Rebellious Choices On The Menu

 

TUE Evening Prayer Reflection 030921 (Jer. 7: 21-34; John 7: 37-52)

One of the fascinating things that I find in the Old Testament is how similar the reactions of OT people are to our reactions, even if we come from a different era. Humans are humans no matter what era they are from. We have the same heart, the same inclination to sin, that’s why I get interested in how God managed these human reactions in the Old testament. This way we can actually predict what could happen in our own day since God remains unchanged. Just think about it, Wouldn’t God react the same way with regards to our rebellion? I would say most likely. God had a covenant with His people. One that they needed to respect. But during the time of the prophet Jeremiah, things had begun well with the good King Josiah and then later on things didn’t go well. The prophet Jeremiah often had to pronounce judgments of God because of the rebellion of His people. That’s why he was called the weeping prophet because he was often mourning as a spectator of the sins of Israel as well as the desolating judgments on Israel.  In this particular instance, there was a big problem: God told them that the temple would not protect them, and their sacrifices would not be accepted while they continue in their disobedience. Yet even so, because our God is a merciful God, He would always offer a way out: Jer. 7: 23 But this command I gave them: Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people; and walk only in the way that I command you, so that it may be well with you. It sounds like God was negotiating with them. It is as if God was saying I want to reason with you, why would you settle with a path that leads to the worst of consequences while I have a better way for you?

Here is the common denominator humans of all times love: Instant gratification. The trouble is that it doesn’t allow much thinking. Take for example a toddler. When a war erupts regarding sharing a single toy, there is no waiting for their turn to play with the toy. They want it now, and they want it for themselves alone. I find this behavior fascinating because we find it in belligerent adults; or countries where thinking about an impending consequence is simply not on anyone’s radar [The ends justify the means]. This human behavior pains God because, God doesn’t want anyone to go through these consequences, but since some people are determined to continue this rebellious path, then learning the hard way becomes their destiny.

How surprising it is to hear the voice of Christ in the Gospel according to John today, which again calls out Israelites to use the better way. Jesus said: “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let anyone who believes in me, drink…” In this, I am reading the same plea to choose God. Usually, rebellious choices are on the menu for those whose thirsts in life have taken them afar, they have desired to quench their wild thirsts quickly without thinking (using they actively use rebellious choices on the menu). But Christ’s appeal here, is not only for Israelites, but for all humans. Luke 19:10 For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost: Those whose hearts are connected/united with Christ, they would be satisfied because out of their hearts would flow rivers of living water. It is a satisfaction that is full and complete, because the Holy Spirit would be living in them.

Beloved, that’s why we become new creation when we get connected/united/reconciled with Christ. 2 Cor 5: 17 The rebellious choices are no longer on the menu because at that point, all that we desire/do is to please God. To what can we liken today' s rebellious choices? The famous line that says “I did it my way” is an example of a rebellious choice. It is the tendency to rebel against God’s wishes. How do we recognize God’s wishes? I would say by reading the Bible, we get first hand account of what pleases God, we get to understand his heart for us. He is a loving God, whose intentions for us are pure and peaceful. God’s ways are just and righteous. My prayer is that we would discern God’s path every moment, may we have rebellious ways removed from our menu, so we can choose God’s ways only.