When God Doesn’t Meet Our Expectations (Part 2)

How should we respond when God doesn’t meet our expectations? In Part 1, I described the disappointment other believers and I felt when our church’s brokenness increased despite our prayers and peacemaking efforts. Like the first-century Jews who yelled, “Hosanna” (save now, John 12:12-13) as Jesus rode by, we yearned for God to intervene and solve our problems. Yet, Jesus’ definition of salvation differed from his fellow citizens’… and ours.

Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday (John 12:12-19) wasn’t the only one during the Passover season. Another entry offered a competing vision and strategy for victory. Imagine joining the festival crowd.

Rome’s Response to the Passover

The Roman governor Pilate makes an annual trip from Caesarea to Jerusalem during the Passover season to keep the peace and conduct trials.^[1] His entry utilizes an awe-inspiring procession to highlight Rome’s power and glory and discourage any thoughts you might have of rebellion or liberation. Around one thousand soldiers and many administrative officials will probably accompany the governor.^[2] All intended to impress and intimidate.

Sadducees, Pharisees, and ordinary folks will line the parade route, each eager to enhance their standing in the governor’s eyes. Rome, after all, oversees the Temple’s affairs, appointing the chief priest from among the Sadducees and granting the Pharisees limited administrative power. You, too, might gain a financial and judicial advantage by honoring Pilate. Yes, those beholden to Rome do what’s right in their own eyes, like the Israelites in the time of the judges. They fashion a faith that allows them to maintain their positions and power while still claiming to be faithful to God. But if you want to stay on Rome’s good side, you must support her officials, even if it means compromising your beliefs.

Consider Your Options

Two entries, two processions, and two kingdoms. Both crowds expected benefits from their participation and hoped God would meet their expectations. Pilate’s gathering hoped for fiscal and political gain. Those following Jesus dreamed of military dominance and deliverance. The leaders, as well as the spectators, differed. Pilate came to maintain law and order, while Jesus came to fulfill the law and overturn the current order. Pilate’s kingdom depended on the weapons of the world—domination, manipulation, and coercion. Jesus’ kingdom relied on self-sacrifice, service, and submission to his Father.

What about us? We must decide which parade to attend and which leader to support. Will you attempt to straddle the fence by attending both? Reality demands we choose. We cannot follow both Jesus and Pilate. Will you:

• Construe God’s Word through the lens of culture and convenience to permit what’s popular or view societal norms through Scripture?
• •Conform to the world’s values or allow God to transform us into people who love and live like Jesus, surrendering to God’s will and Word?

We must decide, and our actions reveal our decisions. Our loyalties define our identities and determine our methods.

When God Doesn’t Meet Our Expectations

I, too, choose how to respond when conflicting agendas escalate into personal attacks. Not only has God not intervened to defeat those I consider adversaries, but he also demands I love and pray for them. Not a love that condones sin but one that shows itself by obedience to Scripture. He reminds me my assailants aren’t his enemies, and his ways aren’t mine. Will I submit and trust his wisdom to accomplish his purposes in his way in his time? Or will I manipulate circumstances and people to achieve my version of what’s right? I pray daily for the ability to see the situation through God’s eyes and the grace to respond in a way that meets his expectations.

Our response when God doesn't meet our expectations reveals whether we follow Jesus' way or Pilate's. #PalmSunday #triumphalentry #lookingforgod #followinggod #followingjesus Click To Tweet

What about you? Which parade are you attending? How do you respond when God doesn’t meet your expectations, when his thoughts and ways differ from yours? Share your responses to join the conversation.

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^[1] Brent Kinman, “Pilate’s Assize and the Timing of Jesus’ Trial,” Tyndale Bulletin 42, no. 2 (November 1991): 283, https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=lsdar&AN=ATLA0000845835&site=ehost-live.

^[2] Brent Rogers Kinman, “Jesus’ ‘Triumphal Entry’ in the Light of Pilate’s,” New Testament Studies 40, no. 3 (July 1994): 442-445, https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=lsdar&AN=ATLA0000881681&site=ehost-live.