2 Peter 3:8-15a (NRSV)
Read 2 Peter 3:8-15a on biblegateway.com
Verse 8But do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day.
Verse 9The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance. Verse 10But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and everything that is done on it will be disclosed.
Verse 11Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, what sort of persons ought you to be in leading lives of holiness and godliness, Verse 12waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set ablaze and dissolved, and the elements will melt with fire? Verse 13But, in accordance with his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness is at home. Verse 14Therefore, beloved, while you are waiting for these things, strive to be found by him at peace, without spot or blemish; Verse 15and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation. So also our beloved brother Paul wrote to you according to the wisdom given him,
Devotion
Patience has never been my strong suit. My favorite words are “go” and “now.” One of the best lessons of Advent is the daily discipline of waiting and listening. This is a season in which we pause and wait to see what God is doing in our world and in our lives. This pastoral letter was first written to a church that was discouraged because Jesus had not yet returned to earth. They too needed to learn the Advent discipline of living with patience and grace until the day of Christ’s return. Where in your life do you need God’s encouragement as you wait?
Prayer
Stir up our hearts, O God, and prepare us to wait for those things which come slowly in our lives. Hold in your heart those we also know to be at wit’s end, those seeking employment and all who struggle with chronic illness. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.