I betcha haven’t heard this word too often. Hypersupernaturalism.
One definition might be that God is the direct source of EVERYTHING. Head colds, stubbed toes, rustling leaves, etc. In other words, overstating the order of things. Sorta like driving to the front row at Costco, getting a prime parking spot, and saying to yourself, God gave me that – and the flat tire awaiting my return. There’s a reason, I just know it.
It’s important to remember that God created molecules to hold together. There is order in all of it. But God can’t do everything. He’s bound to His nature. For example, He can’t lie.
God wills that we also act and be ourselves. Our autonomy is not abolished, not even in the most intimate union with God.
We don’t have unlimited free will either.
Our choices have consequences.
We live in a fallen world.
Unlike the way God intended it to be, there are natural consequences to sin.
There’s an enemy prowling around wanting to destroy us.
Fallen men’s decisions impact us every day.
There are some things that are completely out of our control.
Yet, we are to enjoy life’s good things to the fullest, knowing that difficult times will come. Solomon reminds us of this.
Light is sweet, and it is pleasant for the eyes to see the sun. So if a person lives many years, let him rejoice in them all; but let him remember that the days of darkness will be many. All that comes is vanity. Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and the sight of your eyes. But know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment. Remove vexation from your heart, and put away pain from your body, for youth and the dawn of life are vanity. (Ecclesiastes 11:7-10)
Humanity is offered a life that is joyful but not self-sufficient. Therefore, to have security and significance one must yield to God.
We should not overstate the order of things and that every event as being brought on by God. God gave us life to enjoy through intimacy with Him. Developing that intimacy is a process that looks different for each of us. When we seek His wisdom, He’ll provide it. We may never completely understand the pain and difficulties that are inevitable in this life. But one thing is for sure, God loves us and He cares for us. Count on it.
To dethrone God is to lose the key to life. To enthrone Him is to enter into the fullness of life.
And that’s the Memo. Steve
