Human Tendency

It seems as though I have been coming across a recurring theme as of late. In the past few weeks I have been reading over Judges and I am continually amazed at the pattern of participation on the part of the people of God in these texts. Basically, the people are evil in the eyes of the Lord and God raises up a judge to rule over his people and bring them back to him. Once the people return to God and live for him, a period of provision and prosperity ensues. However, once the judge is gone the people return to their wicked ways and do evil in the sight of the Lord. My first thoughts are to say, "what are they thinking?" They have tasted the goodness of the Lord and enjoyed living in his presence but as soon as they have their own say in the matter they succumb to their fleshly desires and sacrifice relationship with God. To me, the ridiculousness seems so obvious.

Then came the story of Elijah found in 1 Kings 16:29-19:21 as I was searching for something to teach class on at Cottonwood this past week. If you haven't read this sequence of events recently I would highly recommend it. Elijah is called by God to be a prophet to the people of Israel. Throughout his journey God does amazing and miraculous things using Elijah as a vehicle of his glory. God provides food and water to Elijah in the midst of a drought and famine. He provides an unending supply of food for Elijah, a widow and her son from the small remains of oil and flour. Then later, when the son suddenly dies he miraculously brings the son back to life in answer to Elijah's prayer. But there is more. God is with Elijah on Mt. Carmel for the contest between the prophets of Baal and proves his power and might by lighting a water-drenched sacrifice on fire. It was obvious to everyone Elijah encountered that he was a man of God and that God was with him, so surely he was aware of it himself. He was faithful, a man who knew no doubt, a man who trusted God. However, Jezebel threatens his life and he flees and tells God he has had enough. No more. His faith crumbled as doubt crept in. We are left to wonder is this the same man about whom the widow proclaimed, "now I know you are surely a man of God and the Lord speaks through you?" He experienced God in ways few others had before. What reason did he have to fear, to doubt?

What about the disciples of Jesus? These are people who walked with Jesus on a daily basis. They saw firsthand the healings performed. They saw lives ultimately transformed. They gave up their own way of life and all they had to follow him yet Jesus continually confronts them saying, "you still don't get it--oh you of little faith." Peter denied Jesus three times. Their confidence shattered when faced with his death. And, although the Resurrection quickly strengthened momentary weakness the tendency to give into humanity could not be escaped. I can't imagine what it must take to bring mountain top faith down to the very valley depths of denial and despair. They feasted with Christ. How could they fear? Why would they doubt?

But, before I question their experience am I ready to come face to face with my own reflection? The mirror quickly becomes something to fear. There are times when I cling to the mountain moving power of faith. And then there are others when all I can do is stumble through the clouded unknown. History seems to portray that life is full of ups and downs. I believe it is less than what God intended yet the reality is that it is a tendency of humanity. Still, in all things God is faithful and remains true to what he has promised. He knows what's best for our lives but it can be so hard to let go. We want to have control. We want to be in the know.

Maybe if we could only experience tangible reflections of his promise as in the days of old. Maybe if the evidence of his miraculous hand was prevalent day in and day out. Maybe if we had walked with Christ in someone else's shoes. Or maybe if we had only witnessed the life-changing power of the resurrection. Then, maybe our faith could be strengthened and all fear could be cast out. Then, maybe we could be rid of our tendency to doubt.

The truth is that God offers us the power of the resurrection in our daily lives. He calls us to commune with him, to trust his goodness, to rest in his faithfulness. We may experience times of weakness, of despair, and times when we are simply down and out, but rest assured because we live in relationship with one whose strength far outweighs any human tendency to doubt. So, take hold of his promise and be reminded that in a world in which we live through our share of roller coaster ups and downs we can be thankful that for a faith to move mountains--something as small as a mustard seed is all that is required!