Time & Chance – Part 6
November 24, 2008
Dear Friends,
The most compelling argument in the Bible against "chance" is the great number of God's promises that are rendered of null and void if "chance" or "randomness" is our true state of being. For example,
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (Ro 8:28)
What comfort for us is there is this verse said "most things work together for good" or "some things work together for good?" We would be left to guess in which things were working for good and which things were completely random (and therefore meaningless!). As it stands, we don't have to guess. We are told that all things—not 50%, 75% or even 99% but 100%—are working for our good.
Imagine how much of the famous Psalm 23 is rendered poetic misinformation if chance rules in our life. Let me highlight a few of those promises that become misleading hyperbole under such circumstances.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Notice the action words this psalm contains. Do we believe God is with us or not in the valley of the shadow of death? How can we "fear no evil" if God is not with us always and always active? There seems to me to be plenty of evil to fear in a world full of chance and randomness. If I get sick, is it random evil that has occurred or God working for good? The psalmist obviously has no concept of going through a world full of random evil as the concluding idea of the song indicates – "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life." Again, it is not "maybe" or "possibly" "goodness and mercy shall follow me" but "surely." It will "follow me." The Hebrew word is radaph which means to pursue or chase like a pack of wild dogs would pursue its prey. It carries with it the idea of intent and determination. This is how God's goodness and mercy pursues us. There is not hint of God's goodness and mercy as an arbitrary thing moderated by chance or whim.
How about the promise in Proverbs 3:5,6?
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
If there is such a thing as chance, maybe the path we are on is random and not God directed after all?
We can go on and on, but just from these few verses we can see the devastation to so many of God's promises and assurances to us if we entertain the notion of chance in our lives.
As we have stated, this doctrine is not that important for the sake of the doctrine itself. However, our attitude is determined by just how much we think God is involved in our lives. If we think that He is in control of every aspect, then we can march forward prayerfully following His principles in full assurance that He is with us, guiding us and protecting us. We can know that He is working for good. We can find solace in our time of need in the knowledge that our loving heavenly Father cradles us in His arms in each and every moment in our life. This assurance we have, brethren. We are never alone. We are never set adrift in the sea of life being battered about by some meaningless wind of chance or luck. We have the assurances of our God – Creator of heaven and earth – that we are in His thoughts, in His presence and in His Divine care always and forever.
Lead us, Heav'nly Father, lead us,
O'er the world's tempestuous sea;
Guard us, guide us, keep us, feed us,
For we have no help but thee;
Yet possessing ev'ry blessing
If our God our father be. (1)
Have a great week,
(1) Hymn 148, Christadelphian Hymn Book, James Edmeston (1791-1867)
