God’s Timing 上帝的定时

[Dexu Xia]

With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 2 Peter 3:8

Today's Scripture 2 Peter 3:8--13

Today's Insights

The apostle Peter, like other New Testament writers, was a student of the Old Testament. The book of 1 Peter contains several Old Testament quotes (see 1 Peter 1:24-25 [Isaiah 40:6-8]; 1 Peter 2:6-8 [Isaiah 28:16; Psalm 118:22; Isaiah 8:14]; 1 Peter 3:10-12 [Psalm 34:12-16]; 1 Peter 4:18 [Proverbs 11:31]). And even though his second letter doesn’t quote from specific Old Testament passages, 2 Peter 3:8 is a clear allusion to Psalm 90:4: “A thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night.” This psalm contains numerous references to time, contrasting God’s eternal nature with man’s transience. Because God loves us, we can rest securely, knowing that our times are in His hands and His timing is perfect.

Today's Devotion

Until 1967, units of time were scientifically measured by astronomical patterns: the spin of the earth and its revolution around the sun. But over the centuries, a problem emerged. The earth is actually slowing down in its orbit. Scientists discovered that the unit of the second is longer than it used to be. Gradual though this is, since the days of Christ, the world has “lost” a full three hours of measured time.

Of course, God created the ways we measure time: the astronomy of orbits and revolutions. Scientists’ calculations may be squishier than we’d thought, but we can stand firmly in Peter’s words: “With the Lord a day is like a thousand years” (2 Peter 3:8). He is arguing against doubters who complained that Jesus hadn’t returned yet: “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness” (v. 9). God works in His own time for His own purposes.

There’s more! God’s “timing” is born out of His love: “He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish” (v. 9). Jesus will return, and God wants everyone to have the opportunity to come to Him. This is an expression of His love. Meanwhile, we’re to “make every effort to be found spotless” (v. 14). 

Time, God, and love are linked together: In these last days God’s love is never squishy. It’s the one sure thing.

Reflect & Pray

How does thinking of God and time affect your own life? How might you live differently in light of this?

Dear God, it’s mind-boggling when we try to figure out the concept of time, but please help me embrace that my times are in Your hands. 

By Kenneth Peterson

在主看来，一日如千年，千年如一日。彼得后书3:8

今日经文：彼得后书3章8–13 节

今日洞见 使徒彼得与其他新约作者一样，是一位研习旧约的学者。彼得前书中有多处引用旧约的经文（参阅彼得前书1:24-25；以赛亚书40:6-8；2:6-8；3:10-12 8:14，16；诗篇118:22；诗篇34:12-16]；4:18 ；箴言11:31）。尽管他的第二封书信（即彼得后书）并未直接引用具体的旧约经文，但彼得后书3章8节显然是在暗指诗篇90篇4节中的话：“在你看来，千年如已过的昨日，又如夜间的一更。”诗篇90篇中有大量关于“时间”的论述，将上帝永恒的本质与人类生命的短与无常形成了鲜明对比。正因上帝爱我们，我们便可安然无惧，深知我们一生的时日皆掌握在祂手中，而祂所定的一切时间都是尽善尽美的。

 今日灵修 直到1967年以前，时间的计量单位在科学上一直是以天体运行的规律为依据的，即地球的自转及其绕日公转。然而，历经数个世纪，一个问题逐渐浮出水面：地球在其公转轨道上的运行速度实际上正在逐渐减慢。科学家们发现，如今的“一秒钟” 要比过去稍为长一点。尽管这种变化是极其缓慢且渐进的，但自基督降世至今，人类所测量的总时间实际上已经“流失”了整整三个小时。

当然，我们用来计量时间的种种方式，包括天体的轨道运行与公转周期，归根结底都是上帝创造的。尽管科学家们的计算结果或许比我们原先设想的要更具“弹性”（就是不那么绝对精确），但我们可以坚定地立足于彼得所说的话语之上：“在主看来，一日如千年”（彼得后书3:8）。他正在反驳那些抱怨耶稣尚未归来的怀疑者：“主并不是耽延他的应许，像有些人以为他是耽延”（9节）。上帝总是按着祂自己的时间表，为了祂自己的旨意而行事。不仅如此！上帝的“定时”源于祂的爱：“祂宽容你们，不愿有一人沉沦”（9节）。耶稣终将归来，而上帝希望每个人都能趁着还有机会归向祂。这正是上帝之爱的体现。在此期间，我们要“竭力使自己毫无罪污”（14节）。 时间、上帝与爱紧密相连：在这末世的日子里，上帝的爱绝非软弱无力；它是唯一确凿无疑的真理。 

反思与祷告    考察上帝与时间的关系，对你自身的生活有何影响？基于这一领悟，你将如何调整自己的生活方式？ 亲爱的上帝，当我们试图参透“时间”这一概念时，常感到难以查究、令人费解；但求祢帮助我欣然接纳这一事实：我的一生的光阴，都安稳地掌握在祢的手中。 作者：坎讷斯 彼得森