HE BRINGS ORDER OUT OF CHAOS!

 

Monday, December 27, 2021

 

HE BRINGS ORDER OUT OF CHAOS!

 

1 Cor 14:33

33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

 

          The context of this verse is set in the midst of instructions regarding the proper use of the temporary gift of previously unlearned languages to transmit God’s word to the churches. The Bible had not yet been completed and, in fact, was still being lived out. Truth was transmitted by way of special messengers who would give that message in a language they did not know, thus verifying the authenticity of the origin. Another in the church would be gifted with the interpretation and answer in a language all understood. The Corinthians were abusing this and Satan was counterfeiting it. The result was confusion and clamor. However, for our purposes, we will pull out the principle and let it stand alone. God is not the author of confusion.

 

          Confusion reigns when there is a conflict of wills. When my will is so dominant and determined that I refuse to consider the possibility that God’s will is best, there is confusion and I become bewildered. Progress is halted and programs run in circles. This is the essence of what the Jews experienced as they wandered in the wilderness.

 

          The opposite of confusion (akatastasia) is not clarity but peace (eirene)! Peace is that quietness of spirit that signals everything is alright. In that peaceful place the winds are mild, and the temperatures are moderate; bills are paid and there is sufficient for today. In that peaceful place our relationships are pleasant, and our enemies are kept far away. Peace! How we long for peace! Peace is possible even when things are not yet perfectly clear! Many strands of a knotty problem may yet need to be unraveled but the spirit is at peace. Isn’t that what we want when we pray? We ask God to make things clear to us when what we really want is peace. We want to know that those confusing things will eventually work out. We need to know that God is in control, working things out for good.

 

          Creation shows God’s handiwork in bringing order out of chaos. We are alarmed to read that “the earth was without form and void and darkness was upon the face of the deep.” Many have tried to make much of that statement without any satisfactory conclusion. I think it simply can be explained by watching a potter. His first order of business is to scoop up a batch of mud. It has no form or function. That is the job of the potter.

 

Almighty God! Today’s world is a confusing place. Even churches chase their tails in monotonous attempts to produce what only the Spirit can do. We point fingers of blame when the real problem is our own stubborn will which stands opposed to your will. Help us to surrender and be at peace. AMEN