Is God Too Big?

I really love reading the Old Testament. Perhaps because I love the tenacity of the prophets. The many miracles. The examples of great, and dismal, leadership. (That's a big "Yay!" for King David; a big "Boo!" for King Solomon, supposedly the wisest man to walk the planet.)

Mostly I love reading the stories that help me to understand God's greatness. Many of the Old Testament stories hammer home the truth that we can trust God, because He is so big.

One group of Old Testament people, in particular, struggled with trusting God. I'm talking about the Israelites, God's chosen people. The Israelites were really good at whining, complaining, and turning their backs on God. 

God repeatedly demonstrated His trustworthiness to the Israelites. He split the sea in two so they could cross it. He sent quail by the wind and manna with the dew. He promised them a bright future in a land "flowing with milk and honey" if they would only follow after Him.

Yet it seems that God's bigness was just too mind-boggling for them. They wanted a god they could get their arms around. One they could box up in a safe little package. With a bow.

So they threw their gold jewelry into a hot fire and got all happy when a shiny gold calf jumped out. 

Now they had a god they could see and touch. A god who didn't make all kinds of scary promises and big demands. (Ever see an idol talk back?!) A god small enough for their fearful brains to trust in.

I just don't get that rationale. It's like when people say to me, "I can't believe in God, because I can't see, smell, or touch Him." 

But you believe in oxygen? And viruses? And emotions? And thoughts?

Everyone tries to put God in a nice little box. Personally, I'm glad He's just way too big.