Did Old Testament Humans Question God and Live?
In the vast history of the Old Testament, several prominent figures questioned God's decisions and actions, and yet they continued to walk faithfully with Him. This exploration of their experiences reveals a unique attribute of God's character and our own spiritual journey.
Introduction to Questioning God
While questioning God might seem like a taboo or a sign of disobedience, the Bible presents several instances where characters of faith boldly questioned God and yet maintained their righteousness and communion with Him.
Abraham's Inquiry and Stand
One of the most famous examples is Abraham, who was willing to dialogue with God on behalf of the innocent cities. In Genesis 18:25, he boldly states: Far be it from you to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked treating the righteous and the wicked alike. Far be it from you! Will not the Judge of all the earth do right? Abraham's sincerity and respectful demeanor reflect a deep understanding of divine justice and mercy.
Job: The Ultimate Trial
The Book of Job provides a profound illustration of questioning God. Job is often described as a righteous man who lost everything. Despite his misfortunes, Job's inquiries about God's righteousness and justice are not the end of his relationship with God. In fact, the climax of the book presents God's response, revealing His strengthening grace and ultimate revelation of His greatness.
Moses and His Troubled People
Moses also faced a challenging congregation that often rebelled against God's laws and prophets. Several verses in Exodus and Isaiah highlight their rebellious nature, such as in Exodus 20:19 and Isaiah 30:8-11.
The Human Experience of Questioning God
Interestingly, God's willingness to allow His people to question Him speaks to His character of dual nature—both loving and just. In Job 6:24-25, Job prays for deeper understanding, acknowledging the forceful nature of right words and considering the value of honesty in conversation with God:
Teach me and I will hold my tongue: and cause me to understand wherein I have erred. How forcible are right words! but what doth your arguing reprove
Furthermore, Moses' interactions with the people in Exodus 20:19 and Isaiah 30:8-11 underscore the tendency of people to resist truth and prefer flattery. These instances highlight the complexity of faith and the paradoxical nature of questioning God, which can lead to deeper spiritual growth and understanding.
God's silent acceptance or even facilitation of questioning does not negate faith; rather, it encourages a closer relationship through open and honest communication. This approach fosters a deeper understanding of God's character and a robust faith that can withstand trials and adversities.
Conclusion
Through various Biblical examples, including Abraham, Job, and Moses, we see that questioning God is a valid and sometimes necessary part of the faith journey. This practice, done with respect and in humility, deepens one's relationship with God and promotes spiritual growth. While disobedience and rebelliousness are serious, respectful inquiries can lead to profound revelations of God's grace and truth.