Reconciling God’s Character: Justice, Mercy, and the Name of Yahweh - w/ John Mark Comer

Mar 27, 2017

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How do we reconcile the compassionate nature of Jesus with the seemingly angry and wrathful God of the Old Testament? In this deep-dive conversation, Mike Erre sits down with pastor and author John Mark Comer to unpack the complexities of God’s character as revealed in Exodus 34:6–7—an often overlooked but deeply foundational passage in Scripture. As Comer's book “God Has a Name” launches, the two friends explore how God's mercy, justice, jealousy, and slowness to anger paint a fuller picture of who Yahweh really is.

This episode tackles some of the toughest theological questions listeners frequently ask, offering a fresh lens to engage Scripture and dismantle the harmful caricatures of God many carry. Highlighting God's personal name, Yahweh, and the relational nature of that revelation, Mike and John Mark invite us into an understanding of God that's deeply biblical, profoundly human, and ultimately hopeful.

Key Takeaways: • God’s Name Matters – Seeing God as “Yahweh,” not just a generic “Lord,” opens the door to intimacy and relationality with the divine. • Slow to Anger Doesn’t Mean Never Angry – Understanding God's wrath as a deliberate, just response to evil and suffering, rooted in His love for the world. • Justice and Mercy in Tension – Exodus 34:6–7 reveals how God’s character holds both mercy for thousands and accountability for wrongdoing, with mercy overwhelmingly outweighing punishment. • Why Jealousy is Good News – God’s jealousy reflects His zeal for relationship with us and His passion for eradicating the idols that enslave us. • Misusing God’s Name Damages Witness – Living out God’s name wrongly misrepresents His character and distances people from true knowledge of Him.

Guest Highlight: John Mark Comer – Pastor of Bridgetown Church in Portland, Oregon, and author of several popular books on discipleship and spiritual formation. In this episode, he unpacks the themes of his newest work, “God Has a Name,” bringing theological clarity and relational depth to the attributes of God.

Resources Mentioned: • “God Has a Name” by John Mark Comer – johnmarkcomer.com • Exodus 34:6–7 – A detailed exploration of the most quoted Bible verse... by the Bible itself. • Bridgetown Church – bridgetown.church • Vox Live Event – April 20 in Placentia (RSVP info TBD) • Bridgetown Podcast – [Available on iTunes/Spotify]

Join the conversation as we challenge misconceptions and rediscover the God who is merciful, just, and relentlessly faithful. Don’t miss this approachable but deeply thoughtful episode that bridges biblical theology and lived experience.

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Connect with Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre Music by Timothy John Stafford | Insta & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV.

Our Merch Store! ETSY

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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

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