2023_10_04 Insight Post- Rusty Coram

In our reading this week we see God as the sovereign Lord of all the world. No power, ruler, or regime is above or beyond His reach. After warning His people for years (see Jeremiah 2:2-30) God executed the justice and punishment that could have been avoided but became their reality. God demonstrated His awesome and unlimited power by using ungodly nations as His agents of discipline (see Jeremiah 25:11-12).

What amazes me as I read is not God’s amazing power, but His approachable nature. Often those who wield great power are distant and inaccessible, but not our God. He is available and invites us to come to Him. If we humbly approach Him we will find He is there. In Habakkuk chapter 1 we hear the prophet’s complaint on behalf of the people about the wicked prospering: “Will you let them get away with this forever? Will they succeed forever in their heartless conquests?”  Habakkuk 1:17 (NLT) Then God responds, not with lightning bolts of rage, but this patient and gentle reply, Then the Lord said to me, “Write my answer plainly on tablets, so that a runner can carry the correct message to others. ³ This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed.” Habakkuk 2:2–3 (NLT)

God hasn’t brought justice as quickly as the people want, but He will bring it at the right time. His timing includes both opportunities for people to repent, and for the wicked to pile up offenses that prove He is just in His actions. In the New Testament, we read about God’s timing, “The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. ¹⁰ But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment.”  2 Peter 3:9–10 (NLT)

We never see all that God is doing, but we can trust that He is acting deliberately and in line with His perfect purposes. We can always come to Him humbly with our fears, tears, questions, concerns, and hopes. He is available and approachable.