Skip to main content

"Fluffy Cows" and God

             Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)

What is your emotional impression of a tiger, an American bison, a great white shark, or even a skunk? I know some people think they can approach wild animals and take a selfie, only to end up shocked when they wake up in a hospital. In a similar vein, what’s your emotional perception of corporate, political, or social leaders (like celebrities)? Again, you’re likely to be more profoundly aware of their power if they use it against you. But if we approach the subject wisely and deal with reality, doesn’t the animal or person in question deserve respect based on what they can do (either positively or negatively) and not solely on our experience of being gored, bitten, clawed, kicked, sprayed, or bullied? And would it not be wise to learn from what has happened to us or to others in the past, rather than repeatedly subject ourselves to their reaction to our foolishness?

Today’s passage seems to fit this pattern. It doesn’t tell us to glorify God because He’s done something glorious in the past ten seconds, and we feel awe. It’s not about getting a selfie with God. It’s about recognizing what God can do, and showing appropriate respect rather than getting ourselves gored, bitten, clawed, kicked, sprayed or bullied before we even consider being a little cautious in our approach.

As we pray about seeking His face, this is a good word of warning. God is “not a tame Lion” any more than a fluffy cow, a cute little bear, or a gangly deer at Yellowstone is a photo opportunity. That being said, God is wiser than the animals and people mentioned.  Scripture shows that He tolerates and even enjoys a little audacity from us. He wants us to show the courage to approach Him, as long as we do it with respect for what He can do. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

"Especially to those who belong to the family of believers."

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. (Gal 6:10)   “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.   By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35)           Joshua grinned when he saw Rex standing by the door, studying something on the ground. "Hey, man! Are we ready to do this thing?"          Rex looked up. "Josh, I can't do it. We're still best buds, but I can't stand your fiancée."           I've met "Rex" many times. I've been Rex. Joshua (Jesus) loves the Church. He's not a fool. He knows the Church is far from perfect, but she is His chosen bride. The Rexes of this world, who think themselves His friend, turn away from her. "You don't need the Church to...
Post a Comment
Read more

Ssssssubmmissssssionnn

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ . (Ephesians 5:21)             "Ssssssubmmisssssssionnn." Can't you just hear the serpent hissing this most horrible of words? If you listen to the serpent or the world, submission means groveling, allowing yourself to be abused, denying yourself your own humanity. Nothing could be worse than submission, could it?             Submission has never been a problem for me, as long as things are going the way I want them to. The rest of the time? Well, let's just say that while I don't know how to fight physically, I don't know how to not fight mentally. One of the fights I've been having with myself for years is about submission.             My first breakthrough took place on a trip to a bookstore. As I walked into the store, my thoughts were very clear. 1) I was goi...
Post a Comment
Read more

Shark Fins, Triple Dog Dares, Heroes, Villains and Sidekicks

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)            There's a scene in Jaws in which someone sees a shark fin and starts a panic. As   all the swimmers scramble to shore, boats surround the fin, which falls over to reveal two kids. With several guns pointed at them, one of the kids points at the other. The message is clear: it was his idea. In Christmas Story, there's a scene in which one kid "triple dog dares" another to do something stupid. Since it's a triple dog dare, well, what choice does the boy have? There doesn't seem to be any end to the trouble that peer pressure can cause. ...
Post a Comment
Read more