Old and new..... the same?....
This morning I was reminded
that God doesn't change.....
hasn't changed....
Of course.... I know that!....
I think....?
Some time ago a friend asked me
what's the Old Testament all about anyways....?
God killing off whole nations
The flood
'atrocities' against people....
somehow advocated by God....
and somehow for years my mind has always
molded the God of the Old Testament
as the God of Anger and Judgement.
BUT
the God of the New Testament is the God of Love
and acceptance and joy and beauty...... etc....
Hmmm....
But if God doesn't change..............
Hmm...
More recently I am beginning to understand
that the God of the old
and the God of the new is the same
But what HAS changed
is the way that SIN in the world is dealt with....
Old Testament.... Choose or lose
God honoured peoples right to choose.... but
when they chose to not honour God, follow God, walk according to His standards
it went 'poorly' for them... :(
New Testament.... Christ has come to cover my sin
Still a choice
Still the same consequences
but the wrath of God (same God) came on Jesus
instead of me
and whoever else Chooses to accept His 'covering'
Now it is now the age of Grace
...God is holding back judgement
until the work of Christ is fulfilled
in all those who will choose Him...
and I am told that this 'age' will end
and ALL things will be cleansed of sin
once and for all....
and those not 'In Christ'
that have sin
will be dealt with Just as radically as in the Old Testament.
....Done.
like toast.... :(
Jer 1:10 speaks to this just a bit. God called him to build up....and break down.
Both
Lord,
I am beginning to see You
more as You are.
- Righteous
Loving
- Just
Beautiful
- Harsh with Sin
Kind to those who repent
- Angry at all that does not align with Your Kingdom
Providing a way out for even the worst of sinners....
Lord I love You
Yet today I more understand
what it is to
fear You.
You are Holy
yet You
have made a way.
for me.
to know You
and be like You.
Through Your son.
Jesus.
Thank You.
PJ