Sunsets Into Sunrises
Bishop Martin - The Progress of a Soul in the Beyond
- Chapter 180 -
THE SUN-SAGE'S AFFIRMATIVE ANSWER TO PETER. HIS CRITICISM OF THE LORD'S PROMISES.
1
(Says Uron, the sage): "Yes, friend, we are in agreement with the Lord's wishes. For, how could one oppose the almighty will of the Lord, whether what He demands is easy or hard to do? If we do not take this upon ourselves voluntarily for our future benefit, we would have to do it under compulsion, which might prove our ruin. So we by far prefer to do it of our own free will, thus gaining something for our future lives rather than losing.
2
From what you and your predecessor have told us, I realize that we shall have to give back into the hands of the Lord our free, creative will-power with which we have so far cultivated our gardens and, usually, erected our dwellings. But it does not really matter since, no doubt, we can have this ability back completely by way of prayer.
3
We do know by means of our inner discernment, as well as through various spirits from your earth, that the Lord is never very particular where His promises are concerned. Whom He promises wealth, he gives poverty; who has been promised a long life in good health, can reckon on suffering and an early end to his temporal life; the one He wants to give freedom, becomes a prisoner in the world; and those He loves, He has tempted and tormented mightily. Those who stick most faithfully to Him and His Word, have to suffer misery and persecution; and those who love Him above everything, He allows to be crucified - and so on.
4
However, as already said, it does not matter, for He alone is the almighty Master of His works, and He can do with them whatever He pleases. No one may ask Him, 'Lord, why do You do this or that of which we do not approve?' He is the Lord, and that is sufficient for everyone!
5
We know that the Lord promised His kings on earth everlasting sovereignty, but they died like all the others. He promised a certain people a land and reign forever, but, as we heard, this chosen people has no longer a land. Thus, we know that the Lord elected sages who had to reveal His will to the people and what He would do. But when the time came that these revelations had to be fulfilled, the sages were standing there like fools, for the Lord did not let happen what He had revealed through them. And there are many other such instances.
6
As you see, one cannot take the Lord's promises literally. The same will probably apply to the granting of prayers; for who could ever force Him to it?
7
However, we shall accept your proposition, knowing only too well that a refusal on our part would be extremely foolish. Therefore, the almighty Lord's will be done!"