Remember Frank and Ernest? One of these lovable cartoon characters offers an opportunistic prayer. “Lord, is it true that a thousand years are like a minute to you?” “Yes,” the Lord answered. Frank continued, “And is it true that a million dollars are like a penny?” “Yes,” the Lord answered. “Lord, could you give me a penny?” The Lord answered in the affirmative, “Sure. In just a minute.” So, in a thousand years, he would get that million dollars!
Peter and his contemporaries were dealing with the passing of time after Christ ascended. Some had lost loved ones and begun to doubt that Christ would ever return. What was taking so long? Do you ever wonder that? Peter wrote to those first-generation Christians, reminding them that our eternal God views time differently. God is not slow, but he is patient. God is giving everyone a chance to repent.
Advent means “coming.” In this Advent season, we may begin to doubt the reality of Christ’s return. Peter reminds us that Christ’s coming will be sudden. Heaven and earth will be laid bare. How then shall we live? Holy and godly. Our eschatology (beliefs about the end times) informs our ethics. As we look forward to a new heaven and a new earth, we make every effort to live spotless, blameless lives at peace with God. How soon could Christ return? In just a minute.
