One common complaint about the Bible involves a chasm between the wrathful God of the Old Testament and the peaceful God of the New Testament. But as I read the scriptures over and over, this dichotomy fades.

Towards the end of his book, Jeremiah prophesied about several nations surrounding Israel. Here’s his words for Moab: Make her drunk, for she has defied the Lord. Let Moab wallow in her vomit; let her be an object of ridicule.

The people of Moab worshiped a god named Chemosh—not the Lord—and rejoiced at the downfall of Jerusalem. Yet after their time of scourging, the Lord promised: I will restore the fortunes of Moab in the days to come.

Jeremiah shared similar messages of judgement followed by renewal for the nations of Ammon and Elam (worshippers of Chemosh and other gods), and the Lord declared to restore their fortunes in the days to come.

Why would the Lord act this way toward pagan nations? Where’s the wrath? If you read the text, torrents of wrath flow across the page. But as the flood ebbs, compassion emerges.

This God of the Old Testament feels remarkably similar to the God of the New Testament, as recorded by the Apostle Peter: The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

The Lord waited with patience for his chosen people, and for for those nations outside their boundaries. Thankfully, the Lord waits with patience for you and me, and all those sharing this world with us.

Jeremiah 47-49; I Peter 3 in week forty-two of reading the Bible cover to cover

Photo by Jay Ee