by Rick Combs
What is taking so long?
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
“What’s taking the Lord so long? Is He lazy?” This verse answers the question and letting the reader know that God delays His second coming until after the tribulation period so that Israel may be saved.
He delays the Great White Throne Judgment until after the millennial reign, so that Gentiles may be saved in the kingdom.
Therefore, the “longsuffering” of God refers to God waiting for both Jews and Gentiles to believe the gospel of the kingdom so that the whole earth may be reconciled back to God (Exodus 19:5-6; Zechariah 8:23).
Thus, God delays judgment because He wants all men to be saved (I Timothy 2:4). The longer He delays His judgment of man, the more opportunity man has to receive eternal life with Him.
Therefore, He delays judgment in the hope that all will come to repentance (3:9).
2 Peter 3:15-16 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; 16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood…”
The whole dispensation of grace is at least a 2,000-year delay of God’s judgment so that even more people may be saved. The great delay is a manifestation of Love.
For more information, check out Eric Neumann’s book II Peter – Jude: You, God, and a KJV Bible: God’s Love Overcomes False Teachers (New Testament Commentary)”. Available on Amazon.
In relation to God’s delay of judgment, I am reminded of other scriptures that speak of the love, mercy, and graciousness of God.
Psalm 103:8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
Psalm 145:8-9 The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy. 9 The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.
DELAY DELAY DELAY! It is all about God’s love and patience.