like a thousand years and a thousand years like a day to God. Well, that explains it! How impatient we are! How many times have you put something in the microwave and stood there tapping your foot saying, “Come on, come on.” Seriously, we are impatient people.

I look forward to Christ’s return. But this verse explains why the Lord is tarrying. It is His will that no one perish. He wants everyone to come to Him in repentance. I don’t know about you, but I know plenty of people who need to come to Jesus before He returns.

TEACHING MOMENT

So how do you teach this principle of God’s timing to your children? How many times have they asked you what time it is? How many times have you been on a road trip and they ask if you are there yet? What a perfect opportunity to explain this verse to them. Explain to them that they must be patient because the best is yet to come when they reach the destination. We must be patient on the Lord as He tarries His coming so others can come to Christ. But when He does come, we will find the best was worth waiting for.

Christmas is right around the corner and I am sure your children are already making their wish lists. This is another chance to teach them about preparing for the Lord’s return. Just as we get out the decorations and prepare the house for Christmas, we need to be preparing ourselves and others for His return. Don’t you want everyone you know to experience the joy of Christmas? How much more should we want them to experience the joy of knowing Christ Jesus as Lord. Amen? Amen!