Tag: Arrogance

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God makes a deal.

Reading Time: 2 minutes

“The Lord our God made a covenant with us at Mount Sinai. The Lord did not make this covenant with our ancestors, but with all of us who are alive today. At the mountain the Lord spoke to you face to face from the heart of the fire. I stood as an intermediary between you and the Lord, for you were afraid of the fire and did not want to approach the mountain. He spoke to me, and I passed his words on to you.” ‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭5‬:‭2‬-‭5‬a NLT‬‬

Moses calls the people of Israel, now free from Egyptian slavery to listen to the deal God wants to make with them. This deal is unprecedented! There has never been a deal like this made between any other god and humankind. The ancient gods only made deals where they were the takers, the receivers. They made the rules for people to benefit them and no one else. A deal with those gods were all about them, not us. Yahweh God was different. His decrees and regulations were all to benefit humanity. The first four were about keeping the relationship with him, much like a marital contract. Even the sabbath rest was demanded for our own good and called for a weekly investment into a relationship with Him. The other six were given to protect and uphold the sanctity of human relationships. Starting with parents and working through the normal breaches and breakdowns of relationships – murder, betrayal, theft, lies, and coveting or desiring someone else’s belongings. These are still the big five of relational failures.

Moses announced this covenant, this promise or agreement between God and His chosen people. These stipulations would fulfill God’s promise to Abraham and as Moses told them, it would protect and prosper them as they made their journey to their own land. “So Moses told the people, “You must be careful to obey all the commands of the Lord your God, following his instructions in every detail. Stay on the path that the Lord your God has commanded you to follow. Then you will live long and prosperous lives in the land you are about to enter and occupy” Vs 32‬-‭33‬.

We may look at this entire process as a simple arrangement. Keep the commandments and reap the benefits of living in relationship with God. We now know that it would not be possible to keep God’s rules. It isn’t God’s fault, it’s our own sin that would prove time and time again that we are promise breakers and choose our own way, our own rules. All of which leads us to leave or wander from a relationship with God. God knew we couldn’t keep the rules and provided one and only one that would not only keep every single law in the covenant, but also become the physical and spiritual sacrifice for our sin, our selfishness, our rebellious desires – that is Jesus! In one way or another I have broken every one of the big ten commandments. But God is faithful. He is always right, true and just!

Prayer

Dad,
Knowing myself a lot better than I did when I was young. And knowing you much better as well. I can see how keeping the law, the contract would be impossible. I am thankful that you provided a way back to you even before I came to fully understand how it all worked. Thank you for your grace, your gift of forgiveness and reconciliation. Thank you for rescuing and restoring me when I was so lost and broken.

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Advice to the arrogant.

Reading Time: 2 minutes

“Pride leads to conflict; those who take advice are wise.” Proverbs‬ ‭13‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I have come across Proverbs that are clear, but I can’t stand them. I didn’t want to face the facts of this radical candor saying.

Confession: I only want to hear or take advice from folks who know MORE than I do or those who have MORE experience than myself, in the advice they are giving.

Proverbs nails my hollow heart issue as I type this – that is soooo arrogant. I understand I shouldn’t be taking advice from proverbial fools. But I have this emotionally triggered response when someone tells me how to do my job or run my life when I don’t think they are doing so well themselves! Doesn’t that just reek with pride? I mean, it causes a full on physical reaction in me. It’s ridiculous.

I believe the wisdom writers are pointing out the fact that pride is the numero uno reason for many conflicts. But in this case, the conflict is INSIDE of me! Why in the world can I NOT listen and look for wisdom from conversations with just about anyone? Why do I get all judgey? The truth of this proverb picks at some origin story wound that I just can’t seem to remember. Why do I get defensive? Why does it ruin my day? And, more importantly, what can I do about it? It’s a recurring theme that I am so tired of struggling with.

Through a process of humility and listening to the Holy Spirit, I want help in deconstructing some childhood defense that is no longer necessary nor helpful. Isn’t this is so apropos that God’s word would get in cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow, exposing my innermost thoughts and desires? (Hebrews 4:12). Cut away God, do your work in me!

Prayer

Dad,
This proverb hurts. It hurts because it pinpoints a blindspot, a wound, an irritation that I just can’t seem to see clearly, and allow healing to take place in my heart. Now that your word has pierced me, what do I do now? I’m confessing my arrogance and asking for help here. Show me, lead me and be patient as I take the time to figure why this is a reoccurring issue and time to work it out with your Holy Spirit. Thank you in advance for the upcoming outpatient surgery I am sure to be experiencing soon!

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When God quizzes humans

Reading Time: 3 minutes

“Then the Lord answered Job from the whirlwind: “Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorant words? Brace yourself like a man, because I have some questions for you, and you must answer them.” ‭‭Job‬ ‭38‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

​We think we know so much. God created us to be curious and creative, so we think we’re so smart. God quizzed Job with some simple questions… for God that is! Two full chapters of amazing scope and sequence of questions, sixty-eight verses regarding the breadth and depth of Job’s “knowledge.” The tree of knowledge of both good and evil did not give humans a total understanding of how everything works! The tree didn’t make humans know-it-alls. But somehow it made us think we do. God’s questions are breathtaking, like a docudrama from NatGeo. Here’s a few:

° Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?
° Who kept the sea inside its boundaries as it burst from the womb?
° Have you ever commanded the morning to appear and caused the dawn to rise in the east?
° Have you explored the springs from which the seas come?
° Do you know where the gates of death are located?
° Do you realize the extent of the earth?
° Where does light come from, and where does darkness go?
° Have you visited the storehouses of the snow or seen the storehouses of hail?
° Where is the path to the source of light?
° Where is the home of the east wind?
° Who created a channel for the torrents of rain?
° Who laid out the path for the lightning?
° Does the rain have a father?
° Who gives birth to the dew?
° Who is the mother of the ice?
° Who gives birth to the frost from the heavens?
° Can you direct the movement of the stars— binding the cluster of the Pleiades or loosening the cords of Orion?
° Can you shout to the clouds and make it rain?
° Can you make lightning appear and cause it to strike as you direct? ° Who is wise enough to count all the clouds?
° Who provides food for the ravens when their young cry out to God and wander about in hunger?
° Have you given the horse its strength or clothed its neck with a flowing mane?
° Is it your wisdom that makes the hawk soar and spread its wings toward the south?

This is just a sampling of the pop quiz God gave to Job. How did you do? It doesn’t take long to realize that explorers and scientists have painstakingly, patiently taken YEARS to find the answer to some of these questions. But not all. The more discoveries reveal more mysteries and more questions. In both micro and macro biology science is still pondering how infinitely small and immensely complicated even one living cell can be. And how massively expansive the yet unexplored multi-universes appear to be. These are still within the physical sciences!

There are even more questions regarding the soul. Where do emotions come from and why do we have them? Understandably Job, like most of us failed the quiz. And, even if we could say we “know” the answer, it is likely that we heard or or learned it from someone who heard it or learned it from someone else! Who actually has firsthand, observational knowledge of any of these questions?

When God asked Job about the “extent” of the earth, do we know who has physically measured the earth? Scientists use mathematical theories that “prove” sizes, ages and dates, but which one of these physically and spatially limited scientists existed in history.

God’s final question to Job is the best! “Do you still want to argue with the Almighty? You are God’s critic, but do you have the answers?” Job‬ ‭40‬:‭2‬. Job had to apologize for his arrogance by saying this, “I am nothing—how could I ever find the answers? I will cover my mouth with my hand. I have said too much already. I have nothing more to say.” The wise person realizes we really know very little! This doesn’t work well for apologetics (defense of religious doctrine), but God’s quiz should spotlight our pride for putting Him on trial for things we have no real understanding of. Read Job 40 when God ask Job more questions about justice! Job final reply to God, “You asked, ‘Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?’ It is I—and I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me.”

Prayer

Dad,
All I know is that I know very little. I ask questions out of curiosity, not out of some arrogant critique of how you run things. I have a lot of tough questions, but they are all contained in a complete and total trust that you are always right, true and just. Any confusion or variances are because of my lack of knowledge and wisdom. I have faith and I believe in you.

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Deal or no deal.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

“Blow the ram’s horn in Jerusalem! Announce a time of fasting; call the people together for a solemn meeting. Gather all the people— the elders, the children, and even the babies. Call the bridegroom from his quarters and the bride from her private room. Let the priests, who minister in the Lord’s presence, stand and weep between the entry room to the Temple and the altar. Let them pray, “Spare your people, Lord! Don’t let your special possession become an object of mockery. Don’t let them become a joke for unbelieving foreigners who say, ‘Has the God of Israel left them?’” ‭‭Joel‬ ‭2‬:‭15‬-‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

God’s spokesperson, Joel, previously said, “try saying your sorry and changing your ways!” In previous verses, he writes, “Don’t tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead.” Return to the Lord your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish. Who knows? Perhaps he will give you a reprieve, sending you a blessing instead of this curse. Perhaps you will be able to offer grain and wine to the Lord your God as before.” Joel‬ ‭2‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬. What a line! Don’t tear your clothes, tear your hearts! You never know, maybe God will listen to a broken, contrite heart instead of an arrogant, angry one?

The book of Joel was written just before the Northern and Southern Kingdoms of Israel had fallen to foreigners. The leaders, priests and people had wandered so far off God’s plan, and so spurned their promises to keep God’s rules that literally- all hell was going to break lose! Enter the plagues and total destruction of the locusts.

However, Joel, gives Israel an out, an escape – try repentance! It’s in the verses that Joel emphasizes not just WHO should join in this national contrition, but also the urgency of which they should do it. First, gather EVERYONE. Call the people; elders to babies. Second, do it immediately. The husband and wife from their intimate honeymoon suite and the priests from their quarters to their post. Third, just pray one prayer in UNITY – spare us! Get with it – NOW! And, quit embarrassing your God and yourselves by your own stubbornness and stupidity! Then…. maybe, just maybe God will forgive and relent from his just judgement and have mercy.

Lesson: when I sin, as an individual, I should recognize it and repent. I should not justify it, excuse it or pretend it will not have consequences. I should be quick to confess and admit my sin and turn from it. However, as a group, a people, a community or a church – it is even more imperative and urgent that we follow Joel’s Spirit inspired advice (warning). Call the group together- everyone of them. Quickly prioritize the gathering. And pray one unified prayer – spare us! In other words, admit, commit and confess TOGETHER.

Chances are really good that God will not only forgive, not only pour out his mercy but also FIX STUFF. Kick out the enemy, establish justice, and send new, fresh supplies of grain (to satisfy our needs), new wine (celebrating a second chance) and oil (fuel for our future) Joel‬ ‭2‬:‭19‬. Our repentance means that God may repair the breech (covenant/contract) and restore the supply lines to our souls! What do we say? Deal or no deal?

Prayer

Dad,
I can absolutely understand trying to hold on to our personal, even national autonomy. But when it has gone so bad for so long because of our self-determined will? It just starts sounding ridiculous. To think that I would ride my will/my way off the cliff, to complete and utter destruction is just insanity. Oh, I could see myself doing it. And, sadly, I see our country doing it right now, every single day. Our little arrogant protests and parades. Our cancel culture, boycotts and incivility is ridiculous. I confess. I repent. I ask that you would help us unite in contrition and release our control back to you. Lord, hear our prayer!

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Proverbs catches a conundrum.

Reading Time: 3 minutes 
“Pride ends in humiliation, while humility brings honor.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭29‬:‭23‬ ‭NLT‬‬

How can God be all powerful, all knowing and all present and NOT be arrogant? Is pride the opposite of humility? Pride certainly destroys lots of things: relationships, trust, faith and opportunities. Pride and humility cannot share the same space. One defeats and displaces the other. Pride also has an oder, it stinks. People smell it and it’s repulsive. Don’t mistake confidence for pride either, one is admirable, the other deplorable.

The wisdom writers tell us that humility brings honor. Honor? I think honor only comes from the honorable. To the proud, humility brings jealousy and confrontational complexity.

Robin and I watched the brand new Season 3 of The Chosen the other day. This season is far more intimately gritty. Dallas Jenkins and the writing team have decided to dig deeply into the characters and our unique human dilemmas. Questions are asked that we’ve all wanted to ask, but have never had the guts or the platform to facilitate them.

In episode 3, Jesus returns to his childhood hometown of Nazareth. I don’t know how Dallas pulled it off but Jesus, played by Jonathan Roumie, comes off naturally, if not even awkwardly humble! Jesus is portrayed as an introvert!

And he’s not just quiet, he’s shy! He quietly arrives at night. The next day is a big celebration, a Jewish holiday that honors the day God created the world. Families and friends are all out in a field like a massive community fair. Word had spread about Jesus’ miracles and fame. Thousands had come to hear him speak, the paralyzed cure, possessed were freed from demonic slavery. The news was everywhere! Yet the writers chose to portray Jesus as almost embarrassed by all the attention! Roumie playing Jesus, deflected praise, and avoided direct questions of who he was. While playing a childhood game, they had Jesus LOSE after clumsily dropping the ball several times! When meeting with Jesus’ childhood teacher and master Rabbi. They had Roumie genuinely honoring his own teacher and giving us the feeling that it was strange to have the roles reversing as now the student was becoming the master.

Jesus, who IS God and had stared down power, veiled threats, demons and doubters, was seemingly uneasy with this shift happening in his own hometown. Oh, it’s all true, but we’ve never seen it acted out like this.

There is a scene in the local Nazareth synagogue where Jesus opens the scroll to read out of Isaiah. Roumie rolls it up and gives it back to the attendant. He then sits down and scans the room, his eyes taking in everyone that has known him and his family since he was born. His eyes, his body language are amazing. He stares at his mother, Mary. He stares at his own Rabbi. And as he stares you feel the angst and anticipation of what is about to happen. Dallas, puts you in the synagogue, the room packed with emotion.

Jesus, at this moment seems to struggle. He does not want to tell this group, his childhood friends, his own mother, and his Rabbi what MUST be revealed. It is the most powerful moment of humility that I have ever seen! Jesus, being fully God and fully human, understands the pain and confusion this news will bring to his family, friends and all of Nazareth. But Jesus HAS to tell them! He has to reveal what God has spoken, what God has declared as His will. “Today,” Jesus says, “this scripture has been fulfilled today.” In the show, the crowd that’s gathered gets super aggravated and aggressive and they press Jesus. The Rabbi comes out and asks him, are you saying you are greater than the law of Moses? Ahhhhh, here it is. How will Jesus respond, what will he say? Dallas had Roumie say this, “I AM the law of Moses!” It gave me chills, it made me cry. It wrecked me! And, it must have wrecked them as well, because they took him out on the cliffs in Nazareth to stone him for blasphemy!

Jesus would leave and never come back to his hometown because he said he was God, but didn’t act like they thought God should act!

Prayer

Dad,
When I think about humility and remember the stories Jesus told and lived. When I think about Jesus’ mannerisms and attitudes, his gentleness and kindness, it is then that I begin to understand how Your ways are above and mostly unknown to me! How could any of us be so arrogant, so puffy proud? Am I above God? Do we think we are better than you, know better than you and can finagle our own way without you? That’s just insanely ridiculous! I am sorry for my own arrogance and independence.

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I love it when a wicked plan fails!

Reading Time: 3 minutes 
“When he saw Queen Esther standing there in the inner court, he welcomed her and held out the gold scepter to her. So Esther approached and touched the end of the scepter. Then the king asked her, “What do you want, Queen Esther? What is your request? I will give it to you, even if it is half the kingdom!” Esther‬ ‭5:2-3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

If one was to say, “this story reads like the script from an Oscar worthy movie.” I would agree. Except, this story is not a fairy tale or even a classic ancient novel. This is a real story captured and written to provide insight to God’s faithfulness and His justice. Maybe all the greatest stories come from real life occurrences written long ago.

This scene is dripping with tension and anticipation. It’s a plan put together from Esther and her uncle Mordecai. But, will it work? Esther is very aware of the consequences in this recorded moment. If she was not summoned, she should never just APPEAR before the king! It wasn’t just a plan, it was her life. Before Esther goes through with it, she says, “Go and gather together all the Jews of Susa and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will do the same. And then, though it is against the law, I will go in to see the king. If I must die, I must die.” Esther‬ ‭4:16‬. Notice, it was “against the law,” and she was prepared to die. Whew. So, King Xerxes, seeing her in his inner court, welcomed her and held out the scepter! Wow. The King spoke those famous words, “what do you want, Queen Esther?” Up to half his kingdom if she were to ask. Esther could have just told the King her tragic story, and the future genocidal act of killing off her race, but she didn’t. The plot, the story thickens.

She wants to not only catch Haman off guard, but she wants his own pride and hubris behavior to be his greatest downfall. Esther invites the King to a great banquet and she makes sure that Haman is invited. I think the King knows there was something much deeper going on and asks Esther about it, but she sticks with the plan and tells him, just come to the banquet and you’ll find out. I don’t think Kings like surprises, but he agrees.

Haman, obviously believes it is all about him and that a great honor is coming his way. After leaving the first banquet, his arrogance, his hatred for Mordecai only grows. And his bravado only amplifies as he throws a party for himself, his family and friends all while telling them how rich and important he is. The night before the second banquet something extraordinary happens. The King had trouble sleeping. And, strangely, he asks for the royal book of records that tell of all that he and other Kings before him had accomplished. And, what do you know, King Xerxes finds this brief mention of a man that saved his life from an attempted assassination from his own trusted men. And, as he searches further, he finds no record of honoring that man for saving the king’s life. That man was Mordecai.

And as providence would have it, the King looks for the first high ranking official in his court that he can find. And who is waiting in the outer court? Yep, Haman. And why is Haman waiting to see the King? To ask the King to impale his own hated enemy – Mordecai. The King speaks first. And says, “What should I do to honor a man who truly pleases me?” Haman has no idea how off he really is. He has selfishly and wickedly thought only of himself and he wanted MORE. Haman thought to himself, “Whom would the king wish to honor more than me?” Oh my goodness! Who could make this stuff up?

This story is a picture of what our own wickedness and bent perspective does to human beings. But it is also a picture of how God’s justice works. There were multiple times Mordecai could have turned, repented, changed his ways and humbled his heart to God to do what was right. But he would not turn. He would not yield. He would not change. You’ll have to read the rest of the story for yourself, but remember God knows how to take care of those who do right and knows how to being justice to those who continually do wrong.

Prayer

Dad,
I am always amazed at the ease that you direct our affairs to bring about our best (for those who love you) and justice to those who work wickedness to hurt others and bolster their own egos.