29 Yet the Israelites say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ Are my ways unjust, people of Israel? Is it not your ways that are unjust?
As i read this it made me think the way of the Israelites is no different than Americans. It seems every year that passes culturally we move a step further away from personal accountability. Generally speaking people feel like someone else owes them something, society or the government should provide for them. Peoples actions and choices have consequences, but no one wants to have to live with the choices they make.
God is like, really life isn't fair? really I gave you life and asked in return you follow a few rules, that's not fair? He's like come on give me a break. He doesn't want anyone to die a permanent death but he gives us the opportunity to make choices...we have the opportunity also to live by the consequences of those choices. In the days they are reading about they needed to follow his laws and repent from their sins. We need to choose Jesus and should also repent from our sins. why would we think this is too much to ask?
knut
Wow! Sometimes I read what you write, and I'm eternally greatful that God put you in my life, and that we can do this together. Your take was COMPLETELY different than mine. And I am in total agreement with what you wrote. It never ceases to amaze me how many lessons can be taken from each of these chapters. God is truly amazing! The American society thing scares me. We've written about it several times, but it seems we are headed for disaster in the eyes of God....which leads to death. Yikes!
ReplyDeleteThe part of the chapter that captured my attention was the part about the responsibility of the father, and how it translates to the sons. I just got back from a Men's retreat last weekend, and we talked a lot about how the sins of the father will be visited upon the sons......and I tend to agree with that statement. But, reading this makes me clarify that a little bit. This chapter is saying that its still the sons responsibility to make the right choices, and God will give him the power to do that. It really comes down to tendencies. My kids will be more likely to struggle with the same hangups as I have......just genetically and environmentally.
What really struck me this weekend, and after reading this....is that I need to sit down with Max and Ben and come clean as to the things that I struggle with. That way they have an opportunity to know what is coming at them, in the future, and can make their choices in an educated state.
I'm rambling......sorry
tp
i am thankful for you too brother! I love being able to stay connected this way too. I need to have these conversations with Luke too, but to be honest we don't get into too many deep conversations. If I get very serious he tends to pull back, probably because I can get preachy at the same time. It seems you have developed a good ability to have real convos with your boys, I admire that.
ReplyDeleteknut