You know, I got to thinking about God having the last laugh at the expense of fools and mockers. But God is so good, that He does not put anyone to shame who lacks wisdom, as fools and mockers do, but gives wisdom to them if they come to the realization that they need it, and ask Him for it. The Psalmist asks the Lord the same question that is on our lips:
How long, O God, is the foe to scoff?
Is the enemy to revile Your name forever?
Why do You hold back Your hand, Your right hand?
Take it from the fold of Your garment and destroy them! Psalm 74:10-11
When the disciples asked Jesus if they should call fire down from heaven to consume the towns who rejected His word, He replied to them that they did not know of what spirit they were. In other words, that is not God’s way: destroying people in a fit of anger if they reject Him. The Psalmist goes on to answer his own question, of why God delays to reveal Himself as God, which would bring about the end of the age, and defend His honor:
Yet God my King is from of old,
working salvation in the midst of the earth. Psalm 74:12
Yes, God is not slow concerning His promise to return again, as some count slowness, but His patience forbears with foolishness and mockery — for a little time yet — unwilling that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. His truth and His glory will be established, His own right arm bringing it to pass so that no man may boast, so that the fool may see, and learn to fear the Lord, and leave his foolishness, and live. While the door to heaven still stands open. For a little time yet. This kindness is meant to bring the fool to repentance. But it makes me quake for them that ignorantly and arrogantly deride the Lord, or His word. Have mercy upon the foolish, Lord, and teach them Your fear, that they may live!
Leave a Reply