“20because they formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water.” – 1 Peter 3:20 (ESV)
Here I see the reference to the patience of God even as far back as Noah. Only eight people were saved from the flood and destruction of the world. God waited for more people to follow Him and trust in Him until the ark was completed.
God put in plenty of time waiting as it took about 100 years for Noah to complete the build. It is difficult for us to fathom this time as I did a little research and found that a group rebuilt the ark in modern times and only took 2 years. So God’s patience with the people was certainly plentiful. It is not like God told Noah to build the ark and said, you got 2 years so get to it. God allowed plenty of time, although that time was not written, for people to come to Him.
Now that Christ has died for our sins and transgressions, God continues to wait. He is waiting and giving everyone a chance for repentance and salvation. He waits for us to follow Him. He waits for us to surrender to Him. Again, there is no time written, but shouldn’t that create some urgency on our part to get going?
When you think about where you are, are you following Christ? Have you gone to Him to declare your devotion to outward willingness to follow Him? Did you know that God is waiting on you?
Trevor's Thoughts 