Do you question God? Do you look for answers to why He works the way He does, what His plans are, why tragedy, why heartache. Why God? Will You God....? Why can't You....The questions come, sometimes unbidden, most of the time out of pain, frustration, an even anger.
How do you question our Father? Do you come weeping? Do you come in humility? Or do you, like me, come stamping your feet, petulant as a three year old not getting a cookie on demand.
We started another trek through the Bible this week and in Genesis we find Abraham questioning the Lord.
Genesis 18:16-33 16 Then the men got up from their meal and looked out toward Sodom. As they left, Abraham went with them to send them on their way. 17 “Should I hide my plan from Abraham?” the Lord asked. 18 “For Abraham will certainly become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth will be blessed through him. 19 I have singled him out so that he will direct his sons and their families to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just. Then I will do for Abraham all that I have promised.” 20 So the Lord told Abraham, “I have heard a great outcry from Sodom and Gomorrah, because their sin is so flagrant. 21 I am going down to see if their actions are as wicked as I have heard. If not, I want to know.” 22 The other men turned and headed toward Sodom, but the Lord remained with Abraham. 23 Abraham approached him and said, “Will you sweep away both the righteous and the wicked? 24 Suppose you find fifty righteous people living there in the city—will you still sweep it away and not spare it for their sakes? 25 Surely you wouldn’t do such a thing, destroying the righteous along with the wicked. Why, you would be treating the righteous and the wicked exactly the same! Surely you wouldn’t do that! Should not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?” 26 And the Lord replied, “If I find fifty righteous people in Sodom, I will spare the entire city for their sake.” 27 Then Abraham spoke again. “Since I have begun, let me speak further to my Lord, even though I am but dust and ashes. 28 Suppose there are only forty-five righteous people rather than fifty? Will you destroy the whole city for lack of five?” And the Lord said, “I will not destroy it if I find forty-five righteous people there.” 29 Then Abraham pressed his request further. “Suppose there are only forty?” And the Lord replied, “I will not destroy it for the sake of the forty.” 30 “Please don’t be angry, my Lord,” Abraham pleaded. “Let me speak—suppose only thirty righteous people are found?” And the Lord replied, “I will not destroy it if I find thirty.” 31 Then Abraham said, “Since I have dared to speak to the Lord, let me continue—suppose there are only twenty?” And the Lord replied, “Then I will not destroy it for the sake of the twenty.” 32 Finally, Abraham said, “Lord, please don’t be angry with me if I speak one more time. Suppose only ten are found there?” And the Lord replied, “Then I will not destroy it for the sake of the ten.” 33 When the Lord had finished his conversation with Abraham, he went on his way, and Abraham returned to his tent.
As we read this passage we see Abraham boldly questioning the Lord's plans. He did so on behalf of the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham didn't hold back his questions. He didn't fear asking. And neither should we. Ephesians 3:12 Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence. Hebrews 4:16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. We are given permission to come right up to the Lord's throne and boldly ask for our needs to be met, our requests to be considered and hopefully granted, our petitions to be heard.
Boldness is encouraged. But so is humility. Micah 6:8 No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. So is thanksgiving. Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. So is awe and worship. Psalm 99:5 Exalt the Lord our God, And worship at His footstool— He is holy. Look at how Abraham approaches the Lord. He knew God's character. He acknowledged who God was. Abraham recognized and affirmed God's sovereignty. And he came in humility.
Sometimes I think, and I'll speak for myself here (but feel free to own this behavior if it fits you too. lol), that we become so "familiar" with the Lord, that we forget to show Him the respect due His Kingship. We come like little children, not so much in faith, but in a bratty sense of entitlement. Instead of remembering that while yes, God is our Abba Father. Our Dad who loves and cherishes us, He is also the Sovereign Ruler and Creator of the Universe. Omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent. Looking toward the end in the book of Job, we see the Lord answer Job: "Do you still want to argue with the Almighty? You are God's critic, but do you have the answers?" ( Job 40:2) I am in convicted in my dealings with the Lord. Too often I've come, "knowing better," accusing and condemning instead of humbly trusting and beseeching.
Come to the Lord. Pour out your heart. Entreat Him with your needs. Cry out, get out anger and fear and doubt. He is more than able to handle that. He knows we are but dust and ash. But come back to His Lordship, come in your need and trust His response. Come in gratitude and worship even when His answer is different than what we want. Maybe especially then.
Lord, thank You for the conviction You brought me in these verses. I know I am a brat. I know I don't come with the respect You deserve. Forgive me. Help me to walk in Your Presence with humility and trust. Help us all to remember who You are and trust that You will always do what is right, for us and for those we care about. You are God! You are our Father! And You are our Sovereign King and Savior. We know the answer to Abraham's question, "Should not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?" You always do what is right. Let us boldly and humbly approach Your throne with that in mind, and know that as our Abba Father You always do what is right for us. Lord, give us a sense of awe in Your Presence. Remind us of Your wonder. Let us walk with You in comfort and awe, in humility and confidence. Thank You. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Prayerfully check the way You approach God. See if it needs a tune up.
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