February 8, 2008
Never Late
by Fred Alberti, Crosswalk.com Manager of Communities
But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:8-9
The scene opens with a young man sitting by a tree reading a book while waiting expectantly for a special visit.
In the far distant a wagon creaks and groans down the lane as its rider sings a cheery tune.
Upon hearing the clatter the young man stands with a big grin and without further hesitation runs to intercept the wagon.
Upon reaching the road and rider he proclaims, "You're late."
The singing stops and the old bearded man looks up and states, "A wizard is never late, Frodo Baggins… Nor is he early… He arrives precisely when he means to."
I love that scene as old Gandalf is greeted by young Frodo, and am often reminded of how perfect of a portrayal it is of our own lives.
We sit and wonder, "How much longer Lord?"
Will He come in our lifetime?
Sometimes we face situations when we are ready to just throw in the towel. We think we know the best time and we boldly proclaim, "Lord, you're late!"
Ah, but then there is the rest of that verse: "He is patient with you."
He is patient with you when you lose your self-control and yell at your kids because they didn't finish their school-work.
He is patient with you when you are critical and judgmental of others.
He is patient with you when you refuse to spend quiet time with Him.
He is patient.
And finally the last part says, "… not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."
Is your impatience so important that it is worth the cost in lost lives?
How terrible a balance!
We must, therefore, trust the Lord's judgment. He will return precisely when He means to.
But what does that leave us to do in the meantime?
The end of the chapter gives the answer, "So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him." (Vs. 14)
How are you waiting for His return?
Intersecting Faith & Life: Write down three spiritual lessons you can learn from a book you are currently reading.
Further Reading