April 30, 2023

…looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved…  2 Peter 3:12a

The scenes of degradation and misery in the world are scenes upon which it is painful to dwell. The burden of it is too heavy to bear. Endeavoring to pen a description of even the smallest pocket of suffering would leave many writers paralyzed in anguish. Yet the Creator feels it all. Our limited view of the vast suffering in which the world languishes is more than enough— or should be! —for each of us to take hold of the fact that we can hasten the coming of the day of God. Our infinite Father’s great heart is in pain. All of the enemy attacks, oppression, negligence, and idolatry among His people (through whom He had ideally planned to win the whole world) came as a result of sin, defined as the breaking of the perfect law of Yahweh (see 1 John 3:4).

Following the leadership of Joshua into the “land flowing with milk and honey,” Israel should have been winning the world for God. But instead, they engaged in a downward spiral of corruption and insistence upon blending in with their pagan neighbors and practices—all instead of following God’s way. His soul was grieved for the misery of Israel. (Judges 10:16)

In all their affliction He was afflicted. Isaiah 63:9a

We often groan over the steadily-worsening condition of the world, but do we recognize the unfathomable suffering of Yahweh? These conditions were clearly prophesied for our benefit and understanding, but do we exercise our God-given energies toward hastening the day of Christ’s return? What was His action toward remedy and rescue? In order to destroy sin, He gave us His very best: His beloved Son, whose word teaches that He has placed within our power, through co-operation with His Holy Spirit, to hasten His return, bringing an end to this vast, overwhelming scene of misery.

Do I desire to bring delight and comfort to Yahweh by asking Him to guide me in reaching others for His sake? His Spirit helps my prayers—if I will pray them, and then endeavor to live in responsive obedience to His leading.

Likewise, the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Romans 8:26

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2

Jesus said: “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” Matthew 24:14