07/20/2020
If you were taking a walk, and a voice suddenly told you to “cry out“, what would you say? Would you pick some arbitrary exclamation, and shout it, or perhaps tremble, and ask, “Who is this?”, or, “Lord, what would you have me cry out?”. Some believers feel that it is always presumptuous to ask questions of Jesus, or God, but as we read scripture we find that if we ask, and do so in the proper way, it doesn’t bother either of them at all. God wants us to understand what He would have us do, and to ask Him questions until we do; Jesus feels the same.
“A voice says, “Cry!” And I said, “What shall I cry?” All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like the flower of the field.”
Isaiah 40:6 ESV
In this passage from Isaiah we read that God did this very thing, He asked Jerusalem to cry, and she asked Him what He would have her say, but she also asks this question in humility, and respect for who God is. When we ask in this way God responds by giving us further understanding; listen...
“Go on up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good news; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good news; lift it up, fear not; say to the cities of Judah, “Behold your God!””
Isaiah 40:9 ESV
When God speaks to us how do we react to it? Do we question Him until we understand, or do we run off shouting what WE think is best? We need to be certain that we understand what God’s will is before we act, even when He is commanding us directly... especially when He is speaking directly to us. We do this by asking questions until we understand...
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.”
James 1:5-6 ESV
Furthermore, we must know beyond the shadow of a doubt that the voice we are hearing is actually God, and not simply presume to know, as we begin to act. Asking God to identify Himself is not disrespectful. By way of demonstrating that it is alright to ask God to identify Himself, we need read no further than the story of Saul of Tarsus when he was knocked to the ground, and spoken to by Jesus; Listen to the first words of Saul...
“And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.””
Acts 9:4-6 ESV
Jesus wasn’t offended by Saul’s question. Its alright to ask the Lord for His credentials, and if we have doubts regarding signs, miracles, and even His Word, or the voice, we are encouraged to ask questions, and what better questions than “Who are you”, and “What do you want of me?”
We should be careful when we are arguing with God over something that we don’t question His judgement or authority. Paul is questioning God in Romans 9, but he crosses the line when he questions the wisdom and authority of God’s will; listen to God’s response...
“But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?””
Romans 9:20 ESV
Does this sound familiar? It should because it is based on Isaiah 45...
““Woe to him who strives with him who formed him, a pot among earthen pots! Does the clay say to him who forms it, ‘What are you making?’ or ‘Your work has no handles’? Woe to him who says to a father, ‘What are you begetting?’ or to a woman, ‘With what are you in labor?’””
Isaiah 45:9-10 ESV
and how about the tone of God’s voice In these two passages? Isn’t it the same tone He used when speaking to Job?
“Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind and said: “Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Dress for action like a man; I will question you, and you make it known to me. “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements—surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it?”
Job 38:1-5 ESV
So, before we charge off to do what we think is God’s will, we are encouraged to question Him regarding the details so that we fully understand His desires, and we should make certain that we know the identity of who it is that is speaking with us; especially when it concerns something as important as His will. Furthermore, we should never cross the line into disrespect, or presume we have the right to challenge God’s wisdom, or authority. We can be fairly confident in asking the questions that begin with the word “What”, but need to be very careful when our question begins with “Why.”
Are we ready to speak with God when we hear His voice, or He moves in our lives? Are we prepared to ask if it is Him, and to clarify exactly what it is that He would have us do? Seeking God, and His wisdom requires that we ask questions... are we ready to know Him, and His will for us?
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your willingness to answer our questions when we speak with you. Thank you Lord for wanting us to understand your will, and our part in it. Your ways are above ours, and require that we be inquisitive like children, asking many questions, until we are confident in what you would have us do. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who instructs us through your Word, and clarifies yourself through the life and teaching of Jesus Christ, and your Holy Spirit. Praised be your name for your patience with us, and the loving care you take in providing us wisdom. Great are you in all things, and merciful are you in leading us to understand your will in our lives. Help us Father to know your desires, so that we might obey you in all things, and glorify you always. Guide us Lord so that we will please you, and find our place with you forever, and forevermore.
Rich Forbes