A Response to Clinging: God's Rebuttal

Let me share with you a remarkable experience! Please keep in mind that I'm actively engaged in a Buddhist studies program taught by  a Lobpon (reference blog from 30 June) and also a western philosophy professor. More than a dozen times, I've heard the teaching that "clinging" and/or desire are the cause of all suffering and perpetuate karmic existence. For those of you new to Buddhism this may seem a foreign and difficult concept. My purpose in this blog, however, is not to debate with one of Buddhism's most prominent doctrines. The purpose of this blog is much deeper - it is to the glory of our God.

God has blessed my co-worker and I numerous times with revelation and wisdom over the past three weeks. We have easily identified the fallacies of this doctrine and its shortcomings to Truth. We can also turn to scripture and find assurance in God's Word as Truth. Today, however, I felt an elevation in God's communication. God wasn't just speaking to me. He was responding to the Lobpon in rebuttal. Recall yesterday's blog. God inspired the value and necessity of clinging to Him and the promise that accompanies it. In my own finite and inferior wisdom, I didn't make a correlation between His Word to me yesterday and the teachings of Buddhism. Yet, in class this morning, as the Lobpon began speaking of the suffering caused by clinging, my back straightened, my spiritual ears perked, and my spirit filled with joy. Keep in mind that I've heard this teaching a dozen times or more. This time, I had the sense that God was saying "no, cling to Me" as the Lobpon was speaking. The revelation wasn't new, for God has already spoken all things, but the manner of communication was profound. God was speaking Truth over me, in me, and through me as a protective measure in the midst of class. He responded in rebuttal. God was countering false truth before my very eyes and ears. Oh, if only the whole class could have heard the voice of God! It is true what God says in Isaiah 43:1-3. He says: "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by name. You are Mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched. Nor will the flame burn you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior." God will not let the waters of false teaching overflow me because I belong to Him. The flames of deception will not burn me.

I attribute this morning's experience to two factors. First, His rebuttal to false teaching is a demonstration of His love. Second, this is evidence of the power of prayer. I know (and am most thankful) that many of you are covering my co-worker and I in prayer for safety and the guarding of our hearts and minds. Is there more sincere evidence of such prayer than God countering the Lobpon in the midst of his teaching? If there is, it can only be the revelation of Christ to the Lobpon himself. This is something to pray for!