QT 7/13/2022 Ps 18:7-12, The wrath of God will be terrible

Psalm 18:7–12 (ESV) —

7 Then the earth reeled and rocked;

the foundations also of the mountains trembled

and quaked, because he was angry.

8 Smoke went up from his nostrils,

and devouring fire from his mouth;

glowing coals flamed forth from him.

9 He bowed the heavens and came down;

thick darkness was under his feet.

10 He rode on a cherub and flew;

he came swiftly on the wings of the wind.

11 He made darkness his covering, his canopy around him,

thick clouds dark with water.

12 Out of the brightness before him

hailstones and coals of fire broke through his clouds.

 

NOTE: There is no record in scripture of God responding to David's situation in this manner. Certainly, there are similarities in Job, at the Exodus, his appearance to Elijah, and at the death of Jesus. The final judgement will be even more terrifying. This is a theophany, a visible manifestation of God -- to the extent a human can "see" the infinite God. But is also a powerful poetic illustration of the anger of God toward those who would threaten his children. Believers die on an almost daily basis. Why does God not answer like this at those moments? Because God has consigned this world to its choice -- "to be their own gods." He will satisfy his children with life that exceeds anything that can be experienced on earth. And he will judge the evil unbelieving world with dread that will defy anything that can be experienced on earth. Hell will give no joy.

 

These thoughts should motivate us to share with people the good news before it is too late. Jesus is coming, not as a lamb to the slaughter, but as a lion to slaughter. I don't when he is coming. It could be very soon, like 8-10 years, and I suppose it could be another 1000 or more. He will come. He is coming. He has fulfilled all his promises except the return.

 

PONDER:

1. Am I serious about the gospel?
2. Do I care for those around me or do my actions suggest I see the second coming as only a myth?

 

PRAYER: Father, give us the boldness and courage to share the good news to those we encounter today. Even a simple acknowledgment of God is a small step toward changing a world that thinks God does not exist.