Uncensored: Daring To Embrace The Entire BibleSample

The Character of God and Difficult Verses

God said, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Ps. 46:10). If we stopped and anchored our knowledge in God as He is revealed in Scripture—acknowledging the various attributes listed above—we would have a better perspective on the many difficult and “offensive” texts we find in the Bible. Let me give you an example.

In Genesis 6-8, we read about the worldwide flood during the days of Noah. When we think of the story of Noah and the flood, we typically think of cute animals painted on the walls of Sunday school nurseries, with Noah and all his furry friends looking out the windows of the ark, smiling. It’s interesting what isn’t shown or talked about. Why? We’re embarrassed about the reality of God’s justice and wrath against sin. Rather than talking about the reason for the flood, we talk about the animals—two by two, one pink and one blue—and wonder how Noah packed them all in there.

However, the story of Noah and the ark isn’t just about zebras and turtles; it’s about God’s justice and mercy. It’s about His justice against sin and His mercy toward Noah and his family. Was it wrong for God to wipe out humanity from the face of the earth? Can we bring legitimate charges of injustice against Him? Genesis 6:5 says, “The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” The wages of sin are death, and sinful humanity earned their payment in full.

But let me drive this closer to home with a question: Should we praise God for killing wicked humanity? Yes, sort of. We don’t rejoice sadistically because people die. Even God doesn’t take pleasure in the death of the wicked (Ezek. 18:23). But we do praise God because He is glorified in the display of justice. He has given an appropriate and right punishment for their wickedness.

May we unashamedly praise God for His character and attributes. Scripture doesn’t contradict itself. The death of Noah’s contemporaries and David’s enemies glorified God, not because He takes delight in the death of the wicked, but because He has executed justice for sin. May we desire to be shaped and molded and made into God’s image, not Him into our image.