20141207
A cynic says: “Jesus is coming again, very soon. Yes, I believe Jesus said that in the Bible … a few millennia ago. Don’t hold your breath.”
The Apostle Peter writes in 1 Peter 3 to alert Christians that a scoffer’s comments strike at the heart of Christian faith to cause confidence in God’s Truth to be shaken. The efforts of those who deride and mock that “Jesus is coming again” succeed when Christians turn away from living to please God. They become lovers of self, living for the present and shake off the desire to seek guidance from the Bible in their daily lives. That is called losing faith; hearts turning cold.
Peter says that scoffers made a fundamental error: they forget that time, deadline for mankind is not defined by people. It is Creator God’s prerogative. Be it in creation of the universe, or destruction of the world, God’s Word is all it takes to activate every-thing into motion. God defines Time differently, in terms of eternity. More so, “Jesus is coming again” is not forgotten, as false teaching would mislead people to think. The emphasis in the so-called delay across Scripture attests to God’s patience in waiting for repentance from everyone: “Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?” (Romans 2:4)
Though sorely provoked by wickedness in man and outright rebellion, God’s patience is seen in restraining Himself from immediately meting out judgement. This is sobriety and forbearance that is becoming of His exalted majesty, yet without lowering of His standard of holiness. The God of patience wants to give time to awaken us from our stupor and distractions of this life. He wants to set our minds to be concerned about those He has put in our contact circle. How patiently too, has God borne our laid-back attitude or lack of urgency and our coldness towards those who have yet to know of His grace and mercy in His salvation. We ought to seek to be like Him in patience, live at peace with all men, patient when reviled, do good deeds and to preach the Word in season. It may be hard to love and bless scoffers. However, even scoffers need a chance to hear and repent. Demonstrate God’s patience for the salvation to all while there is still time. God is patient towards sinful mankind and longs for many to repent before Jesus’ Coming.
