On My Mind...
Most of us want life to be like an amusement park. We want “safe” thrills. Oh, we like it when the adrenaline is pumping, the heart is racing, we struggle to catch our breath – so long as we know it is all in fun and nothing is really going to happen. We like the idea that something can happen suddenly that will dramatically alter our lives – provided that it is for our “good.” And by the way – we get to determine what “good” means. Further we enjoy it when we are in control. Don’t you hate that feeling that comes over you when you know you can’t do anything about what is going on? None of us likes the idea of being reminded of just how insignificant we really are. Do you ever stand outside on a starry night and look up into the heavens and consider just how insignificant you are in the grand scheme of things? Have you ever been told that there was something wrong with your child and there would need to be further test? It makes you realize just how worthless your hopes, dreams, accomplishments and agendas are in light of your absolute helplessness in that moment. Or maybe you’ve been told, “It’s inoperable. We’re going to try this and hope for the best.” There are those times in life when we are awakened by the cold, hard reality of just how little control we possess.
I’m convinced that the average person’s concept of God is a safe and unassuming picture. Trust in God is a good thing – because “He’s a good guy.” It’s his job to be understanding, patient, loving and giving. God is supposed to make people feel good and give them whatever they need or want. Now, thank God he is loving, caring, gracious, compassionate and giving. But that is not the whole picture. He is holy, righteous, and wrathful. What it comes down to is this, GOD IS NOT SAFE! In fact, a biblical understanding of God is both comforting and terrifying.
Take some time to read through the little book of Nahum. There you will find His sovereignty inspires hope and confidence in the heart of His own, while striking terror in the heart of His enemies. Mark Dever, in dealing with Nahum points out something interesting. The book is difficult to read because the writer switches back and forth between God’s people and God’s enemies. At times you’re trying to figure out, “now is that about Judah or Nineveh?” Perhaps that is intentional. You know someone is going to be blessed and someone is going to be judged – you’re just not always sure which is which.
Unsettling? Yes, but God is reminding both Judah and Nineveh that He is in charge. It’s about walking that fine line between trusting in God’s grace and presuming upon His grace. It’s worth thinking about.
I’ll see you Sunday.
Rod
I’m convinced that the average person’s concept of God is a safe and unassuming picture. Trust in God is a good thing – because “He’s a good guy.” It’s his job to be understanding, patient, loving and giving. God is supposed to make people feel good and give them whatever they need or want. Now, thank God he is loving, caring, gracious, compassionate and giving. But that is not the whole picture. He is holy, righteous, and wrathful. What it comes down to is this, GOD IS NOT SAFE! In fact, a biblical understanding of God is both comforting and terrifying.
Take some time to read through the little book of Nahum. There you will find His sovereignty inspires hope and confidence in the heart of His own, while striking terror in the heart of His enemies. Mark Dever, in dealing with Nahum points out something interesting. The book is difficult to read because the writer switches back and forth between God’s people and God’s enemies. At times you’re trying to figure out, “now is that about Judah or Nineveh?” Perhaps that is intentional. You know someone is going to be blessed and someone is going to be judged – you’re just not always sure which is which.
Unsettling? Yes, but God is reminding both Judah and Nineveh that He is in charge. It’s about walking that fine line between trusting in God’s grace and presuming upon His grace. It’s worth thinking about.
I’ll see you Sunday.
Rod