Nudges vs Shows of Power

List some of the specific ways that the Bible tells us that God led Israel. Which are “nudges” and which are “shows of power”? When was the latter necessary?

A few examples of God leading Israel would include the exodus from Egypt, the Ten Commandments, the giving of the law through Moses, the raising up of judges and the prophets, the selection of Saul and then David as kings, and the rebuilding of the wall and temple, just to name a few.

 

I think God used shows of power – such as the exile and the parting of the Red Sea – when power was necessary.  For example, could the Israelites have escaped from Egypt without God’s powerful intervention? Could the Israelites ever have become monotheistic follows who recognized their disobedience without the exile?

 

A classic example of a nudge would be the calling of Samuel when he was a boy. Another example would be Moses bringing the 10 commandments to the people. Even though we see that experience in our minds as a large and momentous event, it is still God providing choice and freedom to God’s people.  When Moses turned aside to encounter God in a burning bush, it was still a nudge – Moses could have refused. He had that freedom, even though God continued to persuade him.

 

I think nudges don’t curtail freedom while acts of power might.