The Coming Judgement of the Lord

(6/11/23)

"He who testifies to these things says, 'Surely I am coming soon.' Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!"

Revelation 22:20

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It's been almost 2,000 years since the Apostle John recorded Jesus' final words in the Book of Revelation where Jesus confirmed His soon return. For many, 2000 years is a long wait and scoffers scoff at the idea of His coming ever becoming a reality. This is the mindset that Peter warned the early Christians about in 2nd Peter 3:3-4 where he states,

"knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. (4) They will say, 'Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.'”

Scoffers hear the truth of Jesus' return and want to know what is preventing God from fulfilling His Word now. However, it is this very same coming that will condemn them and bring them to destruction ( 2 Pet. 3:7 ). Although they scoff at God's "slowness" in fulfilling His promises, they miss the true reason why it has taken so long for Jesus to return. The wait has not been a mishap on God's part, but it serves as an act of mercy shown towards unbelievers. Peter points out,

"The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance" ( 2 Pet. 3:9 ).

When that day comes, it will surprise many like a thief ( 2 Pet. 3:10 ). Until then, God has blessed the world with time to hear the truth of the gospel and of Jesus' return. Let us use each day to reach the scoffers and the unbelievers for God's Kingdom as we wait expectantly knowing that God is not being slow in His timing, but rather allowing each day another to repent.

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God, Creator of the heavens and the earth, fix my eyes on my eternity and the eternity of those around me. Help me to embrace the reality of Jesus' soon return and to lead more people to You because of that truth. Work in the hearts of scoffers and draw them to You as well, please. Thank You for the mercy You are showing to this world.

In Jesus' Name, I pray, Amen.