SEARCHLIGHT
Are you worried about an unbeliever asking you a question about God’s anger?
SCRIPTURE
The Lord is a jealous and avenging God; the Lord takes vengeance and is filled with wrath. The Lord takes vengeance on his foes and vents his wrath against his enemies. Nahum 1:2 NIV
SPOTLIGHT
Too many Christians do not like reading about, or hearing a sermon concerning the wrath of God. Many believers wish there was no such thing. Other believers find it difficult to understand how a loving, merciful God can also administer judgment. Many try to ignore God’s wrath or at least downplay it. A.W. Pink said, “It is sad indeed to find so many professing Christians, who appear to regard the wrath of God as something for which they need to make an apology, or who at least wish there was no such thing.” Pink indicated that some Christians tend to think that the vengeance of God is a “blotch in the divine character.” [Pink, The Attributes of God, p.82]
You cannot ignore or deny God’s vengeance. Let me identify the number one reason. The Bible is the inerrant written revelation of God to man. Nowhere in the Bible does God make any attempt to hide the facts concerning His vengeance. He does not apologize for, or dismiss this aspect of His character. Arthur W. Pink wrote in his book “The Attributes of God” that, “… there are more references in Scripture to the anger, fury, and wrath of God then there are to His love and tenderness.”
The prophet, Nahum, could not dismiss or deny God’s holy anger. He lived during the time of Zephaniah, Habakkuk, and Jeremiah. This was the latter part of the 7th century B.C. just prior to Nineveh’s destruction, in 612 B.C. As seen in today’s Scripture focus, Nahum clearly spoke about God taking revenge on all who oppose Him.
In Nahum 1:2, it is unavoidably clear that the Lord God is a jealous and avenging God. The reaffirmation is clear in the verse. Nahum writes that the Lord does take vengeance and is filled with wrath. And then, there is another reaffirmation. Nahum says the Lord does take it on His foes and continuously keeps His anger against His enemies.
As uncomfortable as you may feel, this is what the Bible says. And this is what is stated in other parts of the Bible. I invite you to check out the following verses. Read Exodus 20:5, 34:14; Deuteronomy 4:23,24; 6:13–15; Joshua 24:19,20; Luke 21:22–24; Romans 1:18, 2:5; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; and 2 Thessalonians 1:8,12. The Bible does not try to disguise the characteristics of God. The writers are sure of it. Both the Old and New Testaments emphasize God’s righteous vengeance.
Without any argument, the Bible is clear that love is at the very center of God’s nature. However, vengeance is also a part of God’s nature. The reason is because God is holy and just. See Revelation 15:4. God’s holiness means that God hates all sin. Therefore, He must respond to sin and rebellion. The first way God responds is by putting His Son, Jesus Christ, on the cross to die for man’s sin. However, when man persists to live an ungodly, unwholesome life, God has said that someday, He will have to exercise vengeance.
The fact is sure and certain that God takes vengeance on people because God hates sin. There comes a time when the love and mercy of God can no longer be extended to a rebellious human race. God’s vengeance is righteous. It is acceptable both morally and spiritually because it is directed against moral evil.
God did not make man to be a sinner but made man in His image so that man’s personality and character would be more like God. Sin makes creation sinful. God would not be perfect if He settled for imperfection for His own creation.
What you can know from the Bible is that God always does the right thing. The reason is because God is holy. God exercises judgment on only those who are willfully rebellious against Him. As Brian Bell put it, “In Scripture we know that God is the perfect judge. He dispenses justice perfectly… Just the right measure; at just the right time; to just the right people!” [Studylight Bible Commentaries]
Parents who oppose the disobedience of their children and express correction in a proper way, are to be admired. Government leaders who oppose crime and set forth consequences as the law requires, are to be commended. God is to be praised for exercising holy judgment on all who have ignored and rebelled against Him and His ways. They have created a society marked by disorder, hatred, greed, lust, self-centeredness, and immoral behavior. God’s vengeance will be a direct step toward creating the world God longs for, and which all people need.
DON’T IGNORE OR DENY GOD’S VENGEANCE. It is good and necessary.
SOMETHING TO DO
To be enriched, take time to read all the Bible verses mentioned in this devotional.
SOUL TIME PRAYER
Heavenly Father, You are a holy God. I now see that both Your love, and vengeance flow out of Your holiness. Empower me with Your Holy Spirit, to share with all who would cross my path about Your Good News for all people. AMEN