Friday, February 19, 2010

Caught between...

the unconditional love of God and the wrath of God.

This is one of the most difficult tensions for me. It recently came up again in a practical life issues discussion with a friend. It also came up in a sermon last weekend, Joshua 7. (Thanks Mike for teaching through this passage and bringing the reality of the tension back into focus for me.)

What we believe about these two aspects of God matters SO MUCH! I don't feel equipped to do it justice here. So, if this is a topic that matters to you, I highly recommend this book: The Good and Beautiful God by James Bryan Smith. I have decided to not retype the entire chapter here. :)

It is worth the price of the book to read Chapter 6. The book affirmed some conclusions I have been reaching. It explained well some of the reasons we get confused about these truths. He defines both love and wrath within the context of each other.

When people want the wrath of God without the love of God, they have missed it. When they want the love of God with out the wrath of God, they have missed it. If you struggle holding the two together, please do not give up on the struggle.

In future related conversations with people, I will be asking God to help me hold both together.

My other reaction to this: Come Lord Jesus Come!

2 comments:

michelle key said...

Amen! I am ready for Him to come any day now! Love your insightsand sermonetts!
More Life, Love and Joy, michelle

Mike Messerli said...

You are welcome, and thanks for the great post and thoughts.