Revealing Forgiveness vs. Judgment

Scripture: The Lord passed in front of him and proclaimed: The Lord — the Lord is a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and abounding in faithful love and truth, maintaining faithful love to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, rebellion, and sin. But he will not leave the guilty unpunished, bringing the consequences of the fathers’ iniquity on the children and grandchildren to the third and fourth generation. Exodus 34:6-7

Observation: Moses asked the Lord to reveal himself to him, and Lord told him he would. He would pass by Moses, covering Moses' eyes so that he could not see the Lord's face, but otherwise allowing him to perceive the Lord. This he does, and while doing so he declares this proclamation about himself. Beginning with his name, the proclamation describes the nature of Yahweh himself.

-- He is compassionate

-- He is gracious

-- He is patient and not easily angered

-- He is completely truthful

-- He is so full of love it overflows from him beyond comprehension

-- He forgives all kind of sin, even rebellion

-- He punishes the truly guilty so strongly it can impact a family generationally

It is in the last two items that humans struggle. All humans do things wrong and break commandments; All humans lust and lie and covet and get angry. However, it is difficult to discern how it is the Lord will both forgive yet punish such sin. The explanation must be in one key word ... guilty. It isn't the sin that triggers the punishment, but rather it is some moment of judgment when one is found guilty of wrongdoing.

In parables, Jesus teaches us to rectify situations in life before we appear in court. We are to try to resolve situations with our neighbors before we appear before a judge, and this same model applies to spiritual life where we are to seek reconciliation with others before presenting our offerings to God. These parables both relate to the moment of judgment ... the moment we stand before the person with the authority to judge us and receive a decision. If we first seek forgiveness, judgment is unnecessary. However, if we open ourselves to judgment, punishment and consequences are now on the table.

And this is the reconciliation of forgiveness and judgment. Forgiveness is available to anyone who appeals to the Lord's overflowing, steadfast love. Judgment and punishment for wrongdoing is passed on those who decide to opt out of the Lord's compassion because they embrace a life that is outside of his truth and grace.

Application: Yes, the Lord simplified the method for 'opting into' his truth ... faith in Jesus, not the law. However, it all comes down that decision. The Lord himself revealed this to us all.

I absolutely seek to receive the Lord's forgiveness, and thus never reach a moment of judgment where I stand before him and await his decision about my unforgiven life. I know that would not go well. I am so glad Jesus mediates that for me, for I could never withstand nor survive the Lord's judgment.

Prayer: Lord, you are compassion, gracious, patient, truthful, and so very, very loving. Please do forgive my iniquities, and protect me from the ways and influence of a world that is always trying to convince me of different truths. I desire to live within your glory alone. Amen.