Words Without Knowledge

Every so often, perhaps every other day, I speak to a theory or concept of world importance; and I’m always wrong. I don’t know what I’m talking about. Scripture passages to be heard on the upcoming weekend remind me and others who worship that humans have a very small voice compared to the creative words of God. The Reformers have a saying, “Man proposes, God disposes”. Yet the air is thick with rage and invective, misinformation and plain silliness…

In JOB 38, God finally answers Job’s complaints out of the whirlwind. “Where were YOU?!” Job finally gets to the realization that his discomforts are but temporary, even though God has singled him out to speak in person. What is this humanity of which we speak, and how does it differ from a holy overview? And whose world is this? Do I really know how the world should be run, or is God’s vision greater than can be experienced from my streaky front window?

HEBREWS 5:1-10 is the usual hodge-podge of otherwise holy thoughts. One of my colleagues said some time ago that the author of Hebrews had notes on 3×5 cards, but the electric fan blew them every which way. This passage could be seen as a paean to Grace: we become priests to one another “according to the order of Melchizedek” through Divine Appointment. And we accomplish this role by accepting Jesus’ model of Perfection through our own prayers and concerns. Those who speak words without knowledge are still on the Journey; treat them tenderly.

MARK 10:35-45 tells about even close disciples missing the point. James & John, the Sons of Thunder, ask Jesus for special prominence in the Kingdom. Jesus tells them that they don’t know what they’re asking. He’s talking about ministry, they’re talking about political safety. “Blessed Assurance, Jesus is MINE!” When the other guys in the group heard that the Sons of Zebedee were looking for special treatment, they were pretty mad! This was a good opportunity for Jesus to tell them–and us–that Discipleship wasn’t in their comfort zone, that many of them would really suffer for being his adherents. Here again was Mark’s constant reminder that this is an ALTERNATIVE life, whether or not we speak with a limited vision.

Nothing has changed, each generation spews sludge where knowledge is elusive. It’s only when we admit that the world is bigger than I am, and that a loving God is still in charge, that we can truly revel in the majesty which is, after all, around us.

In the process of unfolding, Horace Brown King

Come every Tuesday with your friends to be challenged by the lessons to be read on the upcoming weekend: at horacebrownking.com