Active and Diligent Waiting

Read: 2 Peter 3:11-18

Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these things, strive to be found by him at peace. (v. 14)

Waiting is a passive verb. Growing up, being told to “wait patiently” meant that I should stop fidgeting or fussing and sit quietly. How boring! Time slows down in situations like that and it is hard work to wait, especially for kids.

By contrast, waiting on the Lord is an active verb. Like a host waiting for guests to arrive, there is much to be done to get ready. The church in Peter’s day was eagerly anticipating the return of Christ. After years of waiting, Jesus had not yet returned. Some people gave up. They followed false teachers who said that Jesus would never come back, and they fell into sin. Others waited patiently but passively, withdrawing from society and expecting Jesus to come and take them out of this world. In the face of these two options, Peter called the church to active waiting–to live preparing for Christ’s return. Peter asks, “What sort of persons ought you to be in leading lives of holiness and godliness?” (v. 11)

Lent is a season of waiting and anticipation. We wait for Easter and the resurrection, but we ultimately long for Christ’s return. During Lent we walk diligently down the road of discipleship. We love and worship God, care for our neighbor, and humbly serve in the world God has made. How will you actively wait for Christ today? –Stephen Shaffer

Prayer: Lord, help me to be diligent in waiting for you.