Delays come by our way because of problems. When things go wrong, things back up.

My flight is delayed right now. The weather has been bad the past few days and the crew that will fly my plane arrived at 1am and cannot fly until 10am. I’m actually really glad that they will have gotten some sleep. Things were not perfect and so now I am sitting in the Fort Wayne airport having breakfast.

Most of us don’t like to wait around. (If you do enjoy it, you’re welcome to take my place anytime.) We are by nature impatient. We have plans, we have expectations, we have places to go and people to see. Delays are inconvenient.

St. Peter wrote about delay and impatience to a Church that was growing restless for the return of Jesus. He had promised to come again, and it likely had been a couple decades since his ascension. So, where is he? St. Peter writes:

But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance (2 Peter 3:8-9).

God does not delay as we consider delay. Things have not gone wrong with his plan and so he is sorting things out before he can return. Instead, his delay is based on his own patience and love for his whole creation.

Today he has delayed his return another day. Today is another day for the sinner to hear God’s word and advance to repentance. Today then is another day for you to receive God’s gifts of grace: forgiveness, life, and salvation.

I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! (Psalm 27:13-14, ESV)

Whether you are impatient for the return of the Lord, deliverance from a sickness, the end of pain, a joyful reunion, or the arrival of a time of joy; be strong. Let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD. Rejoice that you have this day to receive his gifts!

Come, O Lord Jesus. Quickly come!