When you think of Yahweh what ‘picture’ springs to mind? Do you see Him as a frowning Judge, waiting to punish us for our errors? Or so full of compassion He’s ready to overlook all kinds of weaknesses and sin? Some see Him as terribly demanding, others as infinitely generous. Who is He? The truth is He can be all these – and more besides! Paul asks us to “…consider [Yahweh’s] kindness and severity” [Romans 11:22, italics added]. Isaiah says, “Listen carefully, [Yahweh] will come with might, And His arm will rule for Him…He will protect His flock like a shepherd, He will gather the lambs in His arm, He will carry them in His bosom” [Isaiah 40:10-11]. Both men show us the contrasts in the nature of the Almighty.
It's difficult to hold such contrasts in mind at the same time; they can be comforting and terrifying. The Scriptures show us clearly that Yahweh is both kind and severe, merciful and condemning, exalted and available. Which is He to you? “The One who leads His people,” writes J. Oswald Sanders, “is terrible in His might, but tender in His attitudes.” Isaiah shows Him as infinitely tender, gathering tired lambs in His arms and holding them close. It’s the same arm which rules the Universe! There are no contradictions in these contrasts. “No attribute of [Yahweh] is in conflict with another,” writes A. W. Tozer. “[Yahweh] is never at cross-purposes with Himself.”
The judgements and punishments we read about in the Old Testament can be horrifying and frightening. We wonder who Yahweh really is, or how He could bring such disaster, pain, and distress on those He loves. A careful reading, however, will show that He’s extremely merciful, giving many warnings before punishing sin. Sin and disobedience have dreadful consequences, a fact that’s never been hidden. We ignore Yahweh’s claims at our peril. Those who are obedient to His commands reap multiple benefits and boundless blessings, for Yahweh loves to be generous. His judgements and punishments are just, reserved for those who ignore His warnings. But the tenderness of Yahweh always encircles those who love Him.
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1 timothy 3:16 NIV - Beyond all question, the mystery from - Bible Gateway
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