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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Resymbolism? | Gen 50:20 | Aixen7z4 | 136339 | ||
It is a word some use in place of rationalization which is, as you know, an ego defense mechanism. I suggest that the Biblical characters such as Joseph here, his father in Genesis 49, and David in Psalm 22, were actually exercising the gift of prophecy. Whether foretelling or forthtelling, whether revealing or concealing, they were speaking God's word into the situation. | ||||||
2 | Resymbolism? | Gen 50:20 | Mommapbs | 136358 | ||
Greetings! Thanks for this addition. As we consult our experiences, might it be advisable to apply this concept, expecially when the circumstance has been painful? I see this as receiving God's perspective - so in a way, it is indeed bringing God into the situation. As Joe Stowell observed (The Upside of Down), we can't control our circumstances, but we can control how we choose to respond tho them. Blessings! mommapbs |
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3 | Resymbolism? | Gen 50:20 | Aixen7z4 | 136372 | ||
Yes. It is said that everyone, not only a Christian, rationalizes at times. It serves not only to protect the ego but to give meaning to the events of life. Sometimes life is weird and difficult to deal with. A problem is apparent when that mechanism is used too much as it were to avoid reality. Again, if a person has God's perspective, they find it easier to deal with unpleasant circumstances or things they would not understand otherwise. One may say it is the way a believer is expected to live, "while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things that are not seen". Brother J. Alan Blair says we should live in light of eternity, and Brother K.P. Yohannan asks us to pray that God would stamp eternity on our eyes. God inhabits eternity and that would be his perspective. When the world hates us, Jesus says it is normal, and when we suffer for righteousness’ sake we are told we should accept it because… Back to the case of Joseph though, his perspective is given in hindsight. “God meant it”. One wonders whether he knew all along that God had a plan. Jesus knew what to do and how to accept the events of his life because he knew what had been written and that it must be fulfilled. He acted often just so the Scriptures would be fulfilled, and after the fact he would say that is the way it had to be. I have not read Joe Stowell’s book, but the sentiment rings true to Scripture. Man’s goings are of the Lord, how then can he know his own way? I think we are like Job and like Solomon. If God’s will is not apparent in the events of life, then they make no sense at all. But if we can see his will in his word and apply it to our lives, then all is well. That is one reason we should search the word, to see the meaning in the events of life even before they happen. If we are not familiar with the word we may not be able to see God’s perspective, and we may not be able to apply the right principles. Without the word we are forced to invent reasons why things happen, and it may be to excuse our own behavior. But if we life by the word and it provides explanations, that seems entirely satisfactory and satisfying. Jesus told us life would be hard, so if we can face difficulty without being surprised by it and “think it not strange” it will help. All in all it seems there is a scriptural form rationalization. Some may call it philosophizing. Some may call it resymbolization. I'd say if it makes proper use of Scripture it is OK, whatever they may call it. |
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4 | Resymbolism? | Gen 50:20 | Mommapbs | 136375 | ||
Greetings again! Thank you for blessing me with your post. You wrote: "Without the word we are forced to invent reasons why things happen, and it may be to excuse our own behavior." So is it any wonder the world is in the state it is in?? They don't have the Word - and yet how often do we, as believers, who have the Word, fail to apply it to the circumstance we find ourselves in? I suspect that this is one of the purposes God calls us to live in community with a body of believers, so that we can encourage one another and hold one another accountable. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Col 3:16 Blessings, t |
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