On the Challenge of the Old Testament GOD! Part 2
By Gary L. Clendenon, (c) 2011
There are two Biblical principles that I believe in that are over all other principles and rules for GOD.
1. "GOD IS LOVE."
2. Because GOD is LOVE, "GOD MEETS PEOPLE WHERE THEY ARE AT" in a way that they can understand.
So, 4,000 years ago, because of the fact that the people in the Old Testament had strayed so far from GOD and become pagan and barbaric, GOD had to interact with them in a way that they would understand, so when GOD came to those tribal, barbaric people who only respected FEAR, POWER, and FORCE, GOD came to them with FEAR, POWER and FORCE.
My friend had a poster when I was growing up that said "Yea, though I pass through the valley of darkness, I will fear no evil, for I am the meanest son-of-a-bitch in the valley." GOD came to those pagan barbarians like that. GOD said, there may be other gods, but I AM the Biggest, Baddest, Best-est, Strongest, Smartest, Sexiest, God of all gods! So, you will want to worship and follow me! I will protect you from your enemies. I will supply all your your physical needs. I will make your people the best in the land. In exchange for ALL THAT, here are MY rules that you must follow if you want to be a part of this AWESOME deal.
The Israelites signed on with GOD, because they got the best offer from GOD--"the meanest son of a bitch in the valley"--and He came through on His promises. They feared this god the most and that meant that their enemies would fear this god too, which would keep them safe! That they could respect! This was GOD meeting the people where they were at!
When we read the Old Testament, WE MUST NOT read it through the eyes of the 21st Century A.D. In order to understand it properly, WE MUST read it through the eyes of the 21st Century B.C.--4,000 years ago! WE MUST understand the times, the culture, the norms and traditions of the time we are reading about because GOD was operating within those cultural boundaries to meet people in a way that they could understand. As long as we read it with eyes of today, we will never understand what GOD was doing.
