Discover the highlights of this chapter shaping the New Evangelization today: https://www.builtforgreatness.com/tao-te-ching-chapter-73-judgement-of-god/
The paradoxical nature of divine judgment stops us in our tracks and invites deeper contemplation. Drawing from chapter 73 of "Judgment of God" from the BFG movement, we journey through four profound paradoxes that challenge conventional thinking about how God judges, acts, and relates to humanity.
We begin with a striking contrast: "The bold who are brave will die by the sword. The bold who are careful will live." This isn't advocating fearfulness, but a thoughtful courage that combines bravery with wisdom—a principle Jesus demonstrated when rebuking Peter for drawing his sword in defense. We explore how this balanced boldness applies to relationships, leadership, and justice work in our daily lives.
The mystery of divine favor presents another challenging perspective: "Who knows the reason? Even the wise find this difficult." This confronts our human tendency to seek simple explanations for life's complexities. When suffering or injustice occurs, we're invited not to fixate on "Why me?" but to trust in a bigger picture beyond our comprehension—finding freedom in acknowledging our limited understanding.
Perhaps most poetically, we contemplate how God "conquers without contending, responds without speaking, cannot be summoned and yet is present." Divine action often works quietly, gradually, contrary to our expectations of dramatic intervention. This invites patience and trust in God's sovereignty and timing, a countercultural posture in our instant-results world.
Finally, we examine judgment as both inescapable and merciful: "The heavenly net is wide and vast, yet nobody can slip through it." Rather than inducing fear, this brings profound peace—knowing God sees everything, even what seems overlooked or insignificant.
What might shift in your perspective if you embraced these paradoxes? Where could you practice more wisdom in boldness, humility in uncertainty, patience in waiting, or trust in divine sovereignty? The journey continues with each small step toward deeper understanding.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
You know, there's this deep-seated thing in us,
isn't there this need tounderstand how things work
Fairness, justice, just thebasic mechanics of the world.
You've probably wondered aboutit yourself.
We're diving headfirst intosomething really
thought-provoking.
We've got chapter 73 fromJudgment of God.
Built for God, the BFG movement.
Speaker 2 (00:19):
Right, the BFG movement.
They seem to be aboutpresenting the gospel in a well,
a contemporary way.
Speaker 1 (00:25):
Exactly, and this chapter frames itself as a kind
of Christian take on the Tao TeChing a different expression,
they call it of God's love aimedat restoring truth.
Speaker 2 (00:35):
And what's really grabbed me about it, beyond the
interfaith angle, is how itdeals with divine judgment.
Speaker 1 (00:40):
It uses these paradoxical statements yeah, not
just laying it out straight.
Speaker 2 (00:44):
No, it makes you stop and think OK, what does
judgment really mean here?
And it connects those thoughtsback to Christian teachings.
Speaker 1 (00:50):
Totally so.
Our mission for this deep divereally is to unpack these ideas.
They might seem surprising,maybe even challenge how you
think about judgment.
Speaker 2 (00:59):
And hopefully pull out some practical insights to
things you can actually use dayto day.
That's always the goal, isn'tit?
Absolutely.
Speaker 1 (01:05):
Okay, so it kicks off right away with this line about
boldness.
The bold who are brave will dieby the sword.
The bold who are careful willlive.
Speaker 2 (01:13):
Wow, yeah, that definitely makes you pause.
Brave, dies, careful lives, butboth are bold.
Speaker 1 (01:19):
Right.
It immediately made me think of, you know, the Christian idea
of taking up your cross like inLuke.
Well, it's not about being somekind of reckless action hero,
is it?
It's more that steady, faithfulliving.
Maybe real courage isn't beingfearless but being smart about
how you act.
Speaker 2 (01:35):
That's a great connection Considered
faithfulness, not just impulse.
It reminds me of Peter,actually Matthew 26.
Speaker 1 (01:41):
Oh, when he draws the sword.
Speaker 2 (01:42):
Exactly.
He's bold defending Jesus, butJesus rebukes him.
Speaker 1 (01:52):
It suggests God's way isn't always about meeting
force with force, you know?
Yeah, definitely not theobvious reaction and the source
material in its renewal part.
It has this mindset principleboldness and caution in action.
Speaker 2 (02:00):
Okay, so it's explicitly naming that tension.
Speaker 1 (02:03):
And the aim it gives is wisdom in boldness, balancing
courage with carefuldiscernment.
Speaker 2 (02:10):
I like that.
It draws a line between justbeing reckless and being
thoughtfully bold.
Reckless is impulse, maybeharmful.
Thoughtful boldness has wisdombehind it.
Speaker 1 (02:19):
Which fits so well with Christian ideas about
seeking prudence, seeking wisdom.
Speaker 2 (02:24):
It does and the real world application they mention
is key.
I think that feeling when youwant to jump in immediately.
Speaker 1 (02:29):
Oh yeah, Been there.
Speaker 2 (02:30):
Right, but this suggests pausing being
thoughtful in relationships,leadership, even social justice
stuff.
Like stand up for what's right,sure, but do it with respect
and thought, not just steamrolling.
Speaker 1 (02:41):
Constructively.
And they bring in Proverbs 3,trust in the Lord, and James 1,
ask God for wisdom, anchoring it.
Then it shifts to the aimprinciple Aim for wisdom and
discernment and boldness andcaution.
Speaker 2 (02:54):
So not just having the mindset but actively aiming
for it Right, moving from ideato intention, the goal being
boldness that's really moderated, tempered by thought.
Speaker 1 (03:03):
And the explanation digs into that evaluating risks,
benefits planning, seekingadvice before acting boldly.
Speaker 2 (03:10):
It's deliberate, not spontaneous combustion.
Speaker 1 (03:12):
Which feels super practical for anyone listening.
Those big choices, careerrelationships go forward, yes,
but maybe not with your eyesclosed.
Speaker 2 (03:21):
Exactly.
And again scriptures pop upProverbs 2 on God giving wisdom,
proverbs 3 on safeguardingjudgment.
It keeps reinforcing the sourceof that wisdom.
Speaker 1 (03:29):
Then comes the practice principle.
Practice discernment inboldness and caution.
Speaker 2 (03:33):
Where the rubber meets the road.
Yeah, put the thoughtfulboldness into action.
Speaker 1 (03:38):
Confident but guided.
The explanation talks aboutchoosing when to be bold, wisely
, using foresight.
Speaker 2 (03:43):
So it's strategic courage, not just any courage.
Speaker 1 (03:46):
And the examples are things like career moves,
starting projects, leading teams.
You need boldness, but you alsoneed responsibility.
Research.
Speaker 2 (03:54):
You do.
And those verses again James1.5, proverbs 3.56,.
Just keeping that foundation inview.
Speaker 1 (04:00):
Now this response section is fascinating.
It draws parallels with otherfaiths on this balance.
Well, it mentions Matthew 10.16, wise as serpents, harmless as
doves classic Christian imagefor this.
Speaker 2 (04:12):
Definitely Wisdom and innocence together.
Speaker 1 (04:15):
But then it brings in the Quran 16.125, about
inviting others with wisdom andgood instruction.
Speaker 2 (04:21):
Okay, similar theme.
Speaker 1 (04:23):
And Hinduism via the Bhagavad Gita, detachment and
self-control, tempering action,and Buddhism's right action
advocating moderation Suggestsmaybe true strength isn't just
raw power.
Speaker 2 (04:33):
Yeah, it's guided power.
Speaker 1 (04:35):
And the final verse they drop in is Proverbs 4.
Get wisdom Pretty direct.
Speaker 2 (04:39):
Can't get much clearer than that.
Okay, so that's the boldnessparadox.
What about the next point?
The mystery of divine favor.
Speaker 1 (04:46):
Right.
This one also stops you in yourtracks.
One is not favored by heaven.
Who knows the reason.
Even the wise find thisdifficult.
Speaker 2 (04:54):
Yeah, that hits hard because we want to know the
reason, don't?
Speaker 1 (04:58):
we Totally, and it immediately made me think of
Isaiah 55.
God's thoughts aren't ourthoughts.
His ways aren't our ways.
Speaker 2 (05:05):
Right.
It pushes back against thateasy cause and effect we often
look for like I did good, so Iget blessed.
Maybe it's not that simple.
Speaker 1 (05:12):
Maybe that discomfort , the why, is actually part of
deepening faith.
Speaker 2 (05:16):
Could be Loving your enemies.
That really throws a wrench inthe simple reward system idea of
favor.
Speaker 1 (05:23):
It does.
God's favor seems rooted inthis massive love and justice,
way bigger than our humanscorecard.
Speaker 2 (05:29):
And the renewal section here has the mindset
understanding and accepting themystery of life, aiming for
humility.
Speaker 1 (05:34):
Humility when we just don't get it.
The explanation talks abouttrusting God's will, even
without the answers.
Speaker 2 (05:40):
Which is easier said than done, but crucial, a faith
that doesn't need all theblueprints.
Speaker 1 (05:45):
And the real world application is right there,
dealing with suffering, loss,injustice, instead of getting
stuck on.
Why me?
It's about trusting a biggerpicture.
Speaker 2 (05:55):
Finding peace in the uncertainty maybe, and the verse
of support that Isaiah 55 againin Romans 8.28, all things work
together for good.
That's a big anchor.
Speaker 1 (06:04):
Huge anchor.
Okay, then, the aim is aim forhumility and understanding
life's mysteries.
Actively embrace the mystery,Acknowledge our limits.
Speaker 2 (06:12):
Yeah, letting go of the need to know everything,
trusting God's wisdom is greater, humbling ourselves before the
unknown.
Speaker 1 (06:19):
The application follows, trusting that bigger
picture when things areconfusing or painful from down
here makes sense and proverbs 3and isaiah 55 reinforce that.
Lean, not on your ownunderstanding than the practice,
practice humility andacknowledging life's mysteries,
actively accepting.
We won't figure it all out andthe explanation is almost
freeing.
Speaker 2 (06:39):
Not everything needs to be figured out.
Speaker 1 (06:40):
Maybe accepting that lets us trust more deeply so the
real world practice isresisting that demand for
immediate answers in tough times, Leaning on faith, trusting
God's in control even if thepath is foggy.
Isaiah 55, again, constantreminders and the response
section again finds echoeselsewhere.
Proverbs 3, christianity.
Speaker 2 (07:00):
And the Quran 3.191, the Bhagavad Gita on devotion,
leading to understanding theDhammapada in Buddhism on the
mind shaping reality.
Speaker 1 (07:09):
It's like all these paths acknowledge something
beyond our full grasp, a sharedsense of human limitation before
the divine or the ultimate.
Speaker 2 (07:16):
Yeah, recognizing, we're not the ones holding all
the cards, and the applicationis simply practice, humility and
challenges.
Trust, a higher power.
Speaker 1 (07:23):
Tied up with Isaiah 55 and James 4.
Humble yourselves before theLord.
Okay, let's shift again thenature of how God acts Right.
Speaker 2 (07:30):
The descriptions are amazing Conquers without
contending, responds withoutspeaking, Cannot be summoned and
yet is present.
Speaker 1 (07:36):
So poetic it instantly brought Psalm 46.
Be still and know that I am God.
Speaker 2 (07:41):
God's power doesn't need a big fight scene.
It, god, god's power, doesn'tneed a big fight scene.
It's inherent, like an author'scontrol over the story.
Speaker 1 (07:48):
Subtle but total, that story in First Kings with
Elijah.
God wasn't in the wind, theearthquake, the fire.
Speaker 2 (07:53):
But in the still small voice.
Speaker 1 (07:55):
Exactly Divine action can be quiet, almost invisible
sometimes.
Speaker 2 (07:59):
So the renewal mindset is God's sovereignty
conquering without contending,aiming for trust in God's
unhurried, complete control.
Speaker 1 (08:09):
Unhurried.
That's key.
The explanation stresses God'sabsolute sovereignty, but His
work is often quiet, gradual,not our pace at all.
Speaker 2 (08:18):
Which makes the real-world application so
relevant for us right TrustingGod's timing in this crazy, fast
world, finding peace whenthings feel uncertain.
Speaker 1 (08:26):
Knowing work is being done, even if we don't see it.
Psalm 46 again and Isaiah 40.
Waiting on the Lord renews,strength, powerful promises.
Speaker 2 (08:33):
Then the aim Aim for patience and trust in God's
sovereignty, actively resting inHis timing.
Speaker 1 (08:38):
Resisting that urge to push to force our own
schedule onto things, trustingthe bigger plan.
Speaker 2 (08:43):
The real world.
Practice is learning to waitfor change, healing whatever it
is, resisting the urge to takeover, which is hard.
But Psalm 46 in Ecclesiastes 3,he has made everything
beautiful in its time.
Remind us of that divinetimetable.
Speaker 1 (08:57):
Then practice, practice, patience and trust in
God's timing, actively waiting.
Speaker 2 (09:02):
And the explanation highlights God's wisdom and
patience.
We're invited to reflect thatResist forcing things or getting
discouraged while we wait.
Speaker 1 (09:10):
So the application is keep praying, keep bringing
things to God, but then releasethe outcome.
Trust his timing.
Speaker 2 (09:16):
Sounds like it Resting in his wisdom, and Psalm
27, wait for the Lord and 2Peter 3 on God's patience,
provide that encouragement.
Speaker 1 (09:23):
And again the response section finds
connections Psalm 27, Quran2.153, Hindu karma, yoga,
Buddhist right, effort andmindfulness.
Speaker 2 (09:32):
All pointing towards accepting a larger process, an
unfolding that's not entirely inour hands, especially during
times of waiting.
Speaker 1 (09:39):
It is fascinating.
So the application is trustingthat unfolding in prayer, career
relationships, seeing a biggertiming at play.
Speaker 2 (09:47):
And Ecclesiastes 3, a season for everything plus
Romans 8.28.
Tie that together.
Trust the process God's workingin it Okay.
Speaker 1 (09:53):
Final piece, this idea of inescapable but merciful
judgment.
Speaker 2 (09:57):
Yeah, that paradox Again it says God does not rush
things and yet fulfills thatpatience we just talked about.
Speaker 1 (10:02):
Right, then it hits with.
The heavenly net is wide andvast, and yet nobody can slip
through it.
Whoa.
Speaker 2 (10:09):
That's a powerful image, the net.
It connects to Christian ideasof final judgment, like in
Romans 14 or Revelation 20.
Everyone is accountable.
Speaker 1 (10:17):
And this is crucial held in tension with God's grace
right.
The net might be inescapable,but mercy is still central.
Speaker 2 (10:23):
Absolutely a central point Justice and mercy together
.
The renewal mindset is theunstoppable will of God,
trusting his power and justice.
Speaker 1 (10:32):
The explanation says nothing escapes God's notice.
His plans will be fulfilled.
There's a certainty there.
Speaker 2 (10:37):
And the application is finding peace in that Knowing
God sees everything, even thesmall stuff, even what feels
overlooked.
Speaker 1 (10:43):
That's comforting.
In Matthew 10, god knowing thesparrows, and Romans 8, nothing
separating us from his love.
Those verses give that deepsecurity.
Speaker 2 (10:51):
Then the aim.
Aim for confidence in God'sunfailing control, finding
assurance in his authority.
Speaker 1 (10:57):
The explanation is blunt.
God is in complete control,total sovereignty.
Speaker 2 (11:01):
Which can be a huge source of peace, especially in
crises when everything feelschaotic, remembering that
ultimate control.
In Romans 8.28 and Matthew 10,.
Again, god works for good, heknows the details.
Constant reassurance, thenpractice.
Practice confidence in God'ssovereignty, actively choosing
to trust His control in everyarea.
Speaker 1 (11:21):
The explanation suggests everything unfolds
according to His purpose andembracing that brings peace,
even when life's stormy.
Speaker 2 (11:28):
So the application is trusting him through challenges
, personal work, relationships,knowing there's a plan, even if
it's hidden.
Speaker 1 (11:35):
In Romans 8.28, Psalm 115,.
Our God is in heaven.
He does whatever pleases him,affirming his authority.
Speaker 2 (11:42):
And finally the respond section one last time.
Romans 8 for Christianity.
Speaker 1 (11:46):
Quran 94, Bhagavad Gita on devotion, Dhammapada on
the mind's power, all hinting attrust in a higher power's
oversight.
Speaker 2 (11:54):
It's amazing how that core belief in divine control
and protection echoes acrossdifferent paths.
A universal comfort, maybe?
Speaker 1 (12:00):
Seems like it.
So the application is activelypractice faith and confidence in
God's plan, especially whenthings feel uncertain.
Speaker 2 (12:06):
And Isaiah 46, god's plan standing firm, and Matthew
10, his detailed knowledge,powerful closing thoughts on
that sovereignty.
Speaker 1 (12:16):
One of the big takeaways for everyone listening
we've seen this really complexpicture of judgment.
Speaker 2 (12:21):
Yeah, not just punishment.
It's this weave of divinewisdom incredible patience,
inescapable justice, but alwaysshot through with mercy.
Speaker 1 (12:31):
And those recurring themes, the balance of boldness
and caution.
Speaker 2 (12:34):
The humility needed when facing mystery.
Speaker 1 (12:37):
Trusting God's timing , not ours.
Speaker 2 (12:39):
And that deep confidence in his sovereignty.
Speaker 1 (12:41):
And it's really striking how these ideas pop up
across different spiritualtraditions, isn't it In the
respond sections?
Speaker 2 (12:47):
It really is.
Speaker 1 (12:48):
It hints at maybe some universal truths about how
things work or how we relate tothe ultimate which leads to a
big question for you listeninghow might this wider view of
judgment as wisdom, patience,justice and mercy shift how you
see your own life, your ownactions, your trust?
Speaker 2 (13:03):
It's worth pondering when could you maybe use a bit
more wisdom in your boldness?
Speaker 1 (13:07):
Or more humility when you don't have the answers.
Speaker 2 (13:10):
Or practice more patience or lean more into
trusting that bigger plan.
Speaker 1 (13:14):
Exactly so maybe the final thought is what specific
part of this deep dive resonatedmost with you right now?
Speaker 2 (13:22):
And what might be one small step you could take to
explore that resonance a bitfurther.
It's always a journey, isn't it?
You know, there's this deep-seated thing in us,
isn't there this need tounderstand how things work
Fairness, justice, just thebasic mechanics of the world.
You've probably wondered aboutit yourself.
We're diving headfirst intosomething really
thought-provoking.
We've got chapter 73 fromJudgment of God.
Built for God, the BFG movement.
Speaker 2 (00:19):
Right, the BFG movement.
They seem to be aboutpresenting the gospel in a well,
a contemporary way.
Speaker 1 (00:25):
Exactly, and this chapter frames itself as a kind
of Christian take on the Tao TeChing a different expression,
they call it of God's love aimedat restoring truth.
Speaker 2 (00:35):
And what's really grabbed me about it, beyond the
interfaith angle, is how itdeals with divine judgment.
Speaker 1 (00:40):
It uses these paradoxical statements yeah, not
just laying it out straight.
Speaker 2 (00:44):
No, it makes you stop and think OK, what does
judgment really mean here?
And it connects those thoughtsback to Christian teachings.
Speaker 1 (00:50):
Totally so.
Our mission for this deep divereally is to unpack these ideas.
They might seem surprising,maybe even challenge how you
think about judgment.
Speaker 2 (00:59):
And hopefully pull out some practical insights to
things you can actually use dayto day.
That's always the goal, isn'tit?
Absolutely.
Speaker 1 (01:05):
Okay, so it kicks off right away with this line about
boldness.
The bold who are brave will dieby the sword.
The bold who are careful willlive.
Speaker 2 (01:13):
Wow, yeah, that definitely makes you pause.
Brave, dies, careful lives, butboth are bold.
Speaker 1 (01:19):
Right.
It immediately made me think of, you know, the Christian idea
of taking up your cross like inLuke.
Well, it's not about being somekind of reckless action hero,
is it?
It's more that steady, faithfulliving.
Maybe real courage isn't beingfearless but being smart about
how you act.
Speaker 2 (01:35):
That's a great connection Considered
faithfulness, not just impulse.
It reminds me of Peter,actually Matthew 26.
Speaker 1 (01:41):
Oh, when he draws the sword.
Speaker 2 (01:42):
Exactly.
He's bold defending Jesus, butJesus rebukes him.
Speaker 1 (01:52):
It suggests God's way isn't always about meeting
force with force, you know?
Yeah, definitely not theobvious reaction and the source
material in its renewal part.
It has this mindset principleboldness and caution in action.
Speaker 2 (02:00):
Okay, so it's explicitly naming that tension.
Speaker 1 (02:03):
And the aim it gives is wisdom in boldness, balancing
courage with carefuldiscernment.
Speaker 2 (02:10):
I like that.
It draws a line between justbeing reckless and being
thoughtfully bold.
Reckless is impulse, maybeharmful.
Thoughtful boldness has wisdombehind it.
Speaker 1 (02:19):
Which fits so well with Christian ideas about
seeking prudence, seeking wisdom.
Speaker 2 (02:24):
It does and the real world application they mention
is key.
I think that feeling when youwant to jump in immediately.
Speaker 1 (02:29):
Oh yeah, Been there.
Speaker 2 (02:30):
Right, but this suggests pausing being
thoughtful in relationships,leadership, even social justice
stuff.
Like stand up for what's right,sure, but do it with respect
and thought, not just steamrolling.
Speaker 1 (02:41):
Constructively.
And they bring in Proverbs 3,trust in the Lord, and James 1,
ask God for wisdom, anchoring it.
Then it shifts to the aimprinciple Aim for wisdom and
discernment and boldness andcaution.
Speaker 2 (02:54):
So not just having the mindset but actively aiming
for it Right, moving from ideato intention, the goal being
boldness that's really moderated, tempered by thought.
Speaker 1 (03:03):
And the explanation digs into that evaluating risks,
benefits planning, seekingadvice before acting boldly.
Speaker 2 (03:10):
It's deliberate, not spontaneous combustion.
Speaker 1 (03:12):
Which feels super practical for anyone listening.
Those big choices, careerrelationships go forward, yes,
but maybe not with your eyesclosed.
Speaker 2 (03:21):
Exactly.
And again scriptures pop upProverbs 2 on God giving wisdom,
proverbs 3 on safeguardingjudgment.
It keeps reinforcing the sourceof that wisdom.
Speaker 1 (03:29):
Then comes the practice principle.
Practice discernment inboldness and caution.
Speaker 2 (03:33):
Where the rubber meets the road.
Yeah, put the thoughtfulboldness into action.
Speaker 1 (03:38):
Confident but guided.
The explanation talks aboutchoosing when to be bold, wisely
, using foresight.
Speaker 2 (03:43):
So it's strategic courage, not just any courage.
Speaker 1 (03:46):
And the examples are things like career moves,
starting projects, leading teams.
You need boldness, but you alsoneed responsibility.
Research.
Speaker 2 (03:54):
You do.
And those verses again James1.5, proverbs 3.56,.
Just keeping that foundation inview.
Speaker 1 (04:00):
Now this response section is fascinating.
It draws parallels with otherfaiths on this balance.
Well, it mentions Matthew 10.16, wise as serpents, harmless as
doves classic Christian imagefor this.
Speaker 2 (04:12):
Definitely Wisdom and innocence together.
Speaker 1 (04:15):
But then it brings in the Quran 16.125, about
inviting others with wisdom andgood instruction.
Speaker 2 (04:21):
Okay, similar theme.
Speaker 1 (04:23):
And Hinduism via the Bhagavad Gita, detachment and
self-control, tempering action,and Buddhism's right action
advocating moderation Suggestsmaybe true strength isn't just
raw power.
Speaker 2 (04:33):
Yeah, it's guided power.
Speaker 1 (04:35):
And the final verse they drop in is Proverbs 4.
Get wisdom Pretty direct.
Speaker 2 (04:39):
Can't get much clearer than that.
Okay, so that's the boldnessparadox.
What about the next point?
The mystery of divine favor.
Speaker 1 (04:46):
Right.
This one also stops you in yourtracks.
One is not favored by heaven.
Who knows the reason.
Even the wise find thisdifficult.
Speaker 2 (04:54):
Yeah, that hits hard because we want to know the
reason, don't?
Speaker 1 (04:58):
we Totally, and it immediately made me think of
Isaiah 55.
God's thoughts aren't ourthoughts.
His ways aren't our ways.
Speaker 2 (05:05):
Right.
It pushes back against thateasy cause and effect we often
look for like I did good, so Iget blessed.
Maybe it's not that simple.
Speaker 1 (05:12):
Maybe that discomfort , the why, is actually part of
deepening faith.
Speaker 2 (05:16):
Could be Loving your enemies.
That really throws a wrench inthe simple reward system idea of
favor.
Speaker 1 (05:23):
It does.
God's favor seems rooted inthis massive love and justice,
way bigger than our humanscorecard.
Speaker 2 (05:29):
And the renewal section here has the mindset
understanding and accepting themystery of life, aiming for
humility.
Speaker 1 (05:34):
Humility when we just don't get it.
The explanation talks abouttrusting God's will, even
without the answers.
Speaker 2 (05:40):
Which is easier said than done, but crucial, a faith
that doesn't need all theblueprints.
Speaker 1 (05:45):
And the real world application is right there,
dealing with suffering, loss,injustice, instead of getting
stuck on.
Why me?
It's about trusting a biggerpicture.
Speaker 2 (05:55):
Finding peace in the uncertainty maybe, and the verse
of support that Isaiah 55 againin Romans 8.28, all things work
together for good.
That's a big anchor.
Speaker 1 (06:04):
Huge anchor.
Okay, then, the aim is aim forhumility and understanding
life's mysteries.
Actively embrace the mystery,Acknowledge our limits.
Speaker 2 (06:12):
Yeah, letting go of the need to know everything,
trusting God's wisdom is greater, humbling ourselves before the
unknown.
Speaker 1 (06:19):
The application follows, trusting that bigger
picture when things areconfusing or painful from down
here makes sense and proverbs 3and isaiah 55 reinforce that.
Lean, not on your ownunderstanding than the practice,
practice humility andacknowledging life's mysteries,
actively accepting.
We won't figure it all out andthe explanation is almost
freeing.
Speaker 2 (06:39):
Not everything needs to be figured out.
Speaker 1 (06:40):
Maybe accepting that lets us trust more deeply so the
real world practice isresisting that demand for
immediate answers in tough times, Leaning on faith, trusting
God's in control even if thepath is foggy.
Isaiah 55, again, constantreminders and the response
section again finds echoeselsewhere.
Proverbs 3, christianity.
Speaker 2 (07:00):
And the Quran 3.191, the Bhagavad Gita on devotion,
leading to understanding theDhammapada in Buddhism on the
mind shaping reality.
Speaker 1 (07:09):
It's like all these paths acknowledge something
beyond our full grasp, a sharedsense of human limitation before
the divine or the ultimate.
Speaker 2 (07:16):
Yeah, recognizing, we're not the ones holding all
the cards, and the applicationis simply practice, humility and
challenges.
Trust, a higher power.
Speaker 1 (07:23):
Tied up with Isaiah 55 and James 4.
Humble yourselves before theLord.
Okay, let's shift again thenature of how God acts Right.
Speaker 2 (07:30):
The descriptions are amazing Conquers without
contending, responds withoutspeaking, Cannot be summoned and
yet is present.
Speaker 1 (07:36):
So poetic it instantly brought Psalm 46.
Be still and know that I am God.
Speaker 2 (07:41):
God's power doesn't need a big fight scene.
It, god, god's power, doesn'tneed a big fight scene.
It's inherent, like an author'scontrol over the story.
Speaker 1 (07:48):
Subtle but total, that story in First Kings with
Elijah.
God wasn't in the wind, theearthquake, the fire.
Speaker 2 (07:53):
But in the still small voice.
Speaker 1 (07:55):
Exactly Divine action can be quiet, almost invisible
sometimes.
Speaker 2 (07:59):
So the renewal mindset is God's sovereignty
conquering without contending,aiming for trust in God's
unhurried, complete control.
Speaker 1 (08:09):
Unhurried.
That's key.
The explanation stresses God'sabsolute sovereignty, but His
work is often quiet, gradual,not our pace at all.
Speaker 2 (08:18):
Which makes the real-world application so
relevant for us right TrustingGod's timing in this crazy, fast
world, finding peace whenthings feel uncertain.
Speaker 1 (08:26):
Knowing work is being done, even if we don't see it.
Psalm 46 again and Isaiah 40.
Waiting on the Lord renews,strength, powerful promises.
Speaker 2 (08:33):
Then the aim Aim for patience and trust in God's
sovereignty, actively resting inHis timing.
Speaker 1 (08:38):
Resisting that urge to push to force our own
schedule onto things, trustingthe bigger plan.
Speaker 2 (08:43):
The real world.
Practice is learning to waitfor change, healing whatever it
is, resisting the urge to takeover, which is hard.
But Psalm 46 in Ecclesiastes 3,he has made everything
beautiful in its time.
Remind us of that divinetimetable.
Speaker 1 (08:57):
Then practice, practice, patience and trust in
God's timing, actively waiting.
Speaker 2 (09:02):
And the explanation highlights God's wisdom and
patience.
We're invited to reflect thatResist forcing things or getting
discouraged while we wait.
Speaker 1 (09:10):
So the application is keep praying, keep bringing
things to God, but then releasethe outcome.
Trust his timing.
Speaker 2 (09:16):
Sounds like it Resting in his wisdom, and Psalm
27, wait for the Lord and 2Peter 3 on God's patience,
provide that encouragement.
Speaker 1 (09:23):
And again the response section finds
connections Psalm 27, Quran2.153, Hindu karma, yoga,
Buddhist right, effort andmindfulness.
Speaker 2 (09:32):
All pointing towards accepting a larger process, an
unfolding that's not entirely inour hands, especially during
times of waiting.
Speaker 1 (09:39):
It is fascinating.
So the application is trustingthat unfolding in prayer, career
relationships, seeing a biggertiming at play.
Speaker 2 (09:47):
And Ecclesiastes 3, a season for everything plus
Romans 8.28.
Tie that together.
Trust the process God's workingin it Okay.
Speaker 1 (09:53):
Final piece, this idea of inescapable but merciful
judgment.
Speaker 2 (09:57):
Yeah, that paradox Again it says God does not rush
things and yet fulfills thatpatience we just talked about.
Speaker 1 (10:02):
Right, then it hits with.
The heavenly net is wide andvast, and yet nobody can slip
through it.
Whoa.
Speaker 2 (10:09):
That's a powerful image, the net.
It connects to Christian ideasof final judgment, like in
Romans 14 or Revelation 20.
Everyone is accountable.
Speaker 1 (10:17):
And this is crucial held in tension with God's grace
right.
The net might be inescapable,but mercy is still central.
Speaker 2 (10:23):
Absolutely a central point Justice and mercy together
.
The renewal mindset is theunstoppable will of God,
trusting his power and justice.
Speaker 1 (10:32):
The explanation says nothing escapes God's notice.
His plans will be fulfilled.
There's a certainty there.
Speaker 2 (10:37):
And the application is finding peace in that Knowing
God sees everything, even thesmall stuff, even what feels
overlooked.
Speaker 1 (10:43):
That's comforting.
In Matthew 10, god knowing thesparrows, and Romans 8, nothing
separating us from his love.
Those verses give that deepsecurity.
Speaker 2 (10:51):
Then the aim.
Aim for confidence in God'sunfailing control, finding
assurance in his authority.
Speaker 1 (10:57):
The explanation is blunt.
God is in complete control,total sovereignty.
Speaker 2 (11:01):
Which can be a huge source of peace, especially in
crises when everything feelschaotic, remembering that
ultimate control.
In Romans 8.28 and Matthew 10,.
Again, god works for good, heknows the details.
Constant reassurance, thenpractice.
Practice confidence in God'ssovereignty, actively choosing
to trust His control in everyarea.
Speaker 1 (11:21):
The explanation suggests everything unfolds
according to His purpose andembracing that brings peace,
even when life's stormy.
Speaker 2 (11:28):
So the application is trusting him through challenges
, personal work, relationships,knowing there's a plan, even if
it's hidden.
Speaker 1 (11:35):
In Romans 8.28, Psalm 115,.
Our God is in heaven.
He does whatever pleases him,affirming his authority.
Speaker 2 (11:42):
And finally the respond section one last time.
Romans 8 for Christianity.
Speaker 1 (11:46):
Quran 94, Bhagavad Gita on devotion, Dhammapada on
the mind's power, all hinting attrust in a higher power's
oversight.
Speaker 2 (11:54):
It's amazing how that core belief in divine control
and protection echoes acrossdifferent paths.
A universal comfort, maybe?
Speaker 1 (12:00):
Seems like it.
So the application is activelypractice faith and confidence in
God's plan, especially whenthings feel uncertain.
Speaker 2 (12:06):
And Isaiah 46, god's plan standing firm, and Matthew
10, his detailed knowledge,powerful closing thoughts on
that sovereignty.
Speaker 1 (12:16):
One of the big takeaways for everyone listening
we've seen this really complexpicture of judgment.
Speaker 2 (12:21):
Yeah, not just punishment.
It's this weave of divinewisdom incredible patience,
inescapable justice, but alwaysshot through with mercy.
Speaker 1 (12:31):
And those recurring themes, the balance of boldness
and caution.
Speaker 2 (12:34):
The humility needed when facing mystery.
Speaker 1 (12:37):
Trusting God's timing , not ours.
Speaker 2 (12:39):
And that deep confidence in his sovereignty.
Speaker 1 (12:41):
And it's really striking how these ideas pop up
across different spiritualtraditions, isn't it In the
respond sections?
Speaker 2 (12:47):
It really is.
Speaker 1 (12:48):
It hints at maybe some universal truths about how
things work or how we relate tothe ultimate which leads to a
big question for you listeninghow might this wider view of
judgment as wisdom, patience,justice and mercy shift how you
see your own life, your ownactions, your trust?
Speaker 2 (13:03):
It's worth pondering when could you maybe use a bit
more wisdom in your boldness?
Speaker 1 (13:07):
Or more humility when you don't have the answers.
Speaker 2 (13:10):
Or practice more patience or lean more into
trusting that bigger plan.
Speaker 1 (13:14):
Exactly so maybe the final thought is what specific
part of this deep dive resonatedmost with you right now?
Speaker 2 (13:22):
And what might be one small step you could take to
explore that resonance a bitfurther.
It's always a journey, isn't it?
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