Tags
Related Posts
Share This
Meant for Good
Have you ever strategized to protect your position from an opponent or a competitor? In developing that strategy, have you sought counsel who would help you in ironing out the pros and cons of your decision, especially in assessing how to stifle the opposition? The chief priests and scribes were doing exactly that. They could not pass a death sentence on Jesus directly because the Roman Governor was in charge, and they knew that Jesus was popular among the people. Their strategy worked as history demonstrated and they managed to get the Roman Governor to crucify Jesus without the ire of the Jewish public. From their perspective, what they did was a masterpiece of “real politic.”
So did Joseph’s brothers when they eventually reasoned that the threat of his dream coming true would be resolved, after a few considerations, by selling him to slavery. But the dream did come true and the Bible tells us in Genesis 50:20 that Joseph finally explained to his brothers the main result, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good…”
From the “world’s” perspective the “system’s approach” that analyzes threats, opportunities, risks, and rewards is the norm used to justify a “rational” approach to problem solving. But where is the flaw? I believe the issue is in recognizing what the problem is. In the case of the chief priests and scribes, was the problem the threat to their own power base or their personal salvation in front of the Almighty? The Bible tells us that eventually, one of those scribes, Saul of Tarsus (Paul), had to deal with this issue while on a journey to eliminate whatever was left from Jesus followers. The chief priests and scribes did not have much of an excuse – they knew what the scriptures said about the Messiah and they saw the evidence almost daily. But they were blinded by the “world.”
The Bible of course provides us with many models on how to deal with such situations. Nehemiah, before approaching the Persian king to seek help with the rebuilding of the wall, knew all the obstacles at hand. After all, he was just a cupbearer. But his starting point was to seek divine advice as recorded in his prayer, “let Your ear now be attentive and Your eyes open to hear the prayer of Your servant which I am praying before You now, day and night, on behalf of the sons of Israel Your servants, confessing the sins of the sons of Israel which we have sinned against You; I and my father’s house have sinned…” Neh. 1:6
The chief priests and scribes meant it for evil and what an outcome did God produce! I wonder what would have happened had they followed the model of Nehemiah!
1. Daniel:
) Daniel purposed in his heart not to defile himself with King’s choice foods (Dan. 1:8), and God gave him favour with the king. Paul: We also must put on the armour of God – beforehand – so that in the day of evil, we may stand (Eph. 6:13).
2. In prayer, with fear and trembling. Again, prepared for battle with God going before us.
3. They didn’t know God. They knew OF God, but they were so busy dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s of the Law that they missed the very Word of God in their midst.
Atif, I know this subject is dear to your heart, and you have stood firm in the Lord, and been an awesome model of a truly humble and godly man… I love you.
P.S. That doesn’t look like your wife ;o)
Atif: Thanks for your wisdom, insight, and how clearly you communicated it all. Being a “survivor” of sorts through my dysfunctional childhood (which clearly directs my adulthood at times), I often try to go at it alone for some time…privately battling issues and decisions in my heart and mind. Not only will I often not let those closest to me in (and therefore cheat myself of their wise counsel), I will also not first to to God, seeking His ultimate wisdom and authority Thanks for the reminder and challenge…practical wisdom backed up by Biblical insight…awesome. Thanks again. Also, thanks to both you and Caroline for your many years of service and committment to CCC (as far back as through the BCC years). The mere sight of both of you being faithfully “there” has brought me comfort, peace, and assurance. Thank you friend.