An Interesting Definition

As I listen to the words of our Bible teacher in this series, Dr. Bill Mounce, I am reminded of the humanity of each of us.  Dr. Mounce is a renowned Bible scholar and expert in Biblical Hebrew and Greek.  Yet, in his presentation for this lesson, Dr. Mounce clearly misuses a term which I will clarify in this blog.  I don't do this to be critical of Dr. Mounce or to say I know any more that he knows.  I point this out to say we each are responsible for learning all we can about what we hear and take in from all sources.  And it reminds me that each of us, teachers included, are human and make mistakes which should not be demonized but defined.
Dr. Mounce says that Israel, to this point, was a "Theodicy."  A Theodicy is (by the Wikipedia definition) is "a
theological or philosophical study which attempts to justify God’s (largely in the Monotheistic or Abrahamic sense) intrinsic (or foundational) nature of omni-benevolence (all loving), omniscience (all knowing) and omnipotence (all powerful), despite the existence of evil which, in the view of some, would otherwise stand to refute one or more of these qualities."  Bill Mounce means that Israel has been a "Theocracy" which is a governmental system in which God is in charge in the number one position.   Dr. Mounce is stating that God envisions a system in which we place Him in charge (i.e., God saying "I will be your God [Hebrew 'hessid']"  God is steadfastly loyal to us and totally faithful to keeping covenant with those who are faithful to God]). 
Remember ... God has envisioned a people who place His first. As we looked at Judges last week we found a fickle people who place God first only when they realize they are lost and need Him.  This should be cutting and challenging to us who often place God first only when we cry out and need Him.
Dr. Mounce spends time this week on the prayer/song of Hannah, a beautiful expression of thankfulness, love and acknowledgment of our dependence on the strength of God (something to remember this week when we are feeling pretty strong).  Hannah places God first in her words and then she expresses her submission to God's rule by giving God her most valued thing in the world ... a son named Samuel. Samuel becomes the last Judge and anoints the first king of Israel ... a move from "symbolic Theocracy" to monarchy ... God giving the people what they want, but far from what they need.  This begins stories of great and bad leaders and a nation that, yet again, become more like the nations around them.  This is viewed by God as a rejection of His rule.  That is still the case today.  Please think on this during the week.  Who is in charge of your life?  Pastor Randy