Dr H Reflections

Despoiling the Egyptians ∙

Despoiling the Egyptians ∙

And I will cause the Egyptians to look favorably on you. They will give you gifts when you go so you will not leave empty-handed. Every Israelite woman will ask for articles of silver and gold and fine clothing from her Egyptian neighbors and foreign women in their houses. You will dress your sons and daughters with these, stripping the Egyptians of their wealth. – Exodus 3:21-22

Exodus 35:29 Thus, every man and woman among the Israelites, driven by a willingness to support the task assigned by the LORD through Moses, presented their offerings and donated them willingly to the LORD.

Exodus 37:1-9

1 Bezalel made the Ark of acacia wood – a sacred chest 45 inches long, 27 inches wide, and 27 inches high.

2 He overlaid it inside and outside with pure gold and ran a molding of gold around it.

6 Then he made the Ark’s cover – the place of atonement – from pure gold. It was 45 inches long and 27 inches wide.

7 He made two cherubim from hammered gold and placed them on the two ends of the atonement cover.

8 He molded the cherubim on each end of the atonement cover, making it all of one piece of gold.

9 The cherubim faced each other and looked down on the atonement cover. With their wings spread above it, they protected it.

As the 20th century ended, the people began to express growing concerns over the significant squandering of natural resources and materials. The prevailing mindset had shifted to a throwaway culture characterized by “use once and toss.” This unsustainable approach led to a drastic increase in waste generation. Things went from bad to worse. In 1960, the average American produced about 2.68 pounds of trash daily; this soared to just under 5 pounds by 2024. Modern recycling was born in response to this escalating problem and the urgent need to conserve resources and energy. For many, recycling has become a way of life.

Repurposing, which involves adapting or using an item for a new, unintended purpose, became a common practice alongside recycling. This approach not only conserves resources but also innovatively gives new life to objects. Many things are upscaled.

However, recycling, reusing, and repurposing are far from recent developments. Around 3500 years ago, the Father had the children of Israel repurpose the secular and profane resources of Egypt to create the materials for the construction of the Tabernacle and even the Ark of the Covenant. The vast treasures of pagan Egyptians comprised gold, silver, and precious stones. Gold and silver idols, pagan artifacts, and jewelry were melted down, repurposed, and consecrated for use in the sacred rituals of the Tabernacle worship (Exodus 25-28).

The Father used materials that were, at best, secular and, at worst, pagan, profane, and unclean. He sanctified what was common, coarse, and morally repugnant and set it apart for sacred purposes.

REFLECT & PRAY

The Father told the Israelites to melt down the metals and skillfully craft them for the articles required for the Mosaic worship system. That which was common and idolatrous was repurposed and consecrated for the Father’s service.

Father thank You for Your power to redeem and purify the worldly, tainted, and profane, turning it into something clean, pure, sacred, and good. I recognize that that is precisely what You did with me.

INSIGHT

The Father made a promise to Moses. He would give the people of Israel favor in the sight of the Egyptians. They would “Despoil the Egyptians” (Exodus 3:21-22, Exodus 12:35-36).

The Hebrew word translated as despoil, plunder, or strip is natsal. Despoiling or plundering is a military metaphor. It is reminiscent of “the act of taking spoils from a defeated army after a battle” (Osborne and Hatton). The act of taking valuables, despoiling, or plundering from the Egyptians served as overdue wages for the years of labor the Israelites had given under forced servitude. The valuables they received were long-delayed compensation for the many years they had served Pharaoh as slaves without pay. “The Egyptians were only too glad to give their wealth to the Israelites and be rid of them” (BBC).

As the Jewish people prepared for the Exodus from Egypt, they were instructed to ask the Egyptians for silver and gold (Exodus 11:2-3).

The Father, the God of Israel, had defeated Earth’s most formidable military force, Egypt’s army, and armed chariots. Pharaoh, who had hardened his heart in defiant resistance, was now subdued and acquiescent in defeat. He couldn’t wait for the children of Israel to be out of the land of Egypt.

Exodus 12:31-33

31 Pharaoh sent for Moses and Aaron during the night. “Get out!” he ordered. “Leave my people – and take the rest of the Israelites with you! Go and worship the LORD as you have requested.”

32 “Take your flocks and herds, as you said, and be gone. Go, but bless me as you leave.”

33 All the Egyptians urged the people of Israel to get out of the land as quickly as possible, for they thought, “We will all die!”

Exodus 12:35-36

35 And the people of Israel did as Moses had instructed; they asked the Egyptians for clothing and articles of silver and gold.

36 The LORD caused the Egyptians to look favorably on the Israelites, and they gave them whatever they asked for. So they stripped the Egyptians of their wealth!

Exodus 35:22 Both men and women came, all whose hearts were willing. They brought offerings of gold to the LORD – brooches, earrings, rings from their fingers, and necklaces. They presented gold objects of every kind as a special offering to the LORD.

What was God’s intended purpose for this vast treasure of pagan gold, silver, and gems? That which was common and idolatrous was consecrated for the Father’s service. The gold and silver were melted down, upcycled, and repurposed for Mosaic worship (Exodus 25-28).

The children of Israel were all in. They joyfully and reverently made extremely generous contributions to the Father’s work. What motivated this group, often described as stubborn, rebellious, and challenging, to act in such a manner? Their actions directly resulted from the Holy Spirit’s work within their hearts (Exodus 35-36).

Exodus 35:4-9

4 Then Moses said to the whole community of Israel, This is what the LORD has commanded:

5 Take a sacred offering for the LORD. Let those with generous hearts present the following gifts to the LORD: gold, silver, and bronze;

6 blue, purple, and scarlet thread; fine linen and goat hair for cloth;

7 tanned ram skins and fine goatskin leather; acacia wood;

8 olive oil for the lamps; spices for the anointing oil and the fragrant incense;

9 onyx stones and other gemstones will be set in the ephod and the priest’s chest piece.

All that was needed for Mosaic worship was provided in abundance. Contributions flowed so generously that donors had to be asked to cease giving as the amounts surpassed the requirements. When was the last time that happened?

Exodus 36:3-6

3 Moses gave them the materials donated by the people of Israel as sacred offerings for the completion of the sanctuary. But the people continued to bring additional gifts each morning.

4 Finally, the craftsmen who were working on the sanctuary left their work.

5 They went to Moses and reported, “The people have given more than enough materials to complete the job the LORD has commanded us to do!”

6 So Moses gave the command, sending this message throughout the camp: “Men and women, don’t prepare any more gifts for the sanctuary. We have enough!” So, the people stopped bringing their sacred offerings.

Throughout the millennia, how many have yearned for justice? How many looked for a payday that never came? For 400 years, the Jewish people toiled in abject poverty and slavery, longing for deliverance that did not arrive. Generation after generation lived and died in unrealized hope. Finally, the Father intervened. The time of the Exodus had come. The final generation of enslaved people was paid in full for 400 years of labor.

What did they do with their newfound wealth? Instead of spending it on themselves, they dedicated it to God as an act of thankfulness, worship, and devotion. The wealth of Egypt was not used for personal consumption but rather to build the Tabernacle and the gold-covered Ark of the Covenant.

Would we do the same?

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Not my will, but yours ∙∙

Not my will, but yours ∙∙

Not my will, but yours – Luke 22:42

Genesis 4:7 You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, the superpowers of that time, England, France, and Spain, were locked in a struggle to dominate the New World. Each country had its objectives, ranging from colonization and land acquisition to seeking wealth, freedom to practice religious faith, evangelism, and exploiting the riches of the Americas.

By the 1740s, tensions between Great Britain and France escalated due to their expansion ambitions in North America, making conflict inevitable. Both nations aimed to extend their territories – England by cultivating cash crops like tobacco and France through the lucrative fur trade. This rivalry led to armed confrontations in the late 1750s and early 1760s, known as the French and Indian War.

By 1763, England emerged as the dominant power in North America, defeating France in this conflict.

This competitive drive for control is not a modern phenomenon. It traces back to the earliest human history, starting with the Garden of Eden.

Genesis 4:7 If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door, and its desire is for you, but you must master it.

The Hebrew word translated as desire, desire to control, or contrary to you, is teshuqah. Teshuqahhas a primary sense of desire or longing. This term can have either a positive or negative connotation and appears only three times in the Old Testament. In the Song of Solomon, it denotes the deep affection and yearning a husband has for his wife, reflecting his intense desire to be close to her.

Song 7:10 – The woman says of her beloved: I am my beloved’s, and his “desire” is for me.

However, in Genesis 4:7, teshuqah has an entirely negative connotation. Here, the Father speaks to Cain and says that sin is like a crouching beast “hungering, intent upon” him (TWOT).

Genesis 4:7 Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.

Sin is personified. It is like a ferocious, ravenous beast lurking about, craving to control and dominate. It is waiting at the door of Cain’s life, eager to assert its influence and take control. Should sin overpower and prevail, the consequences for Cain are ominous.

There is an interplay between sin and Cain’s motivations and actions. Overwhelmed by jealousy and rage, Cain is actively plotting the murder of his brother. Sin encourages Cain to act out his hateful emotions. Sin is trying to dominate, take over, and control. The Father cautions Cain about coming to terms with this force. The Father admonishes him to be strong and resist sin’s control. The Father encourages Cain to be master of his emotions and not yield to sin’s desires.

Cain is to “rule over it.” Cain fails to take the Lord’s advice; sin gains the upper hand, leading to the tragic murder of his brother Abel.

REFLECT & PRAY

Due to the Fall, the very essence of human DNA was significantly altered, leading to a loss of harmony, mutuality, love, and respect. The endeavor to reclaim these lost elements proves to be challenging, often feeling insurmountable and seemingly impossible.

Father thank You for overcoming the curse of the Fall. Encourage Your children to follow the example of the Lord Jesus Christ and surrender control back to You, the Lord God omnipotent.

INSIGHT

In Genesis 4:7, understanding that the term “desire” indicates the desire to control helps us to better understand the Father’s words to Eve.

Genesis 3:16 Your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you.

The complementary relationship and balance between husband and wife that the Father ordained before the Fall has been profoundly fractured. Instead of harmony and unity, there will now be an ongoing struggle between the woman and the man for leadership in the marriage relationship.

Eve was previously the perfect complement for Adam. But that was lost in the Fall. She has been sullied. She now has an inordinate desire to control. She wants her own way. She is now in opposition to Adam. Instead of engaging in joyful collaboration and mutual support, conflict now arises.

Instead of embodying the role of a servant leader who nurtures, cares for, and protects his wife, Adam leans towards domination and coercion. He becomes the father of all toxic bullies. The dynamic has devolved into a cliché of primal assertion, epitomized in the phrase, “Me Tarzan, you Jane,” and its worst.

Conversely, Eve was previously the perfect complement to Adam. But that was lost in the Fall. She has been sullied. She now has an inordinate desire to control. She wants her own way. She is now in opposition to Adam. Instead of engaging in joyful collaboration and mutual support, conflict now arises.

Sin has wreaked havoc on the divine blueprint for marital bliss, leaving couples caught in a relentless struggle to assert their will. There are now two opponents vying to get their own way.

The rebellion of Adam and Eve against the Father has cast a long shadow of conflict over marriage throughout generations. The roles and responsibilities once divinely assigned are now severely damaged. How tragic!

But the Father has an answer for His wayward children. By accepting the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior, couples receive divine strength to fulfill their intended roles and responsibilities within marriage, restoring the original design.

Ephesians 5:21-32 spells out a way to achieve the original design that the Father desired.

The husband is called to cherish his wife and her well-being above his own. He should embody selflessness, be ready to sacrifice everything for her and mirror the servant leadership of Lord Jesus Christ towards Adam. The Father has provided the ultimate role model for the husband regarding his attitudes and actions towards his wife. The Lord Jesus Christ “gave Himself up for” the church in loving self-sacrifice. The husband bears solemn and formidable obligations before the Father. Bullying, domination, or oppression are nowhere to be seen.

The marital bond is meant to be a source of deep satisfaction and an avenue for serving the Lord joyfully for the wife, with the husband playing a crucial role in fostering her spiritual growth, goodness, righteousness, and faithfulness. Interestingly, Paul emphasizes the husband’s responsibilities significantly more than the wife’s. He devotes three times more space to the husband’s duty (nine verses) than to the wife’s (three verses), highlighting the gravity of his role within the marriage (ESV notes).

On her part, the wife is encouraged to respect and honor her husband, acknowledging his position as the leader within the marriage. This acknowledgment is not about coercion but a voluntary alignment with the healthy and harmonious structure designed for marriage (ESV notes). Submission by a woman is never to be driven by a biblical “sledgehammer.” She, too, has an example to follow, but regrettably, a poor one at best. The church is pictured as the bride of Christ. The church is to submit to the Lordship of Christ and willingly seek to fulfill the desires and dreams the Father has for it.

Harry Truman famously said, “The buck stops here,” underscoring the weighty responsibility and accountability one bears, especially in the context of marriage where both partners face the dreadful weight of ultimate responsibility and the daunting prospect of accountability before the Lord Jesus Christ and the Father. No husband would ever want to face the disapproval of his actions and attitudes in marriage by the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

From its inception, marriage was designed to echo the sacred bond between Christ and the church. Paul’s teachings on the roles within marriage reflect the Father’s perfect vision for union, inspired by the profound relationship between Christ and His church. The Father’s blueprint offers a standard that all marriages are intended to aspire to, underlining the sacredness and profundity of the marital covenant.

Each of us is a work in progress, striving for the high standard to which we have been called. The Lord Jesus Christ showed us the way, “Not my will, but yours.” – Luke 22:42

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One promise we would rather not have ∙

One promise we would rather not have ∙

Everyone who wants to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. – 2 Timothy 3:12

John 15:18-21

18 If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.

19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own, but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world. Therefore, the world hates you.

20 Remember the word that I said to you: “A servant is not greater than his master.” If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.

21 But all these things they will do to you on account of my name because they do not know him who sent me.

Being human often involves making promises we do not keep, especially when attempting to assist others. We make unrealistic promises that we cannot fulfill, leading to frustration, shame, and sadness.

How can we avoid overpromising and making promises we can keep? It begins with clear thinking and thoughtful consideration. Assess the situation to understand what needs to be done and feasible ways we can help. Focus on what is realistically possible and what you are capable of delivering. Make wise selections and then dedicate yourself to fulfilling them.

Key strategies include making promises that are:

Specific and tangible.

Keep your offer to help unambiguous, well-defined, and precise.

Simple, doable in small steps, and time-limited.

Your offer should be achievable in a few simple, easy steps.

Sincere and honest with oneself.

Be proactive and take time to reflect. Give yourself time to come up with achievable commitments.

Frequently reassessed by checking in regularly.

Do not leave people hanging. Follow-up. (Condensed from Devon Frye, Psychology Today, December 31, 2021)

The Father makes promises and commitments, with some exceeding our greatest dreams and wildest imagination but others not so much. Every child of the King is promised that suffering will be a part of life, attributed to the fact that “the unbelieving world will always remain deeply hostile to the gospel” (ESV).

The Father has promised that all children of the King who aspire to live a godly life through the Lord Jesus Christ will suffer persecution.

2 Timothy 3:12 Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

“This is one of those promises of God that we’d really rather do without. God tells us this, not to discourage us, but to prepare us for the inevitable so that we can shine for Him when the time comes” (Stanley).

The cause of persecution is unambiguous: a godly lifestyle highlights the wrongdoings of others, a revelation many find uncomfortable. Rather than addressing their misdeeds and seeking redemption through the Lord Jesus Christ, they aim to eliminate the source of their irritation.

To withstand and overcome persecution, remember that the world rejected Jesus Christ. Serving the Lord Jesus Christ flows from our identification with Him.

John 15:18-25

18 If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first.

19 The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.

20 Do you remember what I told you? “A slave is not greater than the master.” Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to me, they would listen to you.

21 They will do all this to you because of me, for they have rejected the one who sent me.

22 They would not be guilty if I had not come and spoken to them. But now they have no excuse for their sin.

23 Anyone who hates me also hates my Father.

24 If I hadn’t done such miraculous signs among them that no one else could do, they would not be guilty. But as it is, they have seen everything I did, yet they still hate me and my Father.

25 This fulfills what is written in their Scriptures: “They hated me without cause.”

This truth forms the foundation of the biblical principles upon which we began our Christian faith. We are to stand upon the Truth we have learned and move forward.

Colossians 2:6 Just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him.

2 Timothy 3:14 But you must remain faithful to what you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you.

REFLECT & PRAY

The Father is always aware of what was, what is, and what will come. He never says, “Whoops!”

Father I often struggle to get this right. I find myself filled with self-doubt. I misunderstood the struggle. Help me recognize and accept that I must become weak before becoming strong in You.

INSIGHT

We often think it’s our fault when things don’t go well. Somehow, there must be something wrong with us. We struggle to find meaning and purpose in our lives.

We have this backward. The Father chose each child of the King for His purposes. He prepares us to accomplish His dream for us. Frequently, that preparation is very challenging, even grievous.

We must learn to be weak before we can become strong.

When Paul met the Lord Jesus Christ, his life was transformed. He started seeing the world not merely with human eyes but with spiritual clarity that he had never experienced before. But Paul had to go through even more challenges. The Father allowed him to face tricky, challenging, sometimes overwhelming trials to keep him humble and prevent pride (2 Corinthians 12:7). During these times of adversity, Paul discovered something surprising: weakness is strength.

Father values our humility and, in turn, fills our lives with His strength and blessings. Being weak in some areas is nothing to be ashamed of (Stanley). Recognizing our weaknesses was the Father’s plan all along.

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

7 I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So, to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud.

8 Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away.

9 Each time, he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.

10 That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

A perspective rooted in biblical principles is crucial for a solid connection with the Father and vital for serving Him. Close fellowship with Him flows from it. The Father uses our prayers, words, actions, and service to accomplish His purpose on earth. We live to serve Him and to carry out the work He has assigned to us. We are called to join Him in this endeavor.

“The Word of God, living and growing within us, produces lasting and increasing joy. A lack of joy in a Christian’s life often can be traced to a lack of concentrated devotional time in God’s Word” (Stanley).

Ephesians 3:20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.

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ME Too loses one ∙∙

ME Too loses one ∙∙

If you set a trap for others, you will get caught in it yourself. If you roll a boulder down on others, it will crush you instead. – Proverbs 26:27

Luke 6:36-39

36 You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.

37 Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven.

39 Then Jesus gave the following illustration: “Can one blind person lead another? Won’t they both fall into a ditch?”

Former Universal executive Josh Goldstine has recently emerged victorious in an arbitration case against NBCUniversal, securing approximately $20 million in damages. Goldstine was wrongly accused via the Me Too movement on Twitter, with no trial or chance to defend himself. Based solely on this accusation, he was terminated from his position at Universal Studios in 2018 for alleged “inappropriate conduct.”

Previously, Goldstine was marketing president at Universal, overseeing successful promotions for major films like “Jurassic World” and “The Mummy.” Following complaints received in early February 2018, film division president Donna Langley and chairman Jeff Shell cited credible concerns about Goldstine’s behavior. They said they had received detailed information, and “we believe both credible and indicative of an unacceptable climate.” Three weeks later, following an investigation, he was dismissed.

Goldstine was now “toxic” and faced difficulty securing employment; he was compelled by contractual obligations to undergo arbitration. In America, who would ever think that totally innocent people could be wrongfully accused, judged, and convicted without being permitted to make any defense or be able to face their accusers? We would have thought that those times ceased with the passing of the days of the Old West and unjustified lynching. But those are the times in which we are living.

The ordeal faced by Goldstine, his family, and friends underscores the nightmare and humiliation that can result from such situations. This scenario could easily occur to anyone. Now imagine it happening to you.

The presumption of innocence is one of the most sacred principles in the American criminal justice system. This principle dictates that a defendant is considered innocent until proven guilty, requiring the prosecution to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

In today’s complex societal landscape, various traps and pitfalls exist that can ensnare individuals and disrupt their lives. How many times has this already happened? While some accusations are undoubtedly valid, there are instances where vicious, malicious, controlling individuals exploit and harm innocents, particularly those who may be vulnerable or defenseless.

But there is an odd but marvelous thing about the Father’s justice. He who digs a pit will fall into it, and he who rolls a stone will have it come back on him who starts it rolling (Proverbs 26:27).

REFLECT & PRAY

As instructed by our Heavenly Father, we are forbidden from bearing false witness. Malicious prosecution denotes a legal action initiated without proper grounds and with ulterior motives, like harassing the accused, damaging reputations, or wrongfully shifting blame away from the actual wrongdoer.

Father I pray that I will abstain from falsely accusing others or engaging in comparable wrongful actions. Please guide me, Father, to embody justice, compassion, mercy, forgiveness, and a reluctance to pass hasty judgments.

INSIGHT

There is undeniable evidence of abuse of power by those in authoritative positions towards those under their care. The dynamic of the powerful coercing the vulnerable has persisted since the days of creation. However, it appears that America has deviated from its moral compass and lost its way, leaving behind its integrity.

What does the Mosaic law dictate concerning crimes in general and specifically addressing sexual abuse? The Mosaic law encompasses precise directives, including case law that extrapolates general principles from specific instances to guide us in matters not explicitly outlined.

Regarding serious crimes, accusations were mandated to be reported, but action was only to be taken if corroborated by two or three witnesses – a precaution against false allegations. Thorough investigations were required due to the potential for malicious intent and hidden agendas among witnesses.

If the accusation proved true, the guilty party faced punishment; conversely, if the accusation was false, the accuser received the penalty intended for the accused, who would be forgiven and go free. This dual approach aimed to cleanse society of wrongdoing and deter unwarranted accusations by instilling fear of consequences.

Deuteronomy 19:15-20

15 You must not convict anyone of a crime on the testimony of only one witness. The facts of the case must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.

16 If a malicious witness comes forward and accuses someone of a crime,

17 then both the accuser and accused must appear before the LORD by coming to the priests and judges in office then.

18 The judges must investigate the case thoroughly. If the accuser has brought false charges against his fellow Israelite,

19 you must impose on the accuser the sentence he intended for the other person. In this way, you will purge such evil from among you.

20 Then, the rest of the people will hear about it and be afraid to do such an evil thing.

In the scenario of an accusation of rape, the outcome varies based on the location of the incident. The prevailing assumption is that in cases of forced sexual assault, the victim would cry out for help. If the assault takes place in an urban setting, where her cries could be heard and aid provided, the response differs from a rural setting where assistance may not be readily available because she would not be heard.

In urban areas, if the woman purportedly did not cry out during the assault, indicating potential consent, both parties are subject to capital punishment by stoning.

Conversely, in rural settings where the woman’s outcry goes unheard, signaling non-consent, the man is held accountable and sentenced to death by stoning. In this circumstance, the woman is deemed innocent and released.

Deuteronomy 22:23-27

23 Suppose a man meets a young woman, a virgin who is engaged to be married, and he has sexual intercourse with her. If this happens within a town,

24 you must take both of them to the gates of that town and stone them to death. The woman is guilty because she did not scream for help. The man must die because he violated another man’s wife. In this way, you will purge this evil from among you.

25 But if the man meets the engaged woman out in the country, and he rapes her, then only the man must die.

26 Do nothing to the young woman; she has committed no crime worthy of death. She is as innocent as a murder victim.

27 Since the man raped her out in the country, it must be assumed that she screamed, but there was no one to rescue her.

The tale of Tamar and Amnon presents a poignant narrative within David’s family. Amnon, David’s son, becomes infatuated with his half-sister, Tamar. Amnon falls hopelessly in love with Tamar. He is lovesick. With the manipulative support of Jonadab, his cunning cousin, a scheme is concocted that ultimately places Tamar in Amnon’s bedroom.

It is here that Amnon’s professed love culminates in an act of violence; he rapes Tamar. Immediately following this atrocious act, Amnon’s emotions shift dramatically from affection to aversion, leading him to scornfully dismiss Tamar. Consequently, Tamar faces a future marred by disgrace, deemed unfit for marriage due to the actions of her half-brother.

Upon discovering the injustice inflicted upon his sister, Absalom, Tamar’s full brother and another son of David, quietly plans his vengeance. In due time, he exacts this revenge by orchestrating the killing of Amnon. This act of fratricide forces Absalom into exile to escape retribution (2 Samuel 13:1-29). The family is never the same again. Absalom becomes his father’s enemy. Consequently, the fabric of their family dynamic is irrevocably changed.

Act prudently in the face of false accusations. Beware of hidden agendas.

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Is masculinity toxic? ∙∙

Is masculinity toxic? ∙∙

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her. – Ephesians 5:25

Colossians 3:19 Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly.

1 Peter 3:7 In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.

Toxic masculinity is seen by many as a rampant disease plaguing the nation. They suggest that more than 40% of men today suffer from it. Toxic masculinity refers to the belief that certain traits associated with traditional “manliness” promote dominance and aggression. It encompasses societal expectations dictating how men should behave, often pressuring them to adopt behaviors considered harmful.

Commonly defined in popular culture, toxic masculinity revolves around three key elements:

Toughness: Mandates men to exhibit physical strength, emotional detachment, and aggressive behavior.
Antifemininity: Encourages rejecting anything perceived as feminine, such as displaying emotions or seeking assistance.
Power: Implies that men should strive for power and status (both socially and financially) to earn respect from others.

Such norms include but are not limited to self-reliance, stoicism, strength, virility, and dominance. Some identified characteristics of toxic masculinity are:

Avoiding vulnerability or emotions to avoid appearing weak
Believing violence or aggression is an acceptable way to resolve conflicts and validates manhood
Seeking dominance at the expense of others’ well-being
Dismissing affection as unnecessary or weak
Strict adherence to traditional gender roles, avoiding feminine activities
Mocking those who don’t conform to masculine norms
Valuing sexual conquests as a measure of success

The Babylon Bee – a satirical Christian website, asks: “Are you Suffering from Toxic Masculinity?” It is incumbent upon every male to know the warning signs of this “virulent social disease” plaguing the nation.

What are some of the early warning signs of toxic masculinity?

A belief that men and women are at least a little bit different. If you’re a woman who believes this, then you suffer from an even worse disease called internalized misogyny.
Eating meat on occasion.
Holding the door open for a woman once in a while.
Yelling stuff about freedom and charging into battle wearing blue face paint.
And the most telling sign of all is being a man who doesn’t hate himself.

Of course, this is nothing new. This social “disorder” began with the Father’s instructions to Adam and Eve in the garden. The idea caught on and was expanded through teaching in the Old and New Testaments.

Puzzlingly absent from the symptoms of “toxic masculinity” are courtesy, kindness, servant leadership, loyalty, self-sacrifice, love for country and family, and commitment to defend and protect those loved and cared for.

The Old Testament emphasizes the importance of the man’s commitment to his wife and his responsibility to love her and bring her happiness and security.

Deuteronomy 24:5 A newly married man must not be drafted into the army or be given any other official responsibilities. He must be free to spend one year at home, bringing happiness to the wife he has married.

Proverbs 5:15 Drink water from your own well and share your love only with your wife.

Ecclesiastes 9:9 Live happily with the woman you love through all the meaningless days of life that God has given you under the sun. The wife God gives you is your reward for all your earthly toil.

The New Testament elevates expectations for men by emphasizing the equal and respectful treatment of women. Husbands are urged to love their wives selflessly, remain faithful, and even be willing to die for them.

Does this sound positive and admirable or toxic and destructive? Well, according to the viewpoint of some people in our fallen world, it is very toxic. Those who feel that masculinity is toxic disregard the standards set by the Father, the Lord God, who reigns above. He is the One who sets the standards. Rejecting His principles and absolutes typically stems from a lack of respect or admiration for Him, leading to disdain or denial of His existence.

REFLECT & PRAY

As children of the King, our core values revolve around our personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. As our relationship with Him deepens, our actions align more closely with His divine standards.

Father thank You for setting righteous standards for our lives and granting forgiveness when we falter. Encourage and strengthen us to strive to do what is right.

INSIGHT

Societal trends can be likened to a teeter-totter. One trend usually gives birth to a counter-reaction. Throughout human history, themes of violence, malice, and wickedness have persisted. It is common for a tipping point to herald significant paradigm shifts in response.

Which of the following statements seems most accurate?

Some men are bullies
Many men are bullies
All men are bullies

Toxic masculinity, initially a term from academia, originates from historical instances of male dominance, misogyny, and violent behavior leading to brutality and destruction. Unfortunately, the egregious actions of a few have unfairly become a negative stereotype for the majority.

The transformation of toxic behaviors into a broad condemnation, labeled as “toxic masculinity.” This highly generalized evaluation is prima facie unfair, inaccurate, and discriminatory. Such partiality is hurtful, insulting, divisive, and destructive. The toxic violence of a few has become a discriminatory descriptor of the many. It fails to consider the kind, gentle, selfless, and humble characteristics of many men.

In contrast, healthy masculinity emphasizes constructive behaviors that benefit individuals and communities, promoting inclusivity and emotional intelligence while transcending outdated stereotypes. Here are some examples of these positive masculine traits:

Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another, fostering deeper connections and compassion in relationships.
Resilience: The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties, demonstrating physical, emotional, and mental strength.
Integrity: A strong sense of honesty and morality that guides one’s actions to be consistent with values of truthfulness and fairness.
Responsibility: Taking accountability for one’s actions and their impact on others, including providing and caring for oneself and those one is connected to.
Courage: This is not just in the physical sense but also in having the bravery to be vulnerable, speak out against injustice, and stand by one’s convictions even when it’s difficult.
Self-Reflection: The ability to introspect and examine one’s thoughts, feelings, and motivations to grow and improve continually.
Respect for Others: Recognizing and treating others with dignity and understanding, regardless of gender, background, or beliefs.
Emotional Intelligence: Being aware of, controlling, and expressing one’s emotions healthily and handling interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically.
Adaptability: The willingness to be flexible and change one’s approach in the face of new situations or information, showing strength in versatility.
Supportiveness: Offering encouragement and assistance to others, showcasing a commitment to uplifting those around one.

These traits demonstrate that masculinity, freed from toxic stereotypes, encompasses qualities that contribute positively to individual character and societal harmony.

“Toxic masculinity is a narrow and repressive description of manhood, designating manhood as defined by violence, sex, status, and aggression” (The Good Men Project).

“Never allow cruelty; it undermines the natural courage and manliness of the perpetrator” (USMC).

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