“What sorrow awaits those who argue with their Creator. Does a clay pot argue with its maker? Does the clay dispute with the one who shapes it saying, “Stop, you’re doing it wrong!” (Isaiah 45:9)
Why do we think we know better than God? Why do we look to the opinions of other people for truth? Could anything within creation know more than the Creator? Do we have the capacity of understanding? Do we dare believe that we are wise enough, discerning enough, and holy enough, to pick and choose what parts of the Creator’s we will believe and follow? Does our intelligence exceed his? Is our perspective greater than the perspective of the One who sees all and knows all from the beginning of time throughout eternity?
My guess is that very few of us actually wrestle with these kinds of questions. We are spiritually lazy and think too highly of ourselves or those we deem as wise. We live in allegiance to those who question God and what he says without knowing that we are even doing so.
But what if you are following and investing in that which does contradict God? Can I truly believe myself to be a God-follower, when I much prefer the ways of man and sin to the words of truth and holiness? Do I really believe that God is who he says he is? For that matter, do I really believe that I am a sinner who has no hope for a future apart from Jesus Christ? Do I let God dictate what is right and good or do I let my feelings or the culture? Am I more concerned with my happiness than I am with my holiness? Do I find it hard to offend or oppose people yet easy to offend or oppose God? Whose opinion matters more to me, God’s or man’s?
Is the Bible the source of truth? Do I go to the Word of God looking for the answers to my struggles and concerns? Do I use the Word of God to process through the issues that we as a culture are struggling with today? Do I believe God has an opinion on those issues? Do I align with him, even when I don’t understand his reasoning, because I trust that God is holy and good and will not lead me astray? Is the Word of God outdated and therefore no longer relevant? Are we somehow evolved intellectually and therefore superior to the dictates God places in his Word?
Friend, if we claim to be Jesus followers, it might be important to note that Jesus believed the Word of God. Jesus followed it. In fact, Jesus says in Matthew 5:17 that he didn’t come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; but to fulfill them. Jesus, the Son of God, who is of God – part of the trinity – cannot and did not contradict God. If Jesus did not, why would we? If Jesus followed, shouldn’t we? If Jesus placed his trust in the Father and his Word it makes no sense for us to do differently.
God is not like the manmade gods throughout time. God makes himself available to all man, but not all men choose him. They choose gods of self, gods of false religions, gods of nature, but these gods cannot and should not be confused with the Creator. The One and Only. These gods will not save. These gods do not hold truth, holiness, and they will not bring salvation. They bring only sin and death.
“For the LORD is God, and he created the heavens and earth and put everything in place. He made the world to be lived in, not to be a place of empty chaos. “I am the LORD,” he says, “and there is no other. I publicly proclaim bold promises. I do not whisper obscenities in some dark corner. I would not have told the people of Israel to seek me if I could not be found. I, the LORD, speak only what is true and declare only what is right.” (Isaiah 45:18-19) “Consult together, argue your case. Get together and decide what to say. Who made these things known so long ago? What idol ever told you they would happen? Was it not I, the LORD? For there is no other God but me. Let all the world look to me for salvation! For I am God; there is no other. I have sworn by my name; I have spoken the truth, and I will never go back on my word.” (Isaiah 45:21-23)
We cannot expect that we will find truth from liars. Yet we can know truth. Truth and righteousness can be found. Ask your questions and seek answers from the Author of Truth. He will not lead you astray. He can be trusted.
LORD, thank you for holding the truth and revealing it in your Word. I ask that as we designate time to seek you and the truth you speak, that you would open our hearts and minds to receive it. Reveal to us, LORD, the areas where we have strayed from you. Create within us a longing and hunger for your Word and for righteousness. LORD, we may not always understand or agree with what you say. We may read it and wonder at your reasoning. In those instances Father, help us to choose obedience and to default to you – trusting you – above our own understanding. You will not lead us off the path. You will not lead us into sin. Help us to place you first, and to seek your wise counsel in all we do. You hold the answers. We ask these things in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Blessings.