Romans 1: 18--20
The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--His eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. --NIV
In the name of the One Who made His invisible qualities known by what has been made, amen.
This week we look at the wrath of God. There are those who complain that they cannot believe in a God who would punish people, but here we see that people are without excuse. Evidence for the existence of God is in nature, morality, the common elements of all religions, and, of course, most plainly in the revealed word. Add to this the fact that at several points in history all people knew the truth. Adam and Eve certainly knew it. Noah and his children knew it. Finally St. Paul wrote that the voice of the prophets went out into the whole world (Romans 10: 18).
So, if we reject Christ, we cannot blame God. He certainly did more than His part in giving salvation to fallen man. It has all been accomplished by Him, but many reject Him. Some reject Him by looking for salvation in someone or something else, others refuse to put away their sinful life. For all who reject Him the warning stands, "The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness." We can deny it, we can reject it, but it is happening nonetheless.
Still, in God's mercy that wrath is being revealed even now. We see it in disease, disaster, and death. It is being revealed now so that people have a chance to repent and be saved. As St. Paul wrote just a couple verses earlier, "I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes." Salvation is ours; may you stand firm in this knowledge in the day of wrath. Amen.
Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, thank You for pouring out your wrath on all ungodliness and wickedness. Help us to heed the warning and repent of all of our sins. Make us stand firm in the true faith by Your Holy Spirit, amen.