Let God: Part Two

Does every tongue that utters a phrase about "letting" God do whatever belong to a soul that is evil whose intent is to drag listeners to the depths of hell? No, of course not. The error isn't in the terminology but the intent. In fact, a biblical understanding of God's sovereignty allows us to see that He is in total control of every detail in the universe and that nothing is outside of His attention.

Let God: Part One

I hear a certain phrase from time to time and it really bothers me. It comes in various forms and sounds rather simple to the average person but it's usually loaded with false implications. The phrase as I hear it usually comes across in these words, "You have to let God work in your life."

Sounds simple right? Its a statement the average person can hear or say and feel like they have stumbled upon some deep theological jackpot that solves all of life's problems. But is it accurate?

The Greatest Generation Or A Holy God?

"And the anger of the Lord was hot against Israel, and he delivered them into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them, and he sold them into the hands of their enemies round about, so that they could not any longer stand before their enemies. 

Whithersoever they went out, the hand of the Lord was against them for evil, as the Lord had said, and as the Lord had sworn unto them: and they were greatly distressed. "- Judges 2:14-15

We know that Israel served God all the days of Joshua and in the years after his death and the death of the elders who served alongside him. Were they sinless? No, but they kept God first and worshiped Him alone. So what happened? Is this proof for the naysayers that God is really unjust and not loving? It is in fact proof of the opposite.

There Is Another Verse In Joshua 24?

It's not uncommon for us to encounter some form of decoration, especially in the home of Christians, which reference Joshua 24:15. Most of us know the phrase by heart.

"....but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

Why only the last quarter of the verse is used and not the previous 14 and three quarters is beyond me. Why wouldn't they want even the next nine verses listed also? There is a context here that is very important for Christians.  In fact, a great foundation is being laid in this chapter not only for the history of the Church but also as an example for her. Besides, how awesome would it be to have the entire twenty fourth chapter of Joshua painted across your wall? But that's another topic for another time.