Apparently one of the criteria for becoming the subject of a story in the Bible is thinking that God possesses questionable judgement. In this week’s reading Peter has a vision that includes direct instruction from God, and he argues with God. Moses, Abraham, Job, Gideon, and Peter are among the most notable figures that openly verbalized their disagreement with God. God consistently responds to these critics with grace and patience, but continues to press the issue at hand. When I encounter these stories, my first inclination is to shake my head and cluck my tongue at the foolishness of these people. The natural question is, “How can they presume to know better than God?” But those stories are more of a mirror than a window. Part of their purpose is to preserve and reveal the events of which they testify. More than that, they confront me with all the ways that I argue with God. I argue with God through the things I do that God has revealed are evil and destructive. I argue with God through all the things that I I fail to do which are good, compassionate, self-sacrificial, and righteous. Yet, the mirror isn’t meant to just bring about shame, rather God’s expectation is when I see my disobedience I will repent and make amends. God believes I’m capable of obedience, if I am willing to move toward faithfulness.