Jesus Christ

For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. [I Thessalonians 5.9]

In light of all the OT prophecies (including Jeremiah) I find great peace in this verse found in today's NT reading. No doubt, God was angry with Israel in Jeremiah's time. Israel was evidently involved in some pretty flagrant sin against God and mankind. Idol worship had given over to gross sexual sin as well as human sacrifice. Israel was neglecting God and His law on every turn.

As in almost every OT prophecy, God, in His holy anger turned His people over to destruction. We today, have practically every reason to believe that God will do likewise today - except for one - Jesus Christ.

So, what does that look like today? How does that "preach"? How do we communicate to the world today a contemporary message derived from what we know about Israel's history? What are the parallels between ancient Israel and modern man?

I don't know.

But I DO know that Paul made the statement at the beginning of this post that God chose to save me through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and not to pour out His anger on me. For that I am grateful and for that I will encourage myself in the Word - stand my ground - mind my faith. When I feel or see what appears to be God's anger, I will confess my faith in Jesus (turning from evil and turning to God).

Father, I DO see what seems to be Your anger upon my life in various areas... I confess my weakness - my sin - and I call Jesus' name before heaven and earth! Let my life demonstrate the salvation of Jesus Christ - redemption from Your anger - for any and all to see.