Read Isaiah 34.
Years ago, a man tried to tell me that the God of the Old Testament was a God
of hate, while the God of the New Testament was a God of love. The error
of that false statement is immediately evident to anyone who has ever actually
read the Bible. At the root of such heresy is the concept that God has
changed His character over time. "For I the LORD do not
change." (Malachi 3:6)
When Jesus returns it will be a day of worldwide judgment upon the nations,
especially on those who sought to annihilate Israel. "For the LORD
has a day of vengeance, a year of recompense for the cause of Zion" (v.8).
In this chapter, Edom is used as Exhibit A. Israel's neighbor to
the southeast was a constant enemy.
The descriptions in this chapter parallel with the Great Tribulation judgments
as the seals are broken in Revelation. These events then culminate in
Revelation 19. "From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to
strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He
will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty."
(Revelation 19:15)
Therefore, the time of earthly peace and blessing will only come after the
returning Christ has decisively dealt with His enemies.
At the root of all current actions of man's inhumanity against others is sin.
It is not possible to negotiate that away. There is only one cure
in the universe for sin.
For now, we look forward to the day when Messiah will right every wrong and
bring true justice to this world. The Apostle Paul wrote: "If
possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved,
never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written,
'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord."
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