The first half of the book (which is
what we’ve discussed up till now) is done. Now we come to the second half, in
which the prophet deals with some other topics. But before we get to that, the
verse above introduces it.
First off, let me remind you of a
term theologians use which is good for you to know: anthropomorphism. In terms of studying the Bible, it’s referring to
talking about God using human terms which we know are an incomplete
picture of him, and which (if taken completely literally) isn't compatible
with his nature or being. For example, the Psalmists repeatedly talk about the
Lord as if he has hands which saved them or with which he works (for example, here).
God
is spirit. He doesn’t have literal hands like we do. This is an image of
his saving or creative power on behalf of his people. Even using the word
“power” is a bit of a misnomer, since it evokes an image of energy like
electricity. As an illustration, if you went to a native in Africa who'd
never been exposed to anything in the modern world and tried to explain to him
an airplane, you might try using something he’s seen and is familiar with, like
a bird. He might ask, “So this ‘plane’ flaps its wings like that bird over
there?” “Um, no.” “Well, is it like a bird, or not?” So then you have to go
into detail with him and try to get it thru to him that a plane has some
characteristics like a bird, but it’s different in a lot of ways. It’s metal,
while a bird has feathers, etc.
That’s what we have to keep in mind
with anthropomorphic images in the Bible. These images tell us something about
him, but this doesn’t mean the authors had a shallow view of him. Every image
we have of God is going to be inadequate and inaccurate to some degree at best.
The reason I bring this is up is so
that there’s no misunderstanding about this verse telling us that God is
“wearied” by their complaining. He doesn’t get tired or irritated or impatient
like we do. When he was done creating the entire universe, he had as much
“energy” at the end as he had at the beginning—that is to say, an infinite
amount. He rested because his work was done, not because he was tired.
With this in mind, what was it that
they were doing which was “wearying” him, which was trying his patience and
which was inviting his judgment?
It had to do with questioning his
justice. There were two aspects of this, and there are two distinct traps which
we need to avoid. First, they were saying that the God of justice was “pleased”
with evildoers. They didn’t see him openly destroying sinners in front of them,
so they assumed that he wasn’t watching or didn’t care.
This led to a complacent lifestyle,
as demonstrated by the quality of their offerings and their personal lives,
especially in their marriages. Again, the main issue wasn’t the offering itself, as if God needed to eat their
sacrifices, like the pagan gods supposedly did. The disease was their heart
attitude towards him, and their sacrifices were a symptom.
The second trap, as illustrated by
the second question, led to discouragement among the godly. They were asking
“Where is the God of justice?” In other words, he hadn’t openly shown his power
lately, so what use was it to try to follow his ways? I think these two
traps—complacency and discouragement—were intertwined with each other and fed
off each other.
Both of these traps were rooted in a faulty premise:
God
hasn’t openly shown himself lately, so he doesn’t know or care what’s going on.
As the prophet was telling them, however, he does see. He does care.
Don’t be discouraged, and above all don’t let your discouragement lead to
complacency in your relationship with him. Either of these demonstrates a lack
of trust, and this tries his patience and invites judgment (or corrective
discipline, if you prefer).
Don’t try his patience. You’ll
regret it, I promise.
Father God, it does get difficult
sometimes to trust and obey. I can only do this by your empowering grace.
Please, give me more.
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