How Do We Move an Unmovable God?
Good Morning Friends,
Looking at and applying our understanding of the attributes of God can become daunting. We might get good at trusting in God as our rock. We might learn that God is unmovable and like a fortress in which we can hide and that God is unshakeable and faithful even when we are not. And yet Jesus is described in the gospels as having been moved with compassion. The challenge is to have a balance of experiences that go around and come around in our life to bolster our faith. This is true individually but collectively as well. Here we discover that a passive faith can rely on God but if one has an active faith one needs to learn how to make an appeal to the power and compassion of God and the movement of the Holy Spirit in us that might reflect this reality. The crux of the problem is that there is a personal and collective responsibility in the world to seek justice while at the same time we are pulled to seek self-interest. No it is not a contradiction, but like moving the unmovable God, it is difficulty to apply effectively. Oh how we do mess this up when we do not seek God first. So today we explore what is I think the core question for us as a nation, as the called out assembly, as individuals. How Do We Move an Unmovable God?
Scripture: He prayed to him, and God received his entreaty, heard his plea, and restored him again to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the Lord indeed was God.
2 Chronicles 33:13 (NRSV)
We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn within a large family. And those whom he predestined he also called; and those whom he called he also justified; and those whom he justified he also glorified.
Romans 8:28-30 (NRSV)
As a father has compassion for his children, so the LORD has compassion for those who fear him.
Psalm 103:13 (NRSV)
I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
Isaiah 41:13 (NIV)
In you, O LORD, I seek refuge; do not let me ever be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me. Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily. Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me. You are indeed my rock and my fortress; for your name’s sake lead me and guide me, take me out of the net that is hidden for me, for you are my refuge. Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God. You hate those who pay regard to worthless idols, but I trust in the LORD. I will exult and rejoice in your steadfast love, because you have seen my affliction; you have taken heed of my adversities, and have not delivered me into the hand of the enemy; you have set my feet in a broad place.
Psalm 31:1-8 (NRSV)
Message: Jesus was moved to compassion multiple times in the Bible narratives. But what motivates us to be compassionate and helpful both? How are we to screw up our courage and challenge God to act in us and in others without looking absolutely crazy? It is perhaps one of the greatest sins we have…leaving God alone and just getting by without a personal relationship…a commitment. The Bible is filled with examples of people who cried out to God and God answered. Enoch pleased God. Daniel moved God in prayer and action. Jacob wrestled with God until a blessing was given. Did they fear God? Probably, but they also loved God. Perhaps we should both fear God and in faith and love be willing to engage God so we might be used for a holy purpose. Part of this is prayer but part is discovering our individual passions so God might use us to grow us together in love.
Pray we set a time to regularly meet with God and discuss what it is that is to move our hearts to act in faith. Pray
we stop focusing on just asking for things. Pray we spend more time seeking God. Pray we hunger for God. Pray we give a face to the compassion inside of us. Pray we get God’s attention by being the hands and feet, the eyes and ears of Christ. Pray our prayers come from the heart and look on the world with compassion. Pray we be earnest, intense and sincere in our love.
Pray we not just feel compassion but show it. Pray we learn to take God’s hand by offering ours to those in need.
Blessings,
John Lawson
Daily Devotionals 