The phrase “for all this His anger is not turned away, but His hand is stretched out still” occurs numerous times in Isaiah 9-10. Then God’s judgment is prophesied in the last part of chapter 10, followed by the promise of the “Branch” in chapter 11. Once the Branch comes, then God’s anger is turned away in chapter 12. Instead, there is comfort and salvation and joy.
Do you often wonder why God is pictured in the OT as a God of wrath and anger and then in the NT all of a sudden, He is pictured as a God of love and grace? How do we explain this? The cross! Jesus’ death satisfied the righteous demands of a holy God towards sin. Now those who trust in Jesus as Savior have no fear of condemnation—God’s anger/wrath (Romans 8:1). Yet at the same time, we are not to take a flippant attitude toward sin (see Romans 6:1-3).
Take some time to thank God for what he has done for you. How does this specific truth impact your relationship with God?
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