2 Maccabees 6:13 NRSV “In fact, it is a sign of great kindness not to let the impious alone for long, but to punish them immediately.”
Some believe this book to be part of scripture and others do not but, regardless, this verse and the paragraph it comes from states something very important. If you read the surrounding sentences, you will see that the writer understands the truth that I give swift guidance to those I love the most, who are called according to My purposes, so that they will be able to adjust their behavior quickly rather than be delayed. This is a blessing and not a curse.
I know it can be really hard to connect the dots when the consequences of your actions do not come swiftly and I apologize for that. It was necessary not to give the full consequence of actions for those who do not believe in Me right away because they then see Me as a spiteful and cruel god. I am not a spiteful and cruel God and I don’t like to punish anyone, but when it is important for people to change their behavior for their own good then I must do something.
If you have a child who misbehaves, and you know that it will cause the rest of their life to be limited in some way then you will do something when they are young. If they are a total brat because they always get what they want, when they want, then you begin to delay what you give to them because you know that to grow up and expect everything instantaneously leads to great misfortune and the desire for things that are not important.
This is how I am also. I give many good gifts to My children and yet I also withhold some, requiring patience, so that My children recognize that I am the greatest gift they have available to them. A relationship with Me is what they actually seek, not the stuff they request or desire.
Sometimes, I give people exactly what they ask for, as instantaneously as they would like, in order to show them, like I did King Solomon, that it is empty and leads to destruction of their soul. Eventually, hopefully, they realize that what they seek is not what they want, and they turn to Me, even if at their last moment of breath, and find what they truly seek.
Do not envy the ultra-rich when they do not know Me.
They are seeking that which they cannot find through their wealth.
Do not criticize or scorn the ultra-rich who do know Me. They have been blessed greatly so that they can use their wealth for the Kingdom of Heaven.
Do not desire wealth over all else. It will not satisfy.
Desire, instead, the best possible relationship with me so that all these things can come to you also. Let go of anything that you desire in this world and seek Me first (Matthew 6:33) so that there is no danger in Me giving you the Kingdom.
Prayer:
Lord, it is very challenging to let go of this world and seek You first because my needs are so obvious here and sometimes You feel more distant than this world. Help me see that You are here with me, at this moment and You are the very thing I desire more than anything else in the world. Please bring punishment or discipline to me swiftly when I desire or seek things that are not good for me so that I may adjust my behavior and seek what You know is best for me.
Thank You Lord!
Amen
I believe this is a message to us from God, written from His perspective – Sherri
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