Genesis 3:15

Abba,

You are a front-loading God— |
visiting mercy
before judgment.

Man’s first sin,
in the garden,
in Adam’s rebellious choice—

was met with mercy,
preceding judgment—
Grace at the very beginning.

The first gospel,
powerfully delivered
verdicts rendering.

A mere bruised heel,
to a crushed head—
the winner clear.

Hope dispatched 
ahead of
discipline’s pain.

Mercy was offered 
prior to the need
even being known.

This is the God
You are—
Not merely of wrath—

But rather kindness— 
Wrath only a necessary 
expression of Your holiness.

In the presence of sin,
in rebellion’s wake—
wrath?  A temporary display.

In the day
of wrath’s decline,
holiness will remain. 

When judgment ceases,
kindness and mercy endure—
remaining steadfast.

While judgment must persist,
to settle wrath’s need, 
it is comforting to know

that you send ahead—
—always—
mercy: to soften the blow 

or provide a way 
of escape
to avoid wrath altogether.

You front-load grace—
For this—this
is You.