Live with Hope!

Job 24

Good morning! This is Pastor Jerry Ingalls from New Castle First Baptist Church and today is Wednesday, February 8.

Have you ever felt like God was slow in executing judgment upon the wicked and bringing justice to the poor and oppressed? In Job 24:1, Job asked a question that set the stage for the second half of his response to Eliphaz, “Why are times not stored up by the Almighty, and why do those who know Him not see His days?” In other words, why can’t we see God carry out His justice?

In 2 Peter 3:7-9, Peter presented an answer to this dilemma from the perspective of the fulfillment of God’s promise:

But by His word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.

The promises of God give us the certainty of what will be, even when we are confronted daily with the reality of what is. Yes, there is evil in the world, but Jesus has defeated it (Colossians 2:15) and all things will be brought “under His feet” (1 Corinthians 15:24-26). Your perspective on God’s justice will shape your effectiveness in this life. None of us are exempt from suffering, but will you focus on the brokenness of the world and allow yourself to become discouraged by it? Or will you be “looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness reigns… [and] be diligent to be found by Him in peace” (2 Peter 3:13-14)?

Seize the moment and live with hope for the fulfillment of the promises of God – all things will be made new in His time (Revelation 21:5)!

God bless you!

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YOUTUBE:

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