Day 14, Year 1

Who Could Bear God’s Wrath?

… “But to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath.” (Romans 2:8 NKJV)

Today’s verse follows the previous discussion in Romans 2:7, which speaks of the Most High God rewarding eternal life to those who persist in doing good and seeking Him. Meanwhile, God will surely punish those who are self-seeking and disobey the truth. This verse clearly and specifically illustrates the law of sowing and reaping in the Bible. While selfishness contradicts persistence in doing good, disobeying the truth contradicts consistently seeking the glorious and immortal God. Referring to the previous discussion, choosing life means seeking God and aligning our wills with His, for He is the source of all lives.

Today’s verse points out that those who are selfish and disobey the truth will inevitably receive God’s wrath. The Greek word for “wrath” is orge, it carries the meaning of “releasing anger in punishment.” This shows that the law of cause and effect in the Bible does not operate mechanically or by serendipity or haphazard fashion. The law of sowing and reaping is about the supreme God’s examination of attitudes underlying different human behaviors and repaying with reward or punishment accordingly. This echoes yesterday’s discussion—What a soul sows, the soul reaps, as the Lord brings retribution. Sooner or later, God’s retribution will certainly come to sinners. If you do not turn away from evil and do good, God’s wrath will shock and envelop you, shaking everything within you. Who could withstand God’s punishment? No one!

Sometimes, there is only a fine line between selfishness and self-care. For instance, Jesus once accepted a woman who anointed Him with ointment. He praised her for the ointment that prepared for His burial. Could this be considered a selfish act? Or was His acceptance of the woman’s kindness merely an act of self-care? The woman’s action toward Jesus is seen as an offering to meet His future needs. Similarly, we need to assess whether an act for ourselves aligns with God’s truth and justice, as well as Jesus’ judgment. In other words, if a self-serving act resonates with the truth, justice, and Jesus’ verdict, it is usually not considered selfish but proper self-care. Otherwise, it is regarded as an act of delf-seeking. Anyway, we have to understand and examine our attitudes and motivations before making decisions.

Reflection questions:

1) How do you feel about the Most High God punishing everyone who is selfish and disobeys the truth?

2) Are you afraid of God’s punishment? If so, what would you do?