God's Love is in His Timing

Scripture: When Abimelech had ruled over Israel three years, God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the lords of Shechem. They treated Abimelech deceitfully. Judges 9:22-23

Observation: Abimelech promoted himself to be named king, and had his 70 half-brothers killed. His last remaining brother, Jotham, pronounces a curse upon him and the elders who have done this. The next thing that happens is ... nothing, for three years. Abimelech gets to be king, and everyone goes about their business. Of course, that ends when God decides the time has come, and he creates a rebellion between the elders and Abimelech, and everyone dies while entire cities are destroyed and baal temples burned down.

God does have a timing to everything, and the time between an evil action and God's judgment can take many forms. It can even look like blessing and peace. That may be because the judgment requires a proportionality that can only be achieved over time. If the elders and had 'oh, we shouldn't have made Abimelech king' and just removed him, that wouldn't have suited the evil of Abimelech nor of their own baal worship. By building the conflict, the judgment was complete and terrible.

Application: There are times I fear I am living in a time between my former evil actions and my future judgment. When I'm strong, I know that isn't true. I have repented, turned my life to God, accepted Jesus as my Lord and savior, and been forgiven. This is another reason for God's delayed judgment - the chance to repent - and I thank God for that delay.

However, I am not always willing to grant that delay to others. I wonder why some "wrongs" don't receive swift divine retribution. Certainly it is because God is wishing for their repentance.

God's timing, therefore, is further proof of his love. He is willing to hold his hand in the hopes of reconciliation. I was blessed by that love, and received God's greatest gift only because he did give me time to repent. I can both understand and accept that same opportunity for all others.

Prayer: Lord, there are people who I feel have hurt me, or will hurt me in the future. I hope I never again ask for their swift punishment and judgment. May part of the softening of my heart be an understanding of your timing, and confidence that you will address all matters as is ultimately appropriate, not reactionary to certain mistakes. You showed this love to me. May I at least understand that love when extended to all others. Amen.