I’ve got so tired of hearing people, who find irresistible appeal in Open Theism, citing Mark 7:24-30 that it’s time to say something. The appeal is made without consideration to: (i) the Chalcedonian need not to confuse Christ’s two natures, and (ii) the dynamics of human relationships that are playing out. The claim is: Here is an example of God changing his mind.
Robert has two teenage boys, aged 17 and 15. The 17 year old, Simon, is learning to drive. His father loves him to bits, and is of a generous nature. For these reasons, not at all because he has to, he is happy to allow Simon as much time between lessons to practice in the family car as he needs. His Dad’s time is his to use – Dad will give up as much time as Simon wants, and sit in the passenger seat to make the odd comment and fulfil the legal requirements for learner drivers.
All is going swimmingly until one May morning – Simon manages to write the Astra off. Not only so, but he takes out the neighbour’s cat in the process, not to mention a brick wall. That’s two frustrated neighbours, and Robert with an insurance claim to process together with a no-claims bonus to rebuild.
Simon hangs his head in shame – he’ll never pass now. He can’t afford the hours and hours of lessons he’ll need without any practice to help. Life in the household is subdued for a couple of weeks. Mealtimes are quiet, and all of a sudden lots of schoolwork is being done.
One day, Simon summons up the courage: “Dad, is there any chance I can use that brand new Audi TT for some practice?”. Robert loves his son, and wants to say yes more than anything. But he also knows that Simon needs to realise that it isn’t his right to have the family car for practice. It’s a gracious gift from a loving Dad who wants to give it to him. So he says: “Simon, you’ve got to be joking! After what happened to the Astra, not to mention our reputation with both sets of neighbours. It wouldn’t be right to give it to you, not for at least a couple of years yet.”
But Simon trusts his Dad, and knows his loving disposition. He knows, deep down, that his Dad is right. He has no claim on that car. “But Dad. You’d give Jason [the 15-year old brother] the chance to practice wouldn’t you? I know I don’t deserve any practice ever again, but can’t you be kind to me beyond what I deserve?”
Robert can’t restrain from smiling. Soon, the broadest smile he’s had in years is spread across his face. After a very short pause, Simon says: “Thanks Dad, I knew you’d say yes”.
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