DON'T APPLY LOGIC WHERE IT DOESN'T BELONG
- Key Verse
“But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than men.’” (Acts 5:29 NASB)
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Central Truth
Logic, like knowledge, strength, or vision, is a good thing. But it can also be a stumbling block to obedience. As we walk by faith and not by sight, we must trust God completely, and obey. We must!
Reflections
Scenario: In Acts 5, Peter and the apostles were arrested for preaching Jesus. So God sent an angel to release them from jail. The angel instructed them to go back to the temple and continue to preach the message of new life, and that's what they did.Why did God spring the apostles from the joint if he was just going to send them back to be recaptured? The angel didn't say, "You're free! Run! Shoo!" God wasn't constructing some grand escape. Instead, he sent them back to be rearrested and, as we see later in the chapter, flogged. That doesn't make much sense. But in this Act, God's purpose was to demonstrate their obedience, and at the trial, Peter's testimony is recorded "We must obey God rather than men."
God's ways are not our ways, and oftentimes, what God intends is counterintuitive to us. He sees more, knows more, and controls more than we can imagine. Yet, I know that I filter His instructions through my earthbound logic: "I'm not good with kids." "I have responsibilities to my family." "That wouldn't look good, and I might ruin my testimony." I'm pretty quick with the "logical" arguments (excuses) when God speaks. But my thoughts are not God's thoughts, so do I trust Him? If I am to be obedient, I must obey God rather than me.
Obedience to God may also mean offending others. The "rather than men" part of the verse is significant because it highlights one of the real problems we face in our quest to obey God. Speaking the truth and committing acts of faith will not make us popular. We may be misunderstood, unappreciated, or persecuted (see Jesus, Peter, Elijah, et al). Our words and deeds won't seem "logical" or prudent to others. "What will people think?" is a shortcut to disobedience. So if I am to be obedient, I must obey God rather than men.
There may be a thousand "logical" reasons not to obey God (see Genesis 12:1—4 and 22: 1—3). But there will always be at least one reason to obey Him: We must!
Discussion Questions
- Can you think of a time when you had to just trust God, even though it went against logic?
- When was the last time you talked yourself out of doing something you knew God was telling you to do? What logical argument did you use?
- Have you ever said "That couldn't be God speaking. He wouldn't want me to do that"?
- Look at Genesis 12:4, 22:3 and Matthew 1:24, 2:14, and 2:21. Do you notice a pattern for obedience?
Comments
The views expressed under “Comments” are solely
those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Grace Community Church.
Ray Wall
January 18, 2010 08:41 AM
Rick, thanks for the encouragement. I agree that God loves to stretch our logical comfort zones.
Marnie Chitwood
January 18, 2010 09:47 AM
Sometimes I have a hard time discerning what is God's will or my own. I know there are people that think I'm crazy for holding on and standing for my broken marriage. But when I really listen and pray to God, He tells me to be patient and keep praying for my husband and marriage. It can be extremly hard and painful. But the results have been a closer relationship with God.
Susan Miner
January 18, 2010 10:21 AM
Sometimes our logic is so loud we don't hear God. Thank you very much for poin ting this out.
Joe Kaufman
January 18, 2010 10:55 AM
Rick, thanks for writing today's devotion! God's wisdom is very often contrary to man's wisdom! I'm reminded of Paul's insight, "For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are persishing but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." (1 Corinthians 1:18)
Rod MacIlvaine
January 18, 2010 01:14 PM
Rick, Your devo was right on this morning. What a great challenge to walk by sight and obey even when the risks are high. Thanks too for all the leadership you bring to AWANA. The AWANA team is making a tremendous impact on the kids and families in our church and community. Rod
Lynn Carpenter
January 18, 2010 01:47 PM
Rick, I liked your devotional and also learned some interesting bits of info I did not know. Good Job!
Brad Winkler
January 18, 2010 04:06 PM
Wonderful application Rick! Often times it not easy or expedient but then if it were everyone would be obeying. It really does take faith that God knows more than I do and that He has the situation under control.
Cindy MacIlvaine
January 19, 2010 07:43 AM
Right on Rick! I love your comment - "What will people think" is a shortcut to disobedience. Great words for us people pleasers!