Christian cliches drive me up a wall.
There are several that set me off. (Of which I will refrain to mention in this post because I want to be selfish and use them in future posts.) But one that does me in every single time is in regards Christian fundraising. I wish I had a nickel every time a heard a meek little voice say:
“Well God owns the cattle on a thousand hills.”
(Typically those meek little voices belong to lifelong church going grandmas, women wearing denim dresses or men wearing tucked in pastel polo shirts.)
My first response when hearing that phrase is one of frustration. Quickly I try to discern in my head if the person needs to be rebuked or extended grace, but because I’m not a very bright person, thinking happens at a slower-than-required pace. I usually sigh, try to hide my eye rolling, and gently suggest that they used the verse out of context.
If you’ve ever used that verse in that way, I probably need to explain myself right now.
here’s what I mean...
Do you know where that verse is found?
It’s Psalm 50:10
(Most people have no idea, so clarifying is paramount)
If you did know it was Psalm 50:10, do you know what the 9 verses before and the 5 verses after it say?
Here’s the text:
1 The Mighty One, God the Lord,speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting. 2 Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty,God shines forth. 3 Our God comes; he does not keep silence; before him is a devouring fire,around him a mighty tempest. 4 He calls to the heavens above and to the earth, that he may judge his people: 5 “Gather to me my faithful ones,who made a covenant with me by sacrifice!” 6 The heavens declare his righteousness,for God himself is judge! Selah. 7 “Hear, O my people, and I will speak; O Israel, I will testify against you. I am God, your God. 8 Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you; your burnt offerings are continually before me. 9 I will not accept a bull from your house or goats from your folds. 10 For every beast of the forest is mine,the cattle on a thousand hills. 11 I know all the birds of the hills,and all that moves in the field is mine 12 “If I were hungry, I would not tell you,for the world and its fullness are mine. 13 Do I eat the flesh of bulls or drink the blood of goats? 14 Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High,15 and call upon me in the day of trouble;I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.”
The text really ought to speak for itself right now but let’s break it down anyways...
So God speaks to Israel and tells them that He’s unhappy. And it’s not because they fail to give Him the sacrifices He demanded but because even though they sacrifice everyday their hearts are unmoved by it. So God says “I will testify against you.”
Those are not the words you want to hear coming out of the mouth of God.
He continues to say “I will not accept a bull from your house or goats from your fold”. Even though they bring the correct offering required, God tells them that He wants no more of it. “For every beast of the forest is Mine, the cattle on a thousand hills... if I were hungry, I would not tell you... do I eat the flesh of bulls or drink the blood of goats?” God essentially tells Israel that even though He commands them to offer a sacrifice, that offering Him what he already owns does nothing for them and that what He really wants is a changed heart. We could probably paraphrase it this way:
“You think I want you to bring me bulls and goats?
I ALREADY OWN THEM!
Bulls and goats do nothing for you.
I want your heart changed.”
It seems a little messianic doesn’t it?
So we’re getting ready for a fairly large trip over spring break. You may have heard about it, you may not. We’re going to the ukraine and in order to get there, we’re going to have to raise a lot of money. If you’re one of the people going on the trip, I would ask that you not try to use that verse in your fundraising efforts. If you’re not going on the trip, I’m sure you will either go on a similar one soon or be in the presence of someone who’s trying to. I request the same from you.
Does this mean that God is incapable of providing?
Does this mean that God is unwilling to provide?
Of course not.
If you need to be reassured, I would suggest you read Matthew 6 & 7. There’s plenty enough in those 2 chapters to get you through.
I don’t point out these things to be mean or divisive or controversial but as someone who wants to see people come to a saving knowledge and relationship with Jesus, and as someone who wants to see that relationship evolve and grow out of how Jesus reveals Himself through scripture, it’s imperative that I correct false understanding and proof-texting when I see it.
God does provide.
God does own the cattle on a thousand hills.
God does not however, point that out to ensure us that He’s got our backs but rather, to make sure we understand who’s really in control around here whether we’re trying to give to Him or receive from Him.
Think of it as God inviting you to a holy gun show.
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