God of Wrath

I grew up believing that the God of the Old Testament was a God of wrath. Some people reject God because they view Him as an angry God who delivers harsh and extreme judgment at the smallest provocation. They find nothing appealing in such a God.

God is a holy and righteous God. He must punish wickedness, and He does bring required justice. To view God only as angry, vindictive, and cruel, however, is a grave error. If God were looking for opportunities to destroy people, He wouldn't have to look very long. Even when He does bring judgment, His patience and compassion are often evident, sometimes to a surprising degree.

I recently followed this concept through the book of Genesis. I found many, many people that God could have harshly punished because of their rebellion, sin, and failures. Sooner or later God did bring some level of correction, but He did not do what He could have done (and what people often accuse Him of); He did not annihilate people in impetuous displays of uncontrolled anger.

Adam and Eve broke God's only instruction to them, bringing sin into God's perfect world. God discussed the situation with them. He gave them a promise of a Redeemer. He made them garments. He protected them from the unfathomable possibility of living forever in their sin.

Cain killed his brother. God actually put a mark of protection on Cain so that no one would kill him for his deed.

The world in Noah's day was so wicked that God had to judge it, but the people had one hundred years of construction time to listen to Noah's preaching of righteousness. God did not completely annihilate the world, but saved Noah and his family, as well as preserving the animal life. After the flood, God promised to never again bring a similar destruction, setting the rainbow as the symbol of His promise. He also declared that He would not again curse the earth due to man's sin, something He had already done twice; God realized that because of man's sinful heart, such curses would quickly reach the point where man could no longer survive.

At the tower of Babel, as man attempted to bring himself to the level of God, God did not destroy those people. He merely scattered them abroad.

Abraham had two lapses in faith, leading him to identify Sarah as his sister rather than his wife. God helped Abraham to grow in faith, but did not respond harshly to him. The two men involved in those incidents, Pharaoh and Abimelech, could have been struck down by God for taking Sarah. Instead, God sent them warnings to prevent them from immorality with Sarah; He also restored their prosperity and original conditions after Sarah was released.

Sodom and Gomorrah were exceedingly wicked cities even before Lot moved into them. Their destruction was delayed another twenty years and perhaps more. Before destroying the cities, God told Abraham His plans, which allowed Abraham to intercede, ultimately resulting in the rescue of Lot. In spite of the wickedness, God was willing to spare the cities if there were a mere ten righteous people in them. In spite of Lot's poor choices, God spared him from the angry mob and protected his daughters from perverse treatment. God spared Zoar because Lot asked him to, and even made nations of people from the incestuously-fathered children of Lot's daughters.

The Amorites were wicked even in Abraham's day. When God told Abraham about the 400 years His people would spend in Egypt, He gave as a reason that the wickedness of the Amorites was not yet complete, and therefore their destruction would be delayed approximately 500 years (since this was revealed before the birth of Isaac).

Jacob deceived his father to obtain the blessing. He had to flee and spend twenty years in exile, but he was greatly blessed through that time. He had a vision from God while he was fleeing, in which God first gave him the promises. God warned Jacob when it was time to leave Laban, and He brought a peaceful reunion with Esau.

Esau despised spiritual things and defiantly married the wrong women, but God still blessed him with riches and made a nation of him.

Joseph's brothers got rid of Joseph permanently (so they intended) after almost murdering him. They did have their consciences to deal with as well as the grief to their father, but their lives were basically uninterrupted. They were sustained through a terrible famine, received blessings from their father, and became the heads of the tribes of Israel.

Egypt would eventually face God's severe judgment, but at this time they were given a divine warning about the impending famine. While the rest of the world suffered, Egypt was a place of abundant provision.

These plentiful examples reveal that God certainly does not execute all the judgment and destruction that He could. When He does judge, His judgment is often not as severe as might be expected. His judgment is often delayed and is tempered with His love and understanding of the innate weakness of man.

Jacob recognized this truth, when he declared, "I am unworthy of all the lovingkindness and of all the faithfulness which You have shown to Your servant" (Genesis 32:10).

God continues to delay judgment, to have patience with man, and to soften the harshness of His punishment. This is true for believers, as He recognizes their on-going battle with the flesh; He invites them to come for forgiveness. It is also true regarding the unsaved. "The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance" (II Peter 3:9).

"If You, LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?" (Psalm 130:10). "For with the LORD there is lovingkindness, and with Him is abundant redemption" (Psalm 130:7). 

Where Are the Workers?

Why is the younger generation leaving the church? Where are the dedicated workers among those who remain in the church? Why aren't Christian young people attending Christian colleges? Why are young people pursuing secular careers rather than ministry? Why aren't there more new missionaries? Why aren't there enough available pastors to supply searching churches?

Such questions shouldn't focus only on young people. Why is church attendance so sporadic? Why do the majority attend only Sunday morning services? Why is there not enough giving to meet the church's needs? Why are Sunday school teachers so hard to find? Why do so many Christians look much like the world except on Sunday mornings?

In essence, where are the dedicated Christians? This is not limited to vocational ministry, because God does not call all Christians into those roles. God does, however, want all Christians to serve Him. The manifestation will be different for different people, but what it cannot look like is someone whose Christianity is limited to sitting in a pew one morning per week.

The following ponderings and contemplations explore several important factors in raising up Christian workers and inspiring mature Christians to grow in service.

First, dedicated service is primarily a heart issue. "Only be very careful ... to love the LORD your God and walk in all His ways and keep His commandments and hold fast to Him and serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul" (Joshua 22:5). It is unlikely that anyone will give himself in service to God when that service does not flow out of a heart of love, gratitude, worship, and obedience. Service motivated by pride will be empty and often short-lived. People serve God when they love Him enough to deny themselves and submit to His leading. When one does love God, it is actually very difficult not to serve Him.

Second, it is difficult for anyone to serve God without a significant source of godly influence in his life. Paul often encouraged others to follow his example. "Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ" (I Corinthians 11:1). Christian workers don't just happen; they must be purposefully molded and trained. "The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also" (II Timothy 2:2). Parents are the absolute most important factor. God can use other people - pastors, teachers, coaches, relatives, friends - to encourage young people toward living for God, but when parents do not set the tone first, young people are at a serious disadvantage. Young people must be around people who are already serving God. They must observe people who obviously do love God. The most hopeful source for Christian workers is from families who are faithful and involved in their local churches and in other areas of ministry.

Third, those who will serve God must have exposure to avenues of service. Paul and Barnabas took John Mark along on their first missionary journey (Acts 13:2-13). That didn't succeed very well initially, but in the long term, it was a factor in John Mark's development as a Christian leader. Young people can't be drawn toward areas of service they don't know about, that they know very little about, or that they view only negatively. Both parents and churches have responsibility in this area. Parents should express obvious regard and respect for pastors. Missionaries should be frequent visitors in churches. Parents can invite visiting missionaries, evangelists, and other servants into their home. Parents can take their children on ministry outings, such as visiting neighbors or shut-ins. Churches can sponsor missions trips. Christians of all ages should read biographies about God's servants.

Fourth,  a strong and serious-minded church is important for developing Christian workers. The church is the entity through which God desires to work. Paul refers to "the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth" (I Timothy 3:15). God established leaders in the church "for the equipping of the saints for the work of service" (Ephesians 4:12). A pastor cannot do all the work and influencing alone, but he must guide the church by word and example. He must accurately and thoroughly preach God's truth through serious exposition and consistent challenge. His leadership must be supported by church members who desire the same goals and who regularly engage in edifying and spiritually-centered conversation with each other.

Fifth, the Bible is essential. Only the Bible is capable of "piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, ... able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12). The Bible is provided "so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work" (II Timothy 3:17). It is the Bible that convicts a man or woman toward service, and it is the Bible that prepares him or her to do that service. This influence cannot be limited just to church, but must occur personally on a regular basis. Beyond merely reading, Christians must carefully consider the words of God, pondering, seeking to understand, and responding. Extended study is critical in preparation for service.

Sixth, those who will serve God must be freed from hindering distractions. "No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier" (II Timothy 2:4). Too many Christians live as if sports are extremely important, the weekend is two and a half days of unbroken entertainment, and summers are for maximum number of trips to the beach. Thoughts of God and spiritual things are squelched by certain friends, television, music, and other media that work in direct opposition to godliness.

There is no guaranteed method to ensure that any particular individual will serve God, either full-time or within the regular course of life. However, individuals can certainly take steps to encourage a heart for service, as can parents for their children.

Psalm 99

Psalm 99 presents God as holy. "Holy is He" (v. 3, 5). "His holy hill, for holy is the LORD our God" (v. 9). The word involves more than just being free from sin. Holiness refers to being set apart, and God is set apart on every level. In any admirable category that man considers, God is set apart. The man who excels most in each category cannot compare to God. God is preeminent and unmatched.

God is king, and not just any king, but the king of everything. "The LORD reigns" (v. 1) not just over people, but also "is enthroned above the cherubim" (v. 1). Even the heavenly beings are under His rule. In response to such a supreme king, the people tremble and the earth itself shakes (v. 1). There is no one and nothing that does not (or should not) respectfully bow before Him.

God is exalted beyond any other being. He is "great in Zion, and He is exalted above all the peoples" (v. 2). He is higher than any other individual, and higher than any composite social, national, or political group of people. All individuals and all nations are puny in comparison with His greatness.

God is the great judge. While His judgeship is part of His role as king, it warrants particular attention. God "loves justice" (v. 4); He always wants the right thing to be done. In amazing supremacy, it is God Himself who determines what is right and wrong. "You have established equity" (v. 4). Every time He is presented with a situation, God makes the right decision. "You have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob" (v. 4).

God is simply awesome. In addition to the attributions and designations already mentioned, His name is "great and awesome" (v. 3). Because He is so amazing, verse 3 calls for praise, and verse 5 calls for exaltation and worship.

Where is man in this picture? "At His footstool" (v. 5). Every magnification of God poignantly reveals the low position of man. Man is a subject of the great King, a commoner, a plaintiff in His court of law, a frail and flawed creature. Man falls far short of God's grandeur, His holiness, and His righteous standard. It would be amazing if God took any notice of man whatsoever or extended any graciousness toward him.

Three specific men are mentioned in the psalm: Moses, Aaron, and Samuel. This identification reveals that God notices not just mankind, but individuals. To be sure, these three men have significance within the Bible, but at the same time they were mere men. Moses had to spend forty years in exile due to his hasty actions that brought the death of another man, and he was banned from entering the promised land due to his disobedience and lack of faith. Aaron was rebuked by God when he questioned Moses' authority. Samuel's inability to guide his sons led to the Israelites asking for a human king to rule over them.

Certainly these men had many strong points also; they accomplished much within God's plan. Their failures, however, illustrate that even these men could not measure up to God and His demands. Critically, these imperfect men had the necessary heart to follow God. Moses and Aaron were counted among God's priests, and Samuel "called on His name" (v. 6). Their overall testimony was that "they kept His testimonies" (v. 7).

How did God respond to such imperfect men who desired to follow Him? "He answered them" (v. 6) when they called on Him. "He spoke to them" (v. 7), giving them guidance and instruction. He let them know how to serve Him by giving them His statutes (v. 7). He "answered them" (v. 8). He was "a forgiving God to them" (v. 8).

Obviously, these men were not blameless if God had to forgive them. There were times when He had to be "an avenger of their evil deeds" (v. 8). The passage is careful to maintain the emphasis on God's holiness and on His righteous demands. God's holiness, however, is not the only aspect of His character.

In addition to being holy, God is also loving and compassionate. Man would be hard pressed to know how to balance those components, but God does it beautifully. He takes appropriate action when righteousness is violated and when man falls short. However, God also knows who desires to follow Him, and He is gracious and patient with them. When they sin against Him, He forgives them. He gives them guidance so they understand what His expectations are.

God responds favorably to those who strive to live for Him. He listens to them and answers their prayers. He provides for them. He loves them and blesses them. He knows them personally and is interested in them.

While God does have righteous standards, He is not an ogre. He is not just waiting for the opportunity to pounce upon the smallest offense in extreme retribution. He is not ready to thrust people aside after a single failure. He does not want to annihilate people. "If You, LORD, should mark iniquities, O LORD, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with You" (Psalm 130:3-4).

What a wondrous and privileged position Christians have! The God who is so powerful, so supreme, so holy, and so awesome has such understanding of man's frailty and such love for mankind that He restrains His anger and shows compassion. "For with the LORD there is lovingkindness, and with Him is abundant redemption" (Psalm 130:7).

The proper response to such truth is not unrestrained living or presumptuous sin. Both Psalms 99 and 130 caution against such licentiousness. These psalms do, however, expose the error of those who fear God to the point of impersonal detachment or resentment. God is not a negative person to be avoided as much as possible; He is a wonderfully positive person to be loved and praised, with every attempt to grow closer to Him.

When God's Plans Change

I have a family member and also a dear friend who went through puzzling changes. After many years faithfully serving in ministry, God led them each to new ministries - both for a mere two years - before leading them back to the exact ministry where they had previously served. Why? This doesn't make sense.

If that seems crazy, consider Israel's history as presented in Psalm 105. God's plans for Israel changed over time to the point of apparent contradiction, and in each change, it was God who was obviously directing. Israel's history started with Abraham. God made a covenant with him, promising him the land of Canaan, and sending him to that land (vs. 9-12). It was God's plan for Abraham to move to Canaan and remain there. It was God's plan for Isaac and Jacob to live in Canaan.

Then God's plan changed. Joseph was sold as a slave to Egypt. In a time of great famine, Joseph was able to provide for his family, and the whole clan moved to Egypt (vs. 16-24). That was God's plan. It was God's plan for Joseph to live in Egypt, and for the nation of Israel to live in Egypt for 400 years.

Then God's plan changed again. Moses was appointed by God to lead Israel out of Egypt and back to Canaan, albeit with a 40-year interlude in the wilderness (vs. 26-44). It was God's plan for Joshua and Caleb to live in Canaan. It was God's plan for Gideon and Samuel and David and Josiah to live in Canaan.

While Psalm 105 does not include the continued story of Israel's history, God's plan changed again. It later became God's plan for Israel to live in Babylon and Assyria. Later it was God's plan for a remnant to move back to Israel, where they were at the birth of the Messiah. Then it was His plan for them to be scattered abroad in the time of the early church, living throughout Asia and Europe. Not until the late 1940s was it God's plan for Israel to return to their land in large numbers. The day is coming when God will pull Israel back to their land with divine thoroughness.

What is God's plan for Israel? Where does He want them to live? Canaan? Egypt? The wilderness? Babylon? Europe? The answer to each of these questions is "Yes." Each location, in its time, was God's plan. Psalm 105 supports such a statement by repeatedly attributing the changes to God's intervention. The psalm celebrates God's "wonders" (v. 2 & 5) and "His marvels" (v. 5). I count at least thirty-two actions of God in this psalm, things that He did on Israel's behalf as He led them from place to place.

Why did God's plan change so often? It certainly was not because God did not love Israel, nor was it because God was powerless to prevent the changes. Verses 8-10 speak of God's everlasting covenant with Israel, one that He always remembers and is committed to fulfilling. It is indeed God's ultimate plan for Israel to dwell in the land of Israel. That is the place to which He has repeatedly pulled them and will ultimately pull them.

The temporary absences from that land were, however, part of God's plan as well. Those absences were necessary in accomplishing the ultimate plan of God. God had different purposes for Israel at different points in time: initiation of His covenant, growth into a mighty nation, training in obedience, chastisement for willful sin (with the purpose of restoration), and the spread of the gospel. The pressing need at the time determined God's guidance, as He created the environment in which to meet each successive need.

In Joseph's day God wanted Israel to live in Egypt so He could abundantly provide for them and increase them from seventy souls to a great multitude. God needed Israel to live in the wilderness so they would learn to trust and obey Him. God required Israel to live in Babylon so their hearts would return to Him. God deliberately scattered His disciples into the world so they would carry the message of the gospel. Each exception, whether it was 400 years in Egypt, 40 years in the wilderness, 70 years in Babylon, or 1900 years in Europe, carried its own purpose within the overall unchanging plan of God.

As we look back at Israel's history, we can see the different needs and the reasons for the changes. We don't always have that same insight in our own lives, but God does. He knows exactly what we need and for how long. Whether those temporary puzzling changes have to do with geographic location, ministry outlet, health, finances, family situation, or anything else, God knows exactly why each change is needed. He knows precisely what He is accomplishing in each situation.

Psalm 105 is also comforting because it reveals how far God went to effect each change for Israel. When He needed to move His people, He truly did great wonders! He moved heaven and earth for them - sending famines, bringing unfathomable plagues, parting seas, giving fire by night, providing manna, springing water from a rock, and driving out enemies (v. 16, vs. 27-36, vs. 39-41, v. 44). When God needs to make a change, He is well able to do it, and He can accomplish it so there is no doubt of His desire! Wonderfully, in the midst of all the change and upheaval, God carefully watches over His people (vs. 14-15).

The opening verses of the psalm appropriately call for thanks, praise, and glory to God. Indeed, God knows exactly what He is doing and why. He is completely able to accomplish His purposes, and He gently watches over us while He does it! We can confidently rest in the guidance and supervision of our good and great God, who works His will for us even when we don't understand.