Category Archives: Wrath

HIGHWAY REST STOP; CAFE, FUEL, INFORMATION, WASHROOMS
Anger, Bible, Disobedience, Hebrews, Psalms, Rest, Scripture, Wrath

NO REST

HEBREWS 3:11

“‘AS I SWORE IN MY ANGER, “THEY CERTAINLY SHALL NOT ENTER MY REST.”’”

Have you ever been traveling and needed to stop at a rest stop on the highway? Those rest stops are generally placed every 50-60 miles apart to allow travelers to rest every hour, if needed. So, the next time you are on the road and miss that much needed rest stop, know there will probably be another one in about an hour (unless you’re stuck in that awesome interstate traffic, lol).

There were no rest stops in the wilderness. The rest referred to in today’s verse which is quoted from Psalm 95:11 is God’s perfect rest. God was done trying to rescue this rebellious lot, so He banned them from the promised land. Albert Barnes has a good explanation of this passage. “It is called ‘my rest’ here, meaning that it was such rest as God had provided, or such as he enjoyed. The particular ‘rest’ referred to here was that of the land of Canaan, but which was undoubtedly regarded as emblematic of the ‘rest’ in heaven. Into that rest God solemnly said they should never enter. They had been rebellious. All the means of reclaiming them had failed. God had warned and entreated them; he had caused his mercies to pass before them and had visited them with judgments in vain; and he now declares that for all their rebellion they should be excluded from the promised land.”

ASK QUESTIONS (Command to Obey, Promise to claim, Sin to avoid, Application to make, Something new about God)

We can obviously see a Sin to avoid in this verse. Rebelling against the Lord had obvious consequences. Not a single adult, except Joshua and Caleb, entered the Promised Land after they had rebelled against the Lord. Their refusal to follow Joshua and Caleb’s report and trust in the Lord resulted in their banishment. I find it interesting that once they heard God’s judgment, they decided to go ahead and try to enter Canaan. They were immediately defeated and sent running by the enemy. That’s what happens to us, as well. When we are outside the umbrella of God’s protection, the enemy can easily defeat us.

The Greek word “rest” is katapausis which occurs nine times in the New Testament, eight of those here in Hebrews (3:11, 18; 4:1, 3 (2x), 5, 10, 11). Take a minute or two and look up all those verses to see how the word is used. I particularly like Hebrews 4:10-11. “10 For the one who has entered His rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from His. 11 Therefore let’s make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following the same example of disobedience.”

So, we have a choice, don’t we. We can rest in Christ, or we can have no rest. What’s your choice? I choose rest. These past couple of weeks I have been forced to rest my body to recover from an expected surgery to repair a kidney bleed that left me weak and sore. I have slept more than I have in years. But my body knew I needed that rest. I also know my spirit needs to rest. I have to allow Christ to heal my spiritual bumps and bruises. He can give me perfect peace. It’s yours for the asking as well.

Thank You, Lord, for Your perfect peace available in Jesus.

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Biblical high priest holding a smoking censer inside an ornate sanctuary
Appeasement, Bible, Forgiveness, Hebrews, Propitiation, Reconciled, Scripture, Wrath

TO RECONCILE

HEBREWS 2:17

“Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brothers so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.”

We are living in a day where thousands of families are suffering from estrangement from family members. I truly believe this is a work of Satan. He knows if he can attack and destroy families, especially Christian families, he can destroy the church. Unfortunately, our mental health field has flamed this wildfire into a frenzy. The only hope is repentance and reconciliation through our Lord. No amount of counseling will heal these wounds.

Jesus came for one purpose – to reconcile mankind back to the Father. We see this so clearly in today’s verse. The writer says Jesus became “a merciful and faithful high priest” in order “to make propitiation for the sins of the people.” The verb “make propitiation” only occurs here and in Luke 18:13 where it says, “God be merciful to me a sinner.” This is the passage where the tax collector is beating his chest and praying to the Father. He knew and we know that our only source of forgiveness is from Him and we can do nothing to earn it.

ASK QUESTIONS (Command to Obey, Promise to claim, Sin to avoid, Application to make, Something new about God)

The Promise to claim is apparent. Christ has done this for us. The Greek word is hilaskomai. HELPS Word-studies says this word means “to extend propitiation, showing mercy by satisfying (literally, propitiating) the wrath of God on sin.” We all need mercy in this regard. There is nothing we could have ever done to appease God’s wrath. Only Jesus could do that.

This word appears in the noun form in two places in the New Testament. Both occur in 1 John. The first is 1 John 2:2 which says, “and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” Two chapters later, John writes in 1 John 4:10, “In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”

As followers of Christ, we will never face the wrath of God. But pity the souls who never turn to Jesus in this lifetime. They will feel the full weight of their sins one day. They may think they are skating by right now, but there will be a pay day someday. Aren’t you thankful your debt has been paid? Aren’t you glad Jesus has appeased God’s wrath on your behalf? If so, live like it. Live with a lifestyle of gratitude.

Words can never fully express my gratitude to You for my salvation through Jesus. Help me to live a life of gratitude.

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Lightning bolt striking ancient warriors surrounded by burning tents in mountainous terrain
Bible, Enemies, Promises, Revenge, Romans, Scripture, Vengeance, Wrath

VENGEANCE IS MINE

ROMANS 12:19

“Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written: ‘VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,’ says the Lord.”

We’ve all heard this statement from Scripture at some point in our lives. It comes from Deuteronomy 32:35 where it reads, “‘Vengeance is Mine, and retribution; in due time their foot will slip. For the day of their disaster is near, and the impending things are hurrying to them.’” We don’t have to worry about getting our own revenge on our enemies. God, in due time, will take care of that for us.

As Paul continues to tell us how to engage with others, he warns against taking our “own revenge.” The verb here is ekdikéō which means to “dispense justice, carrying a judgment completely through.” (HELPS Word-studies). This verb is used six times in the New Testament. In this verse we are warned against becoming our own self-appointed avenger. We are not in a position to judge anyone, are we?

APPLICATION

In Luke 18:1-8, Jesus tells the parable of the judge who reluctantly gave the woman justice who kept coming to him asking him to do that. That is the same verb used here in Romans. The woman could not avenge herself. She was reliant on the judge to do that for her. The same is true for us. God is the one who judges, not us.

The last time this verb is used is in Revelation 19:1-2. “1 After these things I heard something like a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, ‘Hallelujah! Salvation, glory, and power belong to our God, 2 BECAUSE HIS JUDGMENTS ARE TRUE AND RIGHTEOUS; for He has judged the great prostitute who was corrupting the earth with her sexual immorality, and HE HAS AVENGED THE BLOOD OF HIS BOND-SERVANTS ON HER.’” God will avenge His children. We may not live to see it done, but it will be done by a holy, just God.

Paul tells us in today’s verse to “leave room for the wrath of God.” Here is where we fail. We don’t leave room for God to avenge us. We retaliate first and then ask for forgiveness. That is not how God works. The word “wrath” is a strong word. Paul knew God had all power and was quite capable of handling his enemies. Can we do the same? If we can trust Him with our eternity, can’t we trust Him to handle our enemies? Surely, we can.

Lord, forgive me when I jump out in front of You to take vengeance on others.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Longsuffering, Patience, Power, Romans, Salvation, Scripture, Wrath

LONGSUFFERING OF GOD

ROMANS 9:22

“What if God, although willing to demonstrate His wrath and to make His power known, endured with great patience objects of wrath prepared for destruction?”

I have had to put up with some things before in my life, particularly some other people. I recall one such individual with whom I worked. Every morning this individual did the same thing without consideration for the rest of us in the office. They were a little self-centered and intent on taking care of numero uno. We all tolerated them, even the boss, who could have fired them. Why he didn’t, I’ll never understand. He was much more longsuffering than me.

But my o my, isn’t our God longsuffering? The actual Greek word translated as “patience” in our verse today is makrothymia The Topical Lexicon says it “describes a God-centered restraint that endures provocation without surrendering to resentment or retaliation. Rather than mere passivity, it is a purposeful waiting that preserves righteousness and seeks the good of others.” That’s our God. That’s why makrothymia is one of the fruits of the Spirit. He knew we were going to need that.

APPLICATION 

In reference to this verse, Albert Barnes writes, “He suffered them to live while they deserved to die. God bears with all sinners with much patience; he spares them amid all their provocations, to give them opportunity of repentance; and though they are suited for destruction, yet he prolongs their lives, and offers them pardon, and loads them with benefits.” God is a just God, and just because He doesn’t zap these “objects of wrath” right away, that should never be interpreted as Him condoning their behaviors.

When I pray for my grandchildren each day, I always pray for their future spouses and families. I also always add “if the Lord tarries His coming.” I know the Lord will return one day. Right now, He is tarrying, waiting on the Father’s command. That doesn’t lessen my desire for His return. Longsuffering and patience are attributes of our Father which we need to learn to imitate in our own lives.

Is there someone in your life whom you need to be a little more longsuffering with? I don’t mean you need to be treated like a doormat or that you have to put up with behaviors that affect you personally. But our longsuffering toward someone may be just the thing that draws them to the love our Master. When they ask you why you put up with them, you can tell them it’s because of Jesus. Let Jesus do the talking for you. Be like Him.

Lord, I know all I deserve myself is hell, yet You showed Your longsuffering toward me which resulted in my day of salvation. I praise You for that.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Consequences, Indignation, Scripture, Sin, Wrath

A WARNING

ROMANS 2:8

“but to those who are self-serving and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, He will give wrath and indignation.” 

If-Then statements have been used by parents forever. “If you clean your room, then you can go out and play.” I am sure you heard a few of those growing up. If-Then statements can also be used as motivation in the workplace. “If you meet your sales goal, then you will receive a nice bonus.” But If-Then statements can also be used to give a warning, like in today’s verse. It is not exactly an If-then statement, but you’ll catch my drift when you read the verse.

Paul says if we “are self-serving and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness,” then “He will give wrath and indignation.” You see what I mean – If-Then! God gives us a clear warning what will happen if we do not obey. If we choose ourselves, don’t obey the truth but obey unrighteousness, He will bring His wrath and indignation on us. Why? Because God can not tolerate deliberate, willful, sinful behavior. Contrary to popular opinion, not everyone will be in heaven. You have to obey the Lord to receive entrance.

APPLICATION

What exactly is this “wrath and indignation”? The Greek word for “wrath” is orge and it is used here to show “the settled, righteous opposition of God to sin,” (Topical Lexicon). Jesus warns us of this wrath in John 3:36. “‘The one who believes in the Son has eternal life; but the one who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.’”

“Indignation” is the Greek word thumos and “is used of God’s perfect, holy wrath in Revelation (Rev 14:10,19,15:1, etc.). This anger is directed against sin with intense opposition and without sin.” (HELPS Word studies) Therein lies the difference between our indignation and God’s – He does it without sinning (which of course He can’t do). We, on the other hand, get caught up in our indignation and can react sinfully.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to face that one day. I want to be welcomed into the bosom of God with the words “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” I have no fear of His wrath and indignation because I know in whom my hope lies. It lies in His Son, Jesus Christ, Who loves me and died for me. How about you?

Thank You, Lord, for the freedom from Your wrath and indignation.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Anger, Behavior, Bible, Scripture, Speech, Wrath

THROW OUT THE TRASH

COLOSSIANS 3:8

“But now you also, rid yourselves of all of them: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene speech from your mouth.”

When I come in from working outside, my wife makes me take my clothes off in the garage and then directly to the washing machine. She can’t stand the smell of my sweat and dirt. I have to lay those things aside to distance myself from them in order to cleanse myself.

That’s the picture Paul is painting in today’s verse. Strong’s Lexicon explains this so well. “The Greek verb apotithémi is used in the New Testament to convey the action of putting off or laying aside something, often in a metaphorical sense. It implies a deliberate action of removing or discarding something that is no longer needed or is considered inappropriate. This term is frequently used in the context of moral and spiritual transformation, where believers are encouraged to “put off” sinful behaviors and attitudes.”

APPLICATION

This verb is only used 9 times in the New Testament. In James 1:21 it says, “Therefore, ridding yourselves of all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.” To truly receive the Word, you have to get rid of all the stuff in your life that seeks to draw you away.

In Hebrews 12:1 the Holy Spirit tells us, “Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let’s rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with endurance the race that is set before us.” You can’t run and drag this stuff with you. You have to throw it away.

What do you need to rid yourself of today? It may not be “anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene speech,” but it still needs to go. You need to be unhindered, ready to run. Lay all that stuff aside and pursue the race He has for you.

Oh Lord, give me the strength to lay these things aside and never pick them up again.

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Bible, Disobedience, Scripture, Wrath

SONS OF DISOBEDIENCE

COLOSSIANS 3:6

For it is because of these things that the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience,”

Have you ever encountered a disobedient child? I have. I worked over thirty years in the Foster Care system and dealt with a lot of children who had never been taught how to obey. They rebelled against any authority figure. It was quite difficult to turn these behaviors around. The secret? Jesus!

Paul warns the Colossian believers and us that God will not tolerate outright rebellion. The Greek word for “disobedience” is apeitheia. “In the New Testament, “apeitheia” primarily refers to a state of disobedience or unbelief, particularly in relation to God’s commands or the gospel message. It denotes a willful refusal to be persuaded by divine truth, often resulting in a hardened heart and rebellion against God.” (Strong’s Lexicon)

APPLICATION

This word is used seven times in the New Testament. Let’s look at a couple of them and see how it applies to us. In Romans 11:32 we read, “For God has shut up all in disobedience, so that He may show mercy to all.” God deals with disobedience so that He may show mercy. What?! Listen, God wants everyone to come to Him. So, He will deal with the disobedient so that they may be drawn to Him.

How about Ephesians 2:1-2? “1 And you were dead in your offenses and sins, 2 in which you previously walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience.” It is Satan who spurs us towards disobedience. God did not make you that way. He desires obedient children.

How are you obeying today? Is your heart turned toward Him or your own pleasure. Decide today you will obey your King and Master. He longs for fellowship with you. We obey because we love Him, not to get His love.

O Lord, lead me in a way to obey You in all things.

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Bible, Deception, Devil, Disobedience, Evil, Scripture, Wrath

WORLDLY DECEPTION

EPHESIANS 5:6

“See that no one deceives you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.”

Many years ago, when I was on a trip, I was propositioned by a lady while I was eating my dinner alone in a restaurant. I had seen her and another lady sitting across the restaurant at another table when I was seated. About halfway through my meal she approached and asked if I was interested in some “company.” I proudly raised my left hand, pointed at my wedding band and said, “Sorry, I am happily married.” She said back very quickly, “That’s okay, honey. She won’t know.” I told her again that I was not interested and she walked away.

Worldly deception has been around a long time. Paul warned the Ephesians about it in today’s verse. All the things in which they had been involved (see verse 5) and all the things their unbelieving friends were still practicing were a lure by the evil one. They were probably saying things like, “Oh, come on. You’ve always participated in these things. They are our custom.” These “sons of disobedience” were being used by the evil one to try and drag these new believers right back to their old lifestyles. Paul says, “No, you have a new life now.”

APPLICATION

In Romans 2:7-9, Paul shows us the contrast between being a child of obedience versus a child of disobedience. “7 to those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life; 8 but to those who are self-serving and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, He will give wrath and indignation. 9 There will be tribulation and distress for every soul of mankind who does evil, for the Jew first and also for the Greek,”

We will always have people in our lives who will try to lead us astray. Even other believers who are deceived may try to do this. So, how do you protect yourselves? James 1:22 says it rather simply. “Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” We have to live out the Word of God in our daily lives. We have to walk in truth.

2 Corinthians 11:3 is another verse I have memorized about this worldly deception. “But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray for your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.” Stay sharp. Stay in the Word and set your mind on things above. 

Lord, guard me against any worldly influence as I walk with You

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Abiding, Accountability, Bible, Choices, Desires, Flesh, Lusts, Mind, Scripture, Wrath

WE WERE THERE

EPHESIANS 2:3

“Among them we too all previously lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the rest.” 

It is so easy to get caught up in a mob mentality. One minute you are discussing something calmly and then things get heated. The next thing you know, you are shouting and screaming at each other. The bigger the crowd, the louder it gets. We’ve seen all the protests lately all over the world. People who have no idea what they are protesting are yelling, chanting and doing things behind masks they would have never done a year ago.

But don’t point your fingers. Paul tells us in today’s verse that we were there. We were just like them. He says, “we too all previously lived.” In other words, don’t forget that this is where you came from. Then Paul describes some of our actions in the past. We “lived in the lusts of our flesh.” We indulged “the desires of the flesh and mind.” We “were by nature children of wrath.” Let’s look at these past actions of ours to remind ourselves of where we have come from and to never return there.

APPLICATION

What are “the lusts of our flesh”? Benson says in his commentary, that they are “the base appetites of which we were enslaved” that cause us “to forget the dignity and happiness of rational and immortal spirits.” Did you get that? These lusts drive you to do things. Paul includes himself in this description. He also struggled with these before Christ rescued him.

Then Paul further defines these lusts. He says they are “the desires of the flesh and mind.” These desires affect both the body and the mind. They are our actions and our thoughts. I have been reading a book lately that says our thoughts lead to words. Our words lead to actions. And our actions lead to habits. (Take Captive Every Thought by Jeff Rowe) How true that is. When we give in to our thoughts, things can progress very quickly.

Paul finishes this thought by saying we, “were by nature children of wrath.” Boy, that sounds harsh, doesn’t it? Listen to what Barnes says about this phrase. “I do not know a more strong or positive declaration that can be made to show that people are by nature destitute of holiness and exposed to perdition.” Wow! But that was us BEFORE Jesus. Praise be to God we are no longer there. Sin no longer has a grip on us. We are free to do as God wills. Amen!

Father, thank You for freeing me from these lusts of the flesh and my tendency to sin. I have Your Holy Spirit living in me.

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Asking, Belief, Bible, Blasphemy, Choices, Confession, Heart, Judgment, Salvation, Scripture, Wrath

HARD-HEARTED

ZECHARIAH 7:12

“‘They also made their hearts as hard as a diamond so that they could not hear the Law and the words which the LORD of armies had sent by His Spirit through the former prophets; therefore great wrath came from the LORD of armies.’”

I’ve known some pretty hard-hearted people in my days. They cared for no one but themselves and would stop at nothing to get what they wanted. I later learned how damaged these people actually were. They had all been hurt by someone, so they decided to hurt before they got hurt again. It’s very sad.

The Lord refers to some individuals who “made their hearts as hard as a diamond.” The Hebrew word translated diamond can also be called adamant or flint. It was a hard rock or gem that could not be scratched or engraved. It was impervious to change. These people God is referring to had rejected the Holy Spirit’s leading through the prophets and were now destined for wrath.

APPLICATION

In Acts 7:51 Stephen gives us a good picture of this. “‘You men who are stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears are always resisting the Holy Spirit; you are doing just as your fathers did.’” One of the most dangerous things you can do is resist the Holy Spirit. He is the One who draws us to the Father. He is the One who shows us the way to salvation and is the seal of that salvation.

Matthew 12:31 Jesus tells us, “‘Therefore I say to you, any sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven people, but blasphemy against the Spirit shall not be forgiven.’” The unpardonable sin! Rejecting the Holy Spirit. We don’t know how many “chances” we have to respond. There may be a breaking point when the Holy Spirit stops wooing you if you continually reject Him. Just like those “hard as diamond” people in today’s verse, you refuse to be affected by the Spirit.

I am so grateful that I did respond on that day back in 1977. I heard the Holy Spirit loud and clear. I continue to hear Him as He directs me each day. I pray if you are believer that you are hearing Him. And if you are not a believer, stop and listen. Ask the Spirit of God to speak to you. He will. Then you must decide how hard your heart really is.

Thank You, Lord, for sending Your Holy Spirit to woo me and win me. I am so glad He lives within me.

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