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Ignorance is Not Bliss

So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee. Nevertheless I am continually with thee. (Psalm 73:22-23)

In World War II, the Russians came up with an untried battle strategy to stop the coming onslaught of German tanks. Their scheme was to strap powerful explosives to the backs of dogs, then let them loose so that they would run under the enemy tanks and blow them up.

The problem was that the Russians trained the dogs for this mission using their own tanks.

On the day of the battle, the dogs were cut loose and promptly chased down the Russian tanks with the live explosives.

Question: How could the dogs of war not know the difference between a German tank and a Russian tank?

Answer: They can't read.

That's the funny thing about animals, isn't it? They pretty much follow their nature without putting a lot of thought into the possible consequences of their behavior. Sometimes believers are like that as well. Our nature is to disobey God and run to our destruction with the bombs of sin strapped to our backs.

The author of Psalm 73 was fully aware of this, but he makes a very interesting observation. Notice the humbling phrase- "Nevertheless I am continually with thee" As if to say- even though I have been as ignorant and stupid as a beast before the Savior, my standing before God is completely unchanged. The writer has come to a full recognition of his deceitful heart and depraved nature, but at the same time proclaims the reality of God's unconditional love and grace.

What does he mean by this? Hold on to your collars, kids, because you'll scarcely believe the depths of God's grace. Check this out:

  • I am continually on His mind, He is always thinking of me for my good.
  • I am continually before His eye; --the eye of the Lord never sleeps, but is continually watching over my well-being.
  • I am continually in His hand, so that no one can steal me from His care.
  • I am continually on His heart, worn there as a emblem of love.

Will we ever be able to stop acting like brainless beasts before the King of Kings? Probably not.

Will our behavior ever lessen the intensity of God's affection and the consistency of His attention? Absolutely not!

Believer, if you are struggling with a season of sin in your life- come home. The Master awaits with open arms and a loving heart. If you have friends who are running the wrong way with bombs on their backs, remind them that they don't have to choose that path. We are seen by God through the lens of Christ's righteousness, let's shed the animal instincts and put on the robe of righteousness!

Questions:

  1. When have you acted like a 'brute beast' before God this week?
  2. What difference does it make to know that you are continually before God?
  3. What is one thing you can change to show your appreciation for God's grace?