2 Peter 2:4-6 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly.
I wonder why people today think that God has changed His mind regarding mercy and judgment. As we read in the opening text, God dealt with the ungodly with judgment and the righteous with mercy. I grieve in my spirit each day as I see the multitudes who have been lured into the enemies net of deception. Why are we quick to listen to the things that tickle our ears and please our flesh and then turn around and question the word of God? The explanation is simple. We have allowed our sinful nature to rule our life
because we love pleasure more than commitment, instant gratification more than sacrifice, and we want it right now instead of waiting patiently for God. Ouch!
This is what I believe God has laid on my heart. The word of the Lord has purpose and even though it hurts to hear the truth at times, it is necessary for bringing change. For those who have been seeking and following the Lord to the best of your ability, keep going. For those who have been struggling lately, hold on to the promises of God and put your faith in His word, for victory is coming to those who refuse
to throw in the towel. Just as God sent His prophets with a word of warning to those who have allowed compromise to rule their life, He is still sending a wake up call to His people today.
God always extends His mercy before judgment comes. I believe the door of mercy is wide open today and I also believe that judgment is right around the corner. Jesus told us that the end times would be very
similar to the days of Noah. The old world was judged by a great flood because mankind was consumed by wickedness. Think about it for a minute. Every man, woman, boy, girl, grandparent, as well as newborn child were destroyed by the flood of judgement. The opening text stated that Noah was a preacher of righteousness. I believe this is where mercy could have been applied. An anointed preacher will warn people of God’s coming judgment and instruct people to turn from their wicked ways and return to the Lord. Ezekiel 33:11 Say unto them, As I live, saith t he Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? You see, God's desire was for people to turn around and
come back to Him. Noah preached and warned the people and yet they made light of it until it was too late. When the door of the ark closed shut, mercy was no longer available. The people sung a different tune when the skies began to open and rain started to pour forth. “Noah, please, please, open the door, we believe you now.” Noah, please take my precious child inside, don’t let him die.” Just a week before the people walked by and mocked and ridiculed the man of God and now they are pleading with him.
Do you see the similarities in the day we live in? People want to go to heaven as long as they don’t have to make a commitment to get there. I truly believe there is good in most people, however, our goodness will never be good enough. God will never change His mind when it comes to His word. We will obey it or deny it, we will either turn to Him or turn away from Him, and we will either be saved or we will be lost. Jesus said it as plain as the nose on our faces. John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. The new birth brings a change in our life. The Holy Spirit is alive and working in us each and every day. We
have power to live victorious through Christ and do not need to be a servant to sin. My friend, God is going to fulfill His word and there will be no excuse good enough why you neglected the gift of eternal life. God is love and also He is just. Mercy is here today and yet there is no guarantee you will have access to it tomorrow. Have you turned from your way unto His? He waits patiently and
calls you by name. Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. This invitation goes forth today from the Lord.
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