Today’s 333 Devotional: “Be Careful What You Ask”

As a pastor I continue to hear those who refuse to believe by making a mockery over what the Bible says. They say, “Seeing all the suffering in the world, why doesn’t God make it right.”

This is what the prophet Jeremiah heard from the doubters of his day. They said, “Where is the word of the Lord? Let it come now!” (Jeremiah 17:15)

And I wonder if they truly knew what they are asking.

People want God to establish justice, to send down fire from heaven and to do away with all the injustice and suffering in the world.

But what they don’t understand is that if they call down God’s justice, it won’t just be justice for them and punishment for others, it’ll be God’s wrath poured out on everyone.

The Bible states, “All have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory,” or short of God’s holy and righteous standards for life (Romans 3:23).

But God is kind, compassionate, and long suffering and in His mercy and grace He chooses not to rain down His wrath just yet.

If Jesus established justice on earth today, it would mean the end of the world as we know it. Our unsaved loved ones would have no more second chances to get right with God. They would discover to their dismay and horror that Judgment Day has arrived, and they’re on the wrong side of the law.

I am thankful, therefore, that God is giving us plenty of time to reconsider our ways. I thank God that He’s waiting with open arms for the world and for us to come back to Him.

Jeremiah said, “As for me, I have not hurried away from being a shepherd who follows You, nor have I desired the woeful day; You know what came out of my lips; it was right there before You. Do not be a terror to me; You are my hope in the day of doom.” (Jeremiah 17:16-17)