Pastor Dave Mason: October 2014

Friday, October 10, 2014

30 Days- Day 10

30 Days of Writing

Day 10

A god that can be understood is not a god.

-W. Somerset Maugham, “The Razors Edge”

Today's post is not, unfortunately, on a typewriter. I am in Prince Fredrick MD tonight as Patty and I are attending our niece's wedding tomorrow. I would have loved to bring one of my portables, but the noise and the lack of scanner made that impractical. Although I must admit having spell-check again is comforting, but not enough to give up typewriters!

I read “The Razor's Edge” at the age of 23, not because I knew it to be a classic of American Literature, but because I saw the uneven, but mostly accessible movie starring Bill Murray. It was his first dramatic role, and it was not received well by audiences or critics. It was made too soon. Murray has become one of the finest character actors of this era. But in the late 80's he hadn't developed his dramatic skills enough to tackle a character as complex and frustrating as Larry Darrell.

The book is a supposedly true tale, based on the life of one of Maugham's unidentified friends. Like Frederic Henry in A Farewell to Arms, World War I makes an indelible mark on the protagonist, changing his life forever. In Darrell's case though, romance is not as important as the search for truth. His search after the war takes him across the globe, from India to a Buddhist monastery to ultimately France. I don't of course agree with Larry's ultimate conclusions (I suggest you read the book- not a Christian perspective, but valuable to make you think), but the quote above smacks me as absolutely true.

We CAN understand certain aspects of God. We can appreciate, experience, and at times even measure His Love, Mercy and Forgiveness. But to dare think we could EVER understand God is hubris at its worst.

Many refuse to believe in a God they can't quantify, measure, explain. The religion of choice for the last 100 years or so, science, claims everything must be able to be explained. At least the brand of science that has become most popular, in which nothing supernatural can be possible, since the supernatural cannot be measured or reproduced in a lab or on a math board.

I want to encourage you to embrace the supernatural, allow mystery back into your life. There are things we will never know, never measure, never explain. At the top of that list is God.

Job 11:7...Can you search out the deep things of God? Can you find out the limits of the Almighty?

The answer is no. And you shouldn't try.

By that, I mean don't spend your time trying to explain everything God is or does. We have so little time on this side of eternity, and all of eternity on the other. We will find out far more than we could ever hope on the other side. Until then, let's enjoy the mystery, walk in faith, and allow God to constantly surprise us.

'Till Tomorrow,

Pastor Dave Mason

Thursday, October 09, 2014

30 Days- Day 9

A very long day today. No energy at all. Must sleep. Posting a story I wrote during the previous challenge I alluded to yesterday. Will make up for not posting a full, new piece later with a double post...