Thursday, June 16, 2016

In our last visit we said that one reason the Old Testament seems to be filled with more scenes of blood, gore and ruthless judgment rather than of God’s grace, compassion and love, is that God’s messengers were often reluctant and even rebellious, related to their call. Jonah was a case in point. Another reason is that those being addressed by God’s messengers were often either indifferent or arrogantly resistant. My wife recently saw a sticker on the back of a car, “I am One Happy Pagan!” As long as you can get away with sin it might appeal to you, to just be a pagan. It seems easy to find excuses to put off a response for another day. Peter addressed this in 2nd Peter 3:3-9, “First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, ‘Where is this “coming” he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation’…But do not forget…The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” Indifference to the truth has been a part of the world view of many. They don’t take God’s messengers or message seriously, and often disc or ridicule, or even persecute them. They don’t want to be bothered, thinking everything is going along fine. There mantra is, “Not to worry.” If that describes you, beware, “the day of the Lord will come like a thief!”