While doing homework, one of my students came upon this quote: "Scripture never assumes that God owes us an explanation for what He does." (John M. Frame) He observed, "It's like a 3 year old challenging his parents about what they do with their finances. "
This is something that frequently arises in conversations with my students. Here is my response:
And yet, Scripture doesn't present God as a tyrant, refusing to hear our questions and complaints.
A lot depends on HOW we enquire of the Lord. Is our attitude one of humility, or of pride? Cf. Psalm 22:1-2; Psalm 42:9; Ex. 5:22; Ex. 32:11; Gen. 25:22; Isaiah 1:18, Matthew 27:46.
Look how often the locution, "that is why" or "this is why" appears in scripture. Our God doesn't delight in keeping secrets; He delights in revealing Himself -- His Holy Spirit of Truth--to those who are ready to accept Him. .
Luke 11:9-13
9"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
11"Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the HOLY SPIRIT to those who ask him!"
This is something that frequently arises in conversations with my students. Here is my response:
And yet, Scripture doesn't present God as a tyrant, refusing to hear our questions and complaints.
A lot depends on HOW we enquire of the Lord. Is our attitude one of humility, or of pride? Cf. Psalm 22:1-2; Psalm 42:9; Ex. 5:22; Ex. 32:11; Gen. 25:22; Isaiah 1:18, Matthew 27:46.
Look how often the locution, "that is why" or "this is why" appears in scripture. Our God doesn't delight in keeping secrets; He delights in revealing Himself -- His Holy Spirit of Truth--to those who are ready to accept Him. .
Luke 11:9-13
9"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
11"Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the HOLY SPIRIT to those who ask him!"
1 comment:
Good and needed balance to Frame's statement. Thanks, Beth.
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