Title: Limited Vision
Author: Christopher Harbin
Text: Deuteronomy 34:1-12
How often have you heard attempts to predict the future? I have a tip for you. If someone tells you they can do that, ask them to pick out your winning lottery numbers with the understanding that if they get them wrong, you will sue them for fraud. (I don't know if it would stand up in court.) We can't predict the future, beyond some generalities. Biblical prophecy was not focused on predicting the future. What the prophets did often say, was that if things continue in this direction, this is where we will end up. Ancient Israel understood their words were conditional. There was room for human or divine changes in direction. So, why do so many fall prey to false prophets claiming to speak of the future with Divine authority? Do we not understand that our vision of the future is very limited?
I've never been good at predicting the future. I often tell people that if they want to hear God laugh, tell God about my plans. Oh, sure, I can often enough put together possible consequences of certain actions, but just as likely, I will miss some relevant bits of data I should have taken into account. I can plant a cherry tree and know it can bear fruit in a few years. Then again, it might not survive those few years. I might need to replant another tree in its place. I know its fruit will be dependent upon having another cherry tree nearby. Can I be sure bees will find it to pollinate its blooms? Can I control the fire ants attacking its roots? Will I beat the squirrels to the ripening fruit?
Moses' understanding of Yahweh was a journey of revelation and discovery. God used him in many extra-ordinary ways. At the end of his life and ministry, however, he still did not have a complete picture of what Yahweh was and had been doing. His task had been to lead the people out of Egypt and form them into a nation. He would not, however, be the one to lead them ...
Author: Christopher Harbin
Text: Deuteronomy 34:1-12
How often have you heard attempts to predict the future? I have a tip for you. If someone tells you they can do that, ask them to pick out your winning lottery numbers with the understanding that if they get them wrong, you will sue them for fraud. (I don't know if it would stand up in court.) We can't predict the future, beyond some generalities. Biblical prophecy was not focused on predicting the future. What the prophets did often say, was that if things continue in this direction, this is where we will end up. Ancient Israel understood their words were conditional. There was room for human or divine changes in direction. So, why do so many fall prey to false prophets claiming to speak of the future with Divine authority? Do we not understand that our vision of the future is very limited?
I've never been good at predicting the future. I often tell people that if they want to hear God laugh, tell God about my plans. Oh, sure, I can often enough put together possible consequences of certain actions, but just as likely, I will miss some relevant bits of data I should have taken into account. I can plant a cherry tree and know it can bear fruit in a few years. Then again, it might not survive those few years. I might need to replant another tree in its place. I know its fruit will be dependent upon having another cherry tree nearby. Can I be sure bees will find it to pollinate its blooms? Can I control the fire ants attacking its roots? Will I beat the squirrels to the ripening fruit?
Moses' understanding of Yahweh was a journey of revelation and discovery. God used him in many extra-ordinary ways. At the end of his life and ministry, however, he still did not have a complete picture of what Yahweh was and had been doing. His task had been to lead the people out of Egypt and form them into a nation. He would not, however, be the one to lead them ...
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