That's a Good Question

“Don’t ask why.” Were you ever squelched with that comment when you were growing up? I heard that. And true. It was pointless to ask why because the answer was, “because I said.” But God is not like our parents. It’s actually OK to ask Him why—but with an honest seeking heart and not selfish anger (Read James 1:5.)

In fact, it’s a good practice when you read the Bible to ask, “Why did it happen like that?” I’m learning to do that, and when I do, I find that the answer shows a bigger picture than what I see on the surface.

Here’s one example. When the Israelites, under Joshua’s rule, went to enter the Promised Land, why did God choose to have them cross the Jordan River? Why didn’t He choose some other way to bring them into the land?

He tells you the reason why. In fact, there are several reasons you can find in the context of the early chapters of Joshua, and they all have to do with reputation.

1. God wanted to establish Joshua’s reputation as His chosen national leader. “And the Lord said unto Joshua. This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee.” (Josh. 3:7) It was important that the people not be inclined to ask, “Who does this guy think he is?” Remember that earlier Moses had caused the Israelites to cross the Red Sea on dry ground. God used Joshua to do the same miracle, different body of water.
2. God wanted to establish His own personal reputation that the Israelites could pass on to their children. That’s why God had them gather 12 stones from the river bed and set them up on the bank as a visual reminder of the miracle that would last for generations. (See Josh 4:20-24)
3. God wanted to affirm His reputation and put His fear in the hearts of the enemy. “And it came to pass when all the kings of the Amorites, which were on the side of Jordan westward… heard that the Lord had dried up the waters of Jordan from before the children of Israel until we were passed over that their heart melted, neither was there spirit in them any more because of the children of Israel.” (Josh 5:1) This is an especially important point. The enemy folks across the Jordan River already had an image of God etched in their minds. We catch a glimpse of it a few chapters earlier when the spies to Jericho talked to Rahab. There she said: “For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed. And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.” (Josh. 2:10-11) This new water crossing was an “uh oh” moment for the enemy.

So you see the answer to the why question is broader than might appear on the surface. It has to do with something bigger than the Israelites. It was God’s reputation-building method. The answer is about God and His sovereign plans.

As you read the Bible, start asking why God did things the way He did. When you see the answer, you will feel much smaller, and God will be much bigger. There are more examples in coming days.

Let me know what you think.

Jody