“The LORD is slow to anger and great in power” (Nahum 1:3)

God told Jeremiah, “Take a scroll of a book and write on it all the words that I have spoken to you against Israel ... It may be that the house of Judah will hear all the adversities which I purpose to bring upon them, that everyone may turn from his evil way, that I may forgive their iniquity and their sin" (Jeremiah 36:2-3). Later, Ezekiel records, “‘Do I have any pleasure at all that the wicked should die?’ says the Lord God, ‘and not that he should turn from his ways and live?’” (Ezekiel 18:23). “I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?” (Ezekiel 33:11). 

 God is always ready to extend a hand of mercy to sinners who repent. Remember, the sword of judgment is held by the nail-scarred hand of Christ, “who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth ... who gave Himself a ransom for all” (1 Timothy 2:4-6). "The Lord is slow to anger," because He is GREAT IN POWER. The greatest power of the omnipotent God is to restrain Himself. A weak person may be irritated by an offence, but a strong person bears it like a rock which doesn’t move, no mater how great the abuse.

 The greatness of His power offers mercy. Dear reader, what is your state this evening? Can you humbly look to Jesus, and ask Him to save you? Then, beloved, don’t be afraid to approach God's power, for His power is to forgive those who repent. The power of God doesn’t need to terrify you any more than the shield and sword of a warrior needs to terrify those he loves. Rather, rejoice in the promise of Christ: “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out” (John 6:37).