What's God good for?

Imagine I was to stand before you and your friends. Maybe there is a crowd of you. Standing next to me is a five year old. And he says "How many of you believe that I want to give 50p to the first person to ask for it?"

You would probably look at the lad, and think "He may just have 50p, but he's so young it would be a crime to take it from him". Others would think "Yes, I think he could stretch to 50p". As you contemplate this he says, "How many of you believe that I want to give you five pounds?".

This time your thought processes may go something along the lines of "Now hang on, £5 is a lot of money to such a small boy! If he does have it it would be all of his savings. And did he say 'I want to give'? Surely not."

Once again he breaks into your reasoning by suggesting he wants to give you £50, I doubt anyone would believe him capable and willing.

I watch the consternation on your faces, and I now offer you the £50. Many of you would look at me, my age, how I'm dressed and think "Yes, it's a lot of money, but it is possible he's good for it, certainly compared to the young boy". My friends would I know from my previous generosity and have no issues at all! If I now offered £100 to whomever believed I was willing, capable and desirous to give - those who don't know me would think "That's a lot of money, but what have I to lose?". My friends would think "Wow, Mark's really stretching it here.."

What if I were to offer £1,000? £50,000? £1m? At what point would even my friends think no way.

And why would my friends think this? Because they know that I am a man of limited means with a family. They know that I have a certain wisdom which would stop me giving in any way which would not be perceived as wise or prudent. Finally they would know that I don't have unlimited cash to give away, never mind more.

Now here's the rub. Imagine. God stands before you and says "Who believes that I am willing, desirous and capable of giving you a million pounds?". Now the question takes on a whole new dimension. No longer are we talking about a man with limited means. A man who can promise one thing but do another. We are talking about the great God Almighty. Adonai. The "I am who I am". The one whom cannot lie. Does not let His words fall to the ground empty. The first and the last, alpha and omega, who was and is and is to come.

What goes through our minds? Yes, He's good for it. Yes He's willing, desirous and capable. We think some more. That's God standing there. He's offering this to me.

But.

That little word. But. But - I'm not worth it. But, I can't. But, not me. Suddenly His question is not so much about His character, but about ours.

He then follows up His question with a string of questions;

"Who wants peace that transcends understanding? Who wants a quality of life which can't be surpassed? Who wants to drink living water that refreshes and brings life to your inner being? Who wants to exchange a sinful heart for one which is pure? Who wants to know truth, real truth, in the inwards parts and to be set free? Who wants to know my strength made perfect in your weakness? Who wants to know a father's love? Who wants a comforter for when you are grieving, a guide for when you are lost, or a counsellor that will help you when you don't know what to do? Who will believe me? Who will take me at my word?"

And He looks expectantly. Each of us knows He is looking at our hearts. I for one want to shout "Me!".