Ezekiel 12
The Severe Mercy of the Lord’s Delay!
Good morning! This is Pastor Jerry Ingalls from New Castle First Baptist Church and today is Saturday, June 15.
There are so many promises of God which have not yet been fulfilled. While we wait for the Day of the Lord, we live in dark days, filled with the death and destruction. For millennia, the people of God have cried out for the Lord to make His triumphant return visible, to commence His rule with an iron rod, and to make all things new. Why must the Lord delay His return? We add our voices to the countless generations who say, “How long O Lord? How long must you tarry in keeping Your Word?”
What we don’t realize is that the Lord’s delay is not a bad thing, but a severe mercy. In 2 Peter 3:9, the reason for the Lord’s delay is the salvation of the nations, “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.” Never forget that the Lord delays His return for the good of many, not only your friends and family, but also for those who are far off. In Ezekiel 12:22-23, the Lord addressed the prophet, admonishing the Hebrews for taking His patience for granted and mocking Him in their rebellion:
Son of man, what is this proverb you people have concerning the land of Israel, saying, “The days are long and every vision fails”? Therefore say to them, “Thus says the Lord God, ‘I will make this proverb cease so that they will no longer use it as a proverb in Israel.’ But tell them, ‘The days draw near as well as the fulfillment of every vision.’”
Seize the moment and live faithfully as the Day draws near. Pray for the fulfillment of every promise, but until He comes, shine His light through your good works (Matthew 5:14-16; Philippians 2:15-16).
God bless you!
If you would like to receive a personal phone call today, all you have to do is dial the phone number below right now and one of us will call you soon.
YOUTUBE:
If you prefer a video, Pastor Jerry reads his devotion on YouTube as well. Click HERE to visit the page.