If you or I were going to write the story of the redemption of all mankind, how would it read? Who would have a part in it?
Of course, only the most morally upright and courageous people would be the heroes. The weak and double-minded would be the "goons," who would waver between good and evil, but ultimately be fruitless in their efforts. Surely the most evil people be the enemies who are thwarted in the end. Similarly, when we read the Bible, we also have the courageous heroes, the weak minded "goons," and the evil villains.
Most of the time, we can sort out who is what; our heroes behave like heroes, and the villains like villains. But here's one place where your version of the story might differ from God's actual plan: In reality, sometimes our heroes don't behave like heroes, and may even do things that seem villainous.
It's a difficult issue that has disturbed many the Bible student. Is God "okay" with having those kinds of people carry out His scheme for redemption?
I don't pretend to know every answer to every question in this matter. But I do know that there are some things that every good Bible student needs to consider when it comes to such difficult passages.
1) Affirm the nature of God.
God does not lie (Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:18). Similarly, God does not tempt people to do evil (James 1:13-15). God's actions are always righteous (Psalm 11:7; 18:30). God is holy, and He desires that mankind seek holiness, too (Matthew 5:48; 1 Peter 1:15-16).
At the same time, God has information that we don't have. He can see into the heart of man (Genesis 6:5; Psalm 44:21; Proverbs 21:2). Considering that God also knows the future (think Jeremiah 29:11, also all the prophecies of the Bible), it's conceivable that He can know what route a person will take when presented with a particular set of circumstances.
Knowing all of this, whatever conclusion we come to about God's plan involving the wicked, or at least our heroes' wicked actions, has to align with all of these truths.
2) People are not puppets.
God didn't write the Bible the way a person sits down to write a story book. Writing a story means using your mind to be the mind of all the characters. You must decide their actions. You must put words in their mouth. They are literary puppets, subject to your whim and wish.
You can't fall into the trap of thinking of the Bible in the same way. Bible characters are not God's puppets. God has always given man the choice to obey or disobey, even from the Garden of Eden (consider Joshua 24:15, also Jesus' lament over Jerusalem in Luke 13:34).
When it comes to God's plan, and what we read in the Bible, God didn't choose actions or words for people. He worked within the realm of what they chose to do. In knowing the heart of man, as well as the future, God created His plan for redemption accordingly.
Admittedly, this thought is incredible, and thrilling: to be able to masterfully weave together an intricate plan that comes together so perfectly, while having so many variables (i.e., people) involved, over such a great span of time, ought to show that such a plan, the Bible's historical narrative, could only be constructed and completed with the power of divine knowledge.
To be blunt, you and I are too simple-minded to have come up with such a plan (Isaiah 55:8-9). What right do we have, then, to question or criticize it? We don't; God isn't asking for our approval of it, but simply our obedience to it.
3) Know the "style" of book you are reading.
One final, but very important point to keep in mind is this: Consider the "style" of book you are reading.
The Bible is a mixture of imperative statements, historical narrative, poetry, prophecy, and visions, with some symbolic and figurative language mixed in. In order to properly interpret it, we must understand what category a text falls into.
Most of the passages that cause us problems (e.g. Rahab lying, or Jacob deceiving Isaac and stealing Esau's blessing, or even David and Bathsheba) are found in books that fall into the category of "historical narrative." The important thing to remember is this: A historical narrative neither approves, nor disapproves of action, it merely states the facts. It tells history, good, bad, or otherwise.
While God certainly didn't approve of their deception, adultery, and murder, he weaved His redemptive plan together in such a way that these people's sins and improprieties didn't derail it, and, at times, even furthered it. Again, it's the improbable nature of the plan that makes it all the more incredible.
Perspective
Sometimes we have difficulties accepting these things because we are tied to our own perspective - our own way of looking at things. To repeat a previous point, God's perspective is completely different from ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). He doesn't ask for our approval, but for our acceptance.
If you think about it, I'm sure that God wasn't pleased with the sinful actions of those involved, but His will was still accomplished. When it comes to us, we may also be displeased with the sinful actions of our friends, family, church family, or neighbors. But that doesn't mean that God's will can't be done by you, or them.
Remember: God chose imperfect people to carry out the plan of bringing His perfect Son into the world to perfect the imperfect.
While you or I might have had it another way, God didn't. And for that, you should be grateful.
-Daniel
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