The Lord Knows How

II Pet. 2:9

"Then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment."

Thankfully, God promises to keep the unrighteous under punishment. After reading this passage, I see that this promise is really a big deal because of the nature and character of the evil ones. What a rap sheet!

• indulge in the lust of defiling passion
• despise authority
• bold and willful
• blaspheme glorious ones with ease
• like irrational animals, creatures of instinct, born to be caught and destroyed in their destruction
• blaspheme that which they have total ignorance
• take pleasure in daytime revels
• blots and blemishes
• revel in deception
• eyes full of adultery, insatiable for sin
• entice unsteady souls
• hearts trained in greed
• accursed children
• forsake the right way
• love gain from wrongdoing
• waterless springs and mists driven by a storm
• speak loud boasts of folly
• entice by sensual passions of flesh
• slaves of corruption

How horrible! It is overwhelming to see the full scope of the wickedness of the human heart! What is the future for those who are consumed with evil? The gloom of utter darkness is reserved for them. So when God states categorically that He can rescue the righteous from the wicked it is not a empty promise. It is monumental!!

Not only does God know the character of these people, but He gives examples of His judgment on these people: the fallen angels who were cast into gloomy darkness awaiting judgment; the world during Noah's time except for the 8 righteous ones; the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and the rescue of Lot. God did rescue His righteous ones, and He will not change. What a promise for believers!!!

Father,

Keep my eyes focused on You and You alone. Keep me from being ensnared by the evil ones in my world. Thank You for Your promise of care and protection.

In Jesus name,

Amen