Sunday, June 10, 2012

A look at the typical human side: Part 2


The question was raised regarding the perplexing desire for humans to reject God's plans. In the Gospel Reading for the Second Sunday in Pentecost, Jesus' ministry of healing was ridiculed. “By the ruler of the demons he casts out demons” (Mark 3:22). In spite of the good deeds that followed his ministry, there was still suspicion.

Consider what happened in Numbers 14. “Wouldn't it be better for us to go back to Egypt?...We should choose a leader and go back to Egypt”. This is a good example of desiring to reverse God's plans.

It is to be noted that this desire to reverse divine plan came after doubts were raised by the spies sent to explore the promised land – God's gift to the people. The name of the Torah portion – Shelah – is God's command to Moses in Numbers 13:2 “Send some men to explore the land of Canaan which I am giving to the Israelites”.

There was a promise and certainty - “I am giving (the land) to the Israelites”. All that the explorers – or spies – and the people were being asked to do was to walk into the promise. Could that be the real problem with the human side of things?

There is still more to follow.

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