Past Due

Psalm 78:38 (KJV) But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath.

(Proverbs 25 also read)

Pagans and atheist love to accuse the God of the Old Testament of being full of wrath.  They like to say that the God of the New Testament is totally different.  As I have said other places, they overlook the extreme patience that God exhibited in withholding punishment from Israel.

This verse points out that reality.  Israel had deserved and earned abundantly God’s wrath.  They deserved to be punished.  They had it coming, so to speak.  In spite of that God withheld His revenge.  But even God eventually is brought to the point of disciplining His people.

Did He withhold His wrath because there was a faithful remnant?  Did that remnant wander to the point where He realized there was no one left to shelter?  We don’t know why He finally discipline them, but He did.

So?  God is incredibly patient.  He was patient with Israel.  He is patient with us.  On one side that should bring joy to your heart, but it should also remind you not to think you’re going to take advantage of His kindness.  Live in righteousness.  Walk upright.  Glorify your God.