Stephen was reviewing the history of the God of glory in Israel. He began with the patriarch, Abraham, whom God called.
(NASB) Acts 7:2-4 “…‘Hear me, brethren and fathers! The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran,
3 and said to him, ‘Leave your country and your relatives, and come into the land that i will show you.’
4 ‘Then he left the land of the Chaldeans and settled in Haran. From there, after his father died, God had him move to this country in which you are now living.”
The God of glory appeared to a pagan man living in what today is known as Iraq. There Abraham responded by leaving his homeland and traveled (without a GPS)… part way.
Abraham did begin his journey, he did leave his homeland. But… he took some of his relatives with him… his father and a nephew (Lot –
Genesis 12:4).
Abraham, was he like you? Responding to the living God – but only so far? Abraham had faith but not full obedience.
God was patient then… and He is patient now. He was long-suffering then, and He is continuing to be long-suffering today. God was kind to Abraham then… and He is kind today. God does not insist on His way but He does not turn aside from His purpose or plan… for anyone, or for any nation.
(NASB) 2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.”
The living God is unchanging… He is patient… patiently waiting for individuals to turn to Him through belief in His Son the Lord Jesus Christ… and He is kind toward you and me.
~ Take it to heart ~
Are you responding to the unchanging, patient, kindness of God,
by repenting?