His Love and Righteousness

And you, My servant Jacob, do not be afraid -- [this is] Yahweh's declaration -- for I will be with you. I will bring destruction on all the nations where I have banished you, but I will not bring destruction on you. I will discipline you with justice, but I will by no means leave you unpunished. - Jeremiah 46:28

As if He needed to justify His punishment of Israel, God explained to His covenant people the necessity of His discipline. Yes, they were His people, but they were not by any means innocent of guilt. Even though He would eventually restore them, Israel would reap what they had sown.

In the US we have a saying (backed up by jurisprudence), "Let the punishment fit the crime." However, as a follower of Christ, I am blessed by the truth that my punishment will not fit my crimes against God's holiness. Sin demands a wage, which is death, but Jesus paid my debt, and His Cross is proof that He can also pay yours.

When we sin, God's love and righteousness both demand a response. We may be declared innocent by the blood of Christ, but there will almost always be a consequence, which is His loving retribution reminding us of our spiritual heritage and home.

Humans love truth and justice, and rejoice in ceremonies that honor those qualities. For that sentiment we should indeed thank God. - Alfred Day Hershey