Psalm 82:6-7 “I said, “You are gods, sons of the Most High, all of you; nevertheless, like men you shall die….”
If I were to ask if you believed in God with a capital “G” or god with a small “g” you would no doubt say God with a big “G.” I would too. But sometimes I wonder if my life actually demonstrates some capitalization confusion.
A big “G” God can do anything. He’s not confined by nature; he established nature. He breaks its rules whenever he wants. Little “g” gods are restricted. They must operate within the bounds of the natural. Their hope extends no further than man’s best efforts.
One of the most vivid contrasts between the two occurs when Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal to a showdown (1 Kings 18). Both Elijah and the Baal-ists present sacrifices, Elijah to the Big “G” God; the prophets to Baal. All day long the prophets cry out to their little “g” god. They scream. They rave. They cut themselves. But receive no response. Elijah taunts them. “You’ll have to shout louder than that to catch the attention of your god! Perhaps he is talking to someone, or is out sitting on the toilet…!” (v. 27 from the colorful Living Bible translation). Then Elijah’s God sends a supernatural fire from heaven and reveals himself as the only true deity.
Nothing lies beyond possibility for the Big “G” God— even death (John 11). Lazarus had been in the grave four days. With untouched certainty he was dead. No little “g” gods could change that. But then…God with a Big “G” enters the scene. He asks Martha if she believes. “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” The God who exists beyond time and space calls “Lazarus, come forth!” And he does.
When we face impossible situations, I wonder if we’re more like those little “g” prophets than we realize. We get in a frenzy. We seek out every solution known to man. Our hopes for restored marriages, rebellious children, faltering health, lie buried in a grave marked Lazarus. We forget about a Big “G” God.
Ah, friend, let’s not waste our time with little “g” gods. They will die. Believe with me in the eternal, sovereign, awesome Capital “G” God.