Lent
Scripture Reading: Romans 5:1-11
For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Indeed, rarely will anyone die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person someone might actually dare to die. But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us. Much more surely then, now that we have been justified by his blood, will we be saved through him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more surely, having been reconciled, will we be saved by his life. But more than that, we even boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. –Romans 5:6-11
I must say I have become rather obsessed with checking out the original language of the Bible primarily to broaden my understanding of what the authors are trying to articulate. I do wonder if Greek and Hebrew authorities cringe if they see me lifting definitions of words from Strong’s Concordance without the depth and breadth of study they invest. It does seem to help me though so I will continue to do it and I hope it helps you and that the experts forgive me when I stray.
Wrath–(from orgáō, “to teem, swelling up to constitutionally oppose”) – properly, settled anger (opposition), i.e. rising up from an ongoing (fixed) opposition*.
I did find it a bit amusing to see the words “constitutionally oppose” in the definition of God’s wrath. Many in Oklahoma including me have been working now going on 12 years to get the state to participate in the Medicaid expansion program that provides low-income adults much needed medical care. I and my cohorts are well acquainted with the idea of “settled anger.”
The former governor would not even consider accepting Medicaid expansion nor would the new governor. Finally, the people had had had enough and an initiative petitioned with overwhelming support was cleared that would allow the citizens of Oklahoma to vote on Medicaid expansion which would amend the state Constitution to require the program. The legislative and executive reaction was swift, trying to pass something that they could continue to control outside a constitutional requirement. No matter how we might misinterpret God’s intentions or choose not to follow God’s guidance, God does have the final Word.
I think I have always envisioned God’s wrath as somehow violent. This definition seems to say that God’s wrath does express anger but more at our stubborn unwillingness to change our behaviors that are clearly in opposition to that which is best for us. God has demonstrated in many ways up to and including sending God’s son to save us that our best interest is his primary concern. We are thus left to suffer the consequences of our own actions when we turn our backs on God’s ways.
Prayer: Lord, forgive us when we foolishly choose paths that are harmful to us and not conducive to the wholeness of the world you created. Amen.
* https://biblehub.com/greek/3709.htm
All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.