God's Salvation Will Not Be Late

The closing words of Isaiah chapter 46 highlight aspects of Jehovah's personality: "I have brought near my righteousness. It is not far away, and my own salvation will not be late. And I will give in Zion salvation, to Israel my beauty."  (Isaiah 46:13)  God's liberation of Israel will be an act of righteousness.  He will not allow his people to linger in exile. Zion's salvation will come at the appropriate time, it "will not be late."  Following their release from captivity, the Israelites will become a spectacle to the nations round about.  Jehovah's deliverance of his nation will be a testimony to his saving power.  The uselessness of Babylon's gods Bel and Nebo will be exposed for all to see, their impotence revealed.-1 Kings 18:39, 40.

In 1919, Jehovah brought about the release of his people from spiritual captivity. He was not late.  That event, as well as the events in ancient times when Babylon fell to Cyrus, encourages us today.  Jehovah has promised to bring an end to this wicked system of things, including its false worship.  (Revelation 19:1, 2, 17-21)  Looking at things from a human standpoint, some Christians may feel that their salvation has been delayed.  However, Jehovah's exercise of patience until his own due time to fulfill that promise is really an act of righteousness.  After all, "[Jehovah] does not desire any to be destroyed but desires all to attain repentance."  (2 Peter 3:9) Be assured, therefore, that just as in the days  of ancient Israel, "salvation will not be late."  Indeed,  as the day of salvation draws closer, Jehovah lovingly continues  to extend  the invitation:  "Search for Jehovah, you people, while he may be found. Call to him while he proves to be near. Let the wicked man leave his way, and the harmful man his thoughts; and let him return to Jehovah, who will have mercy upon him, and to our God, for he will forgive in a large way." -Isaiah 55:6, 7.

Next time: False Religion -Its Dramatic End Foreseen, Chapter Eight

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, Volume II, 2001