December 17 Nuts Or Bolts?

Nahum 1:1-3:19;  Revelation 8:1-13;  Psalm 136:1-26;  Proverbs 30:7-9

Have you seen the car commercial that raises the question– “nuts or bolts” when constructing a swimming pool?  Having just used bolts the  homeowners/would-be car buyers  answer “And is best!” after their project falls apart.  Nuts AND bolts are needed to hold together the pool.  A nice illustration for driving home the point that  ‘good gas mileage AND a great ride’ are desired in their choice of a car.

The Old Testament prophet Nahum presents two pictures of God.  Which is the right picture of God?

“The Lord is a jealous and avenging God;  the Lord is avenging and wrathful…The Lord is slow to anger and great in power, and the Lord will by no means clear the guilty…His wrath is poured out like fire, and the rocks are broken into pieces by him.”  Nahum 1:2-3, 6

OR

“The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble;  he knows those who take refuge in him.” Nahum 1:7

Vengeful or Merciful?

Angry or Forgiving?

On this side of the Cross–AFTER the Resurrection we come to the same conclusion as the would-be car owners–“AND is best.”  God can be described as all of those things, but because of Jesus Christ and His sacrifice on the Cross–all who believe in Him will definitely experience NOT WRATH but Salvation:

“God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.”  1Thessalonians 5:9

God’s wrath will consume those who have rejected Him as Lord and Savior AND His grace will lead us who believe in Him–home.  It’s who God is.  That’s the nuts AND bolts of it.

Lord God, you look down from Heaven and see the deeds of man.  For all who believe on the name of your son, Jesus Christ, you see not our sins, but the blood of Him who gave His life for all.  You see His holy life in us and your wrath no longer stands between us and You.  Thank you for your great gift of Salvation!  We pray that we may be faithful in telling others the whole story about you–nuts AND bolts–the whole Gospel story–that You’ve come to save them from everlasting ire, too.  In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

“Behold upon the mountains, the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace.”  Nahum 1:15

“to the One who remembered us in our low estate…and freed us from our enemies…and who gives food to every creature…give thanks to the God of heaven–His love endures forever.”  Psalm 136:23-26

 

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