Vol III: #34 God Is A Happy God
There’s a picture of God we all have somewhere in our person. He’s old and gray and angry. I believe this imagine stems from First Great Awakening, way back in mid-1700’s. Jonathan Edwards gave us this impression when he preached his famous Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God sermon, and it was hence burned into American Christianity. I don’t love Edwards’ sermon, but he has plenty of Biblical basis. The Bible certainly has plenty of scripture to support Edwards’ claims. And millions of people responded to it. If hell is eternal then it’s best to do what it takes to avoid it, right?
The only issue I have with the angry God doctrine is that it’s not accurate. God isn’t angry, He’s just. And more than that, He’s looking to smile on us and cover us with love- if we let Him. In Genesis, He called creation Good. He was pleased with the sacrifices of Abel. He was please with David and, of course, Jesus. He is pleased in our weakness and when we seek peace and do good. And He seeks to bless us when we are poor in spirit, mourn, or face persecution. He applauds our attempts and blesses our trials. And Jesus is the ultimate blessing- a sign of love, for though we were lost and broken, he sent Himself. If God were only angry, marking our sins on a giant cosmic chalkboard, we’d all be screwed to hell. But, He’s not.
I’ll stop here to say something important; the Lord is not a slot machine where if we pull the right levers we will be rich. Too many people fall into that line of thinking and it’s a false doctrine. This is not a carrot vs stick motivational discussion. What I want to clearly define for me and you is the idea that the Lord is for us. (Remember: Suffering is part of life and is not an indicator of the Father’s affection for us.) My point is that we can please God with how we live life and we will never work for His love. He loves us already and eternally.
I know I’m not saying anything new, and originality isn’t my goal. But this morning, as I thought about my vote and all the problems we face, I remembered the Lord is good. He is hope and love. And, He’s for us. And He’s for America and all the people in it. He stands and knocks on all of our hearts waiting for us to answer. These are not the actions of a gray, old man with lighting bolts at the ready when we screw up. This is picture of a good Father, one with open arms and kind words for those willing to listen.
