How is it possible that the same words from the Bible can in some instance bring hope and healing and in another discouragement, depression and hopelessness?
Scratching my head in Seattle...
Dear Scratching-Your-Head-in-Seattle,
I am not sure whether this is going to help or not, but check this out:
Like a thorn which falls into the hand of a drunkard,
so is a proverb in the mouth of fools.
Proverbs 26:9
The Word of God is spoken to us by God Himself only and always to bring His redeeming grace and restoring truth into our lives. However, because of our rebellious condition, sometimes He needs to use it as a surgical scalpel in the hand of a skilled Physician to cure deadly soul disease - our willful independence and indifference towards our Creator and Redeemer. The Holy Spirit is the Physician and He alone knows what we need and when we need it. So, when the Holy Spirit speaks His Word to our hearts, even if it hurts, the Word also brings healing, hope and genuine growth in our lives.
Sadly, based on the above Scriptures, in the fallen world we live in, many fools take upon themselves to play the Holy Spirit in our lives (been there, done that, never-ever want to do it again!) , and rather than using the Word as skillful Surgeon, they resemble more an out-of-balance, out-of-control intoxicated alcoholic.
Needless to say, there is a huge difference in having a scalpel in the hand of a skillful Surgeon and in the hand of tottering drunkard. If I need a surgery, guess which one I would rather go to?
As if this is not horrible enough, there are people who actually hire fools and give them power and authority to carry on their destructive mission. I guess most job interviews don't screen applicants for their wisdom vs. foolishness quotient. A fool can be smart enough to fool even the most intelligent individuals by their deceptive words, especially if they carry themselves as experts and authorities in any particular field, religion being the most dubious field of all. This is why I wouldn't be too severe on the employers of the fools, although they certainly bear some responsibility:
Like an archer who wounds everyone
so is he who hires a fool or he who hires those who pass by.
Proverbs 26:10
As you can see, we live in a treacherous world where God's Word, meant to be used as source of life, salvation, truth and grace is often turned into an assault weapon in the hands of fools. You and I need to be aware that God's Word is never spoken in a spiritual vacuum. The Enemy of our souls who very much alive and active, knows the power of God's Word and will stop at nothing to thwart God's children in knowing this and appropriating their rightful place in the spiritual battle. For, according to Ephesians 6:10-18, the only offensive weapon given to the child of God in this war is the Word of God. Our capacity to stand in the evil day will be in direct proportion to our knowledge of the Word of God Himself.
Hope this relieves at least a little bit of that itch on your head. I am sure it has opened up other, perhaps even bigger area of itching, but keep always in mind
You are from God, little children,
and have overcome them:
because greater is He who is in you
than he who is in the world.
I John 4:4
The Enemy is a defeated foe, who knows that his clock is ticking.
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