2 Peter 3: 2 – 9, verse 4 “and saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation,’”
Dear God,
I praise and thank You, for another day, as well as my life, strength, protection, and for your answers to my prayers, Your everlasting love, care and provision, to name just a few of the manifestations of Your love toward the sinful human race and for me, every day.
Today I have again read in 1 Kings 13, about the prophet who was sent by You to talk to Jeroboam, leader of the Northern Israelite kingdom. He had substituted his form of worship that would lead the tribes of that kingdom away from their God and into idolatry. After the prophets warning, You split apart the alter upon which the idolatrous sacrifices were offered; as predicted. When Jeroboam held out his arm and said, “arrest this man”, You caused his arm to whither, and then later You restored the withered arm to whole again, “…. please entreat the favour of the Lord Your God, and pray for me, that my hand may be restored to me.”
It is so sad to read, that this same prophet who had faithfully delivered his message, and obediently would not tarry and eat with king Jeroboam, was led later to disobey Your instruction. He lost his life, as he had been told would happen, if he stopped and ate within the borders of Israel. You are the One and only true God, and do not view lightly the action of idolatry by someone who has formerly worshiped and obeyed You. You bring that person to account when he/she leads others into departing into idol worship. This is what Jeroboam had done.
Because You are Almighty God, I understand that Your requests are binding for us, and there must be a consequence (which may be immediate or at the final judgement) for disobedience. Anarchy or disobedience only happens on earth, under the influence and instruction of the devil; for the angels in heaven delight to do the will of God.
Please dear God, ever keep before me Your loving self, so that I never depart from You. It is the Holy Spirit who works in me (us) before and after we give our heart and lives to You, for this is what I must have, for in no way am I righteous or wise. You God also require my love and obedience.
O blessed thought! It does not matter how long we wait in time for Jesus to come and take His righteous home to heaven, we know the promise is true, for historically You have always delivered on promises and all predictions made, because as God, Almighty, You are in control of all things.
Peter the disciple of Jesus writes, it was by the word of God that the earth and heavens were created, and when there was absolute wickedness on earth, the flood came as predicted. Now people again live on the earth and wickedness is increasing. Based upon history and Your prophetic predictions, I believe that one day soon there will be a final judgement, with the removal of the righteous from wicked earth and the destruction of all wickedness. Because of the length of time passed since Jesus spoke of His coming back to earth; some people have lost their faith that He is still coming back to collect all those who have kept their hope in His promise. As the many years have passed it is apparent His coming will occur as the first did: after a very long wait.
God I give You all my praise, for your love is so profound that the plan has been to save as many as possible unto eternal life, as opposed to eternal death. 2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is long suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”
Amen