I wonder why when someone makes a statement we usually follow with a question. It does not matter who makes the statement, even if it is someone we trust and respect, we are skeptical and want assurance that what has been said is fact and true. It is not wrong to question when we do not understand something or need more information or clarification or do not know the person speaking. However, there is a statement made that did not and does not need questioned–but it was and is. It is found in Malachi 1:2
“I have loved you,” says the Lord. But you say, “How have You loved us?”
The statement is easily understood, no more information needed. It is clear, concise, and straight-forward. It is a statement of God. Because He is trustworthy what He says is fact and truth. The question is arrogant, defensive, and quarrelsome. The asking of it denies God is the Most High, Almighty, and Sovereign.
Asking Him, “How have You loved us?”, shows how self-centered were the Israelites, God was not the center of their world they were. They were, in their minds, important and expected an accounting of God’s actions and in what ways He loved them. They denied who God is by implying that He did not love them or that His love needed proof. The difficult times, times of trials and tests, crisis and conflict were remembered. The blessings, mercy, and salvation were forgotten. They were, in effect, telling the Creator to answer to the created.
I wonder how the Israelites could be so…well…stupid is the word that comes to mind.
Then I wonder, am I like Israel? Am I self-centered, arrogant, defensive, and quarrelsome? Do I question God’s plan and purpose for me–and the world? Do I remember the difficult times and forget the blessings? Have I denied God by wanting proof of His love? Sadly, I can answer yes to all the questions I have asked.
Who in the world are you to second guess God? Do you for one moment suppose any of us know enough to call God into question? Romans 9:20
I wonder if I will ever be able to answer no to the questions I asked.
I wonder at His love!
Just wondering…
Trials are one of the chief causes of amnesia among believers. Turn up the heat and we often forget the truths we have learned about God. Thanks for this post! It’s a good reminder that we have to really guard what we have.
You are welcome, jelillie. Thanks for visiting and for your thoughts.
Good morning Patricia, God bless you today! Thanks for the comment on the autumn leaves, but I have a confession: the falling leaf (there is only one leaf in the three shots) was suspended on a fine spider thread. I couldn’t see it, and the camera didn’t see it, either. But I took advantage of God’s provision! I thought it was really cool when I noticed it blowing it the gentle breeze, just at eye level…
Hi Dimple, still a wonderful picture, great detail even if the spider thread was invisible.
One of my favorite songs about faith (gives me goosebumps every time) is “I Can Only Imagine” by Mercy Me.
It makes me wonder . . .
It is wonderful to get those kinds of goosebumps!
Great thoughts. It is when we believe we are separate from God that we can be so arrogant to ask these types of questions. When we live as one that we are then there is no reason to question for all is as it should be.
Our pride separates us from Him because we are taught to be independent when we need to be God-dependent.
Thanks, tobeme, your thoughts always make me think.
God’s Word (and His words) are true and trustworthy. Too often, human words are not. They are said in haste, and that’s why we feel the need to get them clarified. We can trust every word God says, though. It’s not easy not to ask, but with God, there’s no need.
Hi White Wave! Yes, we can trust in his word. We forget this because we give God human attributes and characteristics and expect Him to act like man. Thankfully that will never happen.
Thanks for visiting.
This reminds me of my nephew when he was little and I went to visit, and I said “I love you” as I was tucking him into bed and he said, “I don’t think so you did not bring me a present!” Sometimes we are all needing reminders to look and see and feel what is given.
Kids will tell you what they think!
i to wonder what is God’s plan for me and sometimes i don’t wait patient to see what his end is going to be so pray i don’t go before Him and try and work things out
You are not alone, Brenda, at one time or another all of us need prayer for this.
Php 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
Examining ourselves is good, God uses it to bring us to repentance and then restores us. I can answer yes to some of these questions, also, for I am like the Israelites. But He began a good work in me, and He will complete it. I only need willingness for Him to do it. I am so thankful this is true!
Thanks for a timely meditation!
Blessings,
Dimple
Php 1:6 is a verse I go to over and over. It was one of the first I memorized. And again I say, I wonder at His love.