God “much prefers”
to express His compassion and grace than His judgment and discipline. I
can relate to this as a father. I “much prefer” to be gracious and giving
to my children rather than discipline them for disobedience. I will do
the latter if their behavior warrants it, but I “much prefer” the former.
And so it is with
God and us. He “much prefers” that we
remain in intimacy and obedience with Him, so that He can bless, help, show
compassion, empower and reward us. But
if our behavior warrants His judgment and discipline, He will have to express
that.
This in no way is
inconsistent with His immutability. Nor does it imply that He is
less loving when our behavior results in His discipline, for "He
disciplines those whom He loves" (Hebr. 12). I exhibit my love to my children when I have
to bring judgment upon them, because it is in their best interest. But, like
God, I “much prefer” to express favor, compassion, mercy, support,
blessing and reward for their obedience! It's up to them! In the
same way, it's up to us whether God does what He “much prefers” toward us.
Look carefully at
the following Scriptures and note the emotions of God behind His actions.
These verses reveal what God “much prefers”:
“As surely as I live, declares the
Sovereign LORD, I take no pleasure
in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and
live.” (Ezek. 33:11)
God does not like to bring judgment and death upon the
wicked. He “much prefers” they turn. so
He can bless them with abundant life.
“He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but
everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Pe.
3:9)
Will all come to repentance?
No. But He desires they do so that He can show grace and mercy.
“The LORD longs
to be gracious to you; He rises to show you compassion.” (Isa. 30:18)
Compare this with Ezek. 33:11 where it says “He takes no pleasure
in…” He does not desire to bring
judgment on the wicked, but He does desire to be gracious and show compassion
if we will abide in Him.
“I am the LORD your God, who
brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth and I will fill
it. But my people would not listen to
me; Israel would not submit to me. So I gave them over to their stubborn
hearts to follow their own devices. If
my people would but listen to me, if Israel would follow my ways, how quickly would I subdue their enemies
and turn my hand against their foes!
Those who hate the LORD would cringe before him, and their punishment
would last forever. But you would be fed
with the finest of wheat; with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.”
(Ps. 81:10-16)
What aspects of His
nature will God express to you? It’s
up to you!
