Rational Wrath- Justice is Passing (Focus 2 of 4)

When was the last time you had to "get involved" to end a dispute or fight - be it physical or interpersonal? 

The Bible often portrays God’s "wrath" as a direct response to injustice. At first, it seems like punishment, but God is not acting to punish; God is clearing the way for love. That thing that is often called God’s wrath exposes what breaks love and clears away what blocks compassion. In this Spotlight, we’ll explore how these divine actions do not negate grace, but rather bring us out of our punitive ways of thinking and into God's kingdom of mercy.

Now that you've answered the Icebreaker, here's another question - this one, about who it hurts when we're angry.

Hopefully that makes enough sense to get you started. As you continue into the Worship portion of the Spotlight, pray this prayer together:

God of justice and mercy,
You see what breaks love and what builds it.
Help us not to fear your wrath, but to understand it.
Clear away what blocks compassion in us.
Lead us out of judgment and into mercy.
Let your love triumph in our hearts today.
Amen.

Take a look at the words of this hymn text from the 1600s, which brings up the ideas of justice and wrath in its opening verse:

1 Not in anger, mighty God, not in anger smite us.
We must perish if Thy rod justly should requite us.
We are naught; sin hath brought, Lord, Thy wrath upon us.
Yet have mercy on us!

2 Show me now a Father's love and His tender patience.
Heal my wounded soul; remove these too sore temptations.
I am weak; Father, speak Thou of peace and gladness;
Comfort Thou my sadness.

3 Weary am I of my pain, weary with my sorrow,
Sighing still for help in vain, longing for the morrow.
Why wilt Thou tarry now! Wilt Thou friendless leave me
and of hope bereave me?

4 Hence ye foes, He comes in grace; God hath deigned to hear me.
I may come before His face, He is inly near me.
He o'erthrows all my foes, death and hell are vanquished
in whose bonds I languished.

5 Father, hymns to Thee we raise here and once in heaven,
And the Son and Spirit praise, who our bonds have riven.
Evermore we adore thee whose love hath stirred us
and whose pity heard us.

Taking in the whole text, this is not a hymn about a just, wrathful God. What kind of God is it about? (Also, don't move on with out taking note of the very cool old English word, "inly.")

Finish out the Worship section by reflecting on God's relationship with justice using the song "All is Forgiven." You can listen to the song sung by its composer, Pastor Caleb Schmiege, and follow along with the words below. 

Questions to Research

1. How many people are currently incarcerated in King County?
   (Hint: Search “King County jail population report.”)
2. What is the racial breakdown of incarcerated individuals in King County?
   (Look for official county or state data.)
3. What is the average length of stay in a Washington State prison?
4. How many people are released from prison in Washington each year?
5. What programs exist in Washington for reentry or rehabilitation?
   (Search “Washington DOC reentry programs.”)
6. What percentage of incarcerated individuals in Washington are there for nonviolent offenses?
7. What local organizations support returning citizens in Seattle?
   (Search “Seattle reentry programs” or “Seattle prison ministry.”)

Leader: God of justice and mercy, you see what is broken in our world.
All: Clear away what blocks love and compassion.
Leader: When we fear your wrath, remind us it is not for destruction.
All: Your power is meant for healing and hope.
Leader: When we cling to judgment, call us out of our retributive ways.
All: Lead us into your kingdom of mercy.
Leader: For those harmed by injustice and those caught in its systems,
All: Surround them with your protection and peace.
Leader: For our own hearts, tempted by anger and vengeance,
All: Refine us with your love and make us instruments of grace.
Leader: In all things, let mercy triumph over judgment.
All: Amen.

Close this Spotlight with the hymn “Be Thou My Vision.” Originally drawn from a 6th-century Irish poem inspired by St. Patrick’s life, this hymn follows the structure of a "lorica" - an ancient prayer for protection. In its verses, the singer calls on the fullness of God’s power as a shield against evil in all its forms. It’s a fitting conclusion to the focus of this Spotlight, reminding us that the strength of God is never meant to harm, but to guard, guide, and surround all people with love and care.