I guess that many people will find Kevin DeYoung repetitive in this book, and they'd probably be right. He keeps coming back to the main teaching of how to discern God's will; This is by knowing Scriptures. He returns time & again to the clear direction God gives us in Black and White that we are to be sanctified.
In this chapter dealing with Open Doors, Fleeces, Random Bible Verses, and Impressions I think Kevin says it well toward the end of the chapter:
"Open doors, fleeces, random Bible verses, and impressions, if construed in the right way, have their place in the Christian's life. But in my experience, these tools have been wielded for more harm than good. They are easily abused, manipulated, and lend themselves to superstition."
Are these to be written off because they are often abused? I'd argue no, but we do need to make it absolutely clear that they are dangerous & that we, out of sinful hearts can often abuse them.
I was gobsmacked when Kevin said that "Gideon's request was probably an indication of cowardice and unbelief more than faithful, wise decision making." I have never heard anyone take this approach before and it has taken me a while to wrestle with. However Kevin is probably on to something when he says that "the whole fleece approach to life is dangerously close to violating Jesus' admonition, "you shall not put the Lord your God to the test."
Another passage of Scripture that has held me back from seeking such fleeces etc in my own life is when Jesus rebuked the Pharisees saying that "A Wicked and Adulterous generation seek a sign." So, personally i'd be very careful before seeking a sign or laying down a fleece, and i'd encourage others to be equally careful.
Kevin gives us some John Newton quotes;
"Others, when in doubt, have opened the Bible at a venture and expected to find something to direct them in the first verse they should cast their eye upon. It is no small discredit to this practice that the heathens, who knew not the Bible, used some of their favourite books in the same way . . .
. . . for if people will be governed by the occurrence of a single text of Scripture, without regarding the context, or duly comparing it with the general tenor of the word of God, and with their own circumstances, they may commit the greatest extravagances, expect the greatest impossibilities, and contradict the plainest dictates of common sense, while they think they have the Word of God on their side."
"In general, he [God] guides and directs his people by affording them, in answer to prayer, the light of his Holy Spirit, which enables them to understand and to love the Scriptures. The Word of God is not to be used as a lottery; nor is it designed to instruct us by shreds and scraps, which, detached from their proper places, have no determinative import; but it is to furnish us with just principles, right apprehensions to regulate our judgments and affections, and thereby to influence and direct our conduct."
This, admittedly is a repeat of Kevin's main thrust, that a firmly grounded understanding of the whole Scriptures is the main tool for decision making & guidance in our lives. It is encouraging to see that it is a historic teaching and can be found in the writings of such guys like Newton or Muller (who i quoted a few days ago).
I guess that this repetitive theme is good & i know how easy it is to read something, agree, then forget. So to keep returning to the main point within a book can be very helpful in drumming it into my mind. This has been a view point that i've had on discerning God's will, yet it is great to see it articulated well & is, i think, a book that will be a great resource in helping others.
Your Turn
What's your take on this chapter, id love to see what others think of Kevin's thoughts on fleeces.
Next Week
Next week we'll turn to chapter 8 "The Way of Wisdom."
