What thoughts does the title bring to your mind?
A God of wrath beating me (church, people group, nation) for some supposed misdemeanor?
Does that response align with the nature, attributes and character of Jahweh, the Christian / Jewish God revealed in the Bible?
Or is this the image of a god of your own making / imagination?
Psalm 19:7-11 speaks of Jahweh's (LORD) laws, precepts, statutes, judgements, justice, ordinances, decisions, plans.
The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul;
the statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart;
the commands of the LORD are radiant giving light to the eyes.
The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring for ever;
the ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous.
They are more precious then gold, than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.
By them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
Wow, can you say that of your god?
Revives - green pasture, refreshing water, restoration (Psalm 23).
Joy - not fleeting happiness (John 15:11).
Radiance - healthy outlook (Matthew 6:22).
Gold - focus / ambition (Matthew 13:44).
Honey - opportunity to sit back and relax.
Warning - boundaries, guard rails.
Rewarding - not a fun spoiler.
1 John 4:8 tells us that "God is love" and our behaviour indicates whether we belong to God or not (Matthew 7:20).
"God is love" simple slogan but what "is love"?
Love is not god, but "God is love" - so how does God (Jahweh) define love?
We find His definition in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8.
God is patient,
God is kind,
God does not envy,
God does not boast,
God is not proud,
God is not rude,
God is not self-seeking,
God is not easily angered,
God keeps no record of wrongs,
God does not delight in evil,
God rejoices with the truth,
God always protects,
God always trusts,
God always hopes,
God always perseveres,
God does not fail.
Wow, can you say that of your god?
So where does this idea of a wrathful god beating me (church, people group, nation) for some supposed misdemeanor come from?
In Luke 15:11-32 told a parable to illustrate the character of God, how some of those attributes listed above work out in practice.
He gave both son's freedom.
The younger son's pigpen experience was the outworking of his choices, not actions of a wrathful father.
He did not force a solution on the son (Jahweh is omnipresent - so was the father aware of what was happening?).
He did not change the family home to suite the son's desired lifestyle (convert it into a brothel?).
The elder son did not have a goat for a party with his friends - because he did not ask the father!
Psalm 89 also speaks of Jahweh's (LORD) laws, His attributes and His character.
Love, faithfulness, keeping covenant.
The psalmist (Ethan) asks the question "How does your god compare with Jahweh?".
The foundation of Jahweh's throne is mentioned - righteousness and justice.
Can a god of justice overlook injustice 'in the name of love'?
Can a god of righteousness overlook evil 'in the name of love'?
On what foundation does the kingdom of your god stand?
How does a God of righteousness / justice respond to evil / injustice?
We find the answer in Psalm 89:32 I will punish their sin with the rod, their iniquity with flogging.
But ... in Psalm 89:33-34 there is a but!
I will not take away my love, I will not betray my faithfulness, I will not violate my covenant, I will not alter what my lips have uttered.
Wow, awesome. Hebrews 10:31 puts it like this...
It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
Are you man enough to fall down and worship Jahweh (LORD)?
Worship the creator God who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and on whom your life depends (Revelation 14:7).
Will you do that now while you have the opportunity, before the door of opportunity closes (Hebrews 9:27)?
Or will you test God's patience and experience the day of His wrath (2 Peter 3:9, Romans 1:18-2:16, Revelation 16)?
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in writing the above decided I needed to add these footnotes, for my own sanity!
Jahweh's Nature - refers to His essence.
His fundamental being, His eternality, ominpresence, omnipotence.
Jahweh's Attributes - describe His characteristics or qualities.
His nature in action - love, justice, mercy, wisdom.
Jahweh's Character - moral and ethical qualities that define His personality.
The foundation for His actions and interactions with humanity.
Encompasses His faithfulness, holiness, righteousness and truthfulness.