Not my will, but yours ∙∙

Not my will, but yours ∙∙

Not my will, but yours – Luke 22:42

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

REFLECT & PRAY

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

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

INSIGHT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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© Dr. H 2024

One promise we would rather not have ∙

One promise we would rather not have ∙

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

John 15:18-21

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

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

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

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

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

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

Key strategies include making promises that are:

  • Specific and tangible.

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

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

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

  • Sincere and honest with oneself.

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

  • Frequently reassessed by checking in regularly.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

John 15:18-25

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

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

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

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

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

 23 Anyone who hates me also hates my Father.

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

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

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

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

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

REFLECT & PRAY

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

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

INSIGHT

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

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

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

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

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

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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© Dr. H 2024

Is masculinity toxic? ∙∙

Is masculinity toxic? ∙∙

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

REFLECT & PRAY

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

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

INSIGHT

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

Which of the following statements seems most accurate?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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© Dr. H 2024

Living with misinformation and disinformation ∙

Living with misinformation and disinformation ∙

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

Proverbs 23:9, 12

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

James 3:13-17

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

REFLECT & PRAY

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

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

INSIGHT

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

Proverbs 23:9, 12

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

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

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

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

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

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© Dr. H 2024

We Have Met the Enemy and He Is Us ∙

We Have Met the Enemy, and He Is Us ∙

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

Isaiah 59:1-15

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

REFLECT & PRAY

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

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

INSIGHT

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

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

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

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

Isaiah 59:12-13

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

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

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

Isaiah 59:10-11

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

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

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

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

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

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

Isaiah 59:1-2

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

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

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

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

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

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© Dr. H 2024