Today I read Isaiah 9:8-17 at Lectio. The phrase that struck me was, "But the people have not returned to him who struck them". At first I read it wrong, I added punctuation and read it like this, "But the people have not returned to him. Who struck them?" I guess it didn't sink in at first that it was God who struck them. So, why would they return?
In fact, the rest of the passage says his hand was raised as if to hit them again and yet they still didn't return, duh. Passages like this make it hard to see God as a loving God who loves me more than anything or anyone. I know this to be true from what I read about how he sent Jesus. But, when I read a passage that says he beat his people for their disobedience then stood there with raised hand to beat them again and they didn't return, I have to ask is this the same God who sent Jesus?
I wonder, what does this mean (I don't mean theologically, I don't need more theology). Why do I see two faces of God when I read the OT and the NT? I guess I don't have to get this or understand it, just except and put none of my expectations on God. Humanly, it makes no sense but then, God is not human is he?
that's such a hard thing. i've actually been reading about this very idea in a book called 'the god who smokes'. he's talking about some of the postmodern viewpoints and emergent theology and the tendency to downplay all the sides of God, including those more fierce and violent sides that make us uncomfortable. but he makes the point that God gets righteously angry at evil and in a way shows his extreme love through his extreme commitment that he does not tolerate evil and especially that in his people.
ReplyDeletei think you're raising an important question, and one that trips people up a lot. if you want to borrow the book you can. p.s. i will bring your book to crisafulli's sunday. sorry for the delay.