Oh! How He loves us!!

Happy Sunday!

It is not a difficult task to look around the world we are enduring, and come back with a dismal assessment. Many a time, Maddie and I would discuss this and ask the question “how can God stand it?” Frankly, I don’t know how He is so incredibly amazing at restraining himself from wiping us all off the face of the earth! Continuing in the pursuit to know The Father better, I found a third Godly attribute. He is slow to anger/Longsuffering (Exodus 34) The Hebrew translated directly, looks like, “long of nose.” Anger in those ancient times was depicted by the deep heat/burning in the face, rising during an intense situation. To have a long nose, means that the individual would maintain a longer ability to keep the rage at bay.

Many read the Bible and focus in on how Yahweh seems to be a bit violent, or even vindictive. But digging in to the stories of the Old Testament, I am seeing clearly that this is not the case. Exodus 3:13-15 is the first location where we witness an angry God. Reading that exchange between Moses and The Great I am, actually makes me smile. Only a true, authentic relationship has disagreement, discussions on plans and works through fear. That is actually what’s happening here! God does not just invoke His will upon Moses, they have a discussion. Like we may have with a parent. Anger is not a negative emotion…..it’s actually a response, usually from hurt. Anger is not a “bad thing.” Truly, it can be an expression of deep love. The psychology of God’s anger seems to be a protective response, to the actions of humans. I can think of no other faith group that serves a god who allows for such deep emotional connection. Connection that is personal and unique to each experience, requiring our growth.

While reading the Bible, as well as looking back at my own walk, I have become so thankful for my long-nosed heavenly Father! He gives us so many chances to correct course and abide in His will, the way of Godly order. When the individuals of the Bible strayed from the order God instructed, chaos was abound. Each person is permitted their own choice while in a relationship with God. After so many tries to course correct, God will not smite His child out of personal vendetta. But, He will indeed turn them over to the consequences of their choice. “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; whatever a man sows, that he will also reap…” Galations 6:7 NKJV. He is a Father that loves us so much, He gives us what our heart is rooted in. What we ask for. Asking for HIM and HIS will doesn’t always look like a free-pass out of the trial. But, it does look like a way THROUGH the trial. It looks like hope beyond the fallen world. It is usually the option that requires the most growth for our true selves.

“But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is a thousand years, and a thousand years is one day. The Lord is not slack concerning HIS promise, as some would count slackness, but is long-suffering toward us, not willing that anyone should perish but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:8-9 NKJV. So, I suppose that’s it…..He is giving His children the maximum amount of days to change the sowing of what is in their hearts. Thankfully, He is on the throne giving us chance after chance. One day, the long of nose Father will end the time. Main point being, we must help to share the nature of Yahweh with those who believe He is violent. We must express the narrative as it was intended; to demonstrate His true nature of love. To remind others that anger is not a horrible, ugly quality that our society would like us to believe. That God becomes angry like a loving parent would when their child is injured or sick. This sinful experience our human race is trudging through, was never the intent. We are all on a spiritual growth journey, aimed at reuniting us with God. Jesus has paid the price, we must take the steps in the Spirit toward Him, and Yahweh will do the rest!

Maddie IS a long nosed gal. Calm natured and slow to anger. She never once looked at Yahweh with blame. Never once thought that He was actively punishing her with illness. No. He gave her the way out and allowed her to share His character with others all along the way. This is our calling. To learn and reflect the nature of our Creator!

Til next time….

Forever His and yours,

TBS