Compare God's wrath in Jeremiah 44:6 with His mercy in other scriptures. wrath on display—Jeremiah 44:6 “Therefore My wrath and anger were poured out and burned in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem; they became a desolation and a ruin, as they are today.” (Jeremiah 44:6) • The people of Judah had persisted in idolatry despite repeated prophetic warnings. • God’s wrath here is not a capricious outburst; it is the settled, righteous response of a holy God to covenant rebellion. • The ruin “as they are today” shows wrath has tangible, historical consequences. mercy described—god’s heart revealed in other texts “The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and faithfulness…” “The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion… He has not dealt with us according to our sins.” “Because of the LORD’s loving devotion we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” “Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity… He delights in loving devotion.” “He ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.” —Jesus’ parable illustrating the Father’s eager mercy. “But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ…” “He saved us, not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to His mercy.” “The Lord is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” how wrath and mercy fit together • Same God, same character: wrath safeguards His holiness; mercy flows from His love. • Wrath is always reactive—triggered by persistent sin. Mercy is proactive—extended even before repentance (Romans 5:8). • Wrath is temporal and purposeful: it calls people back. Mercy is enduring and covenantal: it restores the repentant. • At the cross, wrath and mercy converge: “He Himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 John 2:2). living in the balance today • Take sin seriously; God does. • Run to His mercy, available in Christ, rather than daring His wrath. • Let gratitude for mercy fuel obedience and worship. |
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