“Come let us reason together”
Isaiah 1:18
When I was in Rome in April, I had the opportunity to look at Michelangelo’s work in the Sistine Chapel and consider not just the art, but the belief system of the man who did it. In the painting showing the finger of God reaching down to man, we find man’s response almost complacent in his attempt to connect to God, yet from Gods side, we see His intentional reach towards man.
This made me think of so many Bible references where God did the initiating in the relationship. God comes towards man over and over and as we learn from the Apostle John; God’s motivated by his divine love for mankind, I’m always mindful that he is unwilling for any to perish. It is from this foundation that we experience the ongoing work of His Spirit into the hearts of mankind, both sinner and saint.
From the Bible we see God reaching towards people initiating conversation. He is sovereign in his design and purposes for his workmanship. We are sovereign in our response.
In a recent book by, Maeve Louise Heaney, “Suspended God” she notes we find God reaching out in various circumstances, engaging us through questions. She notes such questions as;
* Where are you. Genesis 3:8
* What do you see. Jeremiah 1:10
* Who do you say I am. Matthew 16:15
* What do you want me to do for you. Luke 18:41
* Do you love me. John 21:15-17
As I pondered these, I don’t know that I always recognized this questioning as a work of God. Certainly not ones that prodded me to examination, answers and ultimately spiritual growth and development.
We can examine so many different conversations God initiated throughout the Bible and we can glean from them, but, it is those personal private ones that encourage us to reflect and engage. I suppose confusion, doubt and our questions are all part of His process and one He is never offended over. Come let us reason together is His invite and desire to bring us to this place of having faith in God.
A god who often provokes questions and offers opportunity for conversation about life, desires for us to discover and learn Him in the process. This is eternal life that we may know Him and His son Jesus Christ.
Conversation opens the door of discovery in every relationship.