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GOD SE TOORN – WAT BETEKEN DIT?

GOD SE TOORN – WAT BETEKEN DIT?

Terwyl ek werklik oortuig is van die waarheid oor die karakter van God soos geopenbaar en geleer deur jou bediening, vind ek dit moeilik om met ander oor hierdie onderwerp te gesels wanneer ek in die “toorn van God”-hoek geverf word, wat blykbaar soveel skriftuurlike ondersteuning het.

Kan jy my help om te verstaan hoe om hierdie tekste en hierdie frase toe te pas, in die lig van ons begrip van sy ware karakter?

Dankie en mag God voortgaan om jou en die Come & Reason “familie” te seën. Julle het my almal geseën deur julle bydraes tot die Kwartaallikse studie-uur opnames.

EH


Die volgende is ‘n uittreksel uit my volgende boek getiteld The God-Shaped Brain – How Your View of God Changes Your Brain, wat ek hoop in die nabye toekoms beskikbaar sal wees:

Waarom het God vir Adam gesê, “op die dag as jy hierdie vrug eet, sal jy sterwe?” Omdat Hy gedwing sou word om dood te maak? Of omdat die mensdom sou afwyk van die wet van liefde, die wet van die lewe, en sonder ingryping sou die enigste gevolg ondergang en dood wees? En sodra ons eerste ouers hulself met hierdie terminale toestand besmet het, wat was nodig? ‘n Oplossing en ‘n genesing! Daardie genesing is as ‘n baba in Betlehem gebore.

Liefde loop die gevaar om verkeerd verstaan te word sodat dit tot redding kan wees

Terwyl ek hierdie idees orals aangebied het, het ek individue ontmoet wat nie van hierdie siening hou nie. Hulle sukkel met hierdie waarheid as gevolg van stellings in die Bybel waarin God blykbaar sê, “Ek is woedend. Ek is kwaad. En in my toorn gaan ek doodmaak!”

Die oppermagtige Here sê: Rampe wag verseker vir Jerusalem, die stad vol moordenaars! Ek sal self hout op die vuur onder haar pak. Ja, pak die vuur aan! Laat die vuur dreun tot die water kook. Kook die vleis goed, met baie speserye. Verbrand dan die bene. Sit die leë pot op die kole en maak dit rooiwarm sodat die vuilheid en roes kan afbrand. … Die vuilheid is jou afskuwelike dade. Ek het jou probeer skoonmaak, maar jy het geweier. Daarom sal jy vuil bly tot my wraak teen jou afgekoel is. Ek, die Here, het so gesê! Die tyd het gekom en niks kan dit terughou nie. Ek verander nie van gedagte nie. Ek sal jou nie weer jammer kry nie. Jy sal geoordeel word op grond van jou afskuwelike dade, sê die oppermagtige Here (Esegiël 24: 9-14 NLV’11).

Met die eerste oogopslag klink hierdie teks skrikwekkend. Ek onthou hoe ek met gedeeltes soos hierdie gesukkel het, altyd bang dat God wag om my te betrap – en my goed te slaan – as ek ‘n glips gemaak het. Maar ek het besef dat my misverstande oor God slegs ontstaan het omdat ek nooit die regte vrae gevra het toe ek hierdie moeilike tekste gelees het nie. Die vraag is nie of God hierdie woorde deur sy profeet gespreek het nie, want ek is vol vertroue dat Hy dit gedoen het. Die belangrike vraag is: Wat het eintlik gebeur nadat Hy hierdie woorde gespreek het?

Het God sy krag gebruik om diegene te vernietig oor wie Hy sulke skrikwekkende woorde gespreek het? Of het hulle rebellie hulle van sy beskerming geskei en sodoende tot hulle vernietiging gelei?

Die kinders van Israel het geweier om God, sy metodes en beginsels te volg. Maar God het hulle nie seergemaak nie. In plaas daarvan, het Hy hulle gelos om te gaan! Hy het vir hulle gegee wat hulle gekies het – ‘n lewe wat van Hom geskei is. Hy het opgehou om namens hulle in te tree. Hy het sy beskermende hand op hulle aandrang verwyder, en kort voor lank het die Babiloniërs gekom wat in ware Babiloniese styl hulle stad vernietig het. Dit was die Babiloniërs, nie God nie, wat die vernietigende vuishou toegedien het.

Hierdie “laat gaan” deur God, hierdie vrystelling om die gevolge van ons eie aanhoudende, opstandige keuses te pluk, is wat die Bybel “God se toorn” noem. Paulus vertel vir ons dat die “toorn” van God ontstaan as gevolg van aanhoudende verwerping van God, die verwerping van die kennis van Hom en die voorkeur van ons eie manier bo God s’n. Dan sê Paulus drie keer dat die weerbarstiges in die eerste eeu na Christus God se toorn ervaar het toe God hulle “prysgegee het” om die gevolge van hulle eie keuses te pluk (Romeine 1:18-32).

Jesus, wat vir ons sonde geword het, het God se “toorn” namens ons aan die kruis ervaar en uitgeroep, “My God, my God, waarom het U My verlaat?” nie “waarom maak U my dood” nie (Matthéüs 27:46). Dwarsdeur die Bybel is die storie dieselfde.

In Deuteronomium dreig God met sy toorn: “Want my woede is aangesteek soos ’n vuur, en dit brand tot in die dieptes van die graf. Dit verteer die aarde en sy opbrengs, die fondamente van die berge steek dit aan die brand. Ek sal rampe op hulle ophoop en hulle met my pyle afskiet” (Deuteronomium 32:22, 23). Maar God sê die wyses sal verstaan wat sy toorn werklik is: “Was hulle maar wys, sou hulle verstaan en sien wat hulle lot sal wees! Hoe kan een mens duisend van hulle jaag, en hoe kan twee mense tienduisend laat vlug, as hulle Rots hulle nie verkoop het, en die Here hulle nie oorgelewer het nie?” (Deuteronomium 32:29, 30, NLV’11).

Liefde kan nie afgedwing word nie

Die wyse man verstaan dat liefde nie afgedwing kan word nie, net vryelik gegee kan word. Die oordeelkundige vrou besef die woedendste, wraaksugtigste daad wat liefde kan neem, is om die voorwerp van sy liefde te laat gaan. Weereens maak God dit duidelik dat sy woede of toorn is om te laat gaan. “Dan sal my woede teen hulle ontbrand. Ek sal hulle verlaat, my gesig vir hulle wegsteek sodat hulle agteruitgaan. In daardie tyd sal ellende en rampe hulle tref sodat hulle sal sê: ‘Hierdie swaarkry het oor ons gekom omdat God nie meer by ons is nie!’” [1] (Deuteronomium 31:17 NLV’11).

Maar waarom sou God in sulke dreigende taal deur Esegiël praat as Hy nie werklik die stad verbrand het nie? Wanneer ons kinders in gevaar is, wanneer hulle nie wil luister nie, verhef ons, as liefdevolle ouers, ons stem om te waarsku en te beskerm? “Israel is so hardnekkig soos ’n koppige koei. Moet die Here hulle dan onbeskermd laat wei soos ’n lam in die veld?” [2] (Hosea 4:16 NLV’11). God het dit gehaat dat hulle harte so hard was dat dit vir Hom nodig was om sulke harde woorde te spreek, maar die God van Liefde waag alles om sy kinders te red.


[1]American Bible Society: The Holy Bible : The Good News Translation. 2nd ed. New York : American Bible Society, 1992, S. Dt 31:17

[2]American Bible Society: The Holy Bible : The Good News Translation. 2nd ed. New York : American Bible Society, 1992, S. Ho 4:16

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Testimony 25

I just want to say thank you so much for your conversations via YouTube. I regularly tune in to your lectures, “Let’s Talk” sessions, and many others. Through these I’ve found greater depth and meaning to God’s word. Thanks for all that you do and please continue. I’m currently working in the middle of Silicon Valley at Stanford University. I feel like God really has me in the right place right now and I’m sensing that your teachings might be part of it.

B. F., Silicon Valley, CA, USA

 

Testimony 8

Thank you for the ministry you are sharing with us, it is a real blessing to us and especially to my husband and myself! You are encouraging us to think for ourselves and not just to except everything, without thinking it through, with God’s word!

M.K., USA

 

Testimony 64

I’ve been reading the bible and walking with Jesus since I was around 16. I’m 42 now. I’ve mostly been alone in my walk although I went to several churches in different denominations. For the past 3 years God has been showing me His character of agape. It’s been a blessing and changed how I view God and my walk with Jesus. About a year ago I came across the power of love and the principles of design law. These teachings changed how I read scripture and have been such a beautiful blessing. I’m very excited and grateful for these truths. We share these truths of agape, design law and the reality of the principles of the two trees in the garden of Eden with people on Facebook and YouTube. People all over are learning to trust God and His agape design law which makes life possible. Thank you for everything you shared with me. May God continue to bless your ministry and lives.

Bradley M., Hinsdale, NY, USA

 

Testimony 21

I am absolutly on fire with the message at Come and Reason! I can’t get enough! I’ve read your book, blog, and articles. I’ve listened to your Bible study podcasts, your radio show, and your series – all excellent! It wasn’t until the past couple of years that I have I like I’m becoming “healthy,” with more to share with others than just beasts and commandments! I used to be a Bible worker and preached when the pastors were gone until I had had enough. I didnt realize at the time what the problem was, but i know now… the message wasn’t properly focused. Now my flame is rekindled. All of your little examples are so perfect in explaining something “complicated” and making it easily understood! Now I’m trying to shape it into a life changing evangelistic series! Thank you!

M.T., USA

 

Testimony 46

Over the past couple of years God has been expanding my view of Himself and His character. Along my approximately 40-year journey, I have often had questions, but was hesitant to voice these and step outside the traditionally accepted thinking, for fear of admitting that I may in fact be eternally lost. In the recesses of my thinking has been the thought – if one blindly accepts (which is widely regarded as “real faith”) and does not question, is this really ‘truth?’ I often find it challenging to grapple with very theological ‘speak,’ but Dr. Jennings has a real gift of explaining spiritual concepts with clear practical examples. The weekly discussions are growing my Christian experience and slowly changing my view of how to live as a child of God in today’s complex world. Finally the whole Old Testament sanctuary teaching moved in my mind from fantasy to reality!

Beverly S., South Africa

 

Testimony 17

The blessings of clarity and understanding you and your class inspire me to take from the word of God have impressed upon me so greatly the true, loving character of our Creator. I have found amazing freedom and joy through building a stronger, more intentional relationship with Him. What is new is that this is now a relationship built on love, reverence and respect rather than fear and obligation, and as such my eyes have been slammed OPEN as I am continually impressed by the manifestations of God’s true character in His provisions for fallen man.

T.E.H., Salt Lake City, UT, USA

 

Testimony 23

I would just like to add my voice to the many people who, I believe, must have contacted you to express their appreciation for the “Healing the Mind” DVDs. I’ve been listening to your Bible study class discussions for many years and I’ve been personally blessed by your research and teaching about the character of God.

L. G., Oakland, MI, USA

 

Testimony 19

I truly believe that to know who God really is the first step to understand ourselves in a balanced and kind way, so the healing can take place. Your approach really makes sense – Thank you for your ministry!

A.M., Pittsburg, PA, USA

Testimony 71

When I was 9 years old, I remember setting at our devotional table with a hunger and thirst for God that wanted more, deeper, BETTER. I can remember literally crying and pounding on the table, “I know these teachers didn’t mean to give us error. They taught what THEY had been TAUGHT, but didn’t ANYBODY READ THE BOOK?!?!?” It mattered to me then. It mattered to me as a teenager. It matters now as I teach bible classes. It didn’t have to be so hard as I watched so many give up and lay God’s great plan and gift of salvation aside as being “impossible.” Then, a friend sent me a link to Come And Reason’s website. I grew excited. YES! FINALLY! Then another friend told me to stay away, saying her son had just broken up with a girl because she was involved with Come And Reason and that “Tim Jennings preaches a false gospel.” But, AFTER many years of developing an authentic and, dare I say FUN relationship with Jesus, through the Holy Spirit I see this message has been around a LONG time, since the apostle Paul, Ellen White, Graham Maxwell, Ray Foucher, and yourself (though I admit, you’ve made me back up, rewind and replay the clips, and get out my well-worn Bible on a few things.) I’m so thankful I have found LIGHT during these DARK days. I am not alone.

Vicki DiNitto

Testimony 31

It was very touching to hear the testimony of your class share how viewing God’s true character has changed their lives. My feelings are the same – there is so much freedom in knowing that God LOVES me – regardless of my… just, REGARDLESS! I’m still blown away by the true gospel, the fact that God is not ready to strike us when we fail. He is not arbitrary. He simply loves us and warns of the natural consequences because He can’t stand to see us suffer. I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS GOD!!!

Ceil V.,  UT, USA

 

Testimony 39

[This ministry is the] biggest blessing I have ever received! Your DVDs and lessons could not have come at a better time in my life. I have experienced in the past year many difficulties that, if it wasn’t for this wonderful view of God that I have discovered through this ministry, I would not have been able to respond in love and forgiveness. My heart is being transformed everyday by the Calvary-looking God you teach. Hallelujah!! I have tears in my eyes as I write, because my life has taken a complete turn from where I was heading.

I am from Central America. Most of my family is scattered in different parts of the world and all have the same view of God that I had growing up; a distant, exacting, and ready-to-punish-us-with-tragedy type of God. So, I have been translating lessons for my family and, to my surprise, they have also been sharing them with others! I can already see the difference. My brother has often said, “Thank you for sharing, I have never heard it this way!” My other family members are taking an amazing turn from a message of “repent or burn” towards a loving God, pleading to us that we won’t reject him because he loves us eternally.

Bless you for all you do.

Sofia S., Ashfield, MA, USA

 

Testimony 61

I grew up in a prominent protestant church and had what I like to call religious anxiety. I’ve always had questions about God and Salvation that no one could seem to answer.  I didn’t know how to find resolution. During 2020, at the height of my anxiety, I fell to my knees and begged God to show me truth and light and to give me the hope that I’ve been longing for. Days later, I stumbled upon your online videos and it was like a veil was lifted and EVERYTHING made sense! For the first time in my almost 39 years of life, my religious/spiritual anxiety has lessened. I feel a sense of freedom and peace I’ve NEVER had before… and it’s all because my view of God has changed. Thank you!

Ashleighn C.

 

Testimony 29

Thank you for all of your work to correct misconceptions about God’s character. So many people that my husband and I have talked to seem to be against the natural law construct and view it as “errant” and “dangerous.” Having learned more about it through your blogs and lessons, I don’t really understand why they view it that way, except that it means they have to relearn theology they have known for their entire lives. But I’m so excited to relearn this. For the past few years I have been questioning how I could trust a God who punishes arbitrarily and is full of wrath for those who don’t obey His commands. That view made me afraid to “mess up” or “not be good enough,” even within my relationship with God. I really appreciated the point you bring out about God not wanting us to serve Him because we are afraid, but because we love Him.

Melissa H., IN, USA

 

Testimony 68

Your message of design law vs imperial law is so uplifting and makes so much sense- it is a game changer for me. The fact that Jesus’s death is not a big payment by an angry God is , quite frankly, a relief.

Laura G., London, Ontario, Canada

 

Testimony 33

I was invited over a friend’s house to see the “God and Your Brain” seminar today. I became [a christian] 36 years ago at the age of 19, but have struggled with the concept of God taking His ‘pound of flesh’ out on His Son to be appeased. Wow. Your seminar has been an incredible revelation and breath of reason and fresh air! I have your book, “The God Shaped Brain,” and it is SO eye opening. Finally, after 36 years enlightenment has come! Praise the Good Lord! What can I say, but that the Real Gospel is truly “Good News!” Thank you for your efforts in giving the Gospel a clear sound!

Paul C.,  Springfield, MA, USA