With my children being taught evolution by a rather fanatical biology teacher, I sometimes become distracted from prayer by inner arguments. I battle the teacher in the arena of my mind, concocting clever arguments that I presume to be ‘unassailable’. I am resorting to my strength through intellect. The Lord challenges me,
“My shield is God most High who saves the upright in heart.” (Psalm 7:10)
Am I willing for God to save my son from the overbearing enthusiasm of his teacher? Am I willing for the Lord to use the opportunity to test the uprightness of his heart?
So how does the Lord deal with such people? The next Psalm brings a completely different perspective,
“From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.” (Psalm 8:2)
Jesus did not become entangled trying to prove his authority to religious leaders. He allowed His Father to expose them to the naïve responses of children; responses that fly under the radar and disarm the most intellectual. The Lord’s response also shows His orientation. He is concerned for those who are able to receive Him with a simplicity of faith. He does not tend to justify Himself with clever arguments that rarely capture the heart,
“When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?” (Psalm 8:3-4)