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| Collect for Christian Unity |
The LORD answered, “Him only who has sinned against me will I strike out of my book.
Now, go and lead the people to the place I have told you.
My angel will go before you.
When it is time for me to punish, I will punish them for their sin.”
Like any angry man, Moses wanted the Lord to immediately exact a severe punishment on those who had sinned. First, because they had sinned against God; and secondly, because Moses took his role as prophet and leader seriously, and supposed that everyone should. He might not have said but he must have felt that those who defied God also defied him. And that he could not bear. And so he had to stand down and let the Lord punish the wicked "when it is time."
When does that time come? Will the wicked know it's coming? Will they even recognize it when it occurs? Perhaps they'll not suffer immediately. The Lord might simply not speak to them; and, since they're not in the habit of listening to God, they will not notice. But that is nonetheless a most severe punishment. For without divine guidance we're adrift in a sea of distraction and misdirection while prevailing currents move us toward destruction. It's not a matter of if but when.
As to the Final Judgment, we pray it does not come soon. For...
"Who can endure the day of his coming?
Who can stand firm when he appears?" Mal 3:2
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.