The Untamed God

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. ~ Galatians 5:16

    There’s an amusing, alliterative proverb I like that says, “Weather the weather, whatever the weather, whether you like it or not.” Essentially, the incoming winter storm is just another thing we humans cannot control. It should be an all too familiar state of being for the survivors of the  early 20s. History informs us that every generation experiences events that remind worshipers of progress, that some things are untamable. We must endure the wild, raging forces as they roar through our lives and then deal with the aftermath as best we can. 

     C. S. Lewis portrayed the LORD as the lion, Aslan, in his book “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe”. Lucy said of Aslan, “He is not a tame lion” because Lewis wanted us to know that while Aslan is a good lion, one should be at least a little afraid of him and approach him with cautious respect. Lewis meant for his readers to approach the LORD the same way. We must understand the LORD is unquestionably good, but that does not suggest He is soft or tame. The Lion of Judah is not a tame lion, so we must live with the tension between our LORD’s immeasurable might and grace.

     Modern Christians living in first-world countries easily succumb to the temptation of thinking human ingenuity and the cult of science can solve every problem, cure every malady, and resolve every conflict. The LORD’s creation regularly presents humanity with opportunities to say, “I don’t know.” If your umbrage is bubbling up because I said, “the cult of science,” let me explain before you boil over. Science, in and of itself, is an excellent thing. It is another word for critical thinking, a skill that I regularly promote. Science is the pursuit of truth and understanding, and true scientists are thinking explorers whose work of enhancing human existence is laudable. Unfortunately, many people imagine lab-coated geniuses who, like mountaintop gurus, have all the answers. In their minds, the priests in long white coats embroidered with the name of their benefactors move about the temple, methodically manipulating instruments, bubbling glass vessels, and writing in mystic codes on chalkboards. Sound a little cult-like?

     Theologians and religious authorities throughout history regularly establish themselves and their cults by offering answers that God won’t give and by creating systems that suggest the LORD can be tamed and trained. Human responses to natural phenomena over the centuries usually credit a pagan god often referred to as mother nature - Guia, the god of the earth while, blaming the LORD for His lack of intervention. The irony is remarkable, considering humanity’s long history of atrocities. We think “It’s not nice to fool mother nature” but trying to control the LORD is an honorable institution called religion. How on earth can we be so naïve when we can’t even get the people we live with to do what we want? Could science, government, or religion prevent global conflicts, holocausts, and famines? These are all products of a fallen world under the influence of a fallen, lesser god we call Satan.  

     Our LORD, like Aslan, cannot be tamed, even as He is amazing, majestic, and frightening in all His glory. Who are we to question the LORD’s action or inaction? Why should we think the LORD owes us anything? By now, the LORD has done more than we deserve and all for love’s sake. Because of the LORD’s love, we are forgiven, though we don’t deserve it; The LORD welcomes us in His home, though we are unworthy, because God the Son said, “Father, forgive them;” He changes our inner being from perishable to imperishable and enhances us beyond our ken with His Holy Spirit. Christian Believers are the fortunate recipients of unmerited favor who, despite the world’s evil and endless hardships, live with constant hope and deep inner joy. 

     When the storms leave people frustrated and shattered, it will not be self-appointed lesser gods in government, religion, and science of answer the cries for help and hunger for answers from an untamable God, people made in the image of the unseen God will hold their hands, clean up their mess, feed and shelter them, and suffer on the cross with them. The one who goes to do as Christ has done; the one who serves as His hands, feet, mouth, heart, and mind will be the LORD’s answer.