Ever
wondered what a poker game with God would be like?
I’m
not a poker player. I know the rules, but it’s been decades since I played
poker. And I never played poker for money; I’m not widely known for having a
poker face.
But I was
reading The Cure: What if God Isn’t Who You
Think He Is and Neither Are You, by John Lynch, Bruce McNichol and Bill
Thrall, and they talk about the idea of
playing poker with God.
My first
thought was that he would know every card I held.
That’s
because I’m looking at the poker game from my perspective.
The
authors of Slow Church take another approach.
In effect,
you are in a poker game with God. A very different kind of poker game.
“God has
shown you all of His cards,” they write, “revealing breathtaking protection. He
says, in essence, ‘What if I tell them who they are now? What if I take away
any element of fear? What if I tell them I will always love them?’”
The poker
game suddenly changes. It isn’t even a game any more.
What if I tell them I will always love them, no matter what
they do, or think, or say? That they can’t lose me, even if they try?
Some
of the early church believers heard that, and wondered if it meant that the
more they sinned, the more God would love them. The Apostle Paul was quick to
point out that they were wrong; they were looking at the question from the
wrong end – their end.
Instead,
what we should do is look at the question at from God’s perspective.
And
God’s perspective is total.
A
perspective of total love.
A
perspective of total knowledge.
A
perspective of total judgment.
A
perspective of the price for judgment totally paid.
A
perspective of total understanding.
He
doesn’t play poker with a poker face.
And
he knows that, ultimately, neither do we.
He
loves us anyway.
Led
by Jason Stasyszen and Sarah Salter, we’ve been reading The Cure. To see more
posts on this chapter, “Two Gods,” please visit Sarah at Living Between the Lines.
Photograph by Ariadne ariadnerb via Public
Domain Pictures. Used with permission.
How powerful is that? We come in thinking we're playing a game and trying to win, but he takes the game out of it. Lord, help me remember that! Thanks Glynn.
ReplyDeleteinteresting thought about poker and God showing us His hand. I'll be mediating on that more.
ReplyDeleteThat's a good thing...i'm terrible at card games.
ReplyDelete"What a thought-provoking topic! The idea of playing poker with God sparks curiosity and contemplation. It's a metaphorical concept that raises questions about chance, destiny, and our own choices in life. I'm eager to explore the deeper meaning behind this intriguing notion. Looking forward to more discussions on this unique perspective!"
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Exploring the profound concept of playing poker with God in 'The Cure.' It's a thought-provoking journey into understanding God's unconditional love and perspective. Dive into deeper reflections at ku11top for more enriching discussions on faith and spirituality.
ReplyDelete