Today's readings are Numbers 21.10-35 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Num.+21.10-35 ) and Luke 21.20-38 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Luke+21.20-38 ).
We see God coming in power, destroying those who oppose him, establishing his kingdom by force. Today it seems we are often focused on the idea of God as a loving one who forbears everything. Yet the Scripture is very plain. The soul that sins will die. God will come in judgment of sin, and we ourselves are not able to stand in that judgment. The wrath of God is real, and it will be revealed. It will be unmistakable.
What hope do we have then? We have great hope indeed. Look how Jesus lays his promise on those whom he has called. We should pray to him that we may have strength to stand. And we know we have confidence that what we pray in his name we will receive. Our loving savior is also going to love and save us from his wrath which he will pour out on unbelief. The very belief he gives us, holding firm to Christ's righteousness, is our protection from God's judgment on all unrighteousness.
This reading is for Pentecost Sunday, the day when we remember the mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the early believers in Acts chapter 2. It is historically the feast of the firstfruits, when people would bring their offerings of the very first produce of the year to God. God has given the firstfruits of his Spirit to his people and has begun the work of cleansing and purifying a people to himself. Part of that cleansing process is the eventual removal and burning of rubbish - in the terms of a grain harvest, sweeping up the chaff and burning it. But we who are among the firstfruits of those whom God has saved are taken into the barn to be used by Christ. We have protection and favor indeed.
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