Cruel, Or Terrible? There is a Difference!

 

Today's Verse is Genesis 16:11

And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Behold, thou art with child, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the LORD hath heard thy affliction. 

    In a show I am watching, I have heard an accusation of God, that he is cruel! And in a surface reading of the context of the above verse, one might also be led to such a conclusion. Yet, consider the name “Ishmael:” For the name means: “God shall hear.” From this account, we can see the aftermath of those who do not believe God because of their affliction, even as God through Paul as profiled: Because that when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were they thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. So, is God cruel? God forbid! But he is not ashamed to call himself terrible, and so should we fear him, even as a child fears his Parents when he knows he has transgressed, for he knows the discipline that is coming is just, and actually a kindness so that further transgression both on his part, and for the sake of others that see, that all might be dissuaded. Will you, unlike Ishmael, hear God’s invitation, and give him the Glory he is due, and thank him for the Kindness he has given you through Jesus his Son?

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is Genesis 16-18

Tomorrow’s reading will be Genesis 19-21