| RPM, Volume 11, Number 49, December 6 to December 12 2009 |
Editor's Note: We all have thoughts — some good - some bad, but nonetheless they are thoughts. Our thoughts should be reflected upon and dealt with biblically (Rom. 12:1-3; Gal. 6:3; Phil. 3:12-17; Phil. 4:8-9; 2 Pet. 3:1, etc.). ‘Just Thinkin Out Loud' (spelling of ‘thinkin'' is purposeful) is a series of thoughts that are being made public. You may or may not agree with all of the thoughts you read in this series, but it will help all of us to discuss them — out loud. The hope of the author and editors at IIIM is that this will assist all of us to begin personal reflection upon our own thoughts and compare them with God's perspective in Holy Scripture. Readers are encouraged to use small discussion groups and/or our RPM forum for any irenic discussion(s) of these specific thoughts and others they may bring about.The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA, has been fighting a 30-year fight with skeptics, who say it did not send people to the moon and back. They are still fighting this fight, and one of the interesting aspects of it is the 800 lb. lunar rock collection the astronauts brought home (boys will be boys). The interesting thing about the rocks is that no geologist is disputing their being from the moon.
Given the climate we have here on earth and what it does and has done to rocks here, the lunar rocks show none of those traits. This, to them, is unmistakable proof that the rocks that were brought here on the space ships came from the moon. They could not look like they did if they had been on earth, the geologists say.
Whenever Israel went to war, God had two things in mind for them: win the battle and make it clear who won it. Looking at the conversations, Gideon had with God going into battle, it is apparent that God wanted Israel to have no delusions about the conquest and in whose might it was to be won. For this reason, rather than the usual maces and spears and other military equipment, Israel went to battle with musical instruments. It's sort of like General George Patton fighting WWII with the Boston Pops Orchestra on the front line — yeah right.
But that is precisely the point. The battle line is in the prayer chapel, not always the student commons or wherever else the sharing of faith is done. For Gideon and Israel it was the fervent petition and then even more fervent horn blowing that was their part in battle. It is an act of believing faith and obedient action that provides the connection that makes it possible for the heart to be won, or whatever accomplishment is to be done. The believer thus goes forward, knowing clearly who's doing the real fighting.
Unmistakably faithful action makes for unmistakably clear victory and for the clear argument as to who did the winning.
Tell me what you think, I'm just thinkin out loud!
| This article is provided as a ministry of Third Millennium Ministries (Thirdmill). If you have a question about this article, please email our Theological Editor. |
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