Pushing along your agenda

“I will be there. Howsoever, I will be there.” Exodus 3:14

This is the name of God. He is who he says He is.

This translation comes from Biblical scholars who interpret ancient language in ways that make little sense to anyone who is not well studied in this vocation. This particular translation is explained in this link. https://exodus-314.com/part-i/exodus-314-in-judaism/exodus-314-in-jewish-bible-translations

I like this translation because it explains that regardless of the circumstances God will be there. This truth is an absolute and it clearly defines the God we serve.

When Israel was created, there was no king. All the people were subject to the will of God. God was the sole leader of His people.

In these days, there were no politics - no monarchy. The people realized this and decided they should have a king like all other nations.

Always, it is a bad idea to attempt to improve on what God has put in place.

In 1st Samuel, God did what the people asked of Him and He instilled the king through a bit of comic relief.

Part of the process of choosing the king is done by casting lots. Often in the Bible, when somebody is chosen by lot the process is designed to identify a guilty person. For example, Jonah was chosen by lot and identified as the culprit to the storm that doomed the ship. He was then thrown overboard.

That is how the first king of Israel is determined. The guilty one gets to be the king. Once chosen, the king hid and they found him in the equipment room. What makes the new king want to avoid his kingship? Must have been feeling guilty!

And so it was. And the kingdom of Israel was never the same. It had its new king and the concept of governance by God alone was born.

I find it fascinating that man decided that he did not want to be governed by God because a king can do it so much better. REALLY!

I have a friend whose marriage has much to be desired. The husband considers himself a leader he is troubled constantly about his marriage. Like the people of Israel, he decided that his marriage could be improved by pushing God along on whatever path God had his wife on. He pushed and pushed with the hope that his marriage would obviously improve due to his most excellent moves.

Yet, God has a different plan. God's plan is perfect and although His timing may look different than ours, if we trust in His words that an abundant marriage is ours if we simply abide in God's word, people like me, my friend, and probably you too, learn the hard way. We cannot improve on God's plan. Prayer, and patience is sufficient. Let God do His work and don't get in the way, regardless of how awesome your idea is!

Yet, even in the midst of a kingship for Israel or a marriage that just is not working, God is there, howsoever, He is still right there!