“Eternal One: Even now, turn back your heart and rededicate yourselves to Me; Show Me your repentance by fasting, weeping, and mourning. Rip the wickedness out of your hearts; don’t just tear your clothing. Now return to the Eternal, your True God. You already know He is gracious and compassionate. He does not anger easily and maintains faithful love. He is willing to relent and not harm you.” (Joel 2:12-13, The Voice Bible)
Once again, impending judgment is the immediate context of these verses. And once again, there is an eternal principle: God is loving, gracious, and compassionate and is not eager to punish. He is eager for us to be right with Him. He is eager for us to see how our sinfulness breaks His heart and hurts us.
Some of us grew up in a time where spanking was common when children were disobedient. We may have even heard words that we didn’t believe: “This is going to hurt me more than it hurts you.” Unfortunately, some grew up with angry and abusive parents who seemed to enjoy doling out punishment. But, I think that truly was the exception and not the rule. My mom almost always punished with tears in her eyes.
When I got to the other side of the parent/child arrangement, I learned how painful it is for the parent who has to bring necessary correction to willful defiance. I also learned about the joy of restoration from a truly repentant child who wanted to please me out of love and not fear.
God is not like the abusive parent. He does not enjoy bringing punishment. Neither is He the neglectful parent who stands by idly while His children self-destruct in their selfishness. He is the perfect, loving parent who does what is necessary to refocus and restore what has been broken by our sin.
Question: How does our view of God as “Father” affect the way we respond to Him when we have chosen our own way over His?
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