(Published in Penned From the Heart - 2011)“And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.” - 1 John 2:28 (NKJV)
Those in Peter’s day had the same question people do today. When will Christ return? Scoffers like to ridicule faithful Christians about our predictions of this blessed event. Peter answered their question by explaining that time has no relevance for the Lord.
Newton may have discovered the laws of nature, but God set them all into motion. He even set up His calendar of events before the beginning of time (Titus 1:2). God sees the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10), and His Word predicts the damnable results of our human choices.
Therefore, His patience prevents Him from returning until the cup of His wrath is full (Revelation 14:10; Romans 2:5). He is actually unwilling for anyone to suffer the torments of hell forever. Now, when people complain to me that my God does not keep His promises, I remind them that God loves them too much to come too soon.
Prayer:
Lord God, thank You for Your inclusive patience and unfailing grace. Teach us not to grow weary in doing good, but to look forward to
Your imminent return as we continue telling others about Your eternal love.
Thought for the Day:
God loves us the most when we deserve it the least.