Its our old argument again. It's beginning to feel like my favorite quilt which is becoming holey (holy) from overuse. But it is what it is. I shan't question it now.
Saul disobeys God direct order to kill everything and everybody. He says he kept the animals in order to sacrifice them. Which Sam answers with, "which is more important obedience or sacrifice?"
Do I think he kept them for sacrifice? No.
Honesty, Saul, honesty.
Saul is so done. The Lord leaves him and takes up with someone better, little ole David. David's story starts VERY Cinderella. Sam goes to David's father and asks to see all of his son's. After they all file in, he is totally not feeling em. He asks if there is anyone else who can try on the shoe. OH yeah, I do have one more son, David.
Sam sees David and knows, he know the way you know about a good melon. Samuel anoints him right then and there, in the living room. I need some anointment explanation apparently because he isn't king yet, which is what I thought it meant.
David is another plain, little guy in a long line of plain little guys that God chooses.
And now Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls...
DAVID'S BIG Scene
yadda yadda yadda David takes down a giant.... (to this Jamie is bound to say "you yadda yaddaed over the good part")
I know this sounds so cynical, but I can't help thinking "what's the big deal?" If you had God literally hand pick you out of nowhere to be his king, then taking down a 10ft guy should be a walk in the park.
Right?
7 comments:
Yup. God can do anything. A 10' giant is nothing to him.
Also, where is the free will in "choosing" David to be His guy? Could David say no to God? God obviously knew he wouldn't say no. God knows everything. Tough call here.
Also, think about this: God is "all powerful". That means God could achieve his goal with ANY person. Heck, even WITHOUT a person at all.
So, the "choosing" of a David is a completely arbitrary choice for God regardless of the free will issue.
Yeah, like the pentecostals used to say, Saul is backsliding. So, here's a question...does it seem as though we are inherently good as some believe. Haven't we seen enought to know that we are sinners by nature (that is, born into sin). Which then leads to the conclusion that we need Jesus to save us from that sin. According to what we've read so far, I think it's cut and dry. Of course if you don't believe in the Bible anyway then I guess none of it matters.
How soothing is music? I know there are a lot of music lovers. I, personally, am just in like with music, but for those of you who love it....it was able to sooth an evil spirit. That's powerful stuff. And it's just harp and lyre. Imagine what today's instruments could do.
David was already known to be valiant and honorable as a teen. That's pretty good. How many teens do you know that you could say that about? I know some good kids, but I don't think I'd use the same adjectives to describe their character as was used to describe David's. God equipped David to be able to have the confidence and skill to kill Goliath. David "trained" for this with lions and bears. I'm sure though, had David decided not to become king (although, honestly, who wouldn't?) God would have had another choice on the ready to approach. David not only believed that he (w/God) could defeat Goliath, he was fully expecting it. THAT'S faith...for a teen to stand in front of a giant (10' and trained as a soldier all the way from childhood) and tell him in front of thousands that he's gonna kill him, etc. That would be commendable for an adult, but a teen. I think there's some symbolism in Saul (man) trying to use his armor to protect David, but he didn't need it, because he had the protection of God. I wouldn't recommend it because I'm of a mind God helps those who help themselves, mostly. I always wore my body armor, but I think it's in here to make a point.
Goliath cursed David by his gods, but you can't curse what God has already blessed.
I think something happened with David after he killed Goliath. I think he was seen differently, especially by Saul.
Like a melon? Really? Like he thumped him in the chest or something?
That's exactly right. When you're a believer and you not only believe, but expect God's help and deliverance, He will be there for you. He will always equip you with whatever you need. It doesn't matter who you are, or how you see yourself...if you're willing, God can use you. It's your choice.
I read S comment at Crystal's request. And I must say I pretty much agree. I'll give everyone a minute to get off the floor........
God could choose anyone to accomplish His tasks. But I believe He chooses/asks those who are willing. Just because He knows they're willing doesn't deprive them of the choice to be willing in the first place. I wouldn't go so far as to say it's arbitrary, because that's sort of like God choosing lots from a hat. He knew David's heart and unique capabilities. Also, I believe God chose David for a reason(s) other than just trying to accomplish His will; this also, makes it not arbitrary. If God were to just choose anyone completely randomly and then change their heart regardless of how they felt about it, and then used them for His purpose, then that wouldn't be free will. God could have achieved His goal without any person, but that's sort of the point. He wants a relationship/interaction with us. He doesn't need it. We need Him to be saved from our existing course, but we don't have to choose Him.
Let me make something clear hear. GOD'S WILL, WILL BE DONE. We have the ability to choose how much we participate in helping Him achieve that will or doing whatever we want. He can alter his plan of how He will achieve the completion of His will around the choices we make...for Him or against Him.
I'm not going to make it a habit of reading or responding to SteVen's comments, but I'm glad his comment seemed to be more goal oriented as far as this blog is concerned.
Tomorrow, 1 Sam.18-20 and Psalm 11 and 59
Thank you for addressing my questions Jamie, but I'm afraid your response raises more questions than it answers.
You may say I've strayed off topic here, but I'm only responding directly to assertions you have made. Don't use a double standard (You can say whatever you want, but when I respond to your assertions, I'm "off topic".
Man up!
You say: "(God) wants a relationship/interaction with us. He doesn't need it. We need Him to be saved from our existing course, but we don't have to choose Him."
I see a number of problems with this statement:
- How could an all-powerful God want anything?
- Why would God create an imperfect being that can only be saved by doing exactly as God commands?
- Why would a loving, all powerful God damn the vast majority of his creation to eternal hell for not doing exactly as He commands?
When you answer, keep in mind that God is not surprised by anything we do. He knew how everything would play out before he created the universe. Don't you agree?
Correct me if I'm wrong, but your interpretation of free will is we are free to choose to obey God or we can choose to burn in hell forever. This is NOT free will.
If I'm tortured enough, I might give up my own mother. I made a choice in that situation, but it was AGAINST my will. I only made the choice because the alternative was unbearable.
You also say: "Let me make something clear hear. GOD'S WILL, WILL BE DONE."
If God always gets his way (His will is always done) how can we have free will?
Please keep in mind simply being "allowed" the choice to obey or disobey with the threat of eternal hell hanging over your head is NOT free will.
This is where he gets to pretend he isn't reading what you're writing!
This is my favorite part!
I will pray that Jamie's heart is softened so he will read the posts.
Ha ha, just kidding, I won't pray.
Post a Comment