Do Not Provoke God
- Justin Noah Citro
- Oct 19, 2018
- 3 min read
We hear all the time God is love, and the Bible is quite clear that God is love. However, love is not the only attribute of God nor is it the only thing that defines His nature. The Bible speaks of God being the God of Justice (Isaiah 30:18) and that God does get angry and He can be provoked to anger (Exodus 15:7, Deuteronomy 9:8).
"And the LORD’s anger was kindled against Israel, and he made them wander in the wilderness forty years, until all the generation that had done evil in the sight of the LORD was gone." -Numbers 32:13(ESV)
The Provocation of God's Anger has been around since the Exodus of Israel from Egypt long ago and even today man has wanted to provoke God out of anger and spite for almost no reason at all except to show God their stubbornness. The consequences of acts like this will get punished like the people of Israel, but why, why must we provoke God to please our own egos and self-importance? Well the simple and most common answer is this: Man will always want the will of man versus the will of God for man will always think that man is greater than God. The problem of that kind of thinking will lead to things like not having your prayers heard or answered by God, no breakthroughs when they are needed most, and finally, and this is a big one, no healing. The will of man can be so very strong as well as the stubbornness can lead to you not getting healed! Israel provoked God, and for that, they walked for forty years in the wilderness for their insolence against The Lord. When you are at the crossroads and about to make a decision, choose wisely by choosing God's way. Doing things your own way leads to destruction and eternal consequences. The Bible says in James 1:20 (ESV), "For the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God." This verse needs no explanation. The anger of man can provoke God, and every ungodly thing we do brings dishonor, curses, and even death to those who constantly provoke God with their choices and behaviors. The sad thing today is that the message of provoking the Father to anger is something rarely talked about. God provided the entire Bible (Old & New Testaments) as instruction for living a blameless life and to be ready when we are caught up in the air (raptured) to meet Christ. However, pastors who are to be shepherds over God's people only want to talk about blessing and grace and will stick to the same sections of the Word of God, provoking God to anger because they are not preaching the whole counsel of God spoken of in both the Old Testament and the New Testament. We must understand our Hope is found in Jesus Christ, and we are able to be forgiven of our sins and have new life through the blood of Jesus Christ that was shed for us so we can live and not die.
Justin Noah Citro
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word. Thank You for allowing me not only to learn that You are the God of Love but also You are the God of Justice and that You do get angry. Lord, help me to know Your truth and to live a life pleasing to You, to stand upon the truth of Your Word and not to water down Your Word, and to apply Your Word to all areas of my life that I may see You face to face one day. Help me to always remember I must be vigilant and sober minded because Jesus is coming for a Church that is without blemish. Teach me Your ways for Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. You, O God, are my Hope. In Your Will is the safest place to be. Walking on Your path is the only Way that leads to eternal life. Teach me how to walk upright before You with a pure heart. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Linda A. Knowles
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