Turning away from the living God ∙

Turning away from the living God ∙

Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God. – Hebrews 3:12

2 Peter 3:17 I am warning you ahead of time, dear friends. Be on guard so that you will not be carried away by the errors of these wicked people and lose your own secure footing.

In the current era, faith in the Biblical God and the tenets of the Bible has been significantly eroded, with many individuals seemingly distancing themselves from religious belief. Yet, a substantial segment of the American population continues to maintain a more or less conventional faith, a point drawn from Pamela Danziger’s work.

Danziger references a Pew Poll conducted in late 2021 involving approximately 6,500 American adults. The findings reveal that the majority of Americans still believe in the Biblical God, Heaven, and Hell and do not attribute human suffering to divine intervention.

Specifically, 58% of Americans identify their God as the one depicted in the Bible. In comparison, another third (32%) believe in some form of god or spiritual force, although not necessarily that of the Bible. All told, 9 out of 10 Americans believe in some higher power working in our world.

In terms of specific beliefs, about 73% of adult Americans believe in heaven, and slightly fewer, 62%, believe in Hell. Interestingly, 80% of Americans attribute worldly suffering to humans’ actions, not God. This is because God gave people free will. A slightly smaller percentage (about 9 out of 10) agree with the statement: “Human beings are free to act in ways that go against the plans of God or a higher power.”

68% of Americans believe that all events occur for a reason, with 56% attributing such reasons to being part of God’s greater plan. Only a minor share (14%) permits worldly suffering to shake their faith in God, and almost half (44%) believe that Satan is largely responsible for the suffering in the world.

When confronted with tragedies, 62% of Americans empathize with those affected, and 40% feel compelled to offer help. This is consistent with the United States’s status as the world’s most charitable nation.

Not only do Americans believe in God, but they also believe God has a plan for their lives. They also believe God is attentive, hears, and cares for them. Some 67% of Americans believe they can get a definite answer to prayer, and 46% believe they have had prayers answered.

Almost all adult Americans (91%) believe a higher power governs uncontrollable aspects of life. This belief extends to the understanding that science or natural causes cannot fully explain our world, a viewpoint aligning with 83% of Americans.

In conclusion, most Americans believe in God, whether it’s the Judeo-Christian God or another higher power. Why is this so? One answer is that the existence of God offers a logical, reasonable explanation for how the universe came to be and why each of us was placed on this earth at this time in history. It is an unshakeable belief that most Americans profess (Pamela Danziger).

REFLECT & PRAY

The Father gave us the Scriptures to facilitate our spiritual growth and maturation. They teach the truth about God, our world, and ourselves, correct us when we’re wrong, and explain how to become ever more effective servants of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Father thank You for giving all children of the King an unshakable foundation, the Word of God.

INSIGHT

The Father is not surprised by any world events. He knows all things before they transpire. In many cases, He provided prophecies to warn us of things to come.

2 Timothy 3:1-5

 1 You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days, there will be very difficult times.

 2 For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred.

 3 They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good.

 4 They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God.

 5 They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly.

After the apostle Paul delineates the horrific convulsions that will occur in the last days, he gives clear instructions to Timothy to be ready and prepared. Those instructions are just as valid now as they were nearly 2000 years ago.

2 Timothy 3:10-17

 10 But you, Timothy, certainly know what I teach, and how I live, and what my purpose in life is. You know my faith, my patience, my love, and my endurance.

 11 You know how much persecution and suffering I have endured. You know all about how I was persecuted in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra – but the Lord rescued me from all of it.

 12 Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

 13 But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived.

 14 But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you.

 15 You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.

 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.

 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

The Father God has provided the foundation of our faith in the Scriptures. It is the firm bedrock upon which we build our lives. Timothy was raised by his Jewish mother and steeped in the rich traditions of the sacred writings of the Jewish people, the Old Testament (2 Timothy 3:15).

In addition, Paul transferred the knowledge of the gospel to Timothy. Over the centuries, the Scriptures have revealed the way to find God. Neglecting the Scriptures is not a wise choice. Due diligence and researching the word of God are crucial in the search for the truth.

Amazing things happen when we expose ourselves to the word of God.

For instance, in Brazil, Antonio from Minas purchased a New Testament, intending to burn it. He attempted to set it alight, but it wouldn’t burn. As he opened the pages to make it burn more readily, it opened at the Sermon on the Mount. His curiosity was piqued, and he started reading. Completely engrossed, he read throughout the night. As dawn broke, he stood up and professed, “I believe” (Barclay).

All Scripture is true and dependable; it is “God-breathed.” It is true, truth.

The Holy Spirit used people to write the word of God (2 Peter 1:20-21). “The Spirit did not erase the natural characteristics of the writers. God, in His providence, prepared the writers for writing the Scriptures. Each writer has their own distinctive style and vocabulary. Each book of the Bible grew out of a special set of circumstances. In His preparation of men, in His guiding of history, and His working through the Spirit, God brought about the miracle of the Scriptures” (Wiersbe).

The Scriptures are profitable. The term profitable is a translation of the Greek word ophelimos. It refers to something with the characteristic of usefulness: profitable, useful, beneficial, helpful, or advantageous.  When read, comprehended, and applied, children of the King are equipped to live successfully in a fallen world.

The world is not getting better. It is on a collision course with the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. Children of the King can be better prepared to successfully navigate the troubling times that have only just begun.

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© Dr. H 2024  

Why are you persecuting me ∙

Why are you persecuting me ∙

“Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” – Acts 9:4

Acts 9:1-6

 1 Now Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest,

 2 and asked for letters from him to the synagogues at Damascus, so that he might bring them bound to Jerusalem if he found any belonging to the Way, both men and women.

 3 As he was traveling, it happened that he was approaching Damascus, and suddenly, a light from heaven flashed around him;

 4 and he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”

 5 And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” And He said, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting,

 6 but get up and enter the city, and it will be told you what you must do.”

In 2015, Ben Parr authored a book titled “Captivology: The Science of Capturing People’s Attention.” Drawing upon contemporary research in psychology and neuroscience, this work delves into the topic of attention – how to Capture it and Keep it.

“Captivology” presents an exploration of seven psychological triggers that are key to attracting and maintaining attention:

  • Automaticity – activate the senses
  • Framing – contextualize to appeal to your audience
  • Disruption – break expectations
  • Reward – create desire
  • Reputation – establish credibility
  • Mystery – leave things incomplete
  • Acknowledgment – contribute to your audience’s identity

The Father employs a myriad of methods to capture our attention. Sometimes, He is overt and communicates through dreams, visions, or angelic messengers. On rare occasions, He even enters the space-time continuum to make Himself visible to us. Saul, with his heart full of murderous intent towards Jewish Christians who had acknowledged Christ as their Messiah, was one such individual who experienced such a remarkable encounter. As Saul traveled the road to Damascus, bent on persecuting these believers, how did the Father get Saul’s attention?

Acts 9:1-2

 1 Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord’s followers. So he went to the high priest.

 2 He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring them – both men and women – back to Jerusalem in chains.

The Father had a different plan in mind, one that called for a major paradigm shift in Saul’s perspective and comprehension. After the Father got Saul’s attention in such a profound manner, Saul was never the same again. His prior life, objectives, and aspirations were relegated to the past. He underwent a complete reversal, a full 180° change.  The encounter with a blinding light and hearing the voice of Lord Jesus Christ brought Saul to his knees, leaving him bewildered and disoriented.

Nonetheless, Saul was knowledgeable about the Scriptures, so he was not unfamiliar with the Father’s history of similar interventions during the Old Testament era.

Acts 9:3-6

 3 As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him.

 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?”

 5 “Who are you, lord?” Saul asked. And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting!

 6 Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

Saul had the presence of mind to recognize this was a divine visitation. He asked a straightforward question, “Who are you, Lord?” (Acts 9:5).

The answer left him confused, perplexed, and speechless.

Acts 9:5-6

 5 The voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting!”

 6 “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

The Lord orchestrated a divine wake-up call from His throne on high! He got Saul’s undivided attention and now had him exactly where he wanted him. The Lord had masterfully used the seven psychological captivation triggers.

Saul was under the false impression that he knew what the Father wanted him to do. He thought he was doing the will of God. He was completely sincere, but he was sincerely wrong.  It isn’t easy to envision how these words resonated with Saul. They completely contradicted everything Saul had fervently believed in before (Polhill).

There’s only one appropriate response when blessed with a divine visitation. In your own words, ask, “Lord, what would you like your servant to do?”

Saul didn’t have to ask any questions. The Father gave him precise instructions and additional directives to follow.

REFLECT & PRAY

Our God is an awesome God, He reigns from heaven above with wisdom, power, and love. Our God is an awesome God.

Father thank You for the Lord Jesus Christ, who has risen and ascended to heaven. Thank You that You got my attention.

INSIGHT

Before his encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus, Saul had been oblivious to the fact that he was persecuting Christ Himself. He and others believed he was fulfilling the Lord’s will by ridding the world of Christians.

The transformation that took place within Saul was astonishingly swift. In a matter of days, he was preaching in synagogues, proclaiming that the Lord Jesus Christ was the Promised One, the long-awaited Messiah of Israel (Acts 9:20).

Imagine for a moment the internal debate Saul must have been having. He was reconsidering the misguided beliefs he had held onto all his life. His fervor for persecuting Jewish Christians was redirected towards spreading the gospel. Saul became devoted to imparting the truth. His writings would later constitute a significant portion of the New Testament.

Was the confrontation, temporary blindness, disorientation, and humiliation worth it?

Of course, yes, they were! Saul of Tarsus ceased to exist, replaced by Paul, the apostle who carried the gospel across the Roman world.

The Lord Jesus Christ is in the business of transforming lives. Saul of Tarsus serves as a prime example. Once a man driven by destructive tendencies and a desire to persecute, he became an apostle and teacher of truth, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

The majority of the children of the King do not experience such a swift and drastic transformation.  It’s typically a gradual progression that unfolds over a lifetime. Nonetheless, the central message stays the same.

“I once was lost, but now am found; Was blind, but now I see. ‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, And grace my fears relieved; How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believed.”

Don’t delay responding to the Lord when He moves to get your attention. Respond quickly and humbly, and listen for what He says to you (Stanley).

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© Dr. H 2024

Failure to thrive ∙∙

Failure to thrive ∙∙

I have loved you with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself. – Jeremiah 31:3

1 John 4:16-19

 16 We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.

 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.

 19 We love because He first loved us.

In the United States, 5-10% of children seen by primary care physicians are diagnosed with Failure to Thrive (FTT). What is Failure to Thrive? What does FTT entail? It’s a diagnosis given to children whose weight or rate of weight gain is significantly lower than their same-age and same-sex peers. These children appear noticeably smaller or shorter than others their age, showing slowed or halted physical growth and development. The root cause of FTT is often inadequate nutrition.

This concept also extends into the spiritual realm, with many children of the King experiencing a form of spiritual FTT. It often stems from inadequate spiritual nutrition and the application of biblical principles.

Our lives are shaped by our many small decisions and choices. While we cannot control what has already happened, we can only control how we respond. Many of us carry the burden of a troubled past, marked by fear and torment. Dwelling on this past comes at a significant cost, as it can severely affect our present and wreak havoc on our future.

When we reflect upon everything that has happened to us, we are faced with a choice. We can either embrace them as gifts from our loving Father God, opportunities to grow and become more like the Lord Jesus Christ, or we can view them as hindrances, detriments, and life-altering anchors that hold as fast. The latter perspective causes us to stall out and get trapped in a repeating, spiritual “failure to thrive” cycle.

The film “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” offers profound insight into the consequences of our choices: life or death. The Grail Knight asserts, “You must choose. But choose wisely. For as the true Grail will bring you life, the false Grail will take it from you.”

It’s about time we stopped opting for the false Grail.

We’re faced with a choice between love and peace or fear and torment. Unfortunately, we often let ourselves become consumed by fear and torment, allowing them to shape our identities. This is not what was intended for us. The Father never meant for His children to spend their lives in “the Temple of Doom.”

Jesus proclaimed for all time that He came to give us the gift of life, not just any life, but abundant life.

John 10:10 I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

REFLECT & PRAY

What has happened that we can never take back. We will never get a “redo” of the past. But something better is now available, a present and future, in our Father God’s loving, comforting arms.

Father, how I wish I could package up my past and put it behind me once and for all. Encourage me to make better choices and to walk in the freedom of Your truth.

INSIGHT

In the place of tormenting thirst, the Lord Jesus Christ offers overflowing waters of the Spirit of the living God.

John 7:37-39

 37 Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me!

 38 Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’”

 39 (When he said “living water,” he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him. But the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet entered into his glory.)

For children, it all begins with the knowledge and experience of His tremendous and delightful love.

1 John 4:19 We love because he first loved us.

The Father wants His children to live in an atmosphere of love and confidence, not dread and doom. We need not be apprehensive regarding either life or death, for we are being perfected in and through the Father’s love.

We have no reason to be anxious about our future because our sins were judged once and for all when the Lord Jesus Christ died on the cross.

We do not need to suffer dread or guilt for the past. From the very first, our relationship with the Father was one of love. It was not because we loved Him. Many of us were indifferent, in denial, or actively hostile to Him. But despite it all, He loved us.

Romans 5:8, 10

 8 God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.

The Father loved us when we were not part of His family but instead defiant and rebellious. When we were enemies, He sent Christ to die for us. Can you imagine what is in store for us now that we are His children?

1 John 4:18 Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.

There’s absolutely no need to fear the Father. The more we experience His love, the more our love for Him grows in return. As our loving relationship with Him deepens, our fears gradually subside. Eventually, we will stop being apprehensive about what might happen. Why? Because our worst fears are often just illusions that will never happen. Understanding this is nothing more than a diabolical ploy, and stratagem is essential.

Fear is the antithesis of love. Paul equates servile, fawning fear to living in abject slavery. A significant amount of our personal torment stems from fear. When we let ourselves be consumed by anxiety over what might happen, we emotionally and spiritually torture ourselves.

But the Lord Jesus promised, you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free (John 8:32).

The Lord Jesus Christ provides the ultimate freedom and lightness of being. It comes through our relationship with the Father and the Son.

John 14:6-7

 6 I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

 7 If you have known me, you will know my Father also.

Jeremiah 31:3 I have loved you with an everlasting love, and with unfailing love, I have drawn you to myself.

The future is in His hands. Humanity is on a collision course with the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. He has told us what will happen. Rather than fear, rejoice.

Revelation 22:20 He, who is the faithful witness to all these things, says, “Yes, I am coming soon!” Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!

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© Dr. H 2024

The Cookie Monster ∙∙

The Cookie Monster ∙∙

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. – Philippians 2:3

James 3:13-15

 13 If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life and 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, unspiritual, and demonic.

Those who fondly recall their beloved children’s television series Sesame Street will surely remember the iconic Cookie Monster. This Muppet, adorned in blue fur and complete with wide, googly eyes, was known for his insatiable appetite, primarily for cookies. His catchphrases, “Me want cookie!”, “Me eat cookie!”, or simply “COOKIE!” He had an all-consuming habit of devouring anything and everything that came his way. Every time the Cookie Monster ate, he made a distinctively loud munching sound, “OMM-nom-nom-nom…”

At first glance, Cookie Monster could come off as gruff and even a tad intimidating. He was clumsy and somewhat awkward. He often left a mess behind him wherever he appeared. But like many childhood “monsters,” he was quite harmless, endearing, and even friendly in his unique way.

His inability to resist consuming anything he could get his paws on could have easily qualified him as a charter member of “Overeaters Anonymous.” His life philosophy might have been, “I want what I want when I want it!”

Should Cookie Monster ever look back, he’d find a chaotic trail of cookie crumbs, pie crusts, and whatever else fell from his mouth or paws as he ambled through life.

Somehow, in one way or another, we can identify with him. Why? Because the spirit of Cookie Monster lurks within every child of the King. It is almost as though he is part of our fallen DNA. He cares only for himself and getting his own way. Cookie Monster epitomizes one troubling aspect of human nature – “selfish ambition.” While Cookie Monster is fictional, “selfish ambition” is a reality.

“‘Selfish ambition’ stands at the heart of human fallenness, where self-interest and self-aggrandizement at the expense of others primarily dictate values and behavior” (Fee).

REFLECT & PRAY

“Selfish persons are incapable of loving others, but they are not capable of loving themselves either” (Erich Fromm).

Father selfish ambition is so destructive. Enable me to see it whenever it raises its monstrous head within my heart and take it under control.

INSIGHT

If Sesame Street had been around when the apostle Paul lived, what would he say about Cookie Monster? The apostle Paul is crystal clear that Cookie Monster’s self-centeredness and insatiable desire are entirely incompatible with the Father’s expectations for the children of the King.

Paul himself was once consumed by selfish ambition. His problem was not a ravenous appetite like Cookie Monster. It was something far worse. He was a violent, ravenous, relentless persecutor of the Lord Jesus Christ and His followers. His ambition led him to inflict harm without restraint. He left chaos in his wake wherever he journeyed, disrupting people’s lives.

Galatians 1:13 You know what I was like when I followed the Jewish religion – how I violently persecuted God’s church. I did my best to destroy it.

Moreover, Paul was totally deceived and misled, believing that his aggressive and hostile actions were in service to the living God. This misconception was shattered when the Lord Jesus Christ confronted him on the road to Damascus. He realized the error of his ways.

This revelation immediately changed his way of thinking and living. He managed to control the Cookie Monster within him, lock him in a cage deep within his heart, and toss away the key. Paul urged all the children of the king to follow suit, control their own selfish desires, and live a life of selflessness and love.

Philippians 2:3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit.

The Greek word for selfish ambition is eritheia. Eritheia connotes those who seek their own way. This word is all about “me” and my self-interest. It encompasses the idea of the strong desire for personal success without regard to the consequences.

Cookie Monster personifies the idea: “I want what I want when I want it.” Such selfishness frequently results in strife and contention. Actions driven by selfish motives typically lead to discord and division.

Folks with selfish ambition want to win at all costs. This is often seen in modern politics. “Some politicians care nothing about the truth; they just care whether their party wins. They are passionate about their point but care little about its veracity. They do not care about the welfare of their constituency; they are simply squabblers in a petty campaign. They fight to win, not to find truth” (Richison).

The Greek word translated as conceit is kenodoxia. Kenodoxia is composed of two Greek words: kenos – vain, empty, and doxa – glory. It could be translated as vainglory, self-exultation, or empty pride. The primary idea behind this word is “empty opinion, error.” “Thus, it could depict a person who, though conceited, had no reason for it” (Ash, The College Press NIV Commentary).

During World War II, British intelligence enlisted magicians’ skills to craft massive illusions. Among these magicians was Jasper Maskelyne, renowned for employing camouflage and mirror tricks to create grand-scale deceptions. He “magically” fabricated the illusion of vast armies that didn’t exist, creating a convincing facade with no real substance behind it. For instance, he designed inflatable tanks that, from an aerial view, were indistinguishable from actual tanks. Maskelyne also mastered the art of making actual military forces and weaponry “disappear” in plain sight. His illusions misled enemy bombers. They were tricked and would hit the wrong targets.

Sadly, Cookie Monster hides in a dark place in our hearts. Now and then, he jumps out and gobbles up whatever interests him. When you look back over your shoulder, what do you see?

The tragedy of life and the world is not that men do not know God; the tragedy is that knowing Him, they still insist on going their own way (Barclay).

James encourages us to live an honorable life with humility and wisdom and eschew selfish ambition (James 3:13-15).

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© Dr. H 2024

Loyalty that won’t let go ∙

Loyalty that won’t let go ∙

Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. – Ruth 1:16

Ruth 1:16-18

 16 But Ruth said, Do not urge me to leave you or turn back from following you; for where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God.

 17 Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. Thus may the LORD do to me, and worse, if anything but death parts you and me.

 18 When she saw that she was determined to go with her, she said no more to her

Established in 1903, Harley-Davidson Inc. has been crafting exceptional motorcycles in America. The company is known for cultivating enduring relationships with Harley-Davidson owners. They are often called a global “tribe” due to their unwavering loyalty.

Retaining repeat customers is often more cost-effective and profitable than acquiring new ones. Harley-Davidson has consistently fostered solid and positive connections with its patrons. Holding onto satisfied customers is a significant factor in its success story. As a result of building such relationships and bonding, brand loyalty naturally follows.

Our relationship with the Father often mirrors our relationships with others. The stronger our loyalty is towards Him, the more likely we are to show loyalty to friends and family. This is not coincidental. The Father values loyalty greatly.

Perhaps one of the most striking and beautiful illustrations of loyalty in the Scriptures is seen through Ruth’s devotion to her mother-in-law, Naomi. Her words have been etched onto bracelets and pendants that many carry with them everywhere: “For wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. The LORD do so to me, and more also, if anything but death parts you and me” (Ruth 1:16, 17) (Stanley).

The Book of Ruth is a profound and poignant narrative. It oozes tragedy and trust, loss and loyalty, and the invisible hand of the Father working behind the scenes to accomplish His perfect will. There are no coincidences in the kingdom of God. Instead, all of the seemingly random events have been scripted in eternity past and are being acted out in real time. None of the actors know how it ends, as they are simply moving through their life script. Only the Father, the designer and driving force behind the unfolding events, is privy to His grand plan. Ruth chooses to stay with her mother-in-law (Ruth 1:14). Ironically, Ruth ties her future to Naomi, a woman who, by her own admission, has no future (Roop).

REFLECT & PRAY

As children of the King, we’re called to share our very lives with one another.

Father as we share our lives with others, may we mirror Your loving heart.

INSIGHT

1 Samuel 18:1-4

 1 After David had finished talking with Saul, he met Jonathan, the king’s son. There was an immediate bond between them, for Jonathan loved David.

 2 Saul kept David with him from that day on and wouldn’t let him return home.

 3 And Jonathan made a solemn pact with David because he loved him as he loved himself.

 4 Jonathan sealed the pact by taking off his robe and giving it to David, together with his tunic, sword, bow, and belt.

David and Jonathan had a unique, pure, and selfless friendship. They were bound together, soul to soul, in a remarkable, godly commitment to one another. The Hebrew word translated as knit or bound is qashar. The Hebrew root denotes binding or tying something to something. Binding in human relationships is often characterized by commitment, that is, by devotion or the binding together of individuals. This idiom expresses great affection.

This phrase has been rendered as follows: “Jonathan felt an instant affection for David” (NJB), and “David and Jonathan became best friends” (CEV). In 21st-century colloquial English, we would say they became BFF (Best Friends Forever). They had a devoted affection. They had an instant, extreme, and ultimately long-lasting affection and love for one another. It was “loyalty at first sight.”

Even Saul had a great fondness for David early on in their relationship until jealousy and envy took over and darkened Saul’s soul.

1 Samuel 16:21 Saul loved David very much, and David became his armor bearer.

A loyal person remains unwavering and steadfast. Loyalty comes from the heart. Support does not require begging or groveling. It is motivated by love and freely given. Loyal friends desire the best for those close to them.

Loyalty also demands trust. It leaves no room for deception or mistrust. As a result, individuals loyal to one another relate at much deeper levels than others. Loyal friends defend the other person and refuse to listen to gossip. Loyalty speaks the truth. A loyal person has a strong sense of responsibility.

Genuine loyalty is not built around circumstances, environment, popularity, or convenience. True loyalty is built on devotion to the Father and the love of others. The Father rewards those who remain loyal to Him, and to those people, He places in our lives. You can never out-give God, even in loyalty! His generosity is boundless. (Stanley)

In many ways, David was unique; he was a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). In the Old Testament, David was one of the few individuals with the privilege and honor of having the Holy Spirit dwell inside of him.

1 Samuel 16:13 Samuel took the flask of olive oil he had brought and anointed David with the oil. And the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon David from that day on.

David and Jonathan were kindred spirits. Their story shows the depth and breadth of godly relationships available to every child of the King when they walk in the power of the Holy Spirit. Could it be that David’s deeply personal, mystical, spiritual relationship with the Father made such a high-quality, intimate relationship possible?

The friendship between Jonathan and David has become proverbial over the millennia. It was conceived as an intimate binding of their souls and spirits together. It was characterized by the Hebrew phrase nep̱eš niqšerāh benep̱eš (“became one in spirit with;” literally, “spirit bound with spirit” (Youngblood).

“Jonathan became one in spirit with David; literally, ‘the soul of Jonathan was bound up, knotted firmly together with the soul of David.’ Jonathan recognized in David a kindred spirit. These two men were one in their God, in their faith, and in their devotion to the people of the Lord. David loved him (i.e., Jonathan) as himself” (James E. Smith).

1 Samuel 18:4 Jonathan sealed the pact by taking off his robe and giving it to David, together with his tunic, sword, bow, and belt.

“As a symbol of their brotherhood, Jonathan gave David certain articles of clothing and weapons. To receive any part of the dress which had been worn by a sovereign, or his eldest son and heir, was deemed in the East the highest honor which could be conferred on a subject” (James E. Smith).

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© Dr. H 2024