Would you rather choose God’s mercy or his wrath? That’s an easy choice, isn’t it? We really don’t think about it much. We tend to thank him when things go right and blame him when things go wrong. Some of us do that subconsciously, while others openly and blatantly shake their fists at God and turn away from him. We live and breathe because of his mercy and grace. We would be gone in an instant if he did not love us and desire fellowship with us.
The Bible says, in Numbers 14:18 (NLT), that God is slow to anger and filled with unfailing love, forgiving every kind of sin and rebellion. That is certainly for our benefit and survival. What is the ultimate fate of those who don’t follow him and receive his love and mercy? No person can safely defy God, who is Almighty and the Creator of the universe. He controls the rise and fall of nations… even ours. The United States was blessed and made to rise by God. Surely he controls whether we fall or not.
To people who refuse to believe, God’s punishment is like an angry fire or an overwhelming flood that will sweep them away. To those who love him, his mercy is a refuge. The relationship I have with God is up to me. I can choose to love him, follow him, and serve him, living under his mercy, grace, and protection OR I can choose to defy him and receive his wrath. I choose to serve the Lord!
Nahum 1:6 (NLT) - “Who can stand before his fierce anger? Who can survive his burning fury? His rage blazes forth like fire, and the mountains crumble to dust in his presence.”