Dialogue with God

If you were to walk down the street and see someone talking with God in a verbal dialogue, you might be inclined to questions such a person’s sanity.  Dialogue or  conversation with God is something that we don’t generally think of.  Sometimes, we have a dialogue with God, but it is really a monologue.  It is us talking to ourselves and hoping God is listening.  Sometimes we blame God when it is really ourselves to blame.  Sometimes we don’t think in terms of God and conversation.  But God is a personality and because we are created in God’s image, we have God’s personality.  Much of Scriptures contain active dialogue between God and man. 

I found a series of “conversations” between Jeremiah and God in chapter 14 and 15 (after the “underwear” object lesson in Chapter 13).  There are five of them and in the dialogue, you see a great glimpse into why the Bible says that we are created in God’s image.  In these chapters, God’s longsuffering and patience finally give out. 

14:11 – Don’t pray for them.
15:1 – My heart is not with these people – send them away from my presence.
15:6 – I am tired of relenting. 

God is completely exasperated.  If you have children, you can identify with God (except for mine).  He is done!  Game over!  Don’t even bother praying for these people.  He is going to judge Judah because they have long since deserved it.  Years of idolatrous worship and sinful behavior have come to roost.  Over and over again, God tells Jeremiah not to pray for his people.  What is interesting is that this conversation occurs during the reign of good king Josiah whom has instituted massive reform.  But it is too little too late.  Judgment is coming. 

Is God acting on emotion?  Never, unlike us, but we see the character of God resting in perfect holiness yet almost limitless patience.  Hundreds of years of patience have given out.  How does a God balance perfect holiness against unlimited love and patience?  In the image and actions of Christ who is the perfect answer to that dilemma.  So despite Judah’s judgment, a time is coming when he will restore Israel.  Perfect judgment leads to perfect redemption.

I am so glad that Scripture reveals the personality of God.  It makes Him completely approachable.  One that we can have a conversation with, question, even wrestle with, yet at the end of the day, completely trust.  Are you willing to have that kind of conversation?