Articles of Faith | CafeLogos.org
Every once in a while a major news magazine will feature a painting of Jesus on its cover with an accompanying article that attempts a commentary on the phenomenon of the Christian faith. While the world seeks to understand it, or wrestle with the nebulous concept of faith in the unseen, or tries to discredit it, or minimize it, or merely attempt to lump it in as one of many world religions, one thing they cannot do with it is ignore it. And it's not going to go away, as many I am sure, would like to see it do. Copyright 2002 by H.D. Shively
The Struggle with Christianity
So the wrestling match continues. It's not an easy thing to wrestle with God. The goal in these matches is to subdue Him into a position man can control with his understanding. It is a box that God will never allow himself to be conformed into. And when He won't co-operate, man storms off in a rage for he has always been a poor loser.
It's very sad when this happens, because God is our friend. However, He is a very Holy Friend, and He has always required mankind to come to Him on His terms, not ours and this is what always precipitates the struggle.
God says, "I know you're having a hard time dealing with this fellas, but just take a few minutes to see My side of this whole thing. I have created heaven to be a habitat for the humble. I love little children and this is why Jesus said that you cannot enter heaven until you become humble and dependant like a little child. I hate pride and arrogance and I dwell with the humble and contrite. That's the way it is. So, I looked down upon this planet of raging ego maniacs attempting to tower their way into heaven, and I thought, ‘Well, I'll just become one of them for awhile and show them what it means to be really great in My eyes. I'll take off My royal robes and clothe Myself in peasant's clothes. I'll allow Myself to be crucified on their behalf, and see if they get it. When they behold humility on the Cross, and see it rewarded by a resurrection into Glory, they might figure out that it's okay to say, "I'm sorry."
So with this Gospel I point to the door that leads to Heaven. It is a small, narrow door that only a small humble child-like soul can enter, renewed by My sacrifice and cleansed from this self-made adulthood. I have made no other provision for man to enter My Kingdom. Those are the rules of the house, children. It's a test you see; only the humble will pass it.
Ah, the struggle begins again. I'm wrestling with you - and guess who is going to win?"