Psalm 100

“For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures for ever, and his faithfulness to all generations.” vs. 5

There are some religious folks in our time who are claiming that God hates evil and rejoices in the annihilation of our enemies. They base their tirades on passages from the Hebrew scriptures that describe the invasion of Canaan by the Hebrew tribes, where God is said to have ordered the deaths of all inhabitants, including women and children. Those verses are in the bible. The question is: are they an accurate description of God, especially when compared to the teachings of Jesus, who we believe is the incarnate Word of God?

Jesus was familiar with the Hebrew scriptures. They formed the blueprint for his life and mission. And he taught what this psalmist believed, that the Lord is good, and his steadfast love endures for ever. That’s why he taught that his followers should love their enemies, and do good to those who hated them! He could not have been more clear. In his estimation the greatest commandment of the law was to love God and neighbor. It’s unclear how anyone purporting to be a follower of Jesus could not have gotten that message.

And yet leaders of our country launch missiles and drop bombs, killing thousands of people–and say that they are doing this in the name of Jesus Christ! As they watch the explosions in real time, they pray for maximum lethality!

Their claims are stunning to true followers of Jesus. 

Thought for the Day: Why do good people rejoice in the death of enemies?