The Awesome Story of Salvation

 Isaiah 36,37; Psalms 76; 1 Peter 1 

“You alone are to be feared. Who can stand before you when you are angry? From heaven you pronounced judgment, and the land feared and was quiet - when you, O God, rose up to judge, to save all the afflicted of the land. Surely your wrath against men brings you praise, and the survivors of your wrath are restrained.”

Psalm 76:7-10

The story of God prophesying the rise of Assyria as his instrument of judgment against Samaria and then God humbling and destroying Assyria’s army and king because of insolence and pride is an incredible story! It is one of two stories in the Bible that is repeated three times in three different places (Kings, Chronicles, and Isaiah). 

Does God still judge and humble nations?

John’s revelation reminds us that God does and he will rise up to judge the earth and save his afflicted ones. Peter reminds us that God’s call to be holy sets us apart in this world. We are to live our lives “as strangers here in reverent fear” (1 Peter 1:17). To fear God is to live with worship, awe and obedience before him, even as we respond to his love and grace. God’s salvation story includes judgment of sin, acts of mercy, and the ultimate restoration of all things to relationship with God.

“Lord God, this whole story of your salvation is what we live and share, for your glory.”