Ezekiel 38-39

(March 6, 2015)

                It is one thing to read these scriptures in light of the Lord’s love for Israel, but it is another to read them in light of the Lord’s love for the people of Gog and Magog.  The Lord is not destroying them because He does not love them.  He is destroying them because He does love them – and, because of His love, their destruction is the greatest kindness He can offer them.

                It is useful to remember this in light of those who believe that a loving God is synonymous with an uncritical God, a smooth God (as Elder Holland calls the philosophy).  As C. S. Lewis described (referring to Aslan), we worship a kind God, a powerful God, but not a tame God.  And, despite His love for us, He will see us destroyed if we turn from Him.