Insight Into God's Character

The Lord replied, “Did I not rescue you from the Egyptians, the Amorites, the Ammonites, the Philistines, the Sidonians, the Amalekites, and the Maonites? When they oppressed you, you cried out to me for help, and I rescued you. Yet you have abandoned me and served other gods. So I will not rescue you anymore. Go and cry out to the gods you have chosen! Let them rescue you in your hour of distress!” But the Israelites pleaded with the Lord and said, “We have sinned. Punish us as you see fit, only rescue us today from our enemies.” Then the Israelites put aside their foreign gods and served the Lord. And he was grieved by their misery. [Judges 10.11-16]

I noticed two insights into God's character in today's OYCB reading.

First, God does have the capacity to turn away from His own. Here in Judges, He clearly refused to help Israel after they abandoned Him yet again.

Then, when Israel persisted in their repentance, we see that God also possesses the ability and character to have compassion on His creation.

While people may wish to argue these two characteristics of God, it should be seen as pointless to do so. What people should see here is the perfect picture of Christ!

If God somehow was a "Santa Claus" figure who only gave good things all the time and simply ignored rebellion, then He would never have been able to lay the just punishment of the world upon Jesus. And, in this same picture of perfect justice, we also see God's mercy and grace toward us by offering His Son as the 'Sacrificial Lamb' in our place.

Thank God!

Father, I am grateful for all Your character - Your justness and Your mercy. Thank You!