One thing I have been noticing in reading the Bible is how God does not go about things in a simple way. The small group I am in at the singles group at church just finished a study on the life of Joseph. As we were going through his life, I realized that God brought Jacob and the entire family of Israel from the promised land down to Egypt, only to rescue them and take them back to the promised land 400 years later. This is not simple. All throughout Scripture, we see this build up of an incredible story--one in which God is the centerpiece. And I think that is the point! The master artist, to display his handiwork, does not simple put a few strokes on a canvas to display his ability. Michelangelo spend years working on the Sistine Chapel, David, and the other masterpieces that we now remember him by. The greater the work, usually the longer it takes. Could it not be said that the redemption of mankind is, at least from a human perspective, the greatest of all works? And while God could go about our redemption in a very simple, straight-forward manner, His purpose seems to be greater than that. In fact, the length of time and the complexity and chapters in the story make us more and more amazed by Him, more in awe of Him, and give Him more glory. His purpose is to display Himself. The story is about Him and as such it reflects Him.
1 comment:
Interesting. Never really thought about God taking his people FROM the promised land into captivity. All great thoughts. -abo
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