I was forwarded a quote from my home group leader this morning that I thought I would post for my friends. This is a quote from Pastor Mark Driscoll from Mars Hill. He is known for saying things that sound weird and in your face. I think I understand what he is saying:

“You have been told that God is a loving, gracious, merciful, kind, compassionate, wonderful, and good sky fairy who runs a daycare in the sky and has a bucket of suckers for everyone because we’re all good people. That is a lie. God looks down and says ‘I hate you, you are my enemy, and I will crush you,’ and we say that is deserved, right and just, and then God says, ‘Because of Jesus I will love you and forgive you.’ This is a miracle.” – Mark Driscoll

So many times we do view God or Jesus as our “best friend.” We view God as a vending machine that always has available what we want. Do we view our Lord as a Mighty King and the Creator of all things? Do we tremble when we read His Word and seek His face? If we don’t, we should. What I am trying to grasp is to change my thinking about our God by viewing Him as so much greater than myself! John the Baptist said, “He must increase, and I must decrease!” It is a miracle that God is so merciful with us! That is something to be thankful for today! I think Mark is trying to defend the Holiness of God instead of allowing people to walk confidently with little thought of just how awesome and Great God really is to all!

p.s. I am not agreeing with Mark’s quote about God “hating” us. I am not sure why he used those words. I know the Scripture says, “God is angry with the wicked everyday.” He does not tolerate evil and cannot fellowship with evil and sin. When Adam and Eve sinned, they had to leave the Garden and the presence of God because of their sins. God hates sin, and I think the quote is referring to how God hates sin and hates hypocrites, not that he HATES people!