“What The Worldly Recognize”
Jarrod M. Jacobs
There are times when worldly people shame God’s people. The Bible notes this, showing that although we have accepted the Lord’s plan for salvation, it does not grant us a “monopoly” on common sense or the ability to recognize God’s hand in men’s matters. It is time we removed our blinders and followed Paul’s advice: “walk circumspectly (look all around, watch for danger, JMJ), not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Eph. 5:15-16). Often, we find that worldly people show more wisdom than God’s own! Let us consider some examples of this.
Laban
After working for Laban, Jacob wanted to leave with his family (Gen. 30:25). Laban, recognizing that Jacob brought him God’s blessings (Gen. 30:27), tried to keep him by changing his wages and cheating him out of livestock (Gen. 30:32-43, 31:6-9). Both understood that God blessed Laban because of Jacob (Gen. 30:29-30). Similarly, Potiphar’s household was blessed due to Joseph’s presence (Gen. 39:2-3, 5). This raises the question: How often do we attribute “luck,” “chance,” or human abilities to our blessings instead of honoring God (Rom. 11:36; Rev. 4:11)? Laban and Potiphar recognized a truth that few Christians do—God is in control.
The People Of Jericho
When the spies arrived in Canaan, they entered Rahab’s house, where they learned that Jericho's people were afraid and that “our hearts did melt” upon hearing about Egypt’s defeat (Josh. 2:9-11). Interestingly, Jericho recognized God’s power more than Israel did! Their 40 years of wandering were due to their fathers’ faithlessness, fear, and rebellion (Num. 13-14). Meanwhile, the wicked Canaanites nervously awaited Israel’s arrival, acknowledging what Jehovah had done, unlike God’s people. This serves as an important lesson for us.
The Seamen With Jonah
When Jonah fled from God and endured the terrible storm, the heathen Captain said, “Arise, call upon thy God, if so be that God will think upon us, that we perish not” (Jon. 1:6). Why wasn’t Jonah doing this already? Why did he think he could flee from God (Jon. 1:3, 10)? All the men onboard recognized the need for prayer, but Jonah wanted to sleep (Jon. 1:5). How often do we spiritually fall asleep (Rom. 13:11) during crises that even the worldly see as times for prayer?
The Gentiles In Jesus’ Time
During Christ’s time, Gentiles recognized what the Jews refused to see. For instance, Pilate’s wife called Jesus “just” (Matt. 27:19). Christ praised a Gentile for his faith (Matt. 8:10) and a Canaanite woman for her “great faith” (Matt. 15:28). By the cross, a Roman centurion declared, “Truly, this was the son of God” (Matt. 27:54; Mk. 15:39; Lk. 23:47)! These, not “God’s chosen” people, saw Christ as the Savior. Who do we see when we look at Christ through the eyes of faith?
Conclusion
When people are honest, they can recognize God and His power on this earth. As Christians, let us open our eyes to see God’s blessings and actively give Him the glory. “The fruit of our lips” should sound forth praises to God (Heb. 13:15).