Ever have those days when you just can't get it all done? I apologize for being so late in the day getting this entry done. I need to clone myself two or three times!
Sometimes I am longing to hear from God and then, when I do, I am a little unnerved by what he says. Today is one of those instances. I'm reading Isaiah 63:1-6. Go ahead and check it out. It's a little unusual in the way it's written, as though the prophet is a news reporter interviewing God as he returns from battle. What strikes you?
For the day of vengeance was in my heart, and the year of my redemption has come. (v. 4)
This text can best be described as a war cry of the Prince of Peace! It's one of those texts that makes us uncomfortable. I dwell on the goodness and grace of God, the unconditional love he gives the world through Jesus. And that is the emphasis of the Good News! But every now and then Jesus reminds me that he is also the Warrior King. He is no one to be toyed with. It's not a good idea to set yourself up as his enemy. He will love you and then he will splatter your blood all over himself. By the way, this text is the background of the similar description of Jesus in Revelation 19:11-18.
I feel intimidated by this violent picture God paints of himself. But the above statement in verse 4 helps me to understand something important. God's promise to bring judgment and destruction on the rebellious sinners of the world who refuse his free offer of forgiveness and grace is directly connected to his promise to deliver those who do. God's vengeance and redemption go hand-in-hand. There really is a Hell and it is for those who refuse Heaven. There will be justice done in God's universe. He is willing to pardon anyone for anything if they just repent of their evil and choose the source of Life, Love and Peace. But for those who don't, he will eventually have enough of them.
God lets us go through a lot here. Sometimes I'm outraged by things that happen to good people. I wonder why he would allow it, and I sometimes question his heart. But texts like this one remind me that all the innocent victims of abuse will one day be avenged and the victory will belong to God and his faithful people. In God's Kingdom, vengeance and salvation are two sides of the same coin.
Why not share your thoughts and impressions with us? Comment below.
As life passes on and we grow older this realization that life's choices do make a huge difference. Immediately as I read your thoughts, Chris, I was reminded of Job. Also Ecclesiastes 11:9 --
ReplyDelete"Be happy...while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you to judgment."
And then the thought that I always try to keep in my mind and heart follows in 12:13-14:
"...here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil."
Sometimes it is a comfort to know that GOD KNOWS ALL...but then at other times that is NOT such a comforting thought! Life has its checks and balances.
The conclusion of the matter to me is ultimately this: Thank you God for sending Jesus my Savior to die and give the chance to be at peace with You on that last great Day!
K.B.
That's so true! Thank God for the deliverance he has promised us in Jesus! That's so worth celebrating!
ReplyDelete