In Genesis 31:3, we see Jacob being told to go back to his homeland. To comply, Jacob must face two situations where he could very well die (i.e. Laban and Esau). Why, then, do we expect obedience to be easy? Why do the things we know represent freedom and worship always have to fit into our schedules and budgets? I know, I know, we have to be wise, etc, etc. Is it not the height of foolishness, though, to demand God make life pleasant as a precondition to our obedience?
So, we wrestle.
It seems silly when we see Jacob do it - how can you wrestle with someone you know is God? Then again, how can we?
Mark 3
To highlight just how foolish it is to accept the wisdom of the world, Jesus is thought by his own family to be insane. This is the family of the virgin birth. This is the family of the angelic messengers. And now Jesus fails to conform to the world and he's crazy? Well, they said he was then, and we say he is now. If we don't think he's crazy, then our failure to follow should be enough evidence to have us committed.
And to close the chapter, Jesus really gets under the skin of good ol' American Individualism. Family, it seems, doesn't exist to provide comfort and security. Family has the same purpose as everything else, to point us to grace and obedience. "For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother." (v 35)
Esther 8
"But you may write as you please with regard to the Jews, in the name of the king, and seal it with the king's ring, for an edict written in the name of the king and sealed with the king's ring cannot be revoked." (v 8)
This has echoes of Matthew 18:18:
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There is a reason that obedience appearing foolish is really wise - the God we obey has infinite power. He creates, He sustains, He destroys. No other power exists that is not given from Him. Be encouraged! He keeps his promises. He loves his children. He works ALL THINGS for the good of those who love Him.
Romans 3
Wow. Paul writes a few hundred pages worth of theology in a chapter. "
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