Rev. Don Campbell
2 Samuel 24, 1 Chronicle 21-22, Psalm 30
THOUGHT FOR TODAY, May 23, 2019
“DEALING WITH DIFFICULT PASSAGES”
That the text of the Bible contains some difficulties can hardly be denied, as volumes have been written about some of these. I’m not speaking of those who wish to attack the inspiration of the Scriptures, but of those who firmly believe them and seek to deal honestly with the difficulties. For example, Gleason L. Archer’s work “Encyclopedia of Bible Difficulties” has over 400 pages of text. There are several other works by conservative scholars.
Our readings for today present us, for example, with two seemingly contradictory statements: We read, “Again the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he incited David against them, saying, ‘Go, number Israel and Judah” (2 Samuel 24:1). In Chronicles, we read, “Then Satan stood against Israel and incited David to number Israel” (21:1).
Archer (p.188) points out that in the trials of Job, Satan had one purpose, which was to drive Job to curse God, and God had another purpose which was to purify Job’s faith and ennoble his character through discipline. Both were involved in Job’s trials and both were involved in David’s prideful numbering of the people. Peter sees our suffering for righteousness sake as encouragement from God to entrust our souls to him (1 Peter 4:19). The devil has a different purpose, which is to devour believers (5:8).
When confronted with textual difficulties or the perplexities of life, Peter would say to us: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 5:8-11).
Satan would like for us to focus on textual problems and unanswerable questions. We don’t have to be a scholar to deal with the difficulties with which we may be confronted. We need a humble and submissive spirit which will say with Job:
“I know that you can do all things,
and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.
‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’
Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand,
things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.
‘Hear, and I will speak;
I will question you, and you make it known to me.’
I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear,
but now my eye sees you;
therefore I despise myself,
and repent in dust and ashes” (42:2-6).
CONNECTIONS
1. Faith in God’s word does not mean denying that difficulties exist in understanding the Bible, but that there are answers to those problems if we will diligently search for them. What does Paul tell Timothy to do with the Scriptures (2 Timothy 2:15-16)?
2. The following statement is attributed to Mark Twain. Whether he said it or someone else did, can you relate to it? “Some people are troubled by the things in the Bible they can’t understand. The things that trouble me are the things I can understand.”
