[This is one in a series of mid-week devotional reflections prepared for Horley Baptist Church during April 2021]
Do you like a good argument? Perhaps ‘debate’ would be a more appropriate word for a discussion of some substance. Obviously, a good debate is one where eventually you carry the day, convincing yourself and, hopefully, your protagonist that you know best. Ideally it should entail a certain amount of effort – a walk-over is no fun – but the eventual outcome should not be in doubt.
Of course, there is the risk that you yourself might be won over by the counter arguments. A friend of mine recently referred me to a book that he had read but he added a note: “I didn’t agree with everything he said, but it was still a very worthwhile read nonetheless”. Often we can learn more from the people that we disagree with rather than from those who simply confirm what we think we already know. The disagreement forces us to examine why we differ, and potentially makes us stronger in our faith.
I rather suspect that the apostle Paul would endorse that line of thought. He had disagreements with Barnabas, John Mark and Peter to name just three, and they were supposed to be on the same side as him. It may be that these ‘friendly’ altercations were a useful experience when he came to argue with the governing authorities.
The trouble comes when you take on God as your adversary. You know who is going to win in the end and no amount of logical argument, verbosity or procrastination is going to change that.
In Genesis 18 we see Abraham trying to argue with God before the destruction of Sodom; he changed the criteria but the result was the same. Similarly, in Exodus 4 we see Moses trying to argue his way out of the commission to lead Israel. The text tells that he made God angry but once again it didn’t change the outcome. Jonah didn’t even bother to argue; he just ran away. After an in-depth lesson in marine biology he too did as he was told.
Taking about maritime experiences, there was Peter at Joppa, relaxing by the sea and anticipating a generous helping of fish and chips when God presented him with a different menu. Three times he tried to refuse it, claiming that what he saw was offensive and contrary to his culture. This same Peter who had previously addressed his message of salvation only to people of the Jewish faith was about to be taught a lesson about prejudice and exclusion. A request from a Roman centurion for Peter to visit him resulted in Peter discovering that gentile hospitality was not as distasteful as he had expected.
Are you being called to do something illogical or irrational? Maybe even something counter-cultural? God is not averse to confirming the call but His will takes precedence.
There’s a work for Jesus, ready at your hand,
’Tis a task the Master just for you has planned.
Haste to do His bidding, yield Him service true;
There’s a work for Jesus none but you can do.
[Elsie Yale, 1912]
In His sermon on the mount Jesus gave us an example of how to pray. Are you willing to echo these words?
… your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
[Matthew 6 v10 NIVUK]
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Contributed by Steve Humphreys; © the Author
