The Divine Purpose of God's Judgment and Wrath

Throughout time we see evidence of God's judgment--against Egypt during Moses' day, against Israel and Judah during the days of the prophets--and a future judgment that will come upon all mankind. I personally believe our nation is currently under God's judgment for a multitude of sins and disobedience to His ways.



But we also see a divine purpose behind God's judgment--that people would know Him as the Lord. A keyword search of "know that I am the Lord" turned up 88 verses, most from the book of Ezekiel and Exodus.



Consider the following sample scriptures:



The Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I stretch out my hand against Egypt and bring out the people of Israel from among them.” ~Exodus 7:5



“I have heard the grumbling of the people of Israel. Say to them, ‘At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall be filled with bread. Then you shall know that I am the Lord your God.’” ~Exodus 16:12



I will make your oppressors eat their own flesh, and they shall be drunk with their own blood as with wine. Then all flesh shall know that I am the Lord your Savior, and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.” ~Isaiah 49:26



And behold, a prophet came near to Ahab king of Israel and said, “Thus says the Lord, Have you seen all this great multitude? Behold, I will give it into your hand this day, and you shall know that I am the Lord.” ~1 Kings 20:13



“Thus shall my anger spend itself, and I will vent my fury upon them and satisfy myself. And they shall know that I am the Lord—that I have spoken in my jealousy—when I spend my fury upon them." ~Ezekial 5:13



“So you shall know that I am the Lord your God, who dwells in Zion, my holy mountain. And Jerusalem shall be holy, and strangers shall never again pass through it." ~Joel 3:17 



Even in His jealousy, judgment, and wrath, God's purpose is for people to know Him. He loves us too much to let us live in a way that is contrary to who He is, and He proved it at the cross.



Know Him.



Almighty God and Heavenly Father, thank You for revealing Yourself to us--not just once, but throughout history. Thank You for desiring a relationship with us: sinful humanity. Oh, God, we've done nothing to deserve Your love or a relationship with You, but we're grateful that You relentlessly pursue us for the purpose of allowing us to know You. Thank You for the cross of Jesus that makes it all possible. Amen.