Thus the speed of these creatures is represented as they hasten to and return from their various missions. “The bright light going among the living creatures with the swiftness of lightning represents the speed with which this work will finally go forward to completion” (5T 754). To men it oft appears that the divine purposes are long delayed. True there has been some delay, but “the Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). One day and soon, with ominous swiftness, bursting forth as an overwhelming surprise, the end will come, more quickly than men expect.