If we have a simplistic view of how God works – such as if it is God’s will then we will succeed and if it is not, then we won’t – we didn’t get that from the Bible. You probably got that idea from a preacher or a book that didn’t really delve deep into the Bible. The Bible is full of instances that will make us scratch our heads. The wicked proper and the good die young. But isn’t it good that the Bible is not simplistic because real life is not simplistic?

For example, take Saul, the very first king of Israel. It was emphatically God’s will for him to become the first king of Israel. What an honor, right? He is the very first king of the nation that was to represent God’s people to the rest of the world. You’d guess that he is a godly man who ruled Israel with love and wisdom. But he was anything but! In fact, he was an epitome of how not to be a king. He was immature, selfish, jealous, and unforgiving. He was NOT a good example.

Take the nation of Babylon next. This nation was wicked. They killed, maimed, raped women, children and even babies. But this nation became world’s superpower. This nation even colonized Israel, God’s nation! How does that make sense? Shouldn’t God judge the wicked and reward the godly? But the Bible is replete with examples that are contrary.

Perhaps it is our desire to control God that we believe simplistically. We think if we can just do good and be good, God will be good to us. God only punishes evil people and therefore he will never punish us. But we forget that Job suffered unimaginably, David lost his son, John lost his head, and Jesus was nailed to the cross. Very very disturbing. As long as we think we are in control that is…

Perhaps that is why the Bible has reassured us with the most straight-forward and undeniable truth of God love – that He gave HIs one and only Son to us! Perhaps God knew that we would be confused about His ways and His love and therefore, He gave us the incontrovertible evidence of His love and care in giving us His Son.

Jesus loves you. He really does.

PH