The Case for God’s Involvement
Deuteronomy 8:2-5; Psalm 139:7-10; Philippians 2:5-11
“Is God dead?” This question found a rather public expression in the April 8, 1966 issue of Time. According to this line of thinking, one could explain the world with a recipe composed of technological advancement and scientific discovery. Given time, we could answer life’s mysteries and would solve perennial problems. The premise was that God was no longer involved in this world, and some concluded that humanity was better off without Him. To be sure the Bible soundly refutes this line of thinking, but be on the lookout – it regularly reappears.
In Psalm 139:7-10, the psalmist asks and then answers an important question: “Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence?” The answer is a resounding: “Nowhere!” In support of his answer, the psalmist provides a panorama exploring God’s personal involvement in creation, reaching its highest places and deepest depths. One can search the heavens or even Sheol, the heights of the sky and the distant seas. God is there.
The Bible everywhere presumes such involvement. From Genesis to Revelation, it everywhere presumes that God is involved in this world. The Gospels offer dramatic testimony that God is not a distant deity – removed and detached from this creation – as they focus on the Son of God’s ministry and mission.
In Philippians 2, Paul cites Jesus’ ministry as a prime example of humility for his followers: God is not an egotistical, maniacal figure. In the life of Jesus, God takes on flesh, tabernacling with humanity, serving His followers and ministering to the needy.
Scholars speak of God’s continued involvement in his creation as creatio continua. God did not merely create the world and leave it to operate on its own, as if someone created a watch, wound it up, and let the passage of time tick-tock along. No, the God of the Bible is intimately involved in this world, a creation He calls “very good” from the very beginning (Genesis 1.31).
God is not dead. He is alive, present, and involved.
Neal– Lessons by Ryan Neal, chair of undergraduate programs in Christian studies and assistant professor of Christian studies at Anderson University (www.auministry.com).