Just one glance at the news can make anyone wonder, “When are You coming, Lord?” It is a question God knows full well. In Luke Chapter 17, the teachers of the religious law asked Jesus the same thing: “When will [the Kingdom of God] come?” Jesus’ answer likely took them by all by surprise, “The Kingdom of God is already among you.” (verses 20-21)
The Kingdom of God takes residence within each and every person who welcomes Jesus into his or her life as Lord. Many of the disciples had experienced it, yet most of the religious leaders were still looking for it, blind to what was right in front of their eyes: Jesus, God in the flesh. (see John 1:1, 14) Interestingly, Jesus then turns to His followers (no longer addressing the religious leaders) and offers these illustrations:
- During the days of Noah, as people were mocking God and ridiculing Noah, God held back His righteous punishment until all of those on the earth who loved and trusted Him – who, in the end, amounted to only Noah and his family – were safe inside the ark. Then, the punishment of God came.
- In the days of Sodom, God held back His wrath until all of those in Sodom who loved and fully trusted Him – only Lot and his two daughters – were safe outside the city. Then, the judgment came.
Many are eager to embrace selective character traits of God (Merciful, Loving) yet they ignore His Holiness and Righteousness which require that wrongdoing be punished and Heaven remain Holy. God extends His offer to take away the stain of sin from everyone but He gathers only those who come to Him willingly. He will not force His love, or His Holy Heavenly Kingdom, upon anyone.
Trust Jesus today as your Lord and Savior. Just as Jesus was willing to step off His Heavenly Throne to bring you the Kingdom of God, His very Self, we, in turn, must step down from the throne of our hearts and invite Jesus to take our place as being King and Lord of our lives. Only then will we truly understand the immeasurable love of God who is holding Himself back, only for a time, from executing His Final Judgment upon the earth. The reason He is holding back, is you.
“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.” 2 Peter 3:9 NASB
Shadia Hrichi
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If He’s waiting on me, it might be awhile.
Praise God for His mercy – now I need to just come to that mercy!