Psalm 97: "This isn't that!"

We sometimes teach a This is That technique in our training of pastors and spouses with PLI. It's a way of helping people to remember past events and see how the church has navigated those events and changes. This [change, event, plan,] is that [past event] all over again.  But in the case of a tyrant, fire and brimstone, judgment and smiting (only) god, That is not This. Our God is no wimp. He is all powerful. Mighty. Holy. A consuming fire. But he is also merciful and gracious. Loving and kind. He is the God who inspired St. Paul to write, "Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more" (Romans 5:20). We rightly both fear and love God above all things.