Providence
The boys and I have just finished our latest reading of the Narnia Chronicles, The Horse and His Boy. We have a textbook that we use along with this, written primarily by Douglas Wilson. I love the discussion that takes place in this text. My kids are often groaning because they want to get into the Story, but through this study, their worldview is being more firmly grounded (whether they realize it or not).
Wilson comments that the underlying theme of The Horse and His boy is the role of Providence. This leads to a discussion on Divine Sovereignty versus Free Will. He claims that the two are not inconsistent with each other, but they are a mystery.
Here is a quote that he includes from Spurgeon:
"I never try to reconcile divine sovereignty and human responsibility because I never reconciled friends."
Derek said that was just an easy way of avoiding a difficult question, but I believe he has a point (Spurgeon that is...Derek may have a point as well.) We only reconcile enemies or people who are at odds with each other. The idea that providence and free will complement each other and work hand in hand is an intriguing thing to mull over.
Here's another thought about The Horse and His Boy. Aslan's presence is assumed throughout the whole book. His periodic appearances are not intended to tell us that he is absent the rest of the time. Rather, the appearances are to remind us that he is always present and guiding - it is just that we sometimes are privileged to see it.
Is that not awesome? I think that's exactly the way God works. Sometimes we are privileged to see it.
What I want my children to know, what I want my friends and family to come to see (if they don't already know this in their hearts), is that God truly is in control. Through Christ and Him alone is the way to God found. Apart from Him nothing really makes much sense. In Him all the mysteries of the universe unfold. With Him, there is life. And because of Him, absolutely nothing can separate me from the love of God.
The triune God is fulfilling His purpose in this world, and for some unfathomable reason, He allows me to be a part of that.
Wilson comments that the underlying theme of The Horse and His boy is the role of Providence. This leads to a discussion on Divine Sovereignty versus Free Will. He claims that the two are not inconsistent with each other, but they are a mystery.
Here is a quote that he includes from Spurgeon:
"I never try to reconcile divine sovereignty and human responsibility because I never reconciled friends."
Derek said that was just an easy way of avoiding a difficult question, but I believe he has a point (Spurgeon that is...Derek may have a point as well.) We only reconcile enemies or people who are at odds with each other. The idea that providence and free will complement each other and work hand in hand is an intriguing thing to mull over.
Here's another thought about The Horse and His Boy. Aslan's presence is assumed throughout the whole book. His periodic appearances are not intended to tell us that he is absent the rest of the time. Rather, the appearances are to remind us that he is always present and guiding - it is just that we sometimes are privileged to see it.
Is that not awesome? I think that's exactly the way God works. Sometimes we are privileged to see it.
What I want my children to know, what I want my friends and family to come to see (if they don't already know this in their hearts), is that God truly is in control. Through Christ and Him alone is the way to God found. Apart from Him nothing really makes much sense. In Him all the mysteries of the universe unfold. With Him, there is life. And because of Him, absolutely nothing can separate me from the love of God.
The triune God is fulfilling His purpose in this world, and for some unfathomable reason, He allows me to be a part of that.
posted by Kaye @ 2:46 PM
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