What happens when you discover you cannot make Jesus’ words work?
What happens?
What happens when one discovers they are sold out to utility in such a way and to such an extent that if, or when one comes to that place of this isn’t working for me in the way I once thought or hoped and are now left facing a matter most unpleasant? Perhaps, and at that time to them, the most unpleasant of all ever faced?
That apostle named Paul spoke of such a condition, such a coming to as a real circumstance of possibility And we might even here, and for the purposes of this consideration, ask whether such matters were “real” to him as he wrote of them, that is of some experience; neither fabricated out of thin air, nor the result of some form of automatic writing.
What would be meant by that is as matter of communication. Did Paul sit at desk with paper and pen (so to speak) and suddenly writing appeared on page of matters with which he had no experience? As though God moved his hand robotically over the course of several epistles while Paul remained in some unknowing and/or oblivious trance-like state? Maybe even like a monkey at a typewriter able to compose a sonnet? It sounds silly, of course, when phrased that way.
But the question is real, especially as regarding the scripture(s). I am persuaded we often do not know how much of superstitious thinking infects us, how much we are given to certain views that are perceived a certain way, but cannot bear examination. And it is not uncommon at all to find a some or many who view inspiration as something other than what it is.
And there are at least a few of us, who, and if examined, imagine the scriptures penned thus of God. One may even hear such things as this is the whole of God’s word…from start to finish…as though every word were written by God Himself in some form of that “automatic writing” that must never be examined, or can never be examined without greatest peril, and of which the least would probably be wearing the assigned label of heretic. Or escort to a stake. Or some fiery end ministered of God, and yes, if necessary with a little help from pious men to light the match. I have little doubt that in some circles the scriptures are very much held as “The Magic Words”. As in, no man can touch the magic words and live. Maybe that’s why some don’t see them…or want to?
A god of superstition terrifies them greatly.
But I will, by grace believed, speak of the more terrifying God. Or the God of no utility. Even the God who is not able to be used as means to an end…but is all beginning and end in, and of, Himself.
It is interesting (to say the very least in its regard) that it would be Paul himself who helps us out a bit here. Yes, God purposed Paul to be a help, and I hope you find him so. And if one has no perception of Paul’s esteem of the scriptures it would be less than moot (and of no utility) for me to try and persuade any of his esteem of them.
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, (Paul wrote)
To say “highly esteemed” would probably fall short, but why would or should…any believe me? Nevertheless…
Yes, nevertheless, do we accept such writings attributed to Paul as “scripture” in no lesser sense than, let’s say…Isaiah? Or any of the other books “in the Bible”? And indeed, for some, or in regards to that other “some writings” there are even comments made in the “newer” writings that may lend themselves, or tend toward that automatic writing point of view. That once the prophets were given things too puzzling to their own understandings:
Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.
These matters are undeniable. And, as said, they can tend to some form or view of matters in a certain way that tend toward a leaning. “God is moving their hand” in such a way (and I do not doubt it is always God moving a hand) that what they wrote was by them without a depth of knowledge confirmed yet to them.
Were they inspired? Yes. Were they puzzled…well, also yes. At least to the extent that they were provoked to search out and be informed “this is not for you…yet…but through you for ministry to others”.
Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you…
And yes, no one should monkey with the scriptures. God forbid any speaking or writing here be taken as such. But Paul helps us with our view…even as one himself in most enmity to any or all superstition and any especially about our God.
Regarding the scriptures the men writing are inspired, and that which they write is no less inspired. So, does it not behoove us, if believing the scripture(s) true in every or any sense, to seek some understanding of them? For what do we do now (with Paul such a help) where in his writings (do you accept as scripture?) he comes to such place as writing this:
And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.
But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away.
Now we have here (is this scripture?) a man saying/writing:
But to the rest speak I, not the Lord:
A man rendering opinion with such distinction he not only wants to make clear, but does make clear…”This is me writing and not the Lord speaking” (And yes…it’s in the Bible)
Now, what do we do with “God said it, I believe it, and that settles it” while lifting a Bible with some attitude toward it…that is not born out in support of such attitude? Why, brother, there are “words” in there clearly stating they are not the Lord’s own words…but testified to (by an apostle…do you believe?) as his own, and not the Lord’s.
What then is there, what happens…when…we look into this and seek to find (are they scripture?) their benefit as described (by this same apostle) as:
profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
What is there in that “there”? Might it not be precisely for the tearing down of such attitude that lends to what is commonly called “Bible thumping”? Yes, indeed, Paul knew these weren’t/aren’t the magic words of themselves, but that as true and truth of matters their “utility” was for the changing of ourselves and not as some force we might use as against another. Even over another. And may God help me for the many times I have sought to bring men to the bar of, and by, my own accusing. It is enough to believe (and come to some understanding) of rest in Christ’s word…”and the scriptures cannot be broken”
Might we, if able to see, how that Paul…rather than make use of (availing for his own utility) his calling as an apostle and with what authority is there present to not only know, but be extremely careful about distinction between himself and the Lord…that he dare not prescribe his own opinion as commandment or law, or ascribe it to the Lord? Being so meticulously careful about such, having learned and been taught (by experience in the Lord) even perhaps not forgetting the easily assumed disposition of “lording over” of which each and every man must be disabused. Yes, Paul found a “me” (himself) secured “there is a crown laid up” in a very profound maintenance of the Lord’s identity alone…being over all. No confusion left as to “who’s who” and “what’s what” in the reality of Christ.
Christ alone remains the only worthy to “open the book” and that also to anyone He cares to. May we all meet Him on the road to Emmaus. And if, or when we may even be tempted toward any “throwing of it (the book)” at a them, only shows we have yet need and must first have it opened to ourselves. Indeed Paul himself wrote (“with such wisdom as God gave him” testified to by Peter) that in his relaying of matters in which he was wholly convinced (yes, even as an “apostle”) saying no more than “and I believe I too have the spirit of God”.
Today we might think or say “Paul…is that you saying ‘you believe’ you too have the spirit of God?” “Man, but you are a star in our universe! We all agree ain’t been many (if at all) like you…deep, true to death, rich in wisdom and understanding, labors and sufferings, vision and clarity!” C’mon man…we have hung a whole lot on you…as being one of God’s ‘great generals’ in this our christian army”. C’mon, ain’t nobody we know like you…or sure got ‘more of the spirit of God’…than you!” “Man, doncha know you wrote most of the “new testament!”.
“And I believe I too have the spirit of God”?!!! Man…where’s that coming from?
It might behoove us to know.
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