This lesson will address a few of the apparent contradictions and seemingly difficult areas of the Bible. While these passages may appear conflicting, it is important to note that the Word of God is infallible and inerrant. Hebrews 4:12 declares the Bible to be "...living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword..."
The following are three diverse examples of apparently difficult biblical teachings:
I) LONG HAIR IN MEN:
I Corinthians 11:14 NIV declares, "Does not the very nature of things teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him..." This implies even a worldly sense that long hair in men just isn't "too cool of a look".
On the other hand, II Samuel 14:25a NIV notes of Absalom (David's son), "In all Israel there was not a man so highly praised for his handsome appearance as Absalom."
The next verse noted that Absalom cut his hair when it "became too heavy for him." The clear implication is that Absalom had long hair and yet he was praised for his handsome appearance.
Some may say that Absalom was a rebel so he isn't a good example but I would maintain that he received such praise from men before his rebellion against his father, King David. Also, even if a guy is rebellious against his father that doesn't take away from his appearance. Another thought offered by Pastor James Jones of Lighthouse Church (Laurel, MT) is that Absalom's hair did "dishonor" him because his mane got caught in in the thick branches of an oak tree (II Samuel 18:9).
I would maintain that in youth long hair in men can be seen as handsome but as men age it typically becomes a dishonor to them (doesn't look cool anymore), i.e. no contradiction exists. I'd maintain that if a man maintains a diligent attention to his appearance and hair then the effect of I Corinthians 11:14 can be minimized.
II) CONCERNING THE POOR -
Deuteronomy 15:4 addresses the place of the poor in society, saying, "However, there should be no poor among you, for in the land the Lord your God is giving you to possess as your inheritance, he will richly bless you, if only you fully obey the Lord your God and are careful to follow all these commands I am giving you today."
On the other hand, in Mark 14:7, Jesus responds to the self-righteousness rebuke of those criticizing a woman's extravagant use of very expensive perfume. Some said the perfume could have been sold and the proceeds given to the poor. This is a nauseating example of religious pomposity. Jesus replied, "The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want (perhaps implying that they didn't help the poor at all or only when the visible praise of others could be garnered), but you will not always have me."
The point of raising these two verses is to note the apparent conflict between the two; one verse saying "there should be no poor among you" and the other saying "the poor you will always have with you."
So what gives? Perhaps, Deuteronomy 15:4 points out the ideal condition of society. U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson tried to have a "Great Society" program in the 1960s based in government assistance; God's ideal is to have his people's hearts open to helping each other out. Jesus pointed out the unfortunate reality that due to the hardness of people's hearts and because of sin, that the poor "...you will always have with you..." This condition is much like Jesus' teaching on divorce in which he says divorce was granted (Matthew 19:8) "...because your hearts were hard."
Again, no conflict remains but different intentions are meant in each passage.
III) SHOULD PEOPLE ALWAYS LIKE YOU?
The Bible promises favor with God and man according to verses like:
*Proverbs 3:3-4 which declares, "Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart, then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man."
*Psalm 5:12 notes, "For surely, O Lord, you bless the righteous; your surround them with your favor as with a shield."
However, at the same time the Bible promises that his children would be hated by the world and persecuted:
*Jesus Christ himself was hated, despised and put to death. John 15:20 NIV notes, "Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also."
*As the 15th chapter of John proceeds, Jesus noted that even after the great miracles He performed, many would hate Him. Indeed, the religious leaders of the day hated Jesus Christ. John 15:25 NIV notes, "But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: "They hated me without reason." Having encountered similar hate from religious leaders and ordinary people of various stripes--Freemasons, Buddhists, Roman Catholics, Foursquare Gospelites, Assembly of God-ers, Baptists, Lutherans, Mormons, etc. and etc.- I can identify with Jesus' statement.
But how can both be true? How can a Christian receive persecution and favor from men, perhaps even from the same person at different times.
One answer is timing. At different times a person may be motivated by different things. The faithfulness and kindness of a Christian will result in favor from bosses, co-workers, etc. in typical situations because such character traits are valued in human endeavors. However, when society's values get perverted (like it appears they are now) then the evil in human hearts becomes more manifest; favor in more rational times can yield to persecution from people led by Satan.
Just as treatment can change for the worse, it can also change for the better. Proverbs 16:7 NIV notes, "When a man's ways are pleasing to the Lord He makes even His enemies live at peace with him."
It is my hope that this brief discussion will instill in those wisely interested in the things of God that the Word of God is a double-edged sword. II Timothy 2:15 NIV sums it up, "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." It is important to study the Bible to be able to apply it correctly.
No comments:
Post a Comment