There are many things involved in evangelism. We need to connect with people who don’t know Jesus. We need to genuinely show love to them and develop a relationship. We need to pray for them and for us.
We can do all these things up to this point and we’ll have a really great friend. At some point, though, if we want them to believe in Jesus, we have to talk about Jesus.
You may have heard the following quote,
“Preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary, use words”
Supposedly, this was said by Francis of Assisi, except there’s no record of that. Whether it was or not, it’s not really Biblical either. Yes, we should demonstrate the Gospel in our lives, but words are always necessary. As it says in Romans,
“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” – Romans 10:14
Today: Realize that while actions are good, you must at some point speak up and share the Gospel.
“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 3:9
Some people are perpetually late. I’m certainly not one of them (cough, cough). 😉
When someone is slow on arriving, it can be a little irritating for some people. Sometimes it can make you wonder if that person is even going to show up.
In today’s passage, God is warning us that people will start to question whether Jesus is ever going to return or, even worse, whether He ever even existed.
Do you know anyone like that?
I do. There are many people in the world, today, who dismiss Jesus. After all, “It’s been 2000 years. Where is He?” they say. It’s actually pretty astonishing how similar what Peter writes in verse 4 is to what we hear, today:
“They will say, ‘Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.’” – 2 Peter 3:4
Not only is Jesus still coming, but it’s great that He hasn’t come, yet. Why? because He’s being patient so more people can be saved. How many of us have needed that patience?!
So, praise the Lord that God is taking it slow in arriving. It’s for our good. However, don’t forget that He will return. He will come like a thief in the night when no one expects it. So, keep your lamps lit and share your light with others.
Who knows, Jesus may come tomorrow…or today.
Dear Jesus,
Your love for us is great and You display that love in Your patience. Help me not to grow tired of waiting, but to use this time to let my light shine before others to the glory of Your name.