Tag: Mercy

The God Who Saves, Even in Judgment

As we read through Revelation, particularly chapters 7 to 10, we are swept into the grandeur of God’s final plans for humanity and creation. These chapters depict a world groaning under divine judgment—earthquakes, plagues, cosmic upheaval. Yet, woven into this vivid tapestry of destruction is an astonishing truth: even as God dismantles the earth, His desire is still to save.

In Revelation 7, God pauses judgment to seal His servants, protecting them as a testimony to His faithfulness. Later, amidst devastating trumpets and plagues, the cries for repentance echo implicitly. God does not unleash judgment in cold indifference; He does so as a last call to a world entrenched in rebellion. It’s breathtaking to consider that His wrath is tempered by mercy, and His justice is infused with grace.

The heart of God is consistent throughout Scripture. In Ezekiel 33:11, God declares, “I take no delight in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live.” The apostle Peter echoes this in 2 Peter 3:9, reminding us that God’s delay in judgment stems from His desire for all to come to repentance. Revelation amplifies this same divine longing, even as judgment unfolds.

What does this mean for us? It’s a call to marvel at the depths of God’s mercy. Even in our personal moments of rebellion or indifference, God extends His hand. His desire is not destruction but redemption. If God’s heart remains open to a rebellious world, how much more should ours burn with urgency to share the Gospel? His mercy invites us to partner with Him in proclaiming the good news, knowing that time is short.

In the tension between judgment and salvation, we see the immeasurable love of a God who does not give up on His creation. That love is still extended today—to you, to me, and to a world He longs to save.

The Height of Arrogance

In Matthew 21, Mark 12, and Luke 20, Jesus tells a powerful parable of a landowner who leases his vineyard to tenants. When harvest time comes, he sends servants to collect his share, but the tenants beat, stone, and kill each one. Finally, he sends his son, thinking they’ll surely respect him. Instead, they plot to kill the son too, hoping to seize his inheritance. Furious, the landowner ultimately judges these tenants, killing them and giving the vineyard to others who will honor him.

What’s shocking about this story isn’t just the violence—it’s the tenants’ absolute arrogance. These tenants are metaphorical for Israel’s leaders who repeatedly rejected God’s prophets, and finally, God’s Son. Their actions expose an entitlement to God’s blessings, assuming they could reject His ways yet still keep His favor.

Jesus’ parable confronts us, too. In what ways do we ignore or downplay the cost of grace? It’s easy to take God’s mercy for granted, to feel entitled to His patience, assuming His favor even when we resist Him. But God’s grace is not a license to disregard His voice. To persistently ignore Him and expect blessing shows a heart not yielded to God but steeped in pride.

This parable calls us to humility, to recognize that God’s mercy is not something we can demand or abuse. It’s an invitation to listen, repent, and align our hearts with His. Ultimately, God’s grace is abundantly generous, but it’s meant to transform us, not excuse us.

Longsuffering Wrath

In today’s reading from Habakkuk and Zephaniah, we see a profound theme: God’s longsuffering nature, even in the execution of His wrath. The Lord, in His justice, speaks not only to His chosen people but also to the surrounding nations, warning them of impending judgment. This demonstrates His desire for repentance and transformation, highlighting His patience and mercy.

Habakkuk and Zephaniah both depict God’s judgment against wickedness. However, they also reveal God’s heart for repentance. In Habakkuk, we see the prophet’s struggle with the prevalence of injustice and God’s assurance that He will act in due time. Despite the promise of judgment, there is a call for faith and trust in God’s righteous plans (Habakkuk 2:4).

Zephaniah goes a step further by addressing not only Judah but also the surrounding nations. Zephaniah 2:1-3 calls the people to seek the Lord, righteousness, and humility in the hope that they may be sheltered on the day of the Lord’s anger. This call to repentance extends beyond Israel, showing that God’s desire for repentance and salvation is universal.

In the New Testament, 2 Peter 3:9 echoes this sentiment: “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” This verse highlights God’s enduring patience and His wish for all to turn to Him, which is consistent with His actions in the Old Testament.

We see a parallel in our lives today. God’s warnings, whether through Scripture, conscience, or circumstances, are not merely threats but invitations to turn back to Him. He does not delight in the destruction of the wicked but rejoices when they repent and seek His face.