What if Jesus asks us to do something that we completely do not understand? …something that makes absolutely no human sense to us?
So much of what we choose to do (or not do) these days is based almost completely on our ability to reason through with its full conclusion. What I mean is, we have much at our avail to make decisions: science, intuition & feelings (including the “gut” ones), wisdom from trusted friends/family, and much more.
It seems almost silly to ask the question: What if Jesus asks us to do something that makes no sense?
Are there times in which we simply set aside almost anything else to do exactly what Jesus says simply because he says it? To be clear, this is not to say that our brains, friends’ advice, etc. are not important. But sometimes, even these good things can be a distraction.
Job’s friends weren’t always exactly dense and stupid, were they? You could reason with some of their advice, no?
There are some things, perhaps even many, that just do not make human sense within the kingdom of God.
Sometimes we try to reason what we know God does want us to do. Take the support of immigrants for one: many people, Christians included, are quick to point out how immigrants can be helpful toward the vitality of a society (paying taxes, contributing to the workforce, cultural diversity, etc.). But is that why God calls Israel to love the immigrant? …the Church to welcome the stranger?
No. God hardly works in the things of utility. God’s call to love immigrants is covenantal, theological, and grounded in God’s own nature and Israel’s story (Remember…*you* were once immigrants.) The narratives of scripture are abundant with accounts of people who have no human/earthly business doing what God calls them to do…doing what God calls them to do. The moment we justify obedience because it “works,” we’re subtly changing the motivation from love/faith to self-interest.
Okay…but only because you say so, Jesus, says Peter.
And then Peter finds out why.
To be clear yet again, this isn’t a call to throw away human wisdom, but to recognize that even human wisdom bows to the wise voice of Christ. It’s also not a call to abandon scripture and just go willy-nilly in doing whatever we think Jesus is asking. Scripture and the history of the Church’s witness are for our benefit. But even then…we might not always personally agree.
And yet we might obey. Not because it all adds up evenly, but because he is Lord.
Then, in the mystery, we might discover along the way that obedience itself is a key to understanding.
Luke 5:1-16
One day Jesus was standing beside Lake Gennesaret when the crowd pressed in around him to hear God’s word. Jesus saw two boats sitting by the lake. The fishermen had gone ashore and were washing their nets. Jesus boarded one of the boats, the one that belonged to Simon, then asked him to row out a little distance from the shore. Jesus sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. When he finished speaking to the crowds, he said to Simon, “Row out farther, into the deep water, and drop your nets for a catch.”
Simon replied, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and caught nothing. But because you say so, I’ll drop the nets.”
So they dropped the nets and their catch was so huge that their nets were splitting. They signaled for their partners in the other boat to come and help them. They filled both boats so full that they were about to sink. When Simon Peter saw the catch, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Leave me, Lord, for I’m a sinner!” Peter and those with him were overcome with amazement because of the number of fish they caught. James and John, Zebedee’s sons, were Simon’s partners and they were amazed too.
Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid. From now on, you will be fishing for people.” As soon as they brought the boats to the shore, they left everything and followed Jesus.
Jesus was in one of the towns where there was also a man covered with a skin disease. When he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and begged, “Lord, if you want, you can make me clean.”
Jesus reached out his hand, touched him, and said, “I do want to. Be clean.” Instantly, the skin disease left him. Jesus ordered him not to tell anyone. “Instead,” Jesus said, “go and show yourself to the priest and make an offering for your cleansing, as Moses instructed. This will be a testimony to them.” News of him spread even more and huge crowds gathered to listen and to be healed from their illnesses. But Jesus would withdraw to deserted places for prayer.
Psalm 25:4-10
Make your ways known to me, Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth—teach it to me—because you are the God who saves me. I put my hope in you all day long. Lord, remember your compassion and faithful love—they are forever! But don’t remember the sins of my youth or my wrongdoing. Remember me only according to your faithful love for the sake of your goodness, Lord.
The Lord is good and does the right thing; he teaches sinners which way they should go. God guides the weak to justice, teaching them his way. All the Lord’s paths are loving and faithful for those who keep his covenant and laws.
Prayer
God,
So often I want clarity before commitment. I covet certainty before I will act. But I‘m understanding that your way is not always clear, and your call is not always reasonable.
Teach me your ways when mine feel easier. Guide me in your truth when my instincts scream otherwise. Lead me to trust that even in what seems foolish, your wisdom is deeper, your mercy wider, your justice stronger.
Rather than using my reason to verify your wisdom, teach me that your wisdom is the key to my understanding.
By your Spirit & in Christ,
Amen.