Sunday, June 23, 2013

June 24 Isaiah 1-5; II Kings 15 God Controls Nations

Isaiah presents a side of God that rounds out His character - He punishes His people who reject Him. Isaiah reports in Chapter 5 that God "lifts up a banner for distant nations and whistles for those at the ends of the earth." God works world events and the hearts of kings to bring judgment against His disobedient people.

Too many people see God as a permissive, over-indulgent parent who looks the other way at people's sins. He doesn't and He isn't. Sin and rebellion grieve God. God is willing to forgive repenters, but He is not willing to let us go our own way without chastisement - to bring us to Him.

The bible tells us to fear God. Jesus said to fear the one that could throw us in hell. God deserves our fear (terror) because of His complete power and His judgment to us. But He also deserves our reverence for His holiness and unconditional love toward His people. God loves all people and wants a relationship with all - so much that He sent His Son to die for us - but He will not overlook sin or forgive those who reject Him.

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