“Desolation” by Thomas Cole

For Sunday, September 11, 2016
Year C, Proper 19
Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28

(Re-posted from Sept. 9, 2013)

What place could vengeance possibly have in the heart of a good and loving God? This week’s first reading, Jer. 4:11-12, 22-28, raises the question.

This is not a passage to which one turns for spiritual solace. “A hot wind comes from me out of the bare heights …. not to winnow or cleanse – a wind too strong for that … For my people are foolish, they do not know me; they are stupid children … They are skilled in doing evil, but do not know how to do good. The whole land shall be a desolation … I have not relented nor will I turn back.” This reminds me of the time I was so mad at my oldest son that I told him he could no longer live under my roof and was consigned to the garage until his conduct changed. I was an angry parent, and righteously so (for the most part). But can a truly good God really act in vengeance? Logically, we might want to argue know, but scripturally, the answer is clearly “yes”.

The fortunate thing is that the gospel story doesn’t end with judgment. As mad as God was in Jeremiah, he found a way to redeem the situation through the death of his own son Jesus. Fools continue to say in their hearts, “There is no God” (Psalm 14) but God is nevertheless intent on recovering his wandering sheep (Luke 15). While just vengeance indeed awaits those who refuse God’s purpose there is grace awaiting those who come to the realization that they formerly acted in ignorance (1 Tim 1).

It’s a mistake to think that God never gets angry or even vengeful. His love and righteousness demand as much in the face of rebellion, corruption, and oppression. Yet may each of us find grace for our time of need.