“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” ( 2 Peter 3:9).
When the Lord “said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing'’ ( Gen 12:1-2), history would prove over and over again this prophetic truth. Since then the direct descendats of Abraham- the Jews- have been a tremendiously blessed people. In almost every field, but most particular in business and academic world, the Jews dominate.
But just at the same times Jews have had their share of sorrows. Much as they would be blessed; there was also a caveat. For the Lord said, “If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God” ( Deuteronomy 28: 1-2). Yet also, “However, if you do not obey the Lord your God and do not carefully follow all his commands and decrees I am giving you today, all these curses will come on you and overtake you” (vv 15).
In later times, not only would many reject Christ as the Messiah but also turn away from God! In 1940-5 scattered from the land God gave Abraham they suffered a holocaust, with a certain intent to wipe all of them out!
And how does this speak to us presently. What God says will come to pass, no question. The God who blesses us also is the God who withdraws favors when we disobey him!
But what is comforting is even in our disobedience God is merciful. For He says, “For just as you were at one time disobedient to God but now have received mercy because of their disobedience, so they too have now been disobedient in order that by the mercy shown to you they also may now receive mercy” (Romans 11:30-31).
Today, whatever may be troubling you as separating you from God, know that he is a merciful God, eager and ready to receive those that come to him in repentance.
Prayer today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, not only does your word go out in vain, through it we find mercy, from which all your blessings follow and which I receive as your child, this I pray in Jesus’s name!
