Pearls and Pigs
As we live in formidable times, it’s not surprising people ask if God is in control. The answer is an unambiguous yes and no. Satan, called the “god of this world” (2 Co 4:4), is presently running rampant ‘on earth.’ John explains, “We know that the whole world is under the control of the evil one” (1 John 5:19). Who can refute it—the world is an evil place, full of sinners and sinful consequences. But in the midst of a sinful world, God controls events and is moving history toward its ultimate; all of Satan’s schemes will be turned around for God’s good.
The truth of God’s Sovereignty is one that mystifies believers, so how could we expect 'pagans' to comprehend it. That didn’t seem to stop Connecticut Republican Senate candidate Richard Mourdock from trying to answer a question about abortion in the event of rape. He said, admittedly clumsily, “life is a gift from God. And, I think, even when life begins in that horrible situation of rape, that it is something that God intended to happen.” ‘Oops’ would be an understatement!
Jesus said, “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs” (Matt. 7:6). Reconciling God’s loving-kindness and His mercy with his absolute sovereignty is indeed a sacred truth, but it is also a “hard saying.” Did Mourdock err by throwing a pearl to a pig? Of course the “pigs” are the “people who aren't spiritual [and] can't receive these truths from God's Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them” (2 Co 2:14). Maybe Mourdock should have been a little ‘slower to speak’ (James 1:19).
Good morning Dr. Greg,
ReplyDeleteGood post. Thank you.
Sometimes, things happen that demonstrate that the devil gets his licks in. This is why I think Jesus sighed. I think Jesus felt the tension between the reality of suffering and the feeling that it was not originally designed to be that way.
In Romans, where it says that all things work together for the good for those that love God, it also says that God has predestined some things (and people). That predestination in each case is towards a specific purpose. And for those that love God, that predestination is to conform the believer to the image of Jesus. This is the reason in the same passage that it also states that absolutely nothing can separate us from God's love. With that perspective, it is easier to appreciate how God can work all things (even the tough stuff) together for good when the definition of good is to be more like Jesus. It was not in the original design from the garden, but it is an improvisation that still brings God glory and our benefit.
In music, with both jazz and the blues, the chords are deliberately somewhat discordant. When the notes of the chord are played by themselves, they may sound a little jangly to the ear. But they also have a forward leaning sound, because the ear wants resolution (major key, not a minor key or a key with a 7th note in the chord). When a melody (and sometimes lyrics) is added, the chords do not sound as jangly. When God weaves His melody of grace and love through the tapestry of our lives, with His perspective, we are better able to appreciate the difficult times.
We want easy lives. God wants strong people. Strong people rarely come out of an easy life.
But the ultimate resolution is coming. Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus.
Godspeed! Larry Q
Yes, and natural man turns God's symphony into a cacaphony! God's kingdom is so inside-out that very few understand it. It is counter-intuitive and challenges every natural instinct for survival and well-being. thank you again, Larry
ReplyDeleteGood morning Dr. Greg,
ReplyDeleteI apologize for only responding to the problem of evil and not also to your title.
There is an apparent tension between "casting pearls before swine," and "casting seed regardless of the fertility of the soil." I think the tension is partially resolved when one realizes that pearls, especially those of great price, come at great cost, and are not the same as the simple truth of the gospel (Jesus came, lived perfectly, suffered and died an unjust death as a payment, rose again and was seen by many, ascended to heaven, and is someday coming back; all in fulfillment of prophecy and God's plan), which once known, can be easily told.
Casting hard won truths before people who cannot understand because they have already attached themselves to a lie (and liar) is not only an exercise in futility, but denigrates the preciousness of those truths.
Telling all that can listen the truth of the good news is merely one beggar telling another beggar where to find free bread.
Godspeed!
Larry Q
Thanks for the additional comment, Larry. A little factoid that I learned in researching "pigs and pearls" is that pearls are organic so they would dissolve in the stomach of the pig. Thus, the precious pearls really would be wasted!! :(
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