May 22

   
2 Samuel 24; 1 Chronicles 21, 22; Psalm 30
The wrath of God is again displayed with the killing of 70,000 men of Israel in just three days! It makes 9-11 look like a mere drop in the bucket. He is definitely not one to be trifled with! Yet, that is exactly what many do. Most people no longer fear the Lord. Interestingly, God desires our love more than our fear. In fact, we are told that perfect love casts out fear. Therefore, it would behoove us to gain a greater understanding of this perfect love. Just as through David we learn of sin's consequences in bringing about the wrath of God, we also learn of this perfect love. Have you noticed that in every instance where God's judgment is executed, David accepts the blame? Whereas, the unrighteous shake their fists at Jehovah God, and fail to acknowledge their sin? Perfect love is able to look within, accepting responsibility, openly confessing the wrong done, seeking to make restitution, and working to keep from repeating the error. Furthermore, the motive for such contrition is the desire to please the object of their affection, in this case, that object being the Father of Light. When this is done, God's wrath is turned away, and He exercises abundant mercy and grace.