One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple. – Psalm 27:4 ESV
I heard these words read last night as a call to worship in a Pentecostal campmeeting service. I responded, “Amen.” We often speak of the temple, that is, the church, as a place of prayer and worship. But rarely do we speak of the temple as a place of inquiry. Most of the conversations in church are monologues, one sided conversations in which the preacher is the only voice to be heard. This is not always a necessarily bad thing, if the preacher wisely anticipates our questions and offers sound theological answers.
Too often we are suspicious of those who ask critical or engaging questions. We tend to interpret critical questions as a challenge to faith. But real faith is the desire to know God, to gaze upon God’s beauty. As we gaze upon the beauty of the Lord, or meditate on the words of God, we discover truths that evade a quick glance. For example, many Christians are confused by the doctrine of Holy Trinity. However, if we inquire and meditate the Holy Trinity is revealed as a glorious mystery that indeed reflects the beauty of the Lord.
As a young minister I asked many questions. I was often rebuked. I was considered a rebel. My leaders even questioned my integrity. It was never my intention to be rebellious. I admit that I may have been overly assertive. But, I just wanted to understand the Faith, and the church. I was sometimes distraught. Why were my questions a threat? I also became impatient when leaders couldn’t provide meaningful answers. But I continued to inquire of the Lord.
As we read the Gospels we will discover that many came to inquire of the Lord Jesus. Some inquired to test him, others offered sincere inquiries, and many inquired out of desperation. But Jesus answered them all. The Pharisees, those self-righteous theologians who tested Jesus, discovered that he could confound the most astute. The rich young ruler discovered that Jesus could be too demanding. Many others discovered that Jesus could be abounding in patience and grace. In my journey of inquiry, the Lord has rebuked my self-righteousness, he has demanded more of me, and he has been exceedingly patient and gracious with me.
I have many more inquiries to make of the Lord. I continue to read Holy Scriptures. I gaze beyond the printed words because I know that the word of God is living and active. I want to hear the voice of God. I desire to be holy, to inherit eternal life, and to know God.
My journey of inquiry has made me a better pastor and teacher. I’ve never been challenged by the critical questions of others. In those questions I’ve learned to hear the desire of faith. The leaders of my youth who were impatient with me taught me an invaluable lesson – don’t fail to be patient with those who ask questions. Even the most antagonistic inquirer deserves a careful and thoughtful answer.
The knowledge of God is the way of life, so ask many questions and seek meaningful answers. Sincere and serious questions will challenge the status quo, but they may also open the path to wisdom and provoke renewal.
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