Elephant in the Room — The Impending Return of Jesus - Wednesday
Today’s Verse
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. (ESV)
“One…two…three…four…”
My wife, Hannah, stood near the front door, patting her pockets as she counted through her list. Her meticulous routine helps her remember everything—her water bottle, cell phone, keys; each item matching a corresponding mental number.
Knowing we couldn’t go anywhere until she made it to number nine (yes, nine), I smirked and rolled my eyes, shooting her the kind of look that said, “Can we go now?”
Reading my expression, she took one last sip of her coffee before we headed to the airport. As I held the door open for her, she playfully walked past me. “I know you think I’m too slow, but I am not!”
“You, babe? Slow? NEVER…” I chuckled under my breath.
The reality is, my wife doesn’t move that slow. But when you’re ready for vacation, the slightest delay feels like an eternity.
But to my wife’s credit, she never forgets anything. More importantly, neither does God.
There are plenty of days I would love to speed God up, especially when it comes to Jesus’s return. In the midst of this lost and broken world, my temptation is to look at Him and say, “Jesus, hurry up! Let’s go! Come back already and let’s get this show on the road...”
But the Lord isn’t standing there counting His belongings—He’s counting names He knows belong to Him.
“Cindy, Dana, Austin, Gregg… Ava, Harold, Monique, Beth… What about Randy? I couldn’t imagine heaven without him! Where is he?” Patiently, He runs through the list—desperately wanting each and every name to repent and turn towards Him. Even though many will never make that decision, our verse today reminds us that Jesus genuinely doesn’t want anyone to perish, but instead deeply wants those who are far from Him to come home.
I don’t know when Jesus is coming back, but what I do know is this: all of us have at least one person we would love to see give their life to Him. I’ve got a list.
So, until that day comes, let’s patiently wait on the Lord, just as He’s been patient with us—and relentlessly pursue lost and broken people He still hasn’t forgotten.
Because Jesus never forgets about anyone.
APPLICATION
Who is someone in your life who doesn't have a relationship with Jesus? Have the courage to invite them to church this week.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to see others the way that You see them. Give me the words to say to those who don’t know You.
