God the Pacifist

Name: Josh
Scripture: Leviticus 26, Psalm 27

36" 'As for those of you who are left, I will make their hearts so fearful in the lands of their enemies that the sound of a windblown leaf will put them to flight. They will run as though fleeing from the sword, and they will fall, even though no one is pursuing them. 37They will stumble over one another as though fleeing from the sword, even though no one is pursuing them. So you will not be able to stand before your enemies.' " - Leviticus 26:36-37

2When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. 3Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident. - Psalm 27:2-3

OAP: So tonight Adam spoke on how God hates violence and those who love it. I thought it was really neat cause Leviticus 26 was entirely about those who are hostile to God and people and refuse to repent, what punishments they receive and all that. It says they will trip, fall, stumble before their enemies, they will be taken over, they will be in constant worry. Then there's Psalm 27, which is David praising God for his enemies falling, tripping, stumbling before him, that he was able to take over them. Im basically seeing that God is a pretty peaceful entity, and is only using violence to conquer those who love it, and use force to oppress others. I dont really have much to comment on, i just thought it was neat how both readings connected to the talk.

Prayer: Lord you are all-powerful, you could be a crazy vengeful destroyer if you wanted to. Thank you for being naturally peaceful and calm and merciful. I think that's something we often take that for granted.