“Therefore say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: None of my words will be delayed any longer; whatever I say will be fulfilled, declares the Sovereign Lord.’” (v.28)
Here in chapter 12 Ezekiel is telling the people that God’s patience and longsuffering with them has now come to the point where He will no longer “delay” in fulfilling His words of judgment against them. The warning was taken lightly. The people did not deny that Ezekiel spoke the word of God; but they comforted themselves with the idea that it was not likely to be fulfilled for some time yet. “The vision that he saw is for many days to come.” God, on the other hand, said, “It shall be no more delayed.”
Many people today treat the return of Christ like the Israelites treated God’s warnings of judgment (Matt. 24:37–44; 2 Peter 3:3–10). They think either it can’t happen soon or it won’t happen at all. They doubt God can or will keep His promises. They scoff at the notion of judgment on sin. But Jesus said, “I will come like a thief in the night” (Matthew 24:44). Therefore, one must be prepared before hand, or it will be to late.
The Truth: “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.” (2 Peter 3:9-10)
Here in chapter 12 Ezekiel is telling the people that God’s patience and longsuffering with them has now come to the point where He will no longer “delay” in fulfilling His words of judgment against them. The warning was taken lightly. The people did not deny that Ezekiel spoke the word of God; but they comforted themselves with the idea that it was not likely to be fulfilled for some time yet. “The vision that he saw is for many days to come.” God, on the other hand, said, “It shall be no more delayed.”
Many people today treat the return of Christ like the Israelites treated God’s warnings of judgment (Matt. 24:37–44; 2 Peter 3:3–10). They think either it can’t happen soon or it won’t happen at all. They doubt God can or will keep His promises. They scoff at the notion of judgment on sin. But Jesus said, “I will come like a thief in the night” (Matthew 24:44). Therefore, one must be prepared before hand, or it will be to late.
The Truth: “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.” (2 Peter 3:9-10)
