Skip to main content

God is patient: 2 Peter 3.1–9 (Day 141)

Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.

Pray

Pray

Lord, prepare me to receive your word. Clear my mind and warm my heart. Assure me of your loving purposes for me, and speak into my life today.

Reflect

Daily reflection: 2 Peter 3.1–9

At the end of his second letter, Peter reminds his readers of something fundamental. The world they think is secure, in which tomorrow will be the same as yesterday and any change is likely to be for the better, isn't really like that at all. It was made, according to Genesis 1, out of water, and water is unstable and chaotic, always in motion. Things are kept as they are by God's word, but we shouldn't take that for granted: the world is upheld by grace, because God wants 'all to turn away from their sins' (verse 9). In this precarious world, then, we should live lives 'holy and dedicated to God' (verse 11).

During the last months we've seen much that we assumed was solid and secure swept away, and life for all of us has changed radically. It's not the first time this has happened: wars, famines and pestilences have been part of life for most people throughout most of history. But perhaps in the West our long period of rising prosperity, with our astonishing achievements in science and technology, have made us think we were immune to this kind of shock. For believers, 2 Peter 3 is there to correct us: life is precarious, and we're all reliant on God's grace, all the time.

Pray

Pray

God, when the foundations of the world seem to be crumbling, help me to put my trust in you.


This reflection was written by Mark Woods, Bible Society's Editor

Share this:

Read the Bible icon Read the Bible
Open the full Bible