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Consider the passage of time.

Physicists debate its existence or nature.

Philosophers think aloud of its linear, circular, and concentric qualities.

Theologians remind us that it is infinite within a sphere of eternity and finite for our lives.

Ordinary people know that it moves too quickly in some respects and too slowly in others – like when we are waiting for the objects of our highest hopes.

Today, as we continue Advent meditations, let us examine some of the words in 2 Peter 3:1-10 in the NRSV translation.

This is now, beloved, the second letter I am writing to you; in them I am trying to arouse your sincere intention by reminding you that you should remember the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets, and the commandment of the Lord and Savior spoken through your apostles.

First of all you must understand this, that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and indulging their own lusts and saying, "Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since our ancestors died, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation!"

Scoffers throw time in our faces. They know how weary we can be and they know the weariness of their own souls. Scoffers come in a variety of forms and from a variety of perspectives. Two stand out.

One, there are those who are as frustrated, discouraged, and beaten-down as we are. They are crying out for answers and hope.

Two, there are those who are among the oppressors and detractors. They set out to belittle, undermine, and rebuke of those who hope.

Of course, some fall into both categories or along a continuum between the poles.

They deliberately ignore this fact, that by the word of God heavens existed long ago and an earth was formed out of water and by means of water, through which the world of that time was deluged with water and perished.

Peter wants to arouse our intentions, attention, faith, and remembrance by letting us know that these things are to be expected. It is a recurring theme. We are not to surprised, alarmed, offended, or defensive in the face of scoffing and worse.

But by the same word the present heavens and earth have been reserved for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the godless.

Things are being held together by a strong thread  of wisdom, grace, and providence by God. All will be judged and justice will prevail. Everything wrong will be destroyed. Truth will displace lies and deception. Righteousness will displace oppression and grace will triumph over disgrace. It is only a matter of time.

The Advent of the Messiah is an announcement of that coming Day of the LORD when all will be set aright.

But do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day.

What do we really know about time? 

Since Einstein's Theory of Relativity emerged from his magnificent brain, we thought of it as an absolute, something we could in a box, something defined by our own planet's experience in a solar system that is part of an incomprehensible galaxy which is a minor fractional piece of a vaster universe that boggles the mind. We do not know how time is defined with creation much less the Creator.

Here is what we know:

The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance.

God's got it.

He made it.

He understands it.

He is managing it.

He is not alarmed.

He is not rushed.

He is not late.

Besides all of that, He knows how much earth-time it takes to accomplish His purposes and to redeem as many people and systems as possible. He is working in the open and behind the scenes and has not abandoned His people nor His intentions. He wants everyone to turn around. He wants all to come to Him. So, He is patient with us.

Perhaps we could learn some patience with Him.

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and everything that is done on it will be disclosed. 

We do not have a calculator, time-table, chart, system, to-do list, or cohesive theology that can facilitate a prediction of exactly how He will bring it all to pass or when.

We do not need those things. We just need Him and His promises.

We need to be carrying on, living on tiptoe, walking by faith, fixing our hope on Jesus, radicalizing our lives by rooting them in truth.

We need to be living prophetically, consistently, and compassionately in the world.

We need to be remembering that a thousand years is nothing to God and, someday, will seem as nothing to us.

A blessed Advent to you and to yours.