By Philip Pfanstiel
… but I have this theory: If everyone was given the same blessings, family, opportunities, friends, time in history, place and even genetics that I have, then they too would accept Jesus as their savior.
Problem is … I know I’m wrong.
This isn’t about patting myself on the back, but the realization that given the same controls people make different choices.
Some, given the same ingredients and recipe would probably make better choices and be more effective, less over-thinkee (and beter spelers), more disciplined and all-round better people (but not as relatable).
Some might slaughter Stone Age tribes of puppies and otters wholesale. Hard to know. Really a spectrum of choices.
“For many are called, but few are chosen.” – Matthew 22:14 KJV
This verse always confused me. Seemed redundant. And I hate it when people repeat themselves. By saying the same thing. Really irks me. Seriously, move on already.
Um… where was I? Yes … then a pastor explained that being called is given to many (if not all). Those who receive the call and prepare themselves become eligible and are then chosen. All Israel was called to join Gideon. 32k reported for duty. 10k refused to leave when given a free pass. But only 300 were alert and eventually chosen (Judges 7:1-8).
We see the same pattern play out with the 12 spies (12 called, 2 chosen – Numbers 13), Jesus’ disciples, and even the saints of God.
Saddest thing I’ve seen is people that I thought would be great, make choices to stay good enough. Entropy being what it is, they end up filled with regret and left behind. And yes, the mirror has been cleaned recently. Why do you ask?
Forks by Choice become Canon
Trying to come up with a catchy name for key moments in our lives where we have a choice that defines our life, or at least takes us down an extended path. I’ll let you know when I find something catchy.
I can think of a half dozen canon/key moments in my life where I had a choice to be honest, take advice, serve and repent or lie, resist, take and retreat. Would love to say I always chose the right path, but not finna choose to lie while writing a blog about choices.
The Saul Fork
There were two pivotal Sauls both chosen by God’s grace. Saul of Tarsus (later Paul) chooses to repent when confronted on the road to Damascus and ends up being used by God to guide and shape much of the last 2,000 years (and his influence will extend into eternity).
But it’s the story of King Saul that has always haunted me. Saul wasn’t an accident, and he wasn’t a bad man. God chose him. God anointed him. And God blessed him and his dynasty.
Even when God corrected him and said that the kingdom would be taken from him, God still offered him grace (I Samuel 15:23). I like connecting dots but some days my lights aren’t that bright so plug this in and see if you get the same picture.
When God anointed David to replace Saul, God then did something very odd. He brought David to minister to Saul with his music. A short time later David killed Goliath thus giving Saul a major victory. Then Saul’s daughter Michal fell in love with David, and Jonathan became best friends with David.
Saul’s Grace Cypher: David
David, unknowingly, was the grace cypher that God was offering to Saul. If Saul could humble himself and receive David, then everything was still in front of him. Even at this late of a date, Saul’s dynasty would have continued through the marriage of David and Michal. Saul’s son Jonathan would have been David’s trusted general. And when Saul passed his family would have mourned him, David would have written powerful songs about his father-in-law, and the Davidic dynasty would instead be known as the David-Saulic dynasty.
Instead, Saul’s repeated pride, rebellion, and intransigence poisoned Michal (who was barren due to her disdain for David), took Jonathan to his death (and two other sons), and ended up destroying through a thousand cuts what once had the potential to be a mighty dynasty (I Samuel 13:13). And David’s reign was marred because he didn’t have Jonathan and Michal by his side. Sadly, Saul is now a byword for Christian leaders who start out strong but blow the lead in the 4th quarter and are characterized by a legalistic and controlling spirit.
What still baffles me is that God chose Saul. As Saul made choice after befuddlingly stupid choice it eventually led God to say, “I regret that I have made Saul king …” (I Samuel 15:11 ESV).
This blog isn’t about free will versus predestination, but get me sugared up and ask me, and we can discuss the heck out of that dichotomy. But for now, God chose Saul, Saul chose to rebel repeatedly, which caused God to regret choosing Saul.
Ouch!
The question the bad mirror keeps asking me is … am I on the path to be a less successful Saul? Saul, in his defense, led Israel well with many victories, had an amazing family, and a lot of potential. Will I choose to repent, obey, and keep the faith, or rationalize and abandon my destiny in order to vent and justify my disappointments?
And if God brings a David into my life … will I humbly and gratefully receive him, or pin him to the wall with my spear, mouth or pen? Someday if my future David reads this blog, feel free to print and give it to me and then leave while I wrestle my own demons.
Second Chance Saul
King Saul, also in his defense, didn’t have all these stories (that we have) to help guide and correct him. Maybe it was his cautionary tale that inspired his namesake (Saul/Paul) to humble himself and lead the early Church.
Chuck Missler analyzed Stephen’s sermon in Acts 7 (link to Missler’s teaching). He argues that Stephen’s sermon was using the motif of missing it the first time, getting it the second time. Then, as he talks about their rejection of Jesus (the 1st time) one can extrapolate that Stephen was going to say how they would receive Jesus the 2nd time. But Stephen was stoned to death before he could deliver this powerful prophecy.
I used to think that I learned lessons the easy way by learning vicariously from the mistakes of others. But after making a series of doozy mistakes, I’ve come to realize that I’m as stubborn as the best of them and have to miss it the first time. God help me not miss it the 2nd time. Help me make new mistakes and learn new lessons. I have no desire to take another lap around Mount Face Palm.
Unless it’s a 14er but that’s a different obsession I’ve chosen as my mid-life crisis … and writing a book that has as many rewrites as the stars and sand.
Final Thoughts on Free Will Choices
As Moses is preparing to die, he gives a series of powerful illustrated sermons using Mountain Gerizim and Ebal (blessings and curses, respectively) and then summarizes the fork in the road for Israel, but by extension all of us.
“I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live” – Deuteronomy 30:19 ESV
If free will choices weren’t a thing, the Bible (especially this passage) makes no sense. Everything implies that we are free to choose, but our choices have consequences. Unless we miss it, God then tips the scales by telling us plainly, “choose life.”
As I post this article it is now Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) in God’s Calendar. The 10 days leading to Yom Kippur is called the Days of Awe where every Israelite is to undergo a season of Teshuvah or Repentance.
The cure for cheap grace is a proper understanding of the Gospel. “Accepting Jesus” is better understood as a turning to God (through the work of Jesus) and turning away from our sins (repentance). It is a continual process marked by a series of choices.
I gave a word to a friend recently, and I could see it hit hard. I wanted to soften or even reverse the blow. But I couldn’t. He’ll have to struggle with and make decisions with that information. What he does with it may shape whether he advances from called to chosen, or is another proverbial “what could have been.”
That’s the nature of choice. God has a plan, purpose, and calling for each of us … but it is up to each of us to choose to join with Him (repentance, obedience, and humility) and prepare ourselves for the honor and responsibility of being chosen.
This is the Great Adventure. We all have the same exciting “choose your own adventure” flow chart in front of us. Our choices will move us forward, away from, or delay us but they will all be of consequence. If it was a guarantee … well, what fun would that be?
Free will epic fails do make really good stories and cautionary tales. The first time. Encore performances are just sad. Better to leave it all on the field with no regerts, and trophy/crown/rewards/legacy in hand.