One of the hardest things for us, as Christians, to learn is that most of what we have experienced in the world is directly contrary to the attitudes of God. This is why Paul would write in the Roman letter “… be transformed by the renewing of your mind… (Rom 12:2). That is a much deeper work than we often realize. Let us look at one example. In a certain place, we read that Jesus says, “… I am gentle and lowly in heart… (Matt 11:29). But later He also says, ” …He who has seen Me has seen the Father… (john 14:9). In other words, just as Jesus is gentle and lowly in heart, so is the Father. This is a concept that is hard for us to grasp. When we think of our God as all powerful, all knowing and present everywhere, we immediately connect these concepts to the hierarchical structure of the world and think of God as “the big boss”. For us to realize that God in His character is “gentle and lowly in heart” doesn’t fit with what we learned to expect from someone so powerful. This might help you understand what James means when he says, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. (Jas 4:10). God is waiting for you to humble yourself under His hand; He will not force you to do that; it has to be your choice. But, oh, when you do, He will delight in lifting you up. It might also help explain, why so often people ask, “Why didn’t God do something?” Perhaps because He is waiting for you to act, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” (Jas 4:8).
April 2020
22 April 2020Written by allnationsdresden