“Listen to me, you hard hearted, far removed from justice: I am bringing my justice near; it is not far away, and my salvation will not delay. I will put salvation in Zion, my splendor in Israel” (Isaiah 46.12-13).

The unbelieving still discover God in the design and work of creation. Those who sincerely study the Scriptures find that the prophecies recorded have never failed and some have yet to come to pass. False prophets and religions are not comparable or equal with God (46.5). Still, God’s justice and salvation are not far away for the unbelieving or even the pseudo religious. God’s mercy toward those who reject Him is truly staggering.

Some people make no qualms about the sin in their lives. Their sin does not humble them. They don’t agonize over it. “No man repented of his wickedness, saying, ‘What have I done?’” (Jeremiah 8.6). They are not anxious about future judgment or think about the need of personal salvation. They are hard-hearted and far removed from justice.

Yet, God brings both justice and salvation to all of them. He did this through the person and work of Jesus Christ. God sent His only begotten Son into the world to be the once-for-all sacrifice for sin. Jesus was despised and rejected by unbelieving, hard-hearted people. But He did not despise them. He prayed with His last breaths, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” 

The salvation of God is near. It will not delay. It is not exclusively Israel’s salvation. It is for all who are bound by sin. It is even for the hard-hearted. Father, humble the sinner. Break the hard-hearted. May they fear You before it is too late for them. Help me to reflect Your kind, benevolent, and merciful character toward them.