My natural inclination is to make an effort to be on time. If something’s going to start at the top of the hour, my preference is to be there a couple minutes before hand. I really don’t like being late . . . though I probably don’t get as bent out of shape about it as I once did. My youngest daughter is one of a class of 50 young people enrolled in a ministry internship program at a local church. They live “on campus” and have a crazy busy schedule . . . and their deal is that if you’re 5 minutes early, you’re late. They put such a premium on being on time and ready to go when things are scheduled to start, that you’re expected to be 6 minutes early . . . otherwise you get called out for being late. This morning I’m reminded that God is never late . . . and, though I doubt he’ll be 6 minutes early, I can be sure He will always be on time.

Peter continues to “stir up” the “pure mind” of the believers, reminding them to keep before them the words of the holy prophets and of the apostles (2Peter 3:1-2). Why? Because of those who will come in these last days scoffing at the truth . . . bringing into question God’s word . . . sowing seeds of doubt concerning His promises. And one promise they’ll particularly pick on is the promise of His coming. “Where is He?” they’ll ask. “How long are you going to wait for Him? How long will you keep an eye on the eastern sky? Really, what evidence is there that Jesus will return? Getting kind of late isn’t it?”

And Peter’s response? The Lord is always on time.

“But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” (2Peter 3:8-9)

The Lord is not “slack” concerning His promises . . . He is not “slow” . . . He’s doesn’t loiter . . . He does not tarry . . . He won’t be late. He won’t say He’ll do one thing and then do another . . . His “Yes” won’t be “No” . . . but His “Yes” is always “Yes” . . . “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ.” (2Cor. 1:20 NIV). If He said He’s coming . . . He’s coming . . . won’t be 5 minutes later . . . won’t be 6 minutes early either . . . but He will be on time.

God’s clock may be different than ours. Next weekend I’ll be moving our clocks back to PST (Pacific Standard Time) . . . but His is always on HST (Heaven’s Salvation Time) . . . one day as a thousand years . . . a thousand years as one day . . . each day the day of salvation . . . a reflection of God’s loving patience toward this rebellious world . . . the time He’s ordained to call sinners to Himself through the cross of Jesus. But the day His Son’s return is appointed . . . the hour is set . . . and He’ll be here . . . just as He promised . . . right on time.

I don’t know the time . . . but I know He won’t be late. I don’t know the day . . . but I know it could be today. And so, mine is to head out today in assurance and anticipation . . . because He’s always on time . . . Perhaps Today! Amen?