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Day 171

Psalm 79:5a "How long, LORD?"

Day 171 – Psalm 79

“How long, LORD?” Psalm 79:5a

THE ANGER OF GOD

The doctrine of “The Anger of God” is arguably one of the hardest teachings to comprehend and master. This doctrine has polarized many.

1. Those who reject this doctrine

There are those who reject outright any notion about a God who is capable of fierce anger. They find it hard to reconcile the anger of God with the merciful love of God.

2. Those who accept this doctrine

These do so for good reasons:-

a) The Scriptures teach about the anger consistently.
b) To reject the doctrine of an angry God would mean rejection of many portions of Scripture that touch on this subject.

GRAPPLING WITH THIS PAINFUL DOCTRINE

Asaph did not dispute that God had a right to be angry. His focus and concern lay elsewhere.

“How long, LORD?
Will You be angry forever?
Will Your jealousy burn like fire?”
Psalm 79:5

1. “How long, LORD?”

a) The anger of God was accepted.
b) Asaph knew all too well why God was angry with His people.
c) He knew that Israel and Judah brought on themselves the calamity of war.
d) His focus was how long God would retain His anger.

2. “Will You be angry forever?”

a) Asaph knew the answer- God would not be angry forever!
b) The question was how long God would keep His anger!

3. “Will Your jealousy burn like fire?”

a) The word “jealousy” was a good and pure word.
b) The “jealousy” here is a reference to God’s anger against Israel for turning to idols.