For their heart was not steadfast with Him, nor were they faithful in His covenant. But He, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and did not destroy them. Yes, many a time He turned His anger away, and did not stir up all His wrath; for He remembered that they were but flesh, a breath that passes away and does not come again.
It seems parodoxical that the Scriptures reveal a God whose very essence is love, yet whose wrath is terrible. God’s love cannot be overestimated, yet it is not to be taken for granted. His wrath has to be accounted for.
In the Chronicles of Narnia, when confronted by the idea of Aslan, the lion, who is a picture of God, Lucy asks, “Is He safe?”
“Safe?” said Mr. Beaver. ”Who said anything about safe? Of course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.”
