June 2

Isaiah 63
Wrath and anger, none of us likes to be the recipient of it, but a lot of us enjoy releasing it when we feel it. There is something that feels good about the release of anger. Indeed, some have defined depression as anger turned inward. Why does the release of anger feel good? Anger and wrath are the expected emotions of a transgression against what is right. If I am not angered when I am forced to see the flow of human trafficking, especially with the sexual abuse of children, then there is something genuinely wrong. Anger is a good emotion when it vented properly for the right reasons. It is destructive when vented improperly of for the wrong reasons.
I recently watched a DVD entitled Remember Nhu. I don’t think anyone reading what I am writing now could watch the video and not be angry against the sex slave trade in this world. If it doesn’t make you angry, then you have no sense of righteousness. Many of us rail against the image of an angry-wrathful God, but unless God becomes angry against sin, then He is not a holy God. Deep down inside we all know that there has to be a pay day someday for sin. This passage in Isaiah reveals that just side of God. The passage is very similar to Revelation 19. Our God is coming as a Deliverer! He is fiercely trampling and destroying all those who violate His righteousness. Our heart rejoice in the execution of His justice! But be careful! Which side are we on?
In the midst of the description of His wrath in Isaiah 63, the prophet cries out:
I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the LORD
And the praises of the LORD,
According to all that the LORD has bestowed on us,
And the great goodness toward the house of Israel,
Which He has bestowed on them according to His mercies,
According to the multitude of His lovingkindnesses. . . .
And the Angel of His Presence saved them;
In His love and in His pity He redeemed them;
And He bore them and carried them
All the days of old. . . .
He who brought them up out of the sea . . .
To make for Himself an everlasting name,
So You lead Your people,
To make Yourself a glorious name.
It is only in the midst of anger and wrath do we truly understand the meaning of mercy and salvation. So also in Revelation 19, the coming of the wrathful Lamb and King of Kings is in the midst of the marriage supper of the Lamb. Only in the context of justice do we understand the meaning of mercy. This is our Lord! He is in the process of making a glorious name for Himself! We have the option of receiving either His mercy or His justice. I want His mercy. Mercy drops round us are falling, but for the showers we plead. Indeed we serve a glorious King! Speak His glory to someone today!
--Pastor john