Righteous Wrath

We've been journeying through the the whole Bible in our Sunday morning Bible study and are up to the Prophets, both major and minor.  Quite frankly, these books can be quite depressing and discouraging.  They speak of God bringing or going to bring severe discipline on His wayward children Israel.  And severe it was.  Utter destruction and enslavement was being predicted for His rogue nation.  It couldn't get any more dire than that. 

But I've been noticing a few others things as well.  God's discipline is always just, as is His hatred of sin.  Also, there was always a remnant.  There is always a promise of restoration.  And this brings me great hope, as I am one that strays easily and often. 

God's punishment is never malicious.  His wrath at sin may be great, but there is always the eye on drawing His people back to purity and renewed relationship.  There is always purpose.  Sin brings about destruction of our hearts long before we see the physical manifestations of consequences.  God's discipline brings justice, teaching, cleansing and hopefully, ultimately restoration to Himself. 

I've have committed many a grievous sin in my life.  I deeply regret many of my past choices.  But I hang onto the truth of Romans 8:28  And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.   

God has a purpose for Israel.  And even though He sent terrible chastisement upon this nation, He did not forget them or discard them.  And it is the same with you and I.  We may come under His discipline for a time, but we can choose to repent and turn back to Him, restoring our relationship with our loving Father. 

From Joyce Meyer, "Everything God does concerning our lives and our relationship with Him is for our good."  Everything.  Just like it says in Romans 8:28.  Everything.  And that includes punishing us for sin.   Hebrews 12:11  No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.

I've been given so much hope from this God visit.  I am so encouraged to see the promise of restoration even for the most broken down, sin filled, bottom of the barrel life.  I've been there.  Some days it feels like I still am.  There is always the promise of His arms open to receive the prodigals. 

Isaiah 49 14 Yet Jerusalem says, “The Lord has deserted us;

    the Lord has forgotten us.”

15 “Never! Can a mother forget her nursing child?

    Can she feel no love for the child she has borne?

But even if that were possible,

    I would not forget you!

16 See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands.

    Always in my mind is a picture of Jerusalem’s walls in ruins.

17 Soon your descendants will come back,

    and all who are trying to destroy you will go away.

18 Look around you and see,

    for all your children will come back to you.

As surely as I live,” says the Lord,

    “they will be like jewels or bridal ornaments for you to display.

Lord, there is no way to thank You enough for the encouragement You give.  Lord, even Your discipline is meant for our good.  Give us hearts of repentance.  Forgive and restore.   Thank You for the fact that You love us so much that You will not leave us in our sin.  In Jesus Name.  Amen

Keep a short list with the Lord.  Repent quickly and as often as necessary.