The Lord is slow to anger. When mercy comes into the world, she races on winged horses—the axles of her chariot wheels glow red-hot with speed! But when wrath sets out, it drags its feet with every step. Why? Because God takes no pleasure in the death of sinners.

God's rod of mercy is always in his outstretched hands. His sword of justice stays in its sheath, held down by that same pierced hand of love that bled for human sin. "The Lord is slow to anger" because he is great in power.

Here is the marvel: true power is power over yourself. When God's power restrains himself, then it is power indeed! The power that binds omnipotence is omnipotence surpassed.

Think about it. A person with a strong mind can endure insults for a long time. They only strike back when justice absolutely demands it. But the weak mind? It explodes at the smallest slight. The strong mind stands like a rock that does not move, though a thousand waves crash against it and fling their pitiful malice in spray upon its summit.

God marks his enemies. He sees every rebellion. And yet he does not stir himself to instant judgment. He holds in his anger. If he were anything less than divine, he would have long ago sent forth all his thunders and emptied heaven's magazines! He would have blasted the earth with the wondrous fires of its lower regions, and humanity would have been utterly destroyed. But the greatness of his power brings us mercy.

Dear reader, what is your state this evening? Can you look to Jesus by humble faith and say, "My substitute, you are my rock, my trust"? Then, beloved, be not afraid of God's power! By faith you have fled to Christ for refuge—the power of God need no more terrify you than the shield and sword of a warrior need terrify those he loves.

Rather rejoice that he who is "great in power" is your Father and Friend!