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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© Dr. H 2024

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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© Dr. H 2024

Living with misinformation and disinformation ∙

Living with misinformation and disinformation ∙

Commit yourself to instruction; listen carefully to words of knowledge. – Proverbs 23:12

Proverbs 23:9, 12

 9 Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, For he will despise the wisdom of your words.

 12 Apply your heart to discipline and your ears to words of knowledge.

The profusion of wrong information is endemic. The first quarter of the 21st century saw widespread misinformation and disinformation. In 2018, misinformation was so common that it was chosen as the “Word of the Year” by Dictionary.com. Both misinformation and disinformation spread wrong or false information. They are often used interchangeably. However, they do not mean the same thing. What differentiates them? Misinformation is simply untrue or incorrect information shared without malicious intent. Whereas disinformation is the deliberate dissemination of false information to mislead or deceive.

Misinformation is a common occurrence in our daily experiences, often stemming from errors in listening, remembering, or conveying information accurately. Without the application of critical thinking and thorough fact-checking, individuals may unknowingly perpetuate false information. This misinformation, in turn, spreads rapidly and exponentially.

Disinformation is intentionally spreading false or misleading information to cause harm. It is a tactic often employed in espionage and used for manipulation and deceit, encompassing scams, fake news, conspiracy theories, propaganda, deepfakes, hoaxes, and frauds.

The question arises: why do misinformation and disinformation thrive? Despite the availability of accurate information, it often goes unnoticed or unappreciated, overshadowed, and trumped by a much stronger force: group identity. This social dynamic encourages individuals to seek comfort in “ingroups,” fostering a sense of strength and superiority over “outgroups.” The sense is that our group makes a strong. We denigrate the outgroup. This phenomenon, driven by our need for belonging, often places group affiliation above factual accuracy. “Belonging is Stronger than Facts” (Max Fisher).

Social psychology attributes this trend to forming social ingroups and outgroups, “we” versus “them.” It highlights our natural inclination to side with groups we identify with. An ingroup is a social group with which we identify. By contrast, we do not identify with an outgroup. People are tribal and tend to agree with favor and identify with the group they belong to.

Max Fisher points out, “As much as we like to think of ourselves as rational beings who put truth-seeking above all else, we are social animals wired for survival. In times of perceived conflict or social change, we seek security in groups. And that makes us eager to consume information, true or not, that lets us see the world as a conflict putting our righteous ingroup against a nefarious outgroup.”

Incorrect information, misguided beliefs, and ill-advised choices can lead to dire consequences. We risk contributing to these disastrous outcomes if we accept and spread such misinformation. The value of truth and wisdom cannot be overstated. They are not just to be sought and acquired but actively championed and defended. Merely possessing accurate knowledge isn’t enough. We must commit to living by it; in doing so, we can help prevent the spread of misinformation and disinformation.

James 3:13-17

 13 honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom.

 14 But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying.

 15 For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, natural, and demonic.

 16 For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.

 17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.

Proverbs 23:12 Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge.

Living in a society saturated with hostility, distrust, rampant misinformation, and disinformation necessitates a proactive and thoughtful approach. We must commit ourselves to critical thinking, self-discipline, and continuous knowledge acquisition. These are the tools we need to combat the misinformation that surrounds us.

Many tentatively approach the Father with hesitation and uncertainty. But we are encouraged to immerse ourselves fully, jumping in with both feet to explore the depths of wisdom comprehensively to understand how we should then live.

Focusing our minds on these teachings is crucial. In Hebrew, applying one’s mind reads, “Bring your heart.” The heart is considered the hub of thought and dedication (UBS). This notion suggests a deep commitment of the mind. We are advised to “Listen to . . ..” and “Pay attention to . . ..” We are to do our best to learn (CEV).

REFLECT & PRAY

There are two kinds of wisdom: God’s wisdom from above and the foolish wisdom of the earth. The wisdom of a fool leads to a dead end, but God’s wisdom leads to life-changing perspectives and opportunities to serve Him.

Father inspire both my heart and mind to pursue wisdom actively, to remain open and receptive to it, to distinguish foolishness clearly, and to reject it decisively.

INSIGHT

“Only when the heart is applied to instruction, and the ear bent upon hearing right and profitable words, will there be progress in divine things. Careless learning by rote will never profit. It is when the whole being is occupied with the truth, that wisdom makes her abode in the soul of him who seeks her” (Ironside).

Proverbs 23:9, 12

 9 Don’t waste your breath on fools, for they will despise the wisest advice.

 12 Commit yourself to instruction; listen carefully to words of knowledge.

“There is no easy way to gain instruction. It requires discipline and application” (BBC). Proverbs 23:9 could be rendered, “Don’t try to teach a dull, stupid fool. You are wasting your time on him,” or “Do not waste words on a fool,” or “Don’t try to talk sense to a fool” (UBS). Fools despise words of wisdom. To get this right, we may have to separate ourselves from fools and avoid conversations with them. They bring little or nothing of value to the table and frequently will not listen to reason. We “should not waste sound teaching on the stubbornly unresponsive” (Garrett).

Matthew 7:6 Don’t waste what is holy on people who are unholy. Don’t throw your pearls to pigs! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you.

Wisdom transcends mere rule-following. Instead, it involves leaning on the Father’s guidance to direct us through each circumstance.

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© Dr. H 2024

Objectivity, Absolutes, and Truth

Objectivity, Absolutes, and Truth

Your word is truth. – John 17:17

Psalms 119:142 Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and Your law is truth.

Psalms 119:160-162

 160 The very essence of your words is truth; all your just regulations will stand forever.

 162 I rejoice in your word like one who discovers a great treasure.

The phenomenon of political leaders engaging in deceit or obfuscation is hardly a novelty in contemporary history. Yet, the emergence of US presidents who frequently engage in falsehoods or exhibit confusion is somewhat of a new twist. As we navigate the tumultuous, roaring 2020s of the 21st century, polarization and protests are ripping the nation apart. College campuses are becoming hotbeds of tension with the rise of anti-Semitic and pro-Palestinian activism (Matthew Pressman).

In our current climate, it’s crucial to recognize the influence of confirmation bias. Confirmation bias is a psychological phenomenon that leads individuals to favor and seek out information that aligns with their pre-existing beliefs. As a result, the Left and Right often rely on different sources of information. It’s crucial to understand that accusations of bias are not one-sided, with each side accusing the other of misinformation.

In November 1969, the notion that the news media was biased towards liberalism became entrenched in the beliefs of the Right. This view was catalyzed by speeches from Spiro Agnew, Vice President under Nixon. Agnew accused the “elite” media of permitting their personal biases to shape both the choice and portrayal of news stories.

The Left is equally convinced that the Right presents biased perspectives. In 1995, First Lady Hillary Clinton championed the phrase “vast right-wing conspiracy” to characterize the allegations of scandal regarding her husband, President Bill Clinton, and Monica Lewinsky. The Left often points out instances where right-leaning media outlets present biased perspectives under the guise of objectivity, particularly when it comes to reporting on social issues, politics, and science.

Can journalists be expected to report the news objectively in such a climate? Should they even make the effort?

Not. We have entered what has been dubbed the era of post-objective journalism. Rather than being objective, post-objective journalism is more interpretive or subjective, driven by the journalists’ biases and perspectives.

What is objectivity?

Objectivity is maintaining neutrality and impartiality by not allowing personal feelings, biases, interpretations, or prejudice to influence the presentation of information or decision-making processes. With such an objective foundation, judgments can be based on factual evidence and logical reasoning, free from personal or societal biases.

So much for journalism!

Sadly, many today have embraced post-objective theology and post-objective biblical interpretation.

What is absolute Truth?

Absolute Truth is universally constant, unaffected by time or location, and comprises unchanging facts. Absolute truth is valid at all times and in all places.

REFLECT & PRAY

“Everyone is entitled to their opinion but not their own truth” (Lutzer).

Father thank You for intervening in my life and opening my eyes of my heart to the absolute Truth of the Word of God. Indeed, Your word is Truth, life-changing Truth.

INSIGHT

One of the most important decisions anyone has to make is whether there is absolute Truth. If your answer is yes, the next step is to determine what absolute Truth is.

However, in the postmodern era, absolute Truth is often rejected. It is replaced by “truths” that are relative and subjective. Instead of interpretations grounded in sound biblical hermeneutics, interpretations have become merely personal opinions, that is, “truth” for now.

The Bible claims to be the absolute Truth, “The truth about God” (UBS).

John 17:17 Your word is truth.

Jesus did not say, as so many do today, “Your word contains truth,” but “Your word IS truth” (BBC).

The Greek word translated as truth is alētheia. Alētheia has the sense of conforming to reality, implying dependability. Alētheia is true in itself and derived from the true God (Zodhiates).

Interestingly, the Greek term used is not an adjective (as in “your word is true”) but a noun (alētheia, meaning “truth”). This implies that God’s Word isn’t merely aligning with an external standard of “truth.” Instead, the Word embodies Truth itself. Thus, it sets the standard of Truth by which all else is evaluated, compared, and judged (ESV notes).

Psalms 119:142 Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and Your law is truth.

The Hebrew word translated as truth is emeth. The word emeth means reliable, stable, believable, trustworthy, lasting, secure, or permanent. In essence, emeth is true and dependable and can be trusted and believed.

The word of God provides absolute Truth regarding all things it touches upon. Of utmost importance is the dependability of the Bible and the Father Himself. Father never changes and is unwavering in all that He is. He is faithful and consistent in character and actions. Therefore, He can be trusted and depended upon at all times and in all circumstances.

The faith of every child of the King depends upon the fact that He is Truth, and His promises can be trusted. His word is unchanging and absolute Truth. It has a tremendous impact.

John 8:32 You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

In Daniel Defoe’s “Robinson Crusoe,” Crusoe discovers a Bible among shipwreck debris. But he only opens it when he becomes ill. Reading the Word marks a crucial turning point, leading to a significant perspective transformation. He kneels and prays for the first time since he’s been shipwrecked.

Previously indifferent to religion, his reading of the Bible sparks a profound spiritual awakening. He enters into a relationship with the Father. He recognizes that the shipwreck was the Father’s plan to bring him to repentance.

The Bible becomes a source of comfort and guidance, helping him face solitude and ensuring his survival. It profoundly impacts the transformation of his character towards greater trust in the Father and satisfaction.

Psalms 119:77 Surround me with your tender mercies so I may live, for your instructions are my delight.

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© Dr. H 2024

We Have Met the Enemy and He Is Us ∙

We Have Met the Enemy, and He Is Us ∙

From the very beginning, your first ancestor sinned against me; all your leaders broke my laws. – Isaiah 43:27

Isaiah 59:1-15

 1 Listen! The LORD’s arm is not too weak to save you, nor is his ear too deaf to hear you call.

 2 Your sins have cut you off from God. Because of your sins, he has turned away and will not listen anymore.

 4 No one cares about being fair and honest. The people’s lawsuits are based on lies. They conceive evil deeds and then give birth to sin.

 7 Their feet run to do evil, and they rush to commit murder. They think only about sinning. Misery and destruction always follow them.

 9 So there is no justice among us, and we know nothing about right living. We look for light but find only darkness. We look for bright skies but walk in gloom.

 10 We grope like the blind along a wall, feeling our way like people without eyes. Even at brightest noontime, we stumble as though it were dark. Among the living, we are like the dead.

 11 We growl like hungry bears; we moan like mournful doves. We look for justice, but it never comes. We look for rescue, but it is far away from us.

 12 For our sins are piled up before God and testify against us. Yes, we know what sinners we are.

 13 We know we have rebelled and have denied the LORD. We have turned our backs on our God. We know how unfair and oppressive we have been, carefully planning our deceitful lies.

 14 Our courts oppose the righteous, and justice is nowhere to be found. Truth stumbles in the streets, and honesty has been outlawed.

 15 Yes, truth is gone, and anyone who renounces evil is attacked. The LORD looked and was displeased to find there was no justice.

Walt Kelly, the creative mind behind the comic strip Pogo, masterfully wrote the series for nearly three decades. From its debut in 1948 until its conclusion in 1975. It became a syndicated staple of effective, penetrating, incisive satire for American readers.

Set against the backdrop of the Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia, in the heart of the Southeastern United States, Pogo brought to life a world of anthropomorphic animal characters. The titular character, Pogo Possum, stood out as the quintessential everyman – amiable, humble, philosophical, and endearingly naive. In a 1969 TV Guide interview, Walt Kelly eloquently described Pogo as embodying the “reasonable, patient, softhearted, naive, friendly person we all think we are.”

The comic strip often drew from historical events to enrich its narrative. One notable instance is the reference to a pivotal moment during the War of 1812, specifically the naval battle on Lake Erie. Following an American victory, the naval commander, Oliver Perry, succinctly reported to Major General William Henry Harrison, “We have met the enemy, and they are ours.” Walt Kelly found this phrase fertile ground for a play on words that became one of his most iconic contributions to American pop culture.

In 1970, Kelly ingeniously altered Perry’s words into a profound reflection on human nature and society with the phrase, “We Have Met the Enemy, and He Is Us.” This insightful declaration serves as a poignant reminder of how often individuals or collectives are the architects of their own misfortunes.

People tend to create their own problems. We have only ourselves to blame for the difficulties that they experience. Our personal, family, and community dilemmas are self-inflicted. Pogo became far more than just a comic strip. It morphed into a platform for profound cultural and philosophical observations.

REFLECT & PRAY

If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is. – 2 Timothy 2:13

Father I acknowledge that I am often the source of my own challenges. Thank you for Your unwavering faithfulness and the reassurance that any seeming estrangement is temporary. Thank You that I am a member of Your Forever Family.

INSIGHT

The children of the King are intended to walk in the light of the Lord. They are to thrive, not merely survive. But so often, this is not the case. Instead, they usually find themselves ensnared in shadows, walking in gloom instead of walking in light. “When people live on lies, they live in a twilight zone and do not know where they are going (Isaiah 59:9-11)” (Wiersbe).

Isaiah 2:5 Come . . . Let us walk in the light of the LORD!

Isaiah 59:9 There is no justice among us, and we know nothing about right living. We look for light but find only darkness. We look for bright skies but walk in gloom.

How did this happen? Regrettably, poor choices were made by the people themselves.

Isaiah 59:12-13

 12 For our sins are piled up before God and testify against us. Yes, we know what sinners we are.

 13 We know we have rebelled and have denied the LORD. We have turned our backs on our God. We know how unfair and oppressive we have been, carefully planning our deceitful lies.

Isaiah is in deep sorrow over his people’s grave situation. He cries out for deliverance from the mess they have brought upon themselves. Indeed, the people acknowledge their plight and express their grief. They are like the living dead. They cry out like animals in distress, growling like bears and moaning like mournful doves.

Isaiah 59:10-11

 10 We grope like the blind along a wall, feeling our way like people without eyes. Even at brightest noontime, we stumble as though it were dark. Among the living, we are like the dead.

 11 We growl like hungry bears; we moan like mournful doves. We look for justice, but it never comes. We look for rescue, but it is far away from us.

They seem to be at a loss for words and unable to articulate their grief. Rather than using words, they growled and moaned like angry bears and pitiful doves (Constable). “The picture of growling bears and mourning doves expresses an element of self-pity” (Friesen).

The people are acutely aware of their dire straits and yearn for relief. They recognize the absence of peace, justice, and righteousness. Their path is overshadowed by darkness and despair, devoid of guiding light. They find themselves stumbling and grumbling, lost and unable to find their way.

In an ongoing struggle. They continually attempt to merely cope and survive. They are just trying to get by. Despite their dissatisfaction with their current state, they persist in their wrongful ways and continue to sin. Without repentance or seeking divine intervention from the Father for a righteous resolution, they continue to live guided by their earthly desires and instincts. They live as natural, soulish people rather than spiritual ones.

Why doesn’t the Father intervene? “Israel’s sin that holds God back from delivering them” (BBC). Rescue and salvation are far from them. “God could not answer their prayers because their sins hid His face from them” (Wiersbe). How did they get so low?

Isaiah 59:1-2

 1 Listen! The LORD’s arm is not too weak to save you, nor is his ear too deaf to hear you call.

 2 Your sins have cut you off from God. Because of your sins, he has turned away and will not listen anymore.

The narrative takes a hopeful turn – this is not where the story ends. In the light of all eternity, the rift between the children of the King and the Father is fleeting, like the blinking of an eye. This temporary aberration was swiftly rectified, and this period of separation afforded the people a chance for introspection, enabling them to realize that they were their own worst enemies.

Isaiah 65:24 I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers!

Isaiah 54:7 For a brief moment, I abandoned you, but with great compassion, I will take you back.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 2-20-2

© Dr. H 2024