God the Father (Yahweh) is a merciful and loving God. The only God, creator of the universe and all that is in it.
Yahweh has exhibited His love in various ways. He delivered His people, from Egypt. He provided for their daily needs in the wilderness, and He gave them the promised land.
He also gave His people commandments (laws) with the expectation that they would obey them. In their humanness, God’s people obeyed when they felt like it. They became self-centered, doing what they wanted. At times that meant they would worship idols, have sex with temple prostitutes, and do other things specifically forbidden by God. God spoke to them through the prophets. He would give specific instructions as to what action should be taken. They chose not to listen.
Therefore, He would send judgement on them. “11 Therefore thus says the Lord, “Behold I am bringing disaster on them which they will not be able to escape; though they will cry to Me, yet I will not listen to them.” Jeremiah 11:11 New American Standard Bible 1995
“17 The Lord of hosts, who planted you, has pronounced evil against you because of the evil of the house of Israel and of the house of Judah, which they have [a]done to provoke Me by [b]offering up sacrifices to Baal.” Jeremiah 11:17 New American Standard Bible 1995
Men made objects created with their hands, idols they called “gods” and worshipped them. Idolatry is always displeasing to God.” “3 You shall have no other gods [a]before Me.” Exodus 20:3 New American Standard Bible 1995
But God had a plan of redemption:
“15 For thus the Lord [a]God, the Holy One of Israel, has said, “In [b]repentance and rest you will be saved, In quietness and trust is your strength.” But you were not willing, 16 And you said, “No, for we will flee on horses,” Therefore you shall flee! “And we will ride on swift horses,” Therefore those who pursue you shall be swift. 17 One thousand will flee at the threat of one man; You will flee at the threat of five, Until you are left as a [c]flag on a mountain top And as a signal on a hill. 18 Therefore the Lord [d]longs to be gracious to you, And therefore He [e]waits on high to have compassion on you. For the Lord is a God of justice; How blessed are all those who [f]long for Him.” Isaiah 30:15-24 New American Standard Bible 1995
19 [g]O people in Zion, inhabitant in Jerusalem, you will weep no longer. He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry; when He hears it, He will answer you. 20 Although the Lord has given you bread of privation and water of oppression, He, your Teacher will no longer hide Himself, but your eyes will behold your Teacher. 21 Your ears will hear a word behind you, “[h]This is the way, walk in it,” whenever you turn to the right or to the left. 22 And you will defile your graven images overlaid with silver, and your molten images plated with gold. You will scatter them as an impure thing, and say to [i]them, “Be gone!” Isaiah 30:19-22 NASB
Later in time, He sent His son Jesus in the form of a baby. Jesus, who was with Him at the beginning of creation, obeyed the will of the Father and came to earth, preached the Kingdom of God, died on the cross, and rose on the third day and ascended into heaven. “6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be [a]grasped, 7 but [b]emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death [c]on a cross.” Philippians 2:6-8 New American Standard Bible 1995
Jesus was totally God and man. “But One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:15 NASB.
God’s love was so great toward us that He asked Jesus to suffer and die for our sins, and Jesus agreed. We like the Israelites still rebel.
There will soon be a day when God will judge us. Some will have eternal life with Him in heaven. Others will burn in hell. Where we spend eternity is up to us.
However, God who is love, will have Jesus judge us.
God in His love and mercy will still allow humans to suffer eternal punishment for not listening to Him just as He punished the Israelites in the Old Testament.
It is important you know the whole truth. Yahweh has given you free will. Where you spend eternity is your choice.
“Jesus *said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” John 14:6 NASB
“I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants.” Deuteronomy 30:19 NASB
Choose wisely.
Picture by Pixabay