There’s a common phrase that I hear every now and then: Promises are made to be broken. I despise this saying. Why make a promise if it is just going to be broken? The phrase itself lacks any kind of logic and yet it is heard often. Perhaps the quote is so common because a kept promise seems to be a rarity. It’s a sad reality, but it is indeed a reality. When I hear that dreaded phrase in response to God’s promise, I am saddened that someone would have that doubt. In truth, 2 Peter 3:9 says, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
Slowness
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise.” Let’s break this first part down. Slow can mean lazy, unhurried, or even passive. In the King James Version, the word used here is slack. Slack is synonymous with inactive and sluggish. It makes me think “meh.” Of all the descriptors I have heard of the Lord, none of these have ever made the list. He is definitely far from “meh.” However, if the Lord is none of these things, does that mean he is quick in keeping his promise? Not necessarily.
Did you know that, according to a thesaurus, that the word slow has antonyms like enthusiastic and moving? Given that the Lord is not slow, He would be enthusiastic in keeping his promise. He is moving to keep his promise. He may not be moving as some would prefer, which leads us to the next part of the verse. “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness.” It is not meant to be to our understanding. Everything is done by His understanding and His plan. Everything.
Patience and Love
What we know of slowness often leads to impatience and frustration. But, as the verse says, “Instead, he is patient with you.” He always is, isn’t He? Humans are far from perfect – even the very best Christian you know is a sinner. Even that person has broken promises. But He remains patient and forgiving.
He is a God that is “not wanting anyone to perish.” Anyone. There is not a soul on this planet that the Lord wants to perish. Not even yours. How amazing is that? Think of the terrible, awful things that humanity does on a regular basis. How disgusted you can get simply by scrolling through social media or turning on the news. The world and the people in it are dark. But our God doesn’t want a single person to succumb to an eternity of misery. He loves each and every person so much that he is willing to wait. He is light and He offers a love like no other whether it is accepted or not.
Before the end comes, he wants to give you a chance to join Him. You are already God’s. Is God yours? What about your friends and family? Is everyone ready for the end to come? Will they perish or will they greet Jesus in heaven?
Repent
“…but everyone to come to repentance.” With Christ, everyone can repent. Everyone has a place at the table. Jesus died for you. He suffered at the hands of man, was nailed to a cross, died, buried, and rose from the dead so that you may live eternally in the heavens. He went through all that and the only thing he asks of you is to repent. Ask Him for forgiveness because we know we are far from perfect. Believe that he is Lord of all and accept Him into your heart. There is nothing that you have done that is too much for God. Nothing: no sin, thought, desire, or temptation is enough to erase the Father’s love for you.
You have been saved. He will come again. You just need to believe it.
