Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Experience and history

A further thought had occurred to me in regards to my previous post on interpretation.  As we experience various things, we will interpret them according to our worldview.  And it seems that no one really questions the validity of doing so.  But if one steps back and considers what is actually going on when we do so, it starts to appear rather untenable.
To try to analyze, interpret and label the reasons behind why things happen, we really ought to marvel at how little we actually know.  This goes for interpreting world history as well.  Basing an interpretation of events on our extremely limited knowledge ought to make us pause.  Our knowledge and experience storehouse is simply far too small.  But this is why we have the church.
One, we can trust that God is moving through and directing history toward his desired end.  Two, we can know that God is moving through and directing his church, making it a spotless bride for himself.  Three, we can know that the Holy Spirit will always be with us, his people.  Beyond that, assurance is tenuous.  God has created us to be in communion, with him and with his people.  As God said to Adam, it is not good for man to be alone.  We live and move and have our being , in the body of Christ. Jesus Christ is life and there is life nowhere else. 
As we live, we will go through peace as well as trouble.  We won't have answers for some things that happen. In other words, our limited knowledge will fail us.  But we have the assurance of life and love, as we are part of the people of God.  If we want answers, the church is there for us. If we tire of the fight, we can rest with his/our people.
Regardless of where we are or what we see and think we understand, we are loved by a God who is directing history, has all the answers and has provided us with the means to reach a wonderful end.
Regardless of whether we understand the journey or not.

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