The merciful God of the Old Testament
I really enjoyed studying the Old Testament with our church this year. Before this year I had always seen the God of the Old Testament as maybe a bit scary. But this year as we've studied in depth, I've come to understand some of the language used in the Old Testament and seen his abundant mercy and lovingkindness.
His punishments and judgments are gifts to those who are being mistreated. In the Old Testament, he is punishing bullies, and liars, enslavers, and task masters. He's punishing people for ways they've hurt people that happened behind closed doors, for injustice, for mocking and demeaning others, treating others as objects and putting others down so one can look better. In reality He is a God that is saving us, delivering us from evil. If you've ever been hurt or mistreated, you can identify with wanting an advocate, someone who sees all and knows all and can right all wrongs. God's punishments and judgments are a show of mercy to all the abused. He comes with "healing in his wings."
Punishments for wrongdoings are applauded when we're not the wrongdoer. Certainly this is not an us vs. them, for we have all sinned in these ways or others. What is to become of us, the sinners? I'm so grateful for an infinite Atonement-- meaning Christ's sacrifice of blood atoned for not only our sins today but their sins back then. The prophets of the Old Testament knew this and testified beautifully of Jesus Christ who offers forgiveness and mercy, if we but turn to him. Throughout the entire Old Testament, there is a thread of mercy and love woven through. "Oh give thanks to the God of gods, for his mercy endureth forever." Ps.136:2 "I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee." Jer. 31:3 "The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble, and he knoweth them that trust in him." Nahum 1:7
I'm grateful for scriptures that turn us to him and teach us about his goodness. Especially as we celebrate the birth of our Older Brother, I am grateful for Jesus Christ, our advocate, deliverer, healer, and friend.
