I’m reading through the books of Isaiah and Jeremiah in the Old Testament. Both are quite literary – in other words, they seemed to know their way around words. Both are quite pointed – in other words, they don’t spare your feelings.
After a number of chapters, I began to wonder how well we would do with these well spoken blunt words.
I think we would feel bullied.
Putting the thoughts in a sentence or two, God says – “You are satisfied with who you think you are, but you are wrong. Get over it and get back to me.”
Now, I think we are in the midst of a bullying extravaganza. Our culture has rightly taken on the place of protector for those who are oppressed. Isaiah and Jeremiah would have agreed wholeheartedly.
Where Isaiah and Jeremiah disagreed was when the society decided to move away from principles and laws that were “under God.” And to call those principles and laws righteous and good. Reversing holiness – I guess that might be a apt description.
Isaiah and Jeremiah point out these discrepancies, and show the consequences of this action.
So, God becomes the bully!
How strange.
I believe the world would be a much better place if we were a bit more bullied by God. I think we have taken too much for granted in the salvation granted by believing in the ultimate forgiveness granted by Jesus’ death on the cross…yes, the New Testament gives us that guarantee, but we do need to keep in mind that we ALL fall short of God’s expectations. Maybe by being bullied by God, we might appreciate the tremendous gift we have received from Him.