In the face of fear, do right ∙

In the face of fear, do right ∙

For such a time as this. – Esther 4:14

Esther 3:8-13

 8 Then Haman said to King Ahasuerus, “There is a certain people scattered and dispersed among the peoples in all the provinces of your kingdom; their laws are different from those of all other people, and they do not observe the king’s laws, so it is not in the king’s interest to let them remain.”

 9 “If it is pleasing to the king, let it be decreed that they be destroyed.”

 13 Letters were sent by couriers to all the king’s provinces to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate all the Jews, both young and old, women and children,

Esther 4:11-15

 11 “All the king’s servants and the people of the king’s provinces know that for any man or woman who comes to the king to the inner court who is not summoned, he has but one law, that he be put to death, unless the king holds out to him the golden scepter so that he may live. And I have not been summoned to come to the king for these thirty days.”

 12 They related Esther’s words to Mordecai.

 13 Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, “Do not imagine that you in the king’s palace can escape any more than all the Jews.

 14 “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?”

“God is never bound by our faithlessness or cowardice. He desires to use us to bless His people, but if we fail to trust Him, He will use someone else. But He will always accomplish His will” (Stanley).

Throughout history, people overcame fear and rose to the occasion. They chose to risk their safety, their families, and their very lives to act on behalf of endangered, marked-for-death Jewish people. Unlike Queen Esther, these heroic people were not Jewish. Regardless of their ethnicity, they chose to protect and save the children of Israel who were threatened and imperiled. Consider Oskar Schindler (Schindler’s List), Corrie ten Boom, or the entire nation of Albania during World War II.

At Yad Vashem, the Holocaust museum in Israel, there is a garden, The Righteous Among the Nations. His purpose is to remember and honor those men and women who risked their lives during the Holocaust to save Jewish people.

Esther had choices. She could’ve reasoned that she might escape the genocidal decree of King Ahasuerus to annihilate the Jewish people in Persia by simply hiding her Jewish ethnicity. Mordecai was quite clear that such a plan would not succeed.

Under the threat of death, with the outcome unknown, she chose to risk it all. Why? Because she realized that the Father had placed her in the palace as queen of Persia for such a time as this. The book of Esther is the only book in the Old Testament that does not have the word God in it. Yet the Father is present on every page. He is working behind the scenes invisibly without a spoken word to achieve His perfect plan. When a child of the King becomes convinced of this fact in their own mind, they realize that they are invincible until the will of the Father is accomplished in and through them.

Esther came to this realization. She is ready to die to save her people, the Jewish people. Her words echo down through the centuries to inspire every child of the King.

Esther 4:16 If I perish, I perish.

But there’s more. Once we are convinced of what is right for us to do, we are required to do it, or we willfully sin.

James 4:17 Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.

REFLECT & PRAY

It is always right to do right. The Father places each child of the King in His kingdom at the appropriate time in history to accomplish His will through and in them on earth as it is in heaven. For some of us, that time is special and obvious. “For such a time as this.”

Father help me be sensitive to Your guidance to know when and how to act. Strengthen me to be “all in” no matter what.

INSIGHT

Fear is a normal human emotion. It often provides the adrenaline necessary to fight or take flight.

“When something threatens our lives, we naturally feel great fear. There is no sin in this. It’s how we respond to that fear – with a courageous trust in God or a spineless desire for self-preservation – that makes the difference” (Stanley).

What is fear? We all know what it is like to be afraid. Fear is emotional foreboding or dread of impending trouble or sorrow. Fear can result from real dangers or challenges. Fear can also be the result of imaginary dangers or challenges. This type of fear has no objective or logical basis. It is irrational. But it is real fear nonetheless to the one who experiences it.

Whether rational or irrational, fear can be exchanged with faith and confidence and the reverential fear of the Father, our awesome God.

Where did fear begin? The Garden of Eden. When Adam and Eve chose to disobey the Father, they lost their innocence. As a consequence, sin was introduced into the human race. With sin came fear.

Genesis 3:7-10

 7 At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves.

 8 When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the LORD God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the LORD God among the trees.

 9 Then the LORD God called to the man, “Where are you?”

 10 He replied, “I heard you walking in the garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked.”

Fear often immobilizes people, particularly when unrighteousness bubbles up from within.

Proverbs 28:1 The wicked flees when there is no one pursuing, but the righteous is as confident as a lion.

All children of the King have an unsurpassed Redeemer Who has come into their lives to liberate them from fear. The Lord Jesus Christ breaks the grip of fear through His sinless life, redemptive death, and resurrection. He now sits in heavenly places at the Father’s right hand (Ephesians 1:20), making intercession for each child of the King (Hebrews 7:25).

1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love, because perfect love expels all fear. . .. the one who fears is not perfected in love.

The Lord Jesus Christ sets us free from fear. He purges each child of the King from a lifetime of fear. We have been liberated once and for all. By faith, we actualize our freedom from fear and newfound confidence.

Jesus Calling November 9

Sit quietly with Me, letting all your fears and worries bubble up to the surface of your consciousness. There, in the Light of My Presence, the bubbles pop and disappear. However, some fears surface over and over again, especially fear of the future. You tend to project yourself mentally into the next day, week, month, year, decade; and you visualize yourself coping badly in those times. What you are seeing is a false image, because it doesn’t include Me. Those gloomy times that you imagine will not come to pass since My Presence will be with you at all times.

When a future-oriented worry assails you, capture it and disarm it by suffusing the Light of My Presence into that mental image. Say to yourself, “Jesus will be with me then and there. With His help, I can cope!” Then, come home to the present moment, where you can enjoy Peace in My Presence.

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© Dr. H 2024

What is your AQ? ∙∙

What is your AQ? ∙∙

Even though Jesus was God’s Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered. – Hebrews 5:8

2 Peter 1:5-8

 5 In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge,

 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness,

 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone.  8 The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Adversity Quotient, or AQ, is a concept that gauges an individual’s capacity to handle life’s challenges. First introduced in 1997 by Paul Stoltz in his book, “Adversity Quotient: Turning Obstacles into Opportunities,” AQ is often called the science of resilience.

AQ isn’t just about navigating major life crises; it also relates to how we react to everyday stressors, from minor inconveniences to profound disappointments and heartaches. Our response to life’s ups and downs reveals our AQ.

Research has demonstrated that AQ is a strong predictor of personal success. It can accurately indicate one’s approach to change, stress management techniques, tenacity, determination, wisdom, and character traits. In essence, AQ is a measure of an individual’s mental and emotional elasticity.

Similar to IQ, AQ is not fixed and can be improved upon. AQ enhancement programs have been shown to boost AQ levels by 11-23%, leading to increased productivity, enhanced performance, greater innovation, and improved morale, according to PEAK Learning.

These modern scientific findings echo age-old wisdom first revealed in the Scriptures. The Father has been in the business of developing His children’s AQ for over 4500 years.

The scriptures emphasize the importance of resilience and tenacity. Although the terminology might differ, with references to proven character, self-control, moral excellence, diligence, integrity, perseverance, endurance, maturity, hope, reverence, and godliness, the underlying message remains the same: overcoming adversity is integral to personal growth and development.

REFLECT & PRAY

Our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! – 2 Corinthians 4:17

Father I am limited in my comprehension of your ways. Enable me to begin to comprehend the immensity and perfection of Your eternal perspective and purpose.

INSIGHT

The Father employs an unexpected technique to cultivate our Adversity Quotient: adversity. He introduces various challenges, hardships, and trials into our lives. The process begins gently, but as we grow, mature, and exhibit character and honesty, the tests and obstacles often intensify. The development of AQ is akin to muscle growth – it becomes stronger through exertion and exercise.

Romans 5:3-4

 3 When we run into problems and trials, we know that they help us develop endurance.

 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope.

James 1:2-4

 2 When troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.

 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.

 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

Hardship and adversity have a way of wearing us down. That is all part of the process. The difficulties of life may seem overwhelming and ceaseless. We often feel abandoned.

Paul was a man with tremendous AQ. He was determined to remain faithful and overcome every obstacle. Paul was successful. His responses to hardship revealed his character and the depth of his relationship with the Father. He had learned the art and science of surrender rather than resistance to the Father’s will for his life.

Rather than seeking to escape, he learned to depend upon the Father’s power to go through the great challenges that he faced. He developed a unique trait that should be common for all of the children of the King, going forward on his knees.

Hudson Taylor, of the China Inland Mission, wrote to Jonathan Goforth, that to be successful in China, “You must go forward on your knees.”

“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen” (Elisabeth Kübler-Ross).

Psalms 121:1-3

 1 I look up to the mountains – does my help come from there?

 2 My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth!

 3 He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber.

Psalms 27:13-14

 13 I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

 14 Wait for the LORD; be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the LORD.

We can be confident that we will know and experience the Father’s goodness while we live. It encourages us to be brave, courageous, and wait expectantly.

The Father we serve is worthy of our loyalty and confidence. Adversity is one of the strategies He employs to mature our faith, conform us to the likeness of His Son, and fulfill His unique plan for each of our lives. Temporary afflictions yield “an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison” (2 Corinthians 4:17). When we allow Him the freedom to work, His light will enlighten and radiate through us in each trial.

“When God wants to drill a man and thrill a man and skill a man, when God wants to mold a man to play the noblest part; when He yearns with all His heart to create so great and bold a man that all the world shall be amazed, watch His methods, watch His ways! How He ruthlessly perfects whom He royally elects!”

“How He hammers him and hurts him, and with mighty blows converts him, into trial shapes of clay which only God understands; while his tortured heart is crying, and he lifts beseeching hands! How he bends but never breaks.”

“When his good He undertakes; how He uses whom He chooses, and which every purpose fuses him; By every act induces him to try His splendor out – God knows what He’s about (anonymous).”

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© Dr. H 2024

Deborah – superhero of Israel ∙∙

Deborah – superhero of Israel ∙∙

In those days, there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes. – Judges 21:25

Judges 2:18-19

 18 Whenever the LORD raised up a judge over Israel, he was with that judge and rescued the people from their enemies throughout the judge’s lifetime. For the LORD took pity on his people, who were burdened by oppression and suffering.

 19 But when the judge died, the people returned to their corrupt ways, behaving worse than those who had lived before them. They went after other gods, serving and worshiping them. And they refused to give up their evil practices and stubborn ways.

Superheroes possess abilities beyond those of ordinary folks. They use their powers to help people in times of danger.

The antecedents of modern fanciful superheroes are found in real history, myth, and legend. Superheroes perform feats of incredible strength, fighting prowess, and cunning. They are reminiscent of the tales of Hercules, Jason, Achilles, or the Amazon warriors.  Some Old Testament Biblical superheroes are Samson, Deborah, and David.

When difficult challenges arise, and others freeze and shrink back, superheroes plow ahead and face them. The same is true of real-life heroes. There are numerous examples of individuals who consistently live heroic lives, such as firefighters and other first responders.

Medical personnel such as nurses who regularly comfort the sick and dying are heroes. Their selfless response to the COVID-19 pandemic showcased their loyalty. Ubiquitous signs proclaimed, “Real heroes work here!” Nurses embody certain personality traits or qualities that distinguish them from others. They uphold a strong ethical code and personal values, showing empathy and providing care. They lead their lives guided by these values and are prepared to face the personal risks upholding them.

The Book of Judges was written circa 1045 BC. It covers the period from just after the Conquest of Canaan, circa 1300 BC, to the time of Solomon, circa 1000 BC (1 Kings 6:1). The book of Judges chronicles the tragic story of Israel’s cycle of disobedience, rebellion, and idolatry. Repeatedly, the people of Israel went from short periods of righteous living to failure and sin. Eventually, they would repent and ask the Father for help.

The Father honored His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Father would send a leader, a judge, to save His people from their oppressors.

During a particularly difficult period, Deborah, the prophet, appeared. She was a “force of nature” to contend with. However, rather than being a physically imposing warrior, like  Wonder Woman or a female WWF superstar.

1 Corinthians 1:26-29

 26 Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you.

 27 Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful.

 28 God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important.

 29 As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God.

Use your imagination and picture her as a small, petite woman, perhaps only 5’ 2”. Her strength came from within, resting upon her character and integrity. She was robust, resourceful, and resilient. She was taken seriously and had great personal resolve, courage, and influence. Deborah was steadfast and devoted to the Father. She was one of His servants. She inspired the army of Israel to be confident and win.

In addition to her natural strengths, Deborah was also a prophet. She heard directly from the Father (Judges 4:6-7). The Father would give her the military strategy to defeat the enemies of Israel. She would, in turn, pass it on to Barak, leader of Israel’s army. When Barak carried out her instructions, victory was certain. The Father’s intervention and battle plan brought success.

REFLECT & PRAY

Proverbs 21:31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the LORD.

Father in so many ways, we are ordinary people like Deborah. Encourage us to seek to have the spirit of Deborah.

INSIGHT

The Father has only two simple criteria for service: availability and willingness. Only Deborah was suited for the task at hand. No man was willing to man up.

Ancient armies were not coed. The leaders were most often strong, dominant male warriors. Consider Agamemnon, Alexander, Caesar, or Hannibal. The fact that Israel’s all-male army would not go to war without Deborah was a slap in their face. There was no honor for these men.

Deborah did not seek personal acclaim. Ultimately, the praise and glory were directed towards the Father. He was the unseen leader of Israel’s army. She was only His mouthpiece.

Judges 4:8-9

 8 Barak told her, “I will go, but only if you go with me.”

 9 “Very well,” she replied, “I will go with you. But you will receive no honor in this venture, for the LORD’s victory over Sisera will be at the hands of a woman.”

When it comes to battles, the honor and glory of the victory go to the victorious commander. Barak forfeits the honor of being the commanding general. Deborah accepts the leadership position. Deborah’s words in the original Hebrew could well be rendered, “Into the hand of a woman the Lord will sell” the opposition. The emphasis here is that not only will Barak lose the honor of victory, but he will lose it to a woman.

In their patriarchal society, the men of Israel reluctantly followed a housewife and mom. It was totally counter-cultural. Yet, with Deborah at the helm, the men were certain that God was with them and would ensure their victory. The logic is simple: Wherever the Lord sends His prophet, He is with His prophet. The men had only two choices: follow a woman into battle and win, or go it alone and lose.

“When God wants to glorify Himself through His people, He always has a perfect plan for us to follow. God chose the leader of His army, the place for the battle, and the plan for His army to follow. God also guaranteed the victory.” (Wiersbe)!

Is it possible to have Deborah’s spirit today? Can we be full of faith and courage and energized by the Father’s zeal? Yes, absolutely, yes!

Every child of the King has a purpose, abilities, and gifts. Each child of the King can hear from the Father, take Him at His Word, trust, and take action. Each of us can have the spirit of Deborah.

In the 21st century, our war is frequently not with flesh and blood enemies. Instead, our enemies are internal: fear of failure, feelings of inferiority, concerns over what others think, low self-esteem, and often even stubbornness. The Father wants to free us from our internal foes!

Philippians 2:13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.

There is a somewhat humorous back story, an oddity of science. For many years, despite the apparent evidence to the contrary, it was thought that bumblebees should not be able to fly because of their short and stubby wings. Their bodies are body too heavy for their wings. In the 1930s, French entomologist August Magnan concluded that the insect’s flight was impossible, a notion that has stuck in popular consciousness since then.

Thus, the bumblebee flight was considered a violation of the law of aerodynamics. Apparently, bumblebees skipped their science, mechanics, and physics classes and were not burdened by this information.

The enigma of bumblebee flight was solved in 2005 by Dr. Michael Dickinson, a professor of biology and insect flight expert at the University of Washington. He used high-speed photography to capture the wing movement of flying bees.

It turns out that bumblebees do not flap their wings up and down. This is a common misconception. Instead, they flap their wings back and forth. This has been dubbed a “bug flap.” Such movements provide sufficient lift to allow the bumblebees to fly. Who would have guessed? Perhaps while skipping class, they were outside watching hummingbirds, dragonflies, or even helicopters.

“Aerodynamically, the bumblebee shouldn’t be able to fly, but the bumblebee doesn’t know it, so it goes on flying anyway” (Mary Kay Ash).

What is the connection? The name Deborah means bumblebee. Perhaps Deborah was simply unaware that men would not follow women’s leadership. So she led them anyway.

Deborah’s supernatural influence and power demonstrate that the impossible can undoubtedly come to pass. The spirit of Deborah, a spirit of vibrant faith and trust, is available to every child of the King. As the Father exposes what needs to be done in our lives, we should not shrink back from these internal enemies. Instead, we must forge ahead, relying on the Holy Spirit, who is actively at work within us.

Mark 10:27 Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.

It is past time to stop doubting our faith and believing our doubts. Instead, doubt our doubts and believe our faith.

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© Dr. H 2024

When a generation knows not God ∙

When a generation knows not God ∙

The people of Israel served the LORD throughout the lifetime of Joshua and of the elders who outlived him – those who had personally experienced all that the LORD had done for Israel. – Joshua 24:31

Judges 21:25 In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes.

The 18th century was one of the most extraordinary chapters in the development of Western civilization. Extraordinary individuals possessing a deep understanding of human behavior, historical context, and the foundations for a stable, enduring Republic rose to positions of power and influence. In 1788, the nascent American states debated ratifying the new US Constitution. The fact that individuals from so many disparate backgrounds and dispositions could join together and create such a document was considered by many nothing less than a divine act of Providence. George Washington made several salient observations worthy of consideration in the 21st century.

“It appears to me, then, little short of a miracle, that the Delegates from so many different States . . .. should unite in forming a system of national Government, so little liable to well-founded objections” (Washington).

“We are not to expect perfection in this world; but mankind, in modern times, have apparently made some progress in the science of government” (Washington)

“No country upon earth ever had it more in its power to attain these blessings than United America. Wondrously strange, then, and much to be regretted indeed would it be, were we to neglect the means and to depart from the road which Providence has pointed us to so plainly; I cannot believe it will ever come to pass” (Washington).

It was a remarkable time when most of these individuals firmly believed in the existence of a providential, creator God. They believed He had brought them to the present hour and given them victory over the strongest military power on earth at the time, Great Britain.

But what happens when the people of a nation collectively forget the God of the Bible? Sadly, this happened many times in the history of the nation of Israel.

Joseph, one of Jacob’s twelve sons, found himself in a tough situation as a prisoner in the land of Egypt. Yet the Father was with Joseph and gave him exceptional abilities, brilliance, and character. Joseph rose to the top and became second in command to Pharaoh. Through his leadership, Egypt and the emergent nation of Israel were saved from death by famine, paving their way to prosperity. Eventually, at the age of 130, Joseph’s life ended (Genesis 50:26).

Exodus 1:6-7

 6 In time, Joseph and all of his brothers died, ending that entire generation.

 7 But their descendants, the Israelites, had many children and grandchildren. In fact, they multiplied so greatly that they became extremely powerful and filled the land.

Soon, a shadow of intolerance spread across the land of Egypt. Anti-Semitism was on the rise, and harsh treatment of the children of Israel was commenced. When God is forgotten, so are the people associated with His name.

Exodus 1:8-10

 8 Eventually, a new king came to power in Egypt who knew nothing about Joseph or what he had done.

 9 He said to his people, “Look, the people of Israel now outnumber us and are stronger than we are.”

 10 “We must make a plan to keep them from growing even more. If we don’t, and if war breaks out, they will join our enemies and fight against us. Then they will escape from the country.”

Exodus 1:11-14

 11 So the Egyptians made the Israelites their slaves. They appointed brutal slave drivers over them, hoping to wear them down with crushing labor. They forced them to build the cities of Pithom and Rameses as supply centers for the king.

 12 But the more the Egyptians oppressed them, the more the Israelites multiplied and spread, and the more alarmed the Egyptians became.

 13 So the Egyptians worked the people of Israel without mercy.

 14 They made their lives bitter, forcing them to mix mortar and make bricks and do all the work in the fields. They were ruthless in all their demands.

The situation rapidly deteriorated, going from bad to worse. A program aimed at systematic extermination was set in motion. Pharaoh’s resolution was grim: the death of all newborn male Hebrew children.

Exodus 1:15-22

 15 Then Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, gave this order to the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah:

 16 “When you help the Hebrew women as they give birth, watch as they deliver. If the baby is a boy, kill him; if it is a girl, let her live.”

 17 But because the midwives feared God, they refused to obey the king’s orders. They allowed the boys to live, too.

 22 Then Pharaoh gave this order to all his people: “Throw every newborn Hebrew boy into the Nile River. But you may let the girls live.”

That scheme did not work out too well either. The Father providentially saved Moses from certain death at the hands of Pharaoh. The rest, as they say, is history.

REFLECT & PRAY

Proverbs 14:34 Godliness makes a nation great, but sin is a disgrace to any people.

Father thank You for your providential work and intervention in human history. Guide each child of the King in how they respond to the present hour.

INSIGHT

Tragically, the nation of Israel itself forgot the God of the Bible soon after they entered the Promised Land. Under the leadership of Joshua and Caleb, the people took possession of the Promised Land. The angel of the Lord led Joshua to victory (Joshua 5). The promise of the Father was fulfilled. This generation of Israelites knew and worshiped the true God, the Father. They had seen His miraculous work that freed them from slavery. This was Israel’s “the Greatest Generation.” But when that generation died out, their faith in God was not followed by those who came after them. By the end of the book of Judges, the people had forgotten the God of the Bible.

Judges 21:25 In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes.

The people of Israel served the LORD throughout the lifetime of Joshua and of the elders who outlived him – those who had personally experienced all that the LORD had done for Israel. (Joshua 24:31). 

Jeremiah 2:11 Has any nation ever traded its gods for new ones, even though they are not gods at all? Yet my people have exchanged their glorious God for worthless idols!

During the 20th century, numerous countries worldwide witnessed the emergence of generations that did not know the Bible’s God. Germany was among these nations. In his book “When a Nation Forgets God,” Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer r tells the story of what happened.

“Erwin Lutzer asks . . . What happens to the nation that forgets God? Using the history of Nazi Germany as his canvas, Lutzer brilliantly illustrates a critically important truth. Just as nature abhors a vacuum, a culture which drives every vestige of God from the marketplace of ideas inevitably finds it has sown seeds that it will reap in the whirlwind” (Frank Wright, President & CEO, National Religious Broadcasters).

Many of the things that unfolded in Nazi Germany are eerily similar to events occurring today. As the 20th century dawned, Germany bore remarkable similarities to the United States at the onset of the 21st century. Despite their rich culture and formidable military power, the German people were demoralized and diminished by warfare. The nation was thrust into a period of uncertainty and turbulence. Unthinkable political shifts occurred. Society plunged into darkness.

Consider several of Lutzer’s observations from the book:

  • The broader welfare of Germany overshadowed individual liberties and the right to dissent.
  • When the economy was robust, concerns over freedoms such as speech, travel, or electoral rights seemed secondary to many.
  • Given an option, the majority prioritized basic necessities like food over personal freedoms.
  • Treason was defined as anything contrary to the will and purpose of the Reich.
  • The best way to conquer your enemies is to divide them.
  • Political leadership tapped into the anger of the German people.
  • Propaganda was utilized to disrupt the existing state of affairs.
  • Before long, facts did not matter.
  • Lies and intimidation silenced opposition.
  • The cross of Christ was distorted and diminished when wrapped in the flag of a political party.
  • Churches did not have enough room for both the cross and the swastika.
  • Emotional appeals often proved stronger than rational arguments.
  • Warning signs were disregarded because people wanted to believe in something so strongly. It did not matter whether it was a lie or not.

Could it be that the Father is sending a warning to the children of the King? Is He speaking to us through the stories in the Scriptures and also modern-day events? Are we on the brink of a terrifying, monstrous future that most do not wish? What should the children of the King do?

We are to follow the example of the sons of Issachar.

1 Chronicles 12:32 From the tribe of Issachar, there were 200 leaders of the tribe with their relatives. All these men understood the signs of the times and knew the best course for Israel to take

Paul provides sufficient warning and practical advice.

1 Thessalonians 5:4-11

 4 But you aren’t in the dark about these things, dear brothers and sisters, and you won’t be surprised when the day of the Lord comes like a thief.

 5 For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don’t belong to darkness and night.

 6 So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded.

 10 Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever.

 11 So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

“These are the times that try men’s souls. The greatest tyrannies are always perpetuated in the name of the noblest causes” (Thomas Paine).

“It is when a people forget God, that tyrants forge their chains” (Patrick Henry).

Could it be that even the most remarkable civilizations are “always one generation away from paganism” (Roger Ellsworth)?

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© Dr. H 2024

Very dry bones ∙∙

Very dry bones ∙∙

He led me all around among the bones that covered the valley floor. They were scattered everywhere across the ground, and they were very dry. – Ezekiel 37:2

Romans 4:17-21

 17 Abraham believed in the God who brings the dead back to life and creates new things from nothing.

 18 Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping – believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, “That’s how many descendants you will have!”

 19 And Abraham’s faith did not weaken, even though, at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was as good as dead – and so was Sarah’s womb.

 20 Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this, he brought glory to God.

 21 He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises.

The Battle of Gettysburg was fought from July 1 to July 3, 1863. It was the bloodiest engagement of the American Civil War. There was a tremendous loss of life. The death toll was staggering, with a total of 165,620 soldiers participating in the battle: 93,921 from the Union and 71,699 from the Confederate side. The estimated casualties summed up to 51,112: Union – 23,049 (3,155 killed, 14,529 wounded); Confederate – 28,063 (3,903 killed, 18,735 wounded).

On July 4, 1863, following the cessation of hostilities, a grisly description of the devastation on the Gettysburg battlefield was documented. Parties were dispatched to inter the fallen soldiers, both Union and Confederate, wherever they had dropped. The sight of bodies scattered everywhere was shocking, with approximately 7,058 soldiers left on the field. The task was grim, and the air was heavy with the smell of decay. Despite the horror, the American soldiers who perished at Gettysburg were more fortunate than the deceased soldiers from the army of Israel described in Ezekiel’s vision of the valley of dry bones (Ezekiel 37:11).

Ezekiel 37:1-2

 1 The LORD took hold of me, and the Spirit of the LORD carried me away to a valley filled with bones.

 2 He led me all around among the bones that covered the valley floor. They were scattered everywhere across the ground, and they were very dry.

The vision of the valley of the dry bones is the scene of the aftermath of a horrific and ghastly battle. Why were the bones strewn about in the valley and very dry? There were no burials! All that was left were the skeletons of the dead. The corpses had long ago decomposed.

But there’s more. Matthew Henry wrote his commentary 300 years ago, between 1687 and 1712 AD. He realized that the dry bones represented the hopeless condition of the Jewish people. “The Jews in Babylon were like those dead and dry bones, unlikely ever to come together, to be so much as a skeleton, less likely to be formed into a body, and least of all to be a living body” (Matthew Henry).

But Ezekiel’s story does not end with despair, dismal death, disarticulation, and destruction. What seems utterly hopeless becomes a promise of ultimate restoration.

REFLECT & PRAY

Why do we find ourselves in hopeless situations, far outside our comfort zone? The Father employs many strategies to develop His children. Overcoming impossible situations is but one of them. The improbable, if not impossible, circumstances of life develop great faith. Great faith prepares His children to fulfill the Father’s dreams and plans for their lives.

Father, thank You for bringing hope and encouragement where there is despair and hopelessness. Father, thank You for creating a life where there is death.

INSIGHT

Imagine this hypothetical situation. Suppose the Father whisked you away in a vision and took you to a graveyard. All around, you see tombstones, well-maintained graves, an occasional tree, and flowers left in memory of loved ones. The Father asks you, what do you think? Can these people come back to life again?

What an incredible question amidst a sea of gravestones. It seems surreal. Things like that just don’t happen. If we were there, we might’ve been tempted to be somewhat disrespectful and ask, “Are You kidding me?”

That’s pretty much what happened. The Spirit of the Lord asks Ezekiel an astonishing, seemingly preposterous question.

Ezekiel 37:3 “Son of man, can these bones become living people again?”

Ezekiel, the prophet, was wise and strong in faith. With great discernment, he deftly and respectfully put the ball back in the Father’s court. He recognized that the Father alone knew the correct answer; only He already knew the outcome.

Yet, Ezekiel also knew in His heart that if it could be done, only the Father could do it. For the Lord God Almighty, all things are possible. The Father “brings the dead back to life and who creates new things out of nothing” (Romans 4:17).

Ezekiel 37:3 “O Sovereign LORD,” I replied, “you alone know the answer to that.”

Indeed, the Sovereign LORD most certainly knows. But remarkably, He chose to include Ezekiel in the process of restoring life.

Ezekiel 37:4-10

 4 Then he said to me, “Speak a prophetic message to these bones and say, ‘Dry bones, listen to the word of the LORD!

 5 This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Look! I am going to put breath into you and make you live again!

 6 I will put flesh and muscles on you and cover you with skin. I will put breath into you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the LORD.’”

 7 So I spoke this message, just as he told me. Suddenly, as I spoke, there was a rattling noise all across the valley. The bones of each body came together and attached themselves as complete skeletons.

 8 Then as I watched, muscles and flesh formed over the bones. Then skin formed to cover their bodies, but they still had no breath in them.

 9 Then he said to me, “Speak a prophetic message to the winds, son of man. Speak a prophetic message and say, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Come, O breath, from the four winds! Breathe into these dead bodies so they may live again.’”

 10 So I spoke the message as he commanded me, and breath came into their bodies. They all came to life and stood up on their feet – a great army.

Did the Father need Ezekiel’s help? Of course not. But this was an opportunity for Ezekiel to grow mighty in spirit.

When remarkable things happen, good or bad, how frequently do we ask why? Often, we don’t get an answer. However, in this situation, the Father graciously explained to Ezekiel what the vision was all about.

The dead, disarticulated, dry bones represent the Jewish nation. Israel and Judah were divided for some 300 years. Untold numbers of them had died. Those who remain alive are in exile, far from home. For all practical appearances, they are a doomed, dispersed, dead nation without hope. They are like bleached bones on a battlefield. They said to themselves, “Our nation is finished.”

How often do we ask why when extraordinary events transpire, whether for good or ill? Many times, we receive no response. But in this instance, the Father kindly explained the meaning behind the vision to Ezekiel.

The lifeless, disarticulated, dry bones symbolize the Jewish nation. Israel and Judah had been split for some 300 years. Countless lives were lost. Those who survived are exiled, far from their homeland. They seem like a doomed, scattered, dead nation devoid of hope. They resemble bleached bones on a battlefield, whispering, “Our nation is finished.”

But they are far from done! It was prophesied that they would rise again and return to their land. This restoration would occur in two phases. The initial part would be physical restoration. All the scattered bones would reunite, though lifeless. Then, they would undergo spiritual generation in a miraculous turn of events. The Father will live within their hearts.

Ezekiel 37:13 O my people, you will know that I am the LORD. They will once again realize and believe that their God is God.

When challenging or even impossible things occur, how do we look at them? Do we react? Do we view them through the lens of faith or the lens of skepticism and disbelief? Is our viewpoint confined to disjointed, hopeless skeletons? Or do we envision a dynamic, potent, living army led by the LORD of Heaven’s Armies?

Psalms 27:13 I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living.

Genesis 18:14 Is anything too difficult for the Lord?

Romans 4:21 God is able to do whatever he promises.

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© Dr. H 2024