Wrath

The word wrath means “extreme anger”. I can’t recall being the object of someone else’s wrath. I can remember as a teenager making my Dad really mad and I’m pretty sure I was punished for whatever it was I did to make him mad. I’ve personally been “sideways” mad but this wrath word seems extreme to describe my anger.

The Lord was beyond angry with His people who lived in Jerusalem. He was about to bring punishment upon them and He tells them why. Check this out…

11 Therefore as surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, because you have defiled my sanctuary with all your vile images and detestable practices, I myself will shave you; I will not look on you with pity or spare you. 12 A third of your people will die of the plague or perish by famine inside you; a third will fall by the sword outside your walls; and a third I will scatter to the winds and pursue with drawn sword.

13 ‘Then my anger will cease and my wrath against them will subside, and I will be avenged. And when I have spent my wrath on them, they will know that I the Lord have spoken in my zeal. (Ezekiel 5:11-13 NIV)

I believe that the Lord had enough of their ridiculous behavior. He warned them multiple times and they continued to ignore. His deep commitment to us calls for our commitment to Him. I believe that those of us who have had our feet under His table are expected to understand this commitment. He committed to us and He wants us to be fully committed to Him. I’ve not seen the wrath of God, but I know that He hates my sin. I believe that the Lord will fight for control of my heart. The spiritual battleground is my heart. If the Lord has my heart, He has my life. I don’t ever want to see His wrath or be a recipient of it. I love the Lord too much to hurt Him purposely.

Pressing On!

Dwayne