GOD IN A BOX

John 19:21

“Then the leading priests objected and said to Pilate, “Change it from ‘The King of the Jews’ to ‘He said, I am the King of the Jews.’”

We’re always trying to make God into our own image, aren’t we?  These priests, who knew the Scriptures backwards and forwards, were trying to fit Jesus into their own tiny box so their control over the people wouldn’t slip away from them.  They knew Who He was, but refused to acknowledge it.  We say, “How dare they!  He didn’t just SAY He was King, He IS King!”  Indignation drips from our voices.

But we do the same thing!  How often do we read a passage from God’s Word, feel the conviction raining down on our heads, but then do nothing about the change God wants to effect in our lives?  Instead, we want to change what He has said to us into something more palatable, something easier to fit into our lives, something that won’t hurt us to do.  How often do we go the other way when God asks us to speak to someone about His love and His sacrifice, and by that turning away, risk both our own heart hardening and that person’s eternal soul?  Is this not trying to make God into our own tiny image?  (He didn’t REALLY say THAT to me!  He doesn’t REALLY want ME to do THAT!) 

We look intently into the mirror of our lives, seeing ourselves the way we really are, and God for Who He is, then walk away and conveniently forget.  We’re in charge again and God is tucked safely back into the small box on a shelf somewhere in our minds, to be brought out when we walk into our house of worship or we need something.

If He’s King, then let’s let Him be King!  If He’s God, He won’t fit into any box anywhere!  Let’s be His true subjects, obediently leading lives of holiness, allowing Him to make us into the people He wants us to be.  The only way we can fully experience God’s blessings is to fully experience immediate and thorough obedience to Him.

Let’s stop trying to “change” Who God is.  As CS Lewis said, “He’s not a tame Lion.”