It is great to know that God is not human. Especially when we need God’s supernatural grace. But what happens when we realise that we can’t change God’s mind because God isn’t fickle? How do we cope with that side of God? Consider Today’s Holy Nougat
1 Samuel 15:29 NIV
[29] He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or change his mind; for he is not a human being, that he should change his mind.”
Unshakable Glory 2
God does not lie, nor is God fickle. It is both encouraging and fearsome at the same time. It encourages us, because we have the assurance that we can rely on God’s promises. But it also means God will not tolerate our disobedience.
Self-Check
Are we currently at right with God? If not, what do we need to do ASAP to restore relationship?
Application
For many of us, the context of this Nougat might be new. Displeasure at Saul’s disobedience led to God’s reprimand. (It may change our use of the phrase, ‘You’re not a man that You should lie’. For it’s no longer just about our knowledge that God keeps God’s promises; rather we know that God expects us to honour God’s commandments). That shifts our perspective a bit.
The truth is siblings, as adults, we do not enjoy when others take us for granted, or ignore instructions we give to them. And, while we might overlook someone’s action against us, we usually make a mental note. It could even colour our relationship as we might conclude that the person is unreliable, rude, or simply not into us. Yet, when the shoe is on the other foot – i.e., when we are in the wrong, with humans and with God – we expect (or at least hope for) different treatment.
So, as we celebrate that our God is Unshakable, we must expect God to be equally resolute when we are out of order. Inasmuch as we extend instructions and restrictions to others (especially our children) for their protection, so it is with God. What feels irrelevant to us in the Bible has deeper implications from God’s perspective.
Let’s revisit King Saul’s action. Opting to save King Agag’s life meant that he harboured a dangerous foe with no provision in place to ensure his people’s safety. And, if he released Agag (which may have been his intent), it would have placed Israel under threat from Agag in the future. God wasn’t being unreasonable, God was protecting Israel!
There is also the element of justice. God’s justice is fair. Everyone must obey God’s commandments. With no exception. As king, Saul was an influencer. His decision directly affected national spirituality and security. If God opted to overlook King Saul’s disobedience, then God would have no grounds to reprimand others for their infractions.
Moreover, each time Israel went to war they would have been free to do a they pleased, even while expecting God’s protection from the enemy. It’s in violation of the glory mandate. Our Unshakable Glory is not fickle. For God, Disobedience is Sin. God will not be complicit with our wrongdoing by overlooking sin. Saul’s public sin carried direct consequences. It cost his children the kingdom inheritance and underscored the break in right relationship with God.
Thankfully, God’s grace means there is scope for repentance. That was God’s way then, as it is now.
Then, the public sin was atoned for annually by a scapegoat.
Now, our public sin has been atoned for by our Glory, Y’shua.
Yes, Jesus Who was sinless closed the gap between us and YHWH by taking on our sin so that by believing in Him, we don’t face our just punishment (see John 3:16). We may face direct consequences for some of our actions, yet we are confident in the hope that our Glory will offer us unspeakable joy at the end of this journey of life. Isn’t it good that He is Unshakable? Otherwise He might have opted against the Cross, resulting in eternal damnation for us all.
Point to Ponder
How does God’s unshakable nature affect us positively (in the now or for eternity)? Let’s thank God for sending Y’shua to embody our Unshakable Glory.
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May all we seek be found in Christ
