God Speaks

Dieu Parle (God Speaks)
An Interview With The Father Of Us All

By Dave Mishur

The great French poet Charles Peguy began many of his works with the words "Dieu Parle," or "God Speaks." In his unique style he would then present complex concepts in very plain language, without the hyperbole and guile of human discourse. Even in English translation, his words are moving and powerful.

As a former newspaper editor and reporter, I wondered what it would be like if I could have the opportunity to ask God Himself to speak to the people of the world He has created. I thought Father's Day would be the perfect opportunity, so I imagine our hypothetical interview might go something like this:

Me: "Almighty Father, thank you for taking the time to talk with me. As you know many of us here on earth are confused and upset over the state of the world today. I don't have to elaborate on the various difficulties we're experiencing because I'm sure you already know about them since you know everything."

Eternal Father: "I don’t think it should come as a great surprise to you and your fellow humans that I am not pleased at what I see taking place on the earth that I created and among the people that I love. However, keep in mind that I have an eternal perspective on today's problems, so I am very reluctant to, how do you say it, 'pull the plug' on my creation. No, I created it and therefore it is good because I am Goodness itself."

Me: "That is very comforting coming from the One who could wipe us out in a minute any time He wanted to. It makes me feel that we have a second chance."

Almighty God: "Second? What are you thinking? I have given you humans so many chances I keep asking Myself why do I still support you with my life-giving love. I even sent my only Son to live among you to help you understand the path to eternal happiness with Me. And what happened?"

Me: "We killed him."

Loving Father: "Right! And I could have given up on you right then. But my Son convinced Me not to. He spent 33 years among you and He liked it. He became fully human and ate and drank and lived among you. He even chose a dozen lieutenants to help Him. You know, He was just like you in all ways, except sin of course. He still has a taint of humanity in Him even though he is true God just as much as I am. But He is on your side. Sometimes I think I am outnumbered!"

Me: "We are fortunate to have such a great Advocate."

Immortal One: "And He is very effective. You know that in the past my anger has occasionally boiled over and I punished the earth with devastating plagues and floods. When I see my creation so mishandled as it is today it takes all my Son's strength to keep my strong arm tethered to my side. But, I ask you, how am I to respond when I see my people denying the uniqueness of men and women, which is how I created them; and declaring that one cannot invoke my name at a simple football game; and jeopardizing the sanctity of marriage; and using the power within my world to blow themselves to pieces out of simple disgusting greed?

"And then they proceed to brag that they are going to 'save the planet,' while failing to recognize the fact that it is I who created and maintain both the planet and them in existence with my unfailing love."

Me: "Aren't you tempted to just give up on the human project?"

Loving God: "I am never tempted. I cannot be. I rule Satan. He is as a bug to Me but a terror to my people. He is, as Peter said, like a raging lion seeking someone to devour. The first person he devoured was Eve, then Adam, and then Judas, and now so many, many more that even I, though I am God, almost lost count. His latest endeavor, at which he is succeeding quite well, is to convince mankind that he doesn't even exist."

Me: "Could there be another series of plagues?"

Omnipotent Creator: "I've thought about it, but you couldn’t even handle a simple pandemic without losing your minds. How could you deal with a full set of ten plagues, or even just the death of a first born? In fact, you're doing a good job of creating your own plagues. Herod at least had the decency to let the children be born before he killed them, while your leaders today slaughter them while still in their mother's womb. Some of them even profess to believe in Me while killing helpless infants."

Me (shuddering): "I hope Jesus will continue to be successful in containing your righteous anger. Is there anything we on earth can do to help?"

I Am: "Yes, pray. Talk to me. Tell me you're sorry. Ask for help. I am always here, always willing to listen. I am your Father, after all; do not forget that."

Me: "So, there is still hope?"

Holy One: "Of course. Do you remember the story that my Son told about the man who had two sons? One of them left him and squandered his fortune while the other stayed home and did his father's will."

Me: "Yes, I remember that story. The prodigal eventually returned home in shame and his father forgave him and even threw a big party to celebrate. He was overjoyed and welcomed him with open arms."

Abba: "I am that Father. My arms are open wide."