Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)
What can I do for extra credit? Every teacher expects this question near the end of a school term. Students’ ability to do math increases as time decreases, making them keenly aware of the exact number of points needed to pass. Teachers will point to missed assignments, poor attendance, or quiz scores. If only the student had completed more, attended more, studied more, they would not need extra credit. Teachers will often mercifully extend an opportunity, but some students still choose the lower grade.
God has given us our assignment. We cannot complete all the requirements. He sacrificed his Son for our salvation, but everyone doesn’t get an automatic A. We must receive it by faith (Rom. 3:25). Peter said that God is being patient. The way was established, and he does not want anyone to miss out on his mercy. He has redeemed us, but we have to repent and receive this offer of redemption. It is God’s choice to save us, but it is our choice to be saved.
When you throw yourself on the mercy of your teacher, hoping to improve your grade, you are unsure of the outcome. But Peter made it clear: with God, the outcome is guaranteed. If we are alive, we can accept God’s guaranteed offer of salvation, and the opportunity to tell others of God’s patient, redeeming love.
God is patiently waiting for you to accept and share his love.
Priscilla Hammond is an ordained pastor and associate professor in the Benson School of Business at Southern Wesleyan University. She served as the compiling editor of This Holy Calling (WPH, 2022).
© 2023 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
