The prophet Ezekiel wrote about God’s judgment coming against Tyre and Zidon in chapter 28 and then against Egypt in chapter 29. When Daniel who was already in Babylon having been taken in the first deportation, spoke about God reigning in the kingdoms of men (Dan. 4:17). History tells us a great deal about empires, nations, thugs and rulers who believed their power was absolute. At times when evil seems to be the way of all men’s hearts, God’s people are reminded that God is observant and concerned about what men do with their lives.
God, in the days of Noah, saw a world that could not be redeemed. It was a world where the wickedness of man was so great and was growing (Gen. 6:5). At least the cause was addressed as Moses tells us that man’s imagination was on evil continually. Those years later in the cities of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah and Zeboim did not possess enough righteousness in them to stop the wrath of God from being poured out on them (Genesis 19). God would likewise deal with His own people in Israel and Judah. He would be forced by their yearning for evil to finally divorce them (Isa. 50:1). Israel would go into Assyrian captivity and Judah would in a short time later go into Babylonian captivity. Both actions were a result of the judgment of God.
What we find in prophets like Ezekiel, Daniel, Jeremiah and Isaiah is that those who were not God’s chosen people still faced the wrath of God. The message presented is that at times evil grows and the hearts of men turn from trusting God. Then things happen and mankind tires of the effects of sin and start searching for answers about life itself. God is not now nor has He ever been powerless. When one argues that God does not care what we do, they are given examples of Tyre. Zidon and Egypt and many more. No civilization can reject the knowledge of God for any length of time and long survive (Prov. 1:7). The book of Psalms speaks about all the inhabitants of the world being in awe of God (Psa. 33:8).
Aside from the days of Adam and Eve and Noah and his family coming out of the ark, there has never been a time when the righteous outnumbered the unrighteous. The idea then of all the inhabitants of the earth standing in awe of God is another way of saying that at time righteousness and moral conduct is what the world chooses. Once more not even in such times of revival of men’s spirits do we find everyone participating. The sad truth from the scriptures is that many will walk the broad way as opposed to the narrow way selected by the few (Matt. 7:13,14). I had rather live next door to moral or religious people than one who has no moral compass at all.
Inside the church Paul tells Corinth about any person, who is called a brother (I Cor. 5:11). Jude warned about those pretending to be Christians that they were spots on the body of Christ (verse 12). Paul warned the Galatians about false brethren being brought in (Gal. 2:4). My point is that God’s people having the truth does not necessarily mean that all will follow the way of God.
Those who are not ready to meet God must face this truth. That it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God (Heb. 10:31). Pharaoh believed he could cross the Red Sea just like his “slaves” did. Assyrians thought they could enter Jerusalem like they had done to all other cities. Babylon thought there was no way they could ever fall. History contains the ruins of civilizations, families and individuals who thought the judgment of God is always far away. We are all warned to be sober and vigilant (I Peter 5:8).