Read Nahum 1:3.
When God introduces or describes Himself in the Old Testament, we're accustomed to this formula: "The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness" (Ex. 34:6; Neh. 9:17; Psa. 103:8; Joel 2:13). How grateful we are for that!
Nahum includes this "softer side" (re: "slow to anger") but doesn't open with it. He opens (Nah. 1:2) with "The Lord is a jealous and avenging God." It is problematic that men get God all one-sided. They camp out at hyper-grace or extreme wrath. As revealed in Scripture, God is a perfect blend of opposites. Neither description cancels out or diminishes the other. Jesus was "full of grace and truth" (Jn. 1:14).
If you had to describe God to someone, what is the first adjective you would use? God is _____. What does that first descriptor say about you? What does it say about how you view God? Is your view of God balanced?
No comments:
Post a Comment