The Angry God is Angry No More

Psalms 7:11

The Puritan preacher Jonathan Edward’s once preached a sermon that has since become legendary, both in its title and in the stories of conviction that resulted from it. ‘Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God’ holds a place among the most famous services ever delivered. Legend has it that grown men clutched to the pillars that held up the balcony for fear that they were going to fall into the pits of hell when Edward’s gave his invitation. More romance has been added to the story as it is told of how Edward’s was so nervous that he held the written transcript of the sermon in front of his face and read it word for word, but the anointing on it was supposedly so powerful that it didn’t matter about the delivery.

I don’t know how much of the story is true, other than he actually preached the sermon. I do know that fear of an angry God has led countless people to an altar of repentance. It has also caused men and women to try and change their lives and their lifestyles. I am further sure however, that no sermon on the power of an angry God has ever empowered a single listener to live in a way that would assuage the anger of that God. No sermon on the wrath of God and the subsequent flames of hellfire and damnation can ever move or motivate a person to live righteously, as all of our righteousness’ are as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6).

The great cosmic war between God and the sins of man has already been waged and has already been won. John the Baptist said of Jesus, “Behold, the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). In the sacrifice of the Lamb, Christ Jesus, the war with sin was won. It is for this cause that Jesus could hang His head and die after having declared, “It is finished” (John 19:30).

God was certainly angry at sin, beginning at Mt. Sinai and continuing onward to the cross. Isaiah said, “It pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin…He shall see the travail of his soul and shall be satisfied” (Isaiah 53:10, 11). God was pleased to crucify His Son at Calvary because in sacrificing Jesus, He was satisfying His anger toward the sin of man. The suffering Savior truly satisfied the offended Father.

Read all Old Testament scripture within the context and timeframe that they were written. When the Psalmist wrote Psalms 7:11, God was dealing with man under the Old Covenant and His anger was mounting towards man’s disobedience. He was ready to “whet his sword” (Psalms 7:12) and use it against all of us, but then Jesus came and fulfilled all of the demands of the law and voluntarily laid down His life as the perfect sacrifice for the sin of the world. With His anger plunged into the heart of His Son, God was propitiated, or satisfied and we no longer have to see Him as “angry with the wicked every day” (7:11).

God is not mad at you. He is not even perturbed. When He looks at you He sees Jesus and He is well pleased. Live your life today as a Son, not a servant. The power to do righteous is found in knowing that you are righteous because of Jesus.

God Honors Covenant

2 Samuel 9:1-13

Every time that David looked at his hand, he saw a large scar that covered his palm. This scar did not occur in the battlefield or as a result of an accident, but it was a self-inflicted wound. Years earlier, David had entered into a voluntary covenant partnership with his best friend Jonathan, and every glance at the scar reminded him of his end of the deal.

The ritual of cutting covenant involved the slaughter of several sacrificial animals, the pouring of their blood onto the ground and the passing of the two covenant parties between those pieces. The parties would also cut their hands and then clasp the hands together, causing a slight mixing of their blood together. This act was followed by a covenant meal in which both parties ate together and spoke of their terms of covenant.

Whatever had been agreed to in the covenant was binding for life. If one party was to break their end of the covenant, by passing through the dead pieces of animal they were symbolically saying, “May this happen to me”. Only the death of both parties could annul a covenant, not just the passing of one. As long as you lived, you saw the scar and you were reminded of your pact.

Following the death of Jonathan, David enquired if there were any remaining of the house of Saul (Jonathan’s father) that he may show kindness to “for Jonathan’s sake” (2 Samuel 9:1). There was one man, Mephibosheth; son of Saul who had went into hiding since David had ascended to the throne. Mephibosheth was “lame on his feet” (9:3), which meant that he could walk but not very well. This was due to an accident that occurred on the day that his father was killed in battle. At the age of 5, he was dropped by his nurse while trying to escape from the king’s palace. Fearing that David would slaughter all that were left of the house of Saul, she caused irreparable damage to the young boy. She did not know of the covenant between Jonathan and David. Much damage has been caused to our next generation in the church due to parents and pastors not understanding the covenant that has been cut between Jesus and His Father.

Just as David, (a type of God), showed kindness to Mephibosheth, (a type of you and I), for Jonathan’s sake (a type of Jesus), God does all that He does for you and I because of the death of His Son. We are forgiven because of the Covenant that Jesus entered into with His Father. God honors it, “for Christ’s sake” (Ephesians 4:32).

When David brought Mephibosheth into his house he told him that he was to eat at the king’s table for the rest of his life and that the king would always protect him. The way for David to honor his covenant with Jonathan was to provide for Mephibosheth with no pre-conditions. The way for Mephibosheth to honor David was to simply feed. His feet would be under David’s table forevermore, and he would not have to look at his crippled legs.

When we accept Christ by faith, we are honoring what He did at the cross. When God accepts us in our crippled state, He too is honoring what Jesus did at the cross. Jesus bears the nail scars in His hands as a constant reminder of Covenant to His Father. When the enemy comes to accuse you and me, our advocate need only hold up His hand to the Judge, who sees the scar and remembers the Covenant. Thank God for the blood!

From Bethlehem to Hebron

2 Samuel 2:1

A Chinese proverb says, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”. We never go anywhere if we do not begin. David’s journey from a shepherd’s hillside to the palace of a king is one of the more storied tales in the history of the world. Chosen last among his brothers, anointed to be king at about age 15, he comes from obscurity to place his name among the greatest warriors and kings of all time. How he got from point A to point B is an interesting tale, and one that each one of us must live in our own way.

From his humble beginnings in Bethlehem to his coronation as king in the city of Hebron, David encounters many obstacles and receives many blessings. Three key figures influence and shape David, making him the man that he will turn out to be: Goliath, Saul and Jonathan.

All of us will encounter a Goliath from time to time. These big, obnoxious attacks of the enemy are meant to ensnare and to scare. David doesn’t overcome because he has great talent; remember he has never killed a man before. His strength comes when he claims covenant, calling Goliath “uncircumcised”. By appealing to circumcision, David is placing the outcome of the battle in the capable hands of God, who is bound to covenant to defend those who have faith. Guess what, it is the same today; God is bound by the covenant that He made with Jesus at Calvary to honor your faith. Don’t fear Goliath’s; they are made to create kings!

Saul is typical of the religious opposition that you will receive. While Jesus brings peace on earth between God and man, He certainly does not promise the same peace between men (Luke 12:51-53). When you walk in the goodness and grace of God’s love and acceptance, many people will try and pull you back into some form of works righteousness. They will oppose you and block you and in some cases they will slander your name and give false accusation. Nothing is more slanderously reported against than the gospel of grace (Romans 3:8).

Thank God for a Jonathan! We all have them; people who encourage and inspire us. These are the friends that we make covenant with; sharing our hopes and dreams, lending constant support to, as they do to us. Most importantly, Jonathan is our Jesus. It is for Christ’s sake that we are forgiven, and it is for Jonathan’s sake that David shows kindness to Mephibosheth (Ephesians 4:32; 2 Samuel 9:1). Jesus is the one figure that not only influences our life, but He makes our life what it is (John 10:10).

You are on a journey today, not having apprehended, but a lot farther along than you were when you started. Face your cast of characters with confidence and faith. Let the Goliath’s meet up with your mediator, Jesus Christ; they are no match for Him. Let your Saul’s fall by the wayside, as you rise above their chasings and their words, careful to never attack them in return (1 Samuel 18:11; 24:6). Finally, let your heavenly Jonathan, Jesus Christ the righteous provide all of your comfort and goodness.

May His face shine upon you today. You’re His child, and He cares for you.

The Angry God is Angry No More

Psalms 7:11

The Puritan preacher Jonathan Edward’s once preached a sermon that has since become legendary, both in its title and in the stories of conviction that resulted from it. ‘Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God’ holds a place among the most famous services ever delivered. Legend has it that grown men clutched to the pillars that held up the balcony for fear that they were going to fall into the pits of hell when Edward’s gave his invitation. More romance has been added to the story as it is told of how Edward’s was so nervous that he held the written transcript of the sermon in front of his face and read it word for word, but the anointing on it was supposedly so powerful that it didn’t matter about the delivery.

I don’t know how much of the story is true, other than he actually preached the sermon. I do know that fear of an angry God has led countless people to an altar of repentance. It has also caused men and women to try and change their lives and their lifestyles. I am further sure however, that no sermon on the power of an angry God has ever empowered a single listener to live in a way that would assuage the anger of that God. No sermon on the wrath of God and the subsequent flames of hellfire and damnation can ever move or motivate a person to live righteously, as all of our righteousness’ are as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6).

The great cosmic war between God and the sins of man has already been waged and has already been won. John the Baptist said of Jesus, “Behold, the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). In the sacrifice of the Lamb, Christ Jesus, the war with sin was won. It is for this cause that Jesus could hang His head and die after having declared, “It is finished” (John 19:30).

God was certainly angry at sin, beginning at Mt. Sinai and continuing onward to the cross. Isaiah said, “It pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin…He shall see the travail of his soul and shall be satisfied” (Isaiah 53:10, 11). God was pleased to crucify His Son at Calvary because in sacrificing Jesus, He was satisfying His anger toward the sin of man. The suffering Savior truly satisfied the offended Father.

Read all Old Testament scripture within the context and timeframe that they were written. When the Psalmist wrote Psalms 7:11, God was dealing with man under the Old Covenant and His anger was mounting towards man’s disobedience. He was ready to “whet his sword” (Psalms 7:12) and use it against all of us, but then Jesus came and fulfilled all of the demands of the law and voluntarily laid down His life as the perfect sacrifice for the sin of the world. With His anger plunged into the heart of His Son, God was propitiated, or satisfied and we no longer have to see Him as “angry with the wicked every day” (7:11).

God is not mad at you. He is not even perturbed. When He looks at you He sees Jesus and He is well pleased. Live your life today as a Son, not a servant. The power to do righteous is found in knowing that you are righteous because of Jesus.

God Honors Covenant

2 Samuel 9:1-13

Every time that David looked at his hand, he saw a large scar that covered his palm. This scar did not occur in the battlefield or as a result of an accident, but it was a self-inflicted wound. Years earlier, David had entered into a voluntary covenant partnership with his best friend Jonathan, and every glance at the scar reminded him of his end of the deal.

The ritual of cutting covenant involved the slaughter of several sacrificial animals, the pouring of their blood onto the ground and the passing of the two covenant parties between those pieces. The parties would also cut their hands and then clasp the hands together, causing a slight mixing of their blood together. This act was followed by a covenant meal in which both parties ate together and spoke of their terms of covenant.

Whatever had been agreed to in the covenant was binding for life. If one party was to break their end of the covenant, by passing through the dead pieces of animal they were symbolically saying, “May this happen to me”. Only the death of both parties could annul a covenant, not just the passing of one. As long as you lived, you saw the scar and you were reminded of your pact.

Following the death of Jonathan, David enquired if there were any remaining of the house of Saul (Jonathan’s father) that he may show kindness to “for Jonathan’s sake” (2 Samuel 9:1). There was one man, Mephibosheth; son of Saul who had went into hiding since David had ascended to the throne. Mephibosheth was “lame on his feet” (9:3), which meant that he could walk but not very well. This was due to an accident that occurred on the day that his father was killed in battle. At the age of 5, he was dropped by his nurse while trying to escape from the king’s palace. Fearing that David would slaughter all that were left of the house of Saul, she caused irreparable damage to the young boy. She did not know of the covenant between Jonathan and David. Much damage has been caused to our next generation in the church due to parents and pastors not understanding the covenant that has been cut between Jesus and His Father.

Just as David, (a type of God), showed kindness to Mephibosheth, (a type of you and I), for Jonathan’s sake (a type of Jesus), God does all that He does for you and I because of the death of His Son. We are forgiven because of the Covenant that Jesus entered into with His Father. God honors it, “for Christ’s sake” (Ephesians 4:32).

When David brought Mephibosheth into his house he told him that he was to eat at the king’s table for the rest of his life and that the king would always protect him. The way for David to honor his covenant with Jonathan was to provide for Mephibosheth with no pre-conditions. The way for Mephibosheth to honor David was to simply feed. His feet would be under David’s table forevermore, and he would not have to look at his crippled legs.

When we accept Christ by faith, we are honoring what He did at the cross. When God accepts us in our crippled state, He too is honoring what Jesus did at the cross. Jesus bears the nail scars in His hands as a constant reminder of Covenant to His Father. When the enemy comes to accuse you and me, our advocate need only hold up His hand to the Judge, who sees the scar and remembers the Covenant. Thank God for the blood!

From Bethlehem to Hebron

2 Samuel 2:1

A Chinese proverb says, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”. We never go anywhere if we do not begin. David’s journey from a shepherd’s hillside to the palace of a king is one of the more storied tales in the history of the world. Chosen last among his brothers, anointed to be king at about age 15, he comes from obscurity to place his name among the greatest warriors and kings of all time. How he got from point A to point B is an interesting tale, and one that each one of us must live in our own way.

From his humble beginnings in Bethlehem to his coronation as king in the city of Hebron, David encounters many obstacles and receives many blessings. Three key figures influence and shape David, making him the man that he will turn out to be: Goliath, Saul and Jonathan.

All of us will encounter a Goliath from time to time. These big, obnoxious attacks of the enemy are meant to ensnare and to scare. David doesn’t overcome because he has great talent; remember he has never killed a man before. His strength comes when he claims covenant, calling Goliath “uncircumcised”. By appealing to circumcision, David is placing the outcome of the battle in the capable hands of God, who is bound to covenant to defend those who have faith. Guess what, it is the same today; God is bound by the covenant that He made with Jesus at Calvary to honor your faith. Don’t fear Goliath’s; they are made to create kings!

Saul is typical of the religious opposition that you will receive. While Jesus brings peace on earth between God and man, He certainly does not promise the same peace between men (Luke 12:51-53). When you walk in the goodness and grace of God’s love and acceptance, many people will try and pull you back into some form of works righteousness. They will oppose you and block you and in some cases they will slander your name and give false accusation. Nothing is more slanderously reported against than the gospel of grace (Romans 3:8).

Thank God for a Jonathan! We all have them; people who encourage and inspire us. These are the friends that we make covenant with; sharing our hopes and dreams, lending constant support to, as they do to us. Most importantly, Jonathan is our Jesus. It is for Christ’s sake that we are forgiven, and it is for Jonathan’s sake that David shows kindness to Mephibosheth (Ephesians 4:32; 2 Samuel 9:1). Jesus is the one figure that not only influences our life, but He makes our life what it is (John 10:10).

You are on a journey today, not having apprehended, but a lot farther along than you were when you started. Face your cast of characters with confidence and faith. Let the Goliath’s meet up with your mediator, Jesus Christ; they are no match for Him. Let your Saul’s fall by the wayside, as you rise above their chasings and their words, careful to never attack them in return (1 Samuel 18:11; 24:6). Finally, let your heavenly Jonathan, Jesus Christ the righteous provide all of your comfort and goodness.

May His face shine upon you today. You’re His child, and He cares for you.

The Angry God is Angry No More

Psalms 7:11

The Puritan preacher Jonathan Edward’s once preached a sermon that has since become legendary, both in its title and in the stories of conviction that resulted from it. ‘Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God’ holds a place among the most famous services ever delivered. Legend has it that grown men clutched to the pillars that held up the balcony for fear that they were going to fall into the pits of hell when Edward’s gave his invitation. More romance has been added to the story as it is told of how Edward’s was so nervous that he held the written transcript of the sermon in front of his face and read it word for word, but the anointing on it was supposedly so powerful that it didn’t matter about the delivery.

I don’t know how much of the story is true, other than he actually preached the sermon. I do know that fear of an angry God has led countless people to an altar of repentance. It has also caused men and women to try and change their lives and their lifestyles. I am further sure however, that no sermon on the power of an angry God has ever empowered a single listener to live in a way that would assuage the anger of that God. No sermon on the wrath of God and the subsequent flames of hellfire and damnation can ever move or motivate a person to live righteously, as all of our righteousness’ are as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6).

The great cosmic war between God and the sins of man has already been waged and has already been won. John the Baptist said of Jesus, “Behold, the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). In the sacrifice of the Lamb, Christ Jesus, the war with sin was won. It is for this cause that Jesus could hang His head and die after having declared, “It is finished” (John 19:30).

God was certainly angry at sin, beginning at Mt. Sinai and continuing onward to the cross. Isaiah said, “It pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin…He shall see the travail of his soul and shall be satisfied” (Isaiah 53:10, 11). God was pleased to crucify His Son at Calvary because in sacrificing Jesus, He was satisfying His anger toward the sin of man. The suffering Savior truly satisfied the offended Father.

Read all Old Testament scripture within the context and timeframe that they were written. When the Psalmist wrote Psalms 7:11, God was dealing with man under the Old Covenant and His anger was mounting towards man’s disobedience. He was ready to “whet his sword” (Psalms 7:12) and use it against all of us, but then Jesus came and fulfilled all of the demands of the law and voluntarily laid down His life as the perfect sacrifice for the sin of the world. With His anger plunged into the heart of His Son, God was propitiated, or satisfied and we no longer have to see Him as “angry with the wicked every day” (7:11).

God is not mad at you. He is not even perturbed. When He looks at you He sees Jesus and He is well pleased. Live your life today as a Son, not a servant. The power to do righteous is found in knowing that you are righteous because of Jesus.

God Honors Covenant

2 Samuel 9:1-13

Every time that David looked at his hand, he saw a large scar that covered his palm. This scar did not occur in the battlefield or as a result of an accident, but it was a self-inflicted wound. Years earlier, David had entered into a voluntary covenant partnership with his best friend Jonathan, and every glance at the scar reminded him of his end of the deal.

The ritual of cutting covenant involved the slaughter of several sacrificial animals, the pouring of their blood onto the ground and the passing of the two covenant parties between those pieces. The parties would also cut their hands and then clasp the hands together, causing a slight mixing of their blood together. This act was followed by a covenant meal in which both parties ate together and spoke of their terms of covenant.

Whatever had been agreed to in the covenant was binding for life. If one party was to break their end of the covenant, by passing through the dead pieces of animal they were symbolically saying, “May this happen to me”. Only the death of both parties could annul a covenant, not just the passing of one. As long as you lived, you saw the scar and you were reminded of your pact.

Following the death of Jonathan, David enquired if there were any remaining of the house of Saul (Jonathan’s father) that he may show kindness to “for Jonathan’s sake” (2 Samuel 9:1). There was one man, Mephibosheth; son of Saul who had went into hiding since David had ascended to the throne. Mephibosheth was “lame on his feet” (9:3), which meant that he could walk but not very well. This was due to an accident that occurred on the day that his father was killed in battle. At the age of 5, he was dropped by his nurse while trying to escape from the king’s palace. Fearing that David would slaughter all that were left of the house of Saul, she caused irreparable damage to the young boy. She did not know of the covenant between Jonathan and David. Much damage has been caused to our next generation in the church due to parents and pastors not understanding the covenant that has been cut between Jesus and His Father.

Just as David, (a type of God), showed kindness to Mephibosheth, (a type of you and I), for Jonathan’s sake (a type of Jesus), God does all that He does for you and I because of the death of His Son. We are forgiven because of the Covenant that Jesus entered into with His Father. God honors it, “for Christ’s sake” (Ephesians 4:32).

When David brought Mephibosheth into his house he told him that he was to eat at the king’s table for the rest of his life and that the king would always protect him. The way for David to honor his covenant with Jonathan was to provide for Mephibosheth with no pre-conditions. The way for Mephibosheth to honor David was to simply feed. His feet would be under David’s table forevermore, and he would not have to look at his crippled legs.

When we accept Christ by faith, we are honoring what He did at the cross. When God accepts us in our crippled state, He too is honoring what Jesus did at the cross. Jesus bears the nail scars in His hands as a constant reminder of Covenant to His Father. When the enemy comes to accuse you and me, our advocate need only hold up His hand to the Judge, who sees the scar and remembers the Covenant. Thank God for the blood!

From Bethlehem to Hebron

2 Samuel 2:1

A Chinese proverb says, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”. We never go anywhere if we do not begin. David’s journey from a shepherd’s hillside to the palace of a king is one of the more storied tales in the history of the world. Chosen last among his brothers, anointed to be king at about age 15, he comes from obscurity to place his name among the greatest warriors and kings of all time. How he got from point A to point B is an interesting tale, and one that each one of us must live in our own way.

From his humble beginnings in Bethlehem to his coronation as king in the city of Hebron, David encounters many obstacles and receives many blessings. Three key figures influence and shape David, making him the man that he will turn out to be: Goliath, Saul and Jonathan.

All of us will encounter a Goliath from time to time. These big, obnoxious attacks of the enemy are meant to ensnare and to scare. David doesn’t overcome because he has great talent; remember he has never killed a man before. His strength comes when he claims covenant, calling Goliath “uncircumcised”. By appealing to circumcision, David is placing the outcome of the battle in the capable hands of God, who is bound to covenant to defend those who have faith. Guess what, it is the same today! God is bound by the covenant that He made with Jesus at Calvary to honor your faith. No Goliath will stand in your way.

Saul is typical of the religious opposition that you will receive. While Jesus brings peace on earth between God and man, He certainly does not promise the same peace between men (Luke 12:51-53). When you walk in the goodness and grace of God’s love and acceptance, many people will try and pull you back into some form of works righteousness. They will oppose you and block you and in some cases they will slander your name and give false accusation. Nothing is more slanderously reported against than the gospel of grace (Romans 3:8).

Thank God for a Jonathan! We all have them; people who encourage and inspire us. These are the friends that we make covenant with, sharing our hopes and dreams, lending constant support to. More importantly, Jonathan is our Jesus. It is for Christ’s sake that we are forgiven, and it is for Jonathan’s sake that David shows kindness to Mephibosheth (Ephesians 4:32; 2 Samuel 9:1). Jesus is the one figure that not only influences our life, but He makes our life what it is (John 10:10).

You are on a journey today, not having apprehended, but a lot farther than you were when you started. Face your cast of characters with confidence and faith. Let the Goliath’s meet up with your mediator, Jesus Christ; they are no match for Him. Let your Saul’s fall by the wayside, as you rise above their chasings and their words, careful to never attack them in return (1 Samuel 18:11; 24:6). Finally, let your heavenly Jonathan, Jesus Christ the righteous provide all of your comfort and goodness.

May His face shine upon you today. You’re His child, and He cares for you.