Read: Isaiah 1-4

Today’s Passage: Isaiah 4:4

Many times, when we read verses about God’s judgment, our minds go straight to punishment and wrath. Some see God as a harsh taskmaster, giving impossible rules just to watch us fail, ready to strike with an iron fist. These ideas lead people to misunderstand His character, often pointing to natural disasters, or historical events, as proof of a cruel God. They ask, “How could a loving God do such things?”

The answer begins with understanding who we are and who God is. We are His creation. He made the world from nothing, before anything else existed, there was only God (John 1:1). Knowing the cost, that one day His Son would give His life for us, He chose to create us anyway. This act of creation was the first demonstration of His deep love for us. God designed a world for us to live in and care for, showing His desire for relationship and purpose in our lives (John 1:3).

This raises a big question: would God go through all this just so we could fall and face destruction? Of course not! Everything has a purpose, even hardships. Challenges and difficulties are meant to draw us closer to Him. Because He loves us, God does not leave us to wander aimlessly. Just like a parent disciplines a child out of love, He corrects us to guide us back to the right path (Hebrews 12:7). His discipline isn’t meant to destroy but to teach and restore. When we face struggles, we should remember that they are not signs of rejection, but opportunities for growth and renewal.

Even when we fail, God offers forgiveness. He sent His Son, Jesus, to take the punishment we deserved. What greater way could God show His love than by giving His absolute best for us? Through Jesus’ sacrifice, we see both God’s justice and His incredible mercy working together (1 John 4:9). Because of this, we can approach Him with confidence, knowing that He longs to forgive and heal us.

When we look at judgment through this lens, it’s no longer about fear of punishment, but about the love of a God who longs to redeem and restore us. Instead of seeing Him as harsh or uncaring, we can trust His heart, knowing that every act of discipline is driven by love and His ultimate plan to bring us closer to Him. Let us live with gratitude and hope, walking faithfully as His beloved children.