Some have a dim view of apologetics. Some feel it’s not necessary to engage in any defense or argument to prove the reality of God to doubters. They feel that those who don’t believe should just accept the Bible without asking any questions. Preachers, some say, should not waste their time trying to present the evidence that God is God or the Bible is the infallible Word of the Living God.
But consider this: the Lord, Himself, called the heathen nations together to consider the evidence that proves the false nature of other gods and the overwhelming evidence in support of the One True God. Later, the Apostle Paul spent time with people proving the reality of the Living God and laying out orderly evidence in defense of the claims of Jesus Christ.
Before you condemn a week of evening apologetic sessions, read your Bible.
I am your God; I will strengthen you.
In Isaiah 41, the Lord God summoned the people together from the nations to consider the facts and to challenge their thinking regarding who is the ‘true’ God. He reviewed the evidence that proved the superiority of the only one and true God.
Are you having second thoughts about your God? Are you wondering if your God is strong and mighty? Have you been entertaining ‘limiting’ thoughts about your God?
Many centuries ago God raised up a mighty king named Cyrus to free His earthly people of Israel. The surrounding nations were terrified of mighty Cyrus. Nothing could stop him.
The people who didn’t know the True God scrambled to construct their own gods to protect themselves from the
God-empowered Cyrus. They quickly assembled all the material they needed to build their gods. Wood, metals and of course some silver and gold to give that ‘finished’ look of greatness.
Neighbours and friends worked hard. They shouted back ‘n forth to each other: “Keep your chin up. We can do it. Be strong. Our god is coming together. He’s taking shape. We’ve got his anatomy and figure pretty well designed.” With hammers and anvils, they worked out the shape, the curves, the juts and indents and smoothed off the rough edges. “No, shabby piece of work, indeed,” they would tell themselves.
Everyone helps his neighbor and says to his brother,
“Be strong!” The craftsman strengthens the goldsmith, and he who smooths with the hammer him who strikes the anvil, saying of the soldering, “It is good”; and they strengthen it with nails so that it cannot be moved. Isaiah 41:6
The time came for them to mount their god – yes, to stand him up. The men raised up their god – with some supporting him from the back and some from the front. They steadied him so he wouldn’t wobble. “Don’t let him go! He’ll topple over and crash. Just a second. I will run and get some nails and we’ll nail him down.” With the swinging hammer, they pounded the nail pegs into his feet until he felt really secure. They stood back and watched him. Sure enough, he stood firm. But was he any match for the True God who empowered King Cyrus?
Dear Christian, you may be filled with doubts about your God. Have you hit a rough spot on the journey home to Heaven? Do you think your God is going to tip over and fall off some pedestal? Do you think you need to insert some nail-pegs to keep Him big and strong, standing up to watch over you?
Listen to the words to God’s people and embrace them for yourself today as one of His spiritual children:
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God: I will strengthen you; I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
By the way, there were nails associated with your God too – but for an absolutely different reason! Remember Calvary?
Walk carefully and closely with the Lord today.
Warmly in Christ
Peter Ramsay
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