Knowing Our Limitations
 

by Doy Moyer

Sometimes biblical discussions devolve into insults, questioning motives, suggesting evil suspicions … in other words doing the very things against which we are warned (2 Tim 2:23-24). To be sure, some teachers lend themselves to this problem by their attitude and entrenchment in doctrines foreign to God’s word (see what Paul wrote in 1 Tim. 6:3-5).

At other times, people seem bent on delving into matters deeper than our thinking may even allow. I have often wondered, after some of these discussions, if God would be shaking His head at our arguments and pride. As with Job and his friends, sometimes we say far more than we know, and He may indeed respond as He did to them:

“Who is this that darkens counsel
By words without knowledge?
Now gird up your loins like a man,
And I will ask you, and you instruct Me!
Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?
Tell Me, if you have understanding…” (Job 38:2-4)

Is it any wonder why God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble?

I’m not saying we can’t know anything. Far from it. I am saying, however, that, to borrow a phrase, “a man’s got to know his limitations.” There are just some things we don’t know and won’t know. The question is, can we be humble enough to be satisfied with this situation?

A man who can’t be satisfied with what he cannot know is a man who likely won’t learn to trust God. Yet wasn’t this part of the point of the book of Job? God never explained Himself to Job. He simply humbled Job and implied the basic point at issue: “trust Me. I know what I’m doing.” When we are tempted to think that we can box in God or think that somehow we are doing just fine without Him, may we be reminded of this:

“Now gird up your loins like a man;
I will ask you, and you instruct Me.
Will you really annul My judgment?
Will you condemn Me that you may be justified?
Or do you have an arm like God,
And can you thunder with a voice like His?
Adorn yourself with eminence and dignity,
And clothe yourself with honor and majesty.
Pour out the overflowings of your anger,
And look on everyone who is proud, and make him low.
Look on everyone who is proud, and humble him,
And tread down the wicked where they stand.
Hide them in the dust together;
Bind them in the hidden place.
Then I will also confess to you,
That your own right hand can save you.” (Job 40:7-13) 

 

Other Articles by Doy Moyer
Cultivating Feelings For God
The Logic of Authority
Baptism and the Blood
Was Jesus Literally Forsaken?
The Problem With Creeds