Dr H Reflections

A Tale of Two Kings ∙

A Tale of Two Kings ∙

Unfailing love and faithfulness protect the king; his throne is made secure through love. – Proverbs 20:28

Proverbs 30:7-9

7 O God, I beg two favors from you; let me have them before I die.

8 First, help me never to tell a lie. Second, give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs.

9 For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say, “Who is the LORD?” And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult God’s holy name.

In a piece published in 1883, years after Lincoln’s death, author Robert Ingersoll wrote, “Nothing discloses real character like the use of power. It is easy for the weak to be gentle. Most people can bear adversity. But if you wish to know what a man really is, give him power. This is the supreme test. It is the glory of Lincoln that, having almost absolute power, he never used it, except upon the side of mercy.”

“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power” (attributed to Abraham Lincoln).

Key attributes that define an excellent king include effective leadership, which involves motivating and steering their subjects toward a shared objective; ensuring fairness and impartiality in their judgments and decisions, while upholding the law to guarantee justice for everyone; demonstrating kindness and empathy by being attentive to the needs and concerns of their people; possessing wisdom with a thorough understanding of history, politics, and economics; and exhibiting humility, by being open to feedback and willing to admit errors.

Ultimately, a good king prioritizes the welfare of their people over personal interests and governs with wisdom, fairness, and compassion.

An exemplary figure in history is King Louis IX of France, who reigned from 1226-1270. He was truly extraordinary. His reign was marked by remarkable charity, as he personally tended to the poor and the sick. He was renowned for his justice, piety, diplomatic skill, and military leadership.

How did the kings of the Jewish people fair? Between the era of Solomon and their captivity, there were a total of 39 kings. In Judah, out of 20 kings, only eight were considered good, while 12 were not. In contrast, the northern kingdom of Israel endured a succession of 19 kings, all of whom were deemed evil. They led the people away from the worship of Yahweh, often engaging in idolatry and other practices that were condemned by the prophets.

REFLECT & PRAY

Saul’s downfall began with his reckless and unwise decisions, where he tried to cover up his disobedience with lies. This led to his tragic end, where he ultimately sought guidance from a witch and ended his life on the battlefield.

Father, thank You for bestowing wisdom upon all who seek it with humility and devotion to You. Help me to approach the tasks before me with complete reliance on Your guidance.

INSIGHT

A Tale of Two Kings: Saul

On paper, King Saul seemed ideal. If his resume were available, he would seem like a standout leader, chosen by the people without any scrutiny of his true character or intentions. The darkness of his heart was unknown. A detailed evaluation of his background was necessary but overlooked. Saul’s primary concern was himself, living solely to satisfy his desires.

Saul started as a humble and reluctant leader, but eventually, jealousy and paranoia took hold, leading to his demise. His impatience and disobedience caused him to fall out of favor with the Father and his people. Saul’s life serves as a warning about the perils of power and arrogance, highlighting the need for humility and obedience.

1 Samuel 10:23-25

21 Saul, son of Kish, was chosen from among them . . ..

23 He stood head and shoulders above anyone else.

24 Then Samuel said to all the people, “This is the man the LORD has chosen as your king. No one in all Israel is like him!” And all the people shouted, “Long live the king!”

1 Samuel 13:13-14

13 “How foolish!” Samuel exclaimed. “You have not kept the command the LORD your God gave you. Had you kept it, the LORD would have established your kingdom over Israel forever.”

14 “But now your kingdom must end, for the LORD has sought out a man after his own heart. The LORD has already appointed him to be the leader of his people because you have not kept the LORD’s command.”

The man after his own heart is David, “a man who truly has God’s interests at heart” (EBC). According to Hebrew thought, the heart is where a person’s will, desire, and choice are put into action. This may be expressed as “a person whose desire is to serve the LORD” or “the kind of man he wants” (NCV) (UBS).

A Tale of Two Kings: Solomon

On the other hand, Solomon began his reign with humility and dependence upon the Father. He put the people of Israel before himself.

1 Kings 3:5 The LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream, and God said, “What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!”

Pause for a moment and imagine what that was like. The Father came to him in his dreams. The Father was ready to write checks in any amount. He asked Solomon, tell me whatever you want, and I will give it to you.

Solomon’s humility, character, and heart of faith were revealed for all to see.

1 Kings 3:6-9

6 Solomon replied, “You showed faithful love to your servant, my father, David, because he was honest and true and faithful to you. And you have continued your faithful love to him today by giving him a son to sit on his throne.”

7 “Now, O LORD my God, you have made me king instead of my father, David, but I am like a little child who doesn’t know his way around.”

8 “And here I am in the midst of your own chosen people, a nation so great and numerous they cannot be counted!”

9 “Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great people of yours?”

The wisest man who ever lived chose to humble himself and become as a child who relies on their father for support. In his time of need, Solomon’s Father showed up and had his back. What could be better than that?

Solomon desperately needed wisdom, knowledge, discernment, insight, and a solid moral compass. He had to discern good from evil, truth from error, and right from wrong. He asked for a discerning heart.

What is a discerning heart?

The phrase a discerning heart is literally a hearing heart. The Hebrew word, which is translated as understanding or discerning, is shama. Shama comes from the Hebrew verb shamah, which is typically translated to hear. It may also mean to understand. The Hebrew phrase could also be translated as an attentive heart or an intelligent heart (UBS).

1 Kings 3:10-14

10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for wisdom.

11 So God replied, “Because you have asked for wisdom in governing my people with justice and have not asked for long life or wealth or the death of your enemies –”

12 “I will give you what you asked for! I will give you a wise and understanding heart such as no one else has had or ever will have!”

13 “And I will also give you what you did not ask for – riches and fame! No other king in all the world will be compared to you for the rest of your life!”

14 “And if you follow me and obey my decrees and my commands as your father, David, did, I will give you a long life.”

Every child of the King has the privilege of requesting a discerning heart from the Father. If one asks with faith and proper intentions, the Father promises to grant their request. (James 4:2-3).

James 1:5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.

The Father answered Solomon’s prayer and provided godly wisdom, which only comes from above (James 3:15,17). The Father delights in giving wisdom to all children of the King.

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A letter of recommendation ∙∙

A letter of recommendation ∙∙

But who do you say that I am? This question, posed by Jesus to His disciples, is a pivotal moment in the Gospels. It challenges us to consider our own understanding of Jesus’ identity and the implications of our belief in Him. – Mark 8:29

Mark 8:27-29

27 And Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. On the way, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?”

28 And they told him, “John the Baptist; and others say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.”

29 And he asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Christ.”

A letter of recommendation assesses and highlights the individual’s character traits, skills, and attributes, aiming to determine their suitability for a particular job or duty.

At some stage in your life, you will most likely be required to compose a reference letter for someone. Now, imagine being asked to draft a reference letter for the Lord Jesus Christ; what would you write? In a way, the four Gospels serve as letters of recommendation., testifying to His character, skills, and attributes.

Early in the Gospels, readers embark on a journey of discovery about Jesus Christ’s identity. His apostles, at first uncertain, must uncover it themselves. They listen, observe, and often find themselves astonished, pondering, “Who is this man?” as they witness His command over nature, such as calming the storm, “Even the winds and waves obey him!” (Matthew 8:27).

The Lord Jesus Christ revealed His true identity through His compelling, profound teachings and miraculous acts, demonstrating control over nature, illness, and even death.

John 6:68-69

68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life,

69 and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.”

Every child of the King has conducted a comparable evaluation and concluded that He is the Son of God and has consequently placed their faith in Him.

The Lord Jesus Christ conducts a reality check, seeking to ascertain the current, common beliefs about His identity. Moreover, Jesus desired to understand His disciples’ personal beliefs about Him.

He questioned, “Who do people say I am?” seeking to gather the opinions of others. Responses varied widely, from acceptance and sympathy to outright rejection and hostility. The profound and enduring passage serves as a poignant reminder of the crucial moment when the disciples were summoned to express their unshakable faith in the deity of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As they stood in the presence of the Lord, they were asked to affirm and proclaim their convictions regarding His identity.

In a moment of profound introspection, Jesus sought to discern the nuanced nature of His disciples’ faith and comprehension. His question, “Who do people say I am?” served as a catalyst for a deeply introspective dialogue, prompting the apostles to navigate the myriad perceptions and distill their own unwavering faith in the Son of God.

The Lord Jesus Christ was not seeking popularity or running for office. He was not concerned about his standing in polls or public opinion. Instead, he wanted his apostles to clearly state their beliefs about him by asking, “Who do you say that I am?” This question calls for personal understanding and unyielding commitment.

How did the apostles’ convictions about Jesus develop? Their beliefs about Jesus weren’t mere products of chance but were formed over time through shared experiences. Over three years, they witnessed His profound teachings, saw miraculous healings, and navigated their interactions with religious authorities.

In a defining moment of unwavering faith, Peter ascended as the vanguard, proclaiming Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, monumentalizing a resounding declaration that would reverberate through the annals of time.

Jesus guided His apostles down a path of personal awareness, urging them to form their own understanding of His identity instead of merely echoing others’ views. Ultimately, they had to make a fundamental choice: to accept Him or not.

REFLECT & PRAY

Biblical belief is not a matter of opinion; it is the response of the heart to the revealed Truth in the Word of God. Biblical belief recognizes and affirms the truthfulness of the Scriptures.

Father, thank You for creating in me a desire to know the Truth, for guiding me to the Truth in Your Word, for enabling me to understand and believe in You and Your Son, and for giving me eternal life.

INSIGHT

The Gospels, written by either eyewitnesses or individuals who had direct contact with them during the first century, serve as historical records and biographical depictions of Jesus Christ’s life. They provide valuable insights into His teachings and actions during His time on earth. Rather than being mere compilations, the Gospels are intricate narratives with well-developed storylines, characters, and settings, focusing on the historical events of His life, death, and resurrection.

Despite their significance, the Gospels do not aim to be exhaustive accounts of His life. Instead, they are selective, offering glimpses into His personality and presenting only a fraction of what He said and did.

John 20:30-31

30 Now, Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book,

31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

In the Gospel of John, the author’s primary aim was to present a comprehensive and persuasive account of the identity and mission of Jesus Christ. Through this Gospel, John sought to provide substantial evidence to enable readers to understand and evaluate the true nature of Jesus in depth. By offering a wealth of compelling information, John’s Gospel serves as a powerful endorsement, encouraging individuals to engage with the material and form their own convictions about the identity of Jesus.

John provides information in his gospel that allows readers to critically assess and draw their own conclusions. By presenting compelling evidence, John invites individuals to learn and believe that Jesus was indeed the Christ, the Son of God. As a result of placing their faith in Him, individuals are promised the gift of eternal life.

Imagine if a friend or colleague were tasked with writing a letter of recommendation for you, highlighting your unique qualities, traits, and skills. How might they portray you, and what would their insights reveal about your character and abilities?

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Envy and “The Whack” ∙∙

Envy and “The Whack” ∙∙

Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. – Galatians 6:4

Genesis 4:2-9

2 When they grew up, Abel became a shepherd, while Cain cultivated the ground.

3 When it was time for the harvest, Cain presented some of his crops as a gift to the LORD.

4 Abel also brought a gift – the best of the firstborn lambs from his flock. The LORD accepted Abel and his gift,

5 but he did not accept Cain and his gift. This made Cain very angry, and he looked dejected.

6 “Why are you so angry?” the LORD asked Cain. “Why do you look so dejected?”

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.”

8 One day Cain suggested to his brother, “Let’s go out into the fields.” And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother, Abel, and killed him.

9 Afterward, the LORD asked Cain, “Where is your brother? Where is Abel?” “I don’t know,” Cain responded. “Am I my brother’s keeper?”

On January 6, 1994, during a practice session for the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Detroit, Nancy Kerrigan was attacked with a baton, struck on her right knee. The assailant was hired by Tonya Harding’s ex-husband, Jeff Gillooly, and his associate, Shawn Eckardt.

This notorious event, known as “The Whack,” reverberated globally and seriously threatened Kerrigan’s chances of qualifying for the U.S. Olympic team.

Harding once commented that she and Kerrigan were “competitors, yes, but not rivals.” Really? Did Tonya Harding have envy issues? Do you think? Just eliminate the competition, problem solved!

Envy can trap us in destructive emotional bondage. It is often damaging to others. Many of us, if we’re honest, fall into the habit of comparing ourselves to others. These comparisons rarely end well. Instead of appreciating our own blessings, envy makes us covet what others have. When we feel inadequate, it breeds dissatisfaction, anger, and even hatred, which can quickly spiral out of control. So it was with Tonya Harding.

But where did envy originate? It dates back to Cain, the first human born on Earth, who envied his brother Abel. Both offered gifts to God, but only Abel’s was accepted. Why? Genesis doesn’t explain why. But the Book of Hebrews provides some insight.

Hebrews 11:4 It was by faith that Abel brought a more acceptable offering to God than Cain did. Abel’s offering gave evidence that he was a righteous man, and God showed his approval of his gifts. Although Abel is long dead, he still speaks to us by his example of faith.

Abel offered his gift with faith, showing he was a righteous man, unlike Cain. Cain wasn’t rejected because of his offering; instead, his offering was rejected because Cain’s heart wasn’t right with the Father. Abel’s faith made his sacrifice more acceptable, demonstrating his right standing with God. Outward actions driven by an evil heart are unacceptable. God declined Cain’s offering due to the condition of his heart. Abel’s example of a faith-driven life still resonates today.

Cain’s lack of faith led him astray. His envy turned into deadly rage, resulting in Abel’s murder. The 10th commandment warns against coveting anything that belongs to your neighbor.

Exodus 20:17 You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife or his male servant or his female servant or his ox or his donkey or anything that belongs to your neighbor.

“Covetousness is an unquenchable thirst for getting more and more of something we think we need in order to be truly satisfied” (Wiersbe). Coveting breeds an insatiable desire for others’ possessions, escalating into destructive anger. This desire can lead to deceit, theft, and even murder. What we deeply desire, we often end up idolizing. When we prioritize these desires over our devotion to the Father, it becomes idolatry.

REFLECT & PRAY

Jeremiah 17:9 The human heart is the most deceitful of all things and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?

Father, my heart is inclined to evil. It is so easy to be deceived by sin, which is lurking at the door of my heart. Encourage me to think and act rightly.

INSIGHT

The Genesis story highlights Cain’s reaction when the Father accepted Abel’s offering but rejected his. Cain’s response reveals the darkness in his heart as he becomes consumed with anger towards both the Father and Abel.

“Cain was so angry he would not be talked out of his sin – even by God” (Ross).

When we harbor wrong motives and intentions, any attempts to please the Father are, at best, mere wishful thinking and, at worst, self-deceptive, delusional vanity. Motives and intentions are similar but different. A motive refers to the underlying reason or driving force behind a decision or action. It is the “why” we act the way we do. An intention is the goal or outcome behind a decision. It is the “what” or “how” of our choices.

1 John 3:12 We must not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and killed his brother. And why did he kill him? Because Cain had been doing what was evil, and his brother had been doing what was righteous.

God explained to Cain that obedience brings blessings, yet Cain allowed envy and resentment to overwhelm him. His anger escalated to murder, as Cain chose to ignore what was right and let sin seize control over his actions.

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.

Sin is depicted as a relentless predator, lying in wait to strike. It crouches in the shadows, waiting to pounce. The Hebrew term rabats conveys this imagery, suggesting a “creature lying in wait to ambush with stealth and secrecy.” It has the connotation, “If you do what is wrong, then sin is ready to destroy you” (UBS).

The Hebrew word teshuqah is often translated as “control.” Teshuqah frequently means to desire, crave, long for, or dominate. It implies a desire to dominate, much like a beast ready to devour. In this context, sin is personified as seeking to control Cain. Instead of resisting, he succumbs, leading to the tragic act of fratricide.

After the evil deed was done, the Father came calling. He confronted Cain, asking pointedly about Abel. The Father was not seeking information. as He already knew. It was an opportunity for Cain to come clean, confess and take responsibility.

Genesis 4:9 Afterward, the LORD asked Cain, “Where is your brother? Where is Abel?” “I don’t know,” Cain responded. “Am I my brother’s keeper?”

God’s question cuts to the core. Cain’s response was dismissive, lacking empathy, cold, uncaring, sarcastic, and evasive. He lied and refused to take responsibility.

Cain faced a choice: let sin dominate him or master it. The decision was his to make.

The same is true for each child of the King.

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Conspiracy theories ∙∙

Conspiracy theories ∙∙

Early on Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. She said, “They have taken the Lord’s body out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!” –

John 20:1-2

Matthew 28:11-15

11 Now, while they were on their way, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests all that had happened.

12 And when they had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers,

13 and said, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole Him away while we were asleep.’”

14 “And if this should come to the governor’s ears, we will win him over and keep you out of trouble.”

15 And they took the money and did as they had been instructed, and this story was widely spread among the Jews and is to this day.

Despite overwhelming scientific evidence, a small but vocal group of people around the world believe that the Earth is flat. Claims that the earth is round are either an unproven theory or a deliberate deception. Polls conducted by YouGov America in 2018 and FDU in 2022 revealed that up to 11% of Americans may hold this belief (theconversation.com).

How is this possible?

While it might be easy to dismiss “Flat Earthers” as a mildly amusing curiosity, we mustn’t underestimate their influence. We ignore their arguments at our peril. Polls indicate that conspiracy theories often overlap, sometimes leading to radicalization. Understanding how Flat Earthers share and defend their beliefs can shed light on why these ideas are so resistant to debunking (Carlos Diaz Ruiz, The Conversation).

Conspiracy theories hold a certain allure, often appealing to those who crave the thrill of possessing secret, forbidden knowledge. This exclusivity can make believers feel more intelligent or more enlightened than others, complicating efforts by loved ones to change their minds.

Indulging in conspiracy theories can be exhilarating, even intoxicating, often transforming into a celebrated movement or campaign. “Unfortunately, many conspiracy theory believers are thrilled by the opportunity to feel like they have access to forbidden or secret knowledge – a chance to seem smarter than others. It certainly adds to the appeal and immediately undermines the efforts of loved ones trying to pull them out” (News Literacy Project)

“One strategy they use is to take sides in existing debates. People who are deeply attached to one side of a culture war are likely to wield any and all arguments (including truths, half-truths, and opinions) if it helps them win. People invest their identity into the group and are more willing to believe fellow allies rather than perceived opponents – a phenomenon that sociologists call neo-tribalism.”

“The problem arises when people internalize disinformation as part of their identity. While news articles can be fact-checked, personal beliefs cannot. When conspiracy theories are part of someone’s value system or worldview, it is difficult to challenge them” (Tomas Nilsson).

In my upbringing, my community firmly believed that Jesus Christ was neither the Messiah nor the Savior of the world—a notion dismissed as a myth invented by others. It wasn’t until I researched for myself that I discovered His true identity and chose to believe in Him.

When did this supposed conspiracy start? It was on the third day after the crucifixion when Jesus’ tomb was found empty.

Luke 24:1-3

1 But very early on Sunday morning, the women went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared.

2 They found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance.

3 So they went in, but they didn’t find the body of the Lord Jesus.

How can this possibly be explained?

The disappearance of the dead body can only be accounted for in two ways. The first possibility is that the body was stolen. The second possibility is that the Lord Jesus Christ was resurrected from the dead, as He had predicted.

Mark 16:6 The angel said, “Don’t be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Look, this is where they laid his body.

The religious leaders would have none of this. It didn’t fit their agenda. So they concocted a story, and a conspiracy theory was hatched. Remains in place down through the centuries.

Matthew 28:11-15

12 And when they had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers,

13 and said, “You are to say, “His disciples came by night and stole Him away while we were asleep.”

15 And they took the money and did as they had been instructed, and this story was widely spread among the Jews and is to this day.

REFLECT & PRAY

“One of the common failings among honorable people is a failure to appreciate how thoroughly dishonorable some other people can be, and how dangerous it is to trust them” (Thomas Sowell).

Father, thank You for the empty tomb and the resurrection. Please help me to discern and dismiss conspiracy theories that are baseless and without merit.

INSIGHT

The spin doctors wove their web of deception, bribing soldiers to concoct a false narrative about the events. The tale they spun was questionable. Under Roman law, guards who fell asleep on duty faced execution, yet they claimed to have been sleeping. If they were indeed asleep, wouldn’t the noise of the massive stone being moved have woken them?

“The elders gave the soldiers instructions about the lie they were to tell the public. It is ironic that the thing the elders feared (theft of Jesus’ body by the disciples, the reason they posted soldiers at the tomb) became the story they concocted to explain the empty tomb” (Richison).

As with many conspiracy theories, this one had obvious flaws. It’s almost laughable that the soldiers were told to spread the rumor that Jesus’ disciples stole his body while they were asleep. If they were asleep, how could they possibly know what happened to Jesus’ body? Matthew recorded this narrative with a touch of irony and humor, highlighting how absurd it was to believe the rumor that Jesus’ disciples had taken his body (UBS).

“Anyone who stole the body would have taken the body in the graveclothes. Yet the empty graveclothes were left in the tomb in an orderly manner. This was hardly the scene of a grave robbery” (Wiersbe).

Interestingly, no one ever produced Jesus’ dead body. If the aim were to debunk the resurrection and disprove the nascent, emerging church, displaying the dead body would have sufficed.

So, what actually happened?

Jesus was crucified and buried, and He rose from the dead on the third day. This resurrection is a cornerstone of the Christian faith. The resurrection affirms that the Lord Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Savior of the world.

1 Corinthians 15:57 Thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.

HE IS RISEN!

HE IS RISEN INDEED!

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The fiction of material satisfaction ∙∙

The fiction of material satisfaction ∙∙

Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own. – Luke 12:15

Luke 12:16-21

16 Then Jesus told them a story: A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops.

17 He said to himself, “What should I do? I do not have room for all my crops.”

18 Then he said, “I know! I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I will have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods.”

19 “And I will sit back and say to myself, ‘My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!’”

20 But God said to him, “You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?”

21 Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.

Corporations often aim to showcase their financial results in the most favorable light, frequently using the term “Ebitdac” to describe their earnings. Ebitdac stands for “earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization,” but it’s also cynically referred to as “Sum Craziness” or “Profit Fiction” due to its misleading nature. These figures, especially when adjusted to include COVID-19-related losses, are more fantasy than fact, prompting some to suggest the term be updated to EbitdacC19.

In reality, these earnings are nothing more than pure fiction and are the product of wishful thinking. They are detached from any genuine financial prudence. The optimistic “Ebitdac” numbers are illusory and unlikely to materialize, representing losses that are irretrievably gone.

Mark Twain humorously observed that civilization is “a limitless multiplication of unnecessary necessities,” highlighting how easily we can deceive ourselves about what’s genuinely essential versus mere desires. Similarly, covetousness, also known as greed, avarice, or rapacity, is the invisible sin. It lurks hidden within the human heart of many despite being explicitly prohibited in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:17).

“Covetousness is an unquenchable thirst for getting more and more of something we think we need in order to be truly satisfied. It may be a thirst for money or the things that money can buy or even a thirst for position and power.”

“Jesus made it clear that true life does not depend on an abundance of possessions. He did not deny that we have certain basic needs (Matthew 6:32; 1 Timothy 6:17). He only affirmed that we will not make life richer by acquiring more of these things” (Wiersbe).

How can we gauge the level of covetousness within us? Jesus shared a parable about a prosperous farmer blessed with an abundance of crops (Luke 12:16-21). Your immediate response to this story can be quite insightful. Do you find yourself wishing to be in the farmer’s position? Reflect on the question, “What would I do in his shoes?” How would you handle a significant influx of wealth?

If you were to suddenly become very wealthy, would you struggle with how to handle your newfound fortune? Would your thoughts turn to purchasing more possessions, or would you deliberate on how much to share with others? Perhaps the most crucial question is whether you would seek guidance from God, asking, “What do you want me to do with this?”

REFLECT & PRAY

Many children of the King are unknowingly walking around with undiagnosed diseases. Regrettably, covetousness is frequently one of the most prevalent.

Father, give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs. For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say, “Who is the LORD?” And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult God’s holy name (Proverbs 30:8-9, Matthew 6:32).

INSIGHT

The prosperous farmer saw his wealth merely as a means for personal indulgence and self-promotion, utterly oblivious to the needs of those around him, which were not on his radar. And sadly, neither was the Father. Consequently, all his choices were rooted in sheer selfishness. In this brief biblical narrative, he references himself 11 times using “I,” “my,” or “myself.”

However, this farmer is heading towards a harsh, rude awakening. Misguided thoughts and misplaced priorities can lead to unexpected, severe consequences that are totally unexpected. And so it was for him.

As you anticipate your first encounter with God, consider whether you’d want His words to be, “You fool.” That would truly be an unsettling reality check

Luke 12:20 But God said to him, “You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?”

When greed and selfishness become your driving forces, they can lead to covetousness and, ultimately, condemnation. Instead of finding true security, lasting fulfillment, and success, the prosperous farmer ends up losing everything, including his life. “Wealth cannot keep us alive when our time comes to die, nor can it buy back the opportunities we missed while we were thinking of ourselves and ignoring the Father and others” (Wiersbe).

Imagine being given the choice tomorrow: to be unimaginably wealthy in this life or to be rich in the eyes of God and the life to come. Which path would you choose?

Many have faced this very decision and regrettably chosen poorly.

Luke 18:22-27

22 When Jesus heard this, He said to him, “One thing you still lack; sell all that you possess and distribute it to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”

23 But when he had heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich.

24 And Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God!

25 “For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

26 They who heard it said, “Then who can be saved?”

27 But He said, “The things that are impossible with people are possible with God.”

“People who are satisfied only with the things that money can buy are in great danger of losing the things that money cannot buy” (Wiersbe).

Steve Jobs passed away on October 5, 2011. He once remarked, “Being the richest person in the graveyard doesn’t matter to me.”

Reflecting on mortality, he said, “Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Almost everything – all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure – these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important” (Steve Jobs).

Jobs had a rare type of pancreatic cancer called neuroendocrine cancer, which is slower-growing and more treatable, according to Leonard Saltz, acting chief of the gastrointestinal oncology service at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. However, Jobs delayed potentially life-saving surgery for nine months, opting for alternative therapies. By the time he sought conventional medicine, it was too late.

“Sometimes people don’t want to hear the truth because they don’t want their illusions destroyed” (Friedrich Nietzsche).

Are you grounding your life in reality and hope built on the foundation of the word of God, or are you living in an Ebitdac illusion?

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