Provocation

January 21

The word ‘provoke’ suggests an outside action on the part of another individual that causes one to act in a way that would not have been his first choice if the decision had been entirely his to make. Most of us can attest to having responded to both positive and negative provocation.

A little boy has no interest in learning how to tie his shoes—until his baby sister successfully ties hers. This is a clear example of positive provocation. Someone pulls into the parking place you’ve maneuvered toward—causing you to utter a few unpleasant words in his direction. Negative provocation.

Provocation, whether toward something good or bad, causes a pre-determined course to be altered. A Biblical example occurred when the Israelites emerged from Egypt and were directed away from their Promised Land. This was such a significant turn around that the writer of Hebrews in 3:17 brings it to mind again. It was a sobering example of God being provoked by humans.

“With whom was He provoked for 40 years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the desert!” God’s intent was to deliver His people to a land of milk and honey, of hope and promise. But they defied Him, they disbelieved Him, they flaunted their arrogance before Him, provoking Him to remind them that pride goes before a fall. Great was their fall. It took them 40 years to arise!