Revelation 9:20–21: “But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, that they should not worship demons, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk. And they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts.”

September 2nd, 2022 by Pastor Ed in devotional

The Lord must allow one-third of humanity to die in His attempt to bring the remaining to repentance. Certainly God did something similar to Pharaoh and the nation of Egypt during the plagues under Moses’ leadership. How sad and strange that in spite of these judgments, two-thirds of earth’s population still doesn’t come to real repentance. Not only do they refuse to repent, it is clear that they continue to seek help from “their sorceries” rather than turn to the living God.

The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 2:4: “Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?” Our heavenly Father’s kindnesses toward us are meant to draw us back to Him, causing us to repent of our sins. He pours out compassionate acts and circumstances, help and blessings as good gifts from Him, to embarrass us in our selfish sinful condition. We do read here about the judgment of God that is coming, but it is His grace, His goodness, and His mercy that ultimately attracts us. That is no doubt why we are called to pass it on to others and show kindness to them.

The 17th-century British pastor and author John Bunyan said: “You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.” From the other direction, Jewish rabbi Abraham Heschel said, “When I was young, I admired clever people. Now that I am old, I admire kind people.” If we want to win others to the Lord, it is clear that kindness is God’s preferred method.

“LORD, help us to show Your kindness to others while we can still walk in the light of day. May Your power flow through us to reach them for You this day.”