The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some consider slowness. Rather, He is being patient toward you—not wanting anyone to perish, but for all to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9, TLV
Holding Too Tight? Is it possible to hold too tight to “GOD’s Promises?” Our beloved brother, Peter writes this final message shortly before he and his wife were martyred. There is a poignancy as we read the chapter, because we know that soon one of the men who walked, talked, ate, and camped with Jesus when He was on this earth, will die.
Like so many other emissaries and apostles, Peter had hoped that Yeshua would return soon. What is so profound is Peter receives a special discernment that is an important message for us today.
First of all, understand that in the last days, scoffers will come scoffing, following after their own desires and saying, “Where is this promise of His coming? Ever since the fathers died, everything goes on just as it has from the beginning of creation.” (vss. 3-4, TLV)
ADONAI has made many promises — and covenants — since the Fall of Adam and Eve. Promises made to individuals that weren’t fulfilled until hundreds and thousands of years later. The individual was the holder of the promise, but not the direct recipient (Hebrews 11:13). They were to safeguard that promise and pass it on as a legacy to future generations. Today’s verse explains that.
Promises Unfulfilled?
Are there promises GOD has made to us personally? Promises yet to
be fulfilled? Are we frustrated or feeling as though we “misheard” or GOD doesn’t plan to keep His promises?
What if like “the fathers” of old, we may be holders of some of these promises, but not the recipients.
Is that disappointing? Of course. But I think of the song we sing at Passover, Dayenu — It would be/was enough.
- We live and are redeemed children of the Creator of the Universe, because of the sacrifice of His Son. Dayenu.
- Our hearts have peace and hope because His Spirit resides in us. Dayenu.
- Every blessing we list we can add Dayenu.
Instead, keep growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Yeshua the Messiah. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity! Amen. (vs. 18, TLV)
Why is this Important?
Why is coming to terms with this important? For many years, I thought God’s promise was being withheld from me because I needed to have more faith. If the promise hadn’t been fulfilled, then it was my fault.
Subsequently, I became so hyper-focused on jumping through the spiritual hoops, that I missed the blessings all around me.
I’m not alone. After encountering too many discouraged believers or believers who were so focused on seeing their promise realized I knew something wasn’t right.
The turning point for me was when I read about Christians overseas in Third World countries whose focus was on serving the Lord. If they carried the hope of God’s promises to them, those promises were secondary to their gratitude and passion to serve Him. This humbled me.
Then I remembered when Yeshua taught His followers how to pray
(Matthew 6:9-13). What is our spiritual posture toward requests, promises, hopes? “Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10, TLV)
His will be done. Our Father is not slow. He is omniscient. He is love.
Dayenu.
