Would Not or Could Not?

So I've been reading through the Bible straight from Genesis. I'm at 1 Kings now. Things have been up and down for the Israelites. I know what's coming. It's not good. More disobedience. A split kingdom. Kings leading Israel down a moral sewer. Judgment. This is not new. It's been a roller`coaster ride for them ever since the were led out of Egypt.

More interesting is that God knew this kind of madness is what was going to happen. He's not taken by surprise. Yet he still gave them the promises with blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience anyway. He even told them through his servants this is what you're going to do and what's going to go down. He offered choice despite knowing what would be foolishly chosen.

A question came into my mind. Is this a would or a could? Would the Israelites obey? We know the answer, generally, no. But what about could? Could they even obey? I don't mean that from some kind of fatalistic position where God is controlling them like robots. Nothing like that. But, still, could they? I say maybe no. "What, you're nuts! They made their free choice!" Hear me out. Paul's argument about the purpose of the Law came to mind -- to reveal what sin is -- not knowing what coveting was until the Law said not to covet for example.

So here's my argument.

They could not obey God because they were sinners. But God knew this. So why demand it? Perhaps to teach them to depend on him. That seems like the real choice. Not to follow what God says on our own power, but to say "God, I can't do this on my own, I need you to help me do it." I say we can't obey God without trusting in God and depending on God, and neither could they.

Take it a step further. I would also argue that they couldn't fully depend on God either. Sure, they could depend on him some -- some more than others at various times. But sin still got in the way. Big time for many, as most didn't seem to get that whole dependence thing down. Over time, it ruined the nation. What was once a people hand picked by God with him as their king turned into a mess of dead ritual and empty works. Not good.

In comes Jesus. Number one, he came to be a sacrifice for that blasted sin thing, paying the price once and for all. But he also came to be an example. And what an example he was! Here was someone who lived a life completely dependent on God. Both human and divine, he was the only one who could do it. After his ministry, his death, his resurrection, and his ascension back into heaven, he sent -- and continues to send -- another wonderful gift to believers. Those who believe have God's Spirit living in them.

So as believers, we're good to go now, right?

Well, as far as salvation is concerned, yes -- but I argue that we are experience the same kind of very long lesson all over again, with a twist.

Here's my argument to that end.

We can't obey God fully because we are sinners. Period. Even with God's Spirit we are still sinners. We're just not slaves to sin. We don't revel in it. We don't want to sin, but quite often we still do it. Don't believe me? Check it out. If the greatest commandments are boiled down as "love God with everything you've got" and "love your others as yourself" then guess what? Not doing that is a sin. There is no way anyone loves God and loves people that much all the time. Ain't gonna happen. But, still, God told us to do it.

Why?

Same thing. To teach us dependence on him, despite the fact we cannot be fully dependent on him this side of eternity. The ability is not the point, but rather proper perspective -- trusting God and relying on him for the strength to be obedient to him.

With such perspective we pray different prayers. Lord, help us to see our sin and turn from it. Lord, help us not to sin against you. Lord, help us to love you more. Lord, help us to love others more. Lord, help us to keep your Word and never deny your name. Lord help us, Lord help us, Lord help us.

To me, that's what faith is all about.

I might be off in the weeds, but I don't think I am.

Grace and Peace friends.