Dr H Reflections

What is that in your hand? ∙

What is that in your hand? ∙

The LORD said to him, “What is that in your hand?” – Exodus 4:2

Philippians 1:12-14

12 Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News.

13 For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ.

14 And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God’s message without fear.

In today’s media-dominated world, tragic events have become a regular part of our daily experience. It’s no longer a question of whether we will encounter personal tragedy but rather when it will happen. Regrettably, the sad reality of human existence in an imperfect world means that tragedies are ongoing. Recognizing the inevitability of tragedy, the challenge becomes preventing tragedy and trauma from defining our lives.

Dealing with the emotions of loss, pain, and confusion with grace is no easy task. A devastating injury or receiving news of a terminal illness can be incredibly traumatic. Often, we find ourselves longing to escape or numb the pain, hoping that it will somehow disappear on its own.

There has got to be a better way. As children of the King, we can invite the Father into our wounded spaces and find comfort, counsel, and restoration.

It begins with the recognition that the Father is in control of circumstances.

The Father has a delightful way of turning negatives into positives. The Father regards tragedy in light of the final outcome it accomplishes. He uses it to achieve His purpose in our lives and through our lives to others. He loves to take things that Satan means for our harm and use them instead for His glory and our benefit (Stanley).

Paul’s circumstances were planned and executed by a sovereign God. The Father was in control. His work in and through Paul, rather than coming to a halt, achieved His desired purpose.

Philippians 1:12 I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that my situation has actually turned out to advance the gospel.

The term advance translates the Greek term prokopen. Prokopen was used to describe blazing a trail before an army. It is from the verb prokoptein, which means to cut down in advance. “The verb which is used for cutting away the trees and the undergrowth, and removing the barriers which would hinder the progress of an army” (Barclay). In the New Testament, it is used only figuratively for progress, advancement, or furtherance.

Paul’s unwavering joy and enthusiasm were contagious, inspiring fellow children of the King to boldly proclaim the message of the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul’s imprisonment did not halt his endeavors or impede his forward momentum. On the contrary, it became a catalyst for the Father’s mission to flourish. It presented Paul with fresh avenues to spread the gospel. As a result, many others entered into the Father’s Forever Family. The rest is history.

REFLECT & PRAY

The Father is always at work. He arranges and uses the circumstances of life to accomplish His purposes.

Father help me view my circumstances as You do. You are welcome in my wounded places.

INSIGHT

Consider Moses. When the Father meets Moses at the burning bush, He calls out to him. Moses responds, “Here am I.” The Father then introduces himself to Moses.

Exodus 3:4-6

4 “Moses! Moses!” “Here I am!” Moses replied.

6 “I am the God of your father – the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” When Moses heard this, he covered his face because he was afraid to look at God.

After the brief introduction, the Father tells Moses His plan. He has chosen Moses for an extraordinary task. Moses is overwhelmed with the Father’s plan and objects. He feels inadequate. He tells the Father that he is not up to the task.

Exodus 3:10-11

10 “Now go, for I am sending you to Pharaoh. You must lead my people Israel out of Egypt.”

11 But Moses protested to God, “Who am I to appear before Pharaoh? Who am I to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt?”

It is easy to perceive Moses’ questioning of the Father’s judgment and plan as audacious. However, the Father remains unfazed when the children of the King raise objections. He already knows the answers beforehand. Initially, He reassures Moses, urging him not to worry. He will be with him (Exodus 3:12). But for Moses, even the Father’s presence is not enough to allay his fears and concerns.

Exodus 4:1-5

1 But Moses protested again, “What if they won’t believe me or listen to me? What if they say, ‘The LORD never appeared to you’?”

2 Then the LORD asked him, “What is that in your hand?” “A shepherd’s staff,” Moses replied.

3 “Throw it down on the ground,” the LORD told him. So Moses threw down the staff, and it turned into a snake! Moses jumped back.

4 Then the LORD told him, “Reach out and grab its tail.” So Moses reached out and grabbed it, and it turned back into a shepherd’s staff in his hand.

5 “Perform this sign,” the LORD told him. “Then they will believe that the LORD, the God of their ancestors – the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob– really has appeared to you.”

Moses had a simple, ordinary shepherd’s staff. The Father miraculously transformed it into a living, squirming snake right before his eyes. Moses was put off and frightened. He had never seen anything quite like this before.

This was no magic sleight-of-hand illusion like the Egyptian magicians performed. They had a magic snake trick. When they grabbed a serpent by the head just the right way, it would become trance-like and rigid (ZIBBC). Then they would walk with them like they were scepters or walking sticks. Whenever they wanted to perform the trick, they let go of the snake and dropped it to the ground. No longer stunned and paralyzed, it slithered about. When the priests wanted to retrieve the snake, they would pick it up by the head, not the tail, to avoid being bitten. They would then employ their “magic” grip to stun it and make it rigid again.

Notice that the text is quite specific. When Moses is told to grab the snake, the Father tells him to pick it up by its tail. Immediately it turned back into a shepherd’s staff.

The transformation of a shepherd’s staff into a snake and then back again into a staff was a miracle, a sign of authentic divine power. It served a purpose akin to a business card, establishing Moses’ authoritative position. It gave Moses the credentials to stand boldly before the unbelieving Hebrews and Egyptians and fearlessly proclaim the Father’s message.

“The same God who used Moses’ rod, Gideon’s pitchers, and David’s sling used Paul’s chains” (Wiersbe).

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Loneliness is epidemic

Loneliness is epidemic

I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Comforter who will never leave you. – John 14:16

Psalms 68:3-6

3 But let the godly rejoice. Let them be glad in God’s presence. Let them be filled with joy.

4 Sing praises to God and to his name! Sing loud praises to him who rides the clouds. His name is the LORD – rejoice in his presence!

5 Father to the fatherless, defender of widows– this is God, whose dwelling is holy.

6 God places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy.

On May 2, 2023, the Surgeon General of the United States, Vivek Murthy, issued a public advisory stating that loneliness is an “epidemic.”

Loneliness is a complex emotional state characterized by a sense of isolation or disconnection from others. It can be caused by various factors, including social isolation, a lack of close relationships, cultural or societal changes, and personal circumstances such as losing a loved one or a significant life change. Loneliness is often accompanied by feelings of sadness, emptiness, and longing for connection.

Loneliness threatens the health of Americans who are socially disconnected. Murthy noted that about half of the adults in the United States reported measurable levels of loneliness. Murthy stated, “Millions of people in America are struggling in the shadows . . .. We now know that loneliness is a common feeling that many people experience. It’s like hunger or thirst. It’s a feeling the body sends us when something we need for survival is missing.”

Loneliness is far more than just a bad feeling or negative emotion. Chronic loneliness can have adverse effects on both physical and mental health. Loneliness activates the sympathetic nervous system, leading to elevated stress hormones, inflammation, and hypertension. It can produce feelings of sadness, anxiety, and depression. It is associated with an increased risk of dementia, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and premature death.

Children of the King are not immune to loneliness, social isolation, or disconnectedness. However, we have something that can relieve, soothe and ameliorate loneliness and the collateral damage it produces. More than something, we have Someone.

Matthew 28:20 Be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

The Lord Jesus Christ has promised to be with us always and never leave us. Although we cannot see Him, He is always present with us. We are never alone.

REFLECT & PRAY

Hebrews 13:5 For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.”

Father thank You that I am never alone. Thank You for providing the Holy Spirit, Who will never abandon or forsake me.

INSIGHT

John 14:16 I will ask The Father, and He will give you another Comforter, Who will never leave you.

The Greek word translated as comforter, advocate, or helper is paraklete. Paraklete refers to one who is called alongside to help. The term is derived from para – to the side of and kaleo – to call. It literally means to call someone to oneself or call to one’s side. The verb can be translated as aid, help, comfort, encourage, affirm, or console.

“It really means someone who is called in, but it is the reason why the person is called in which gives the word its distinctive associations. The Greeks used the word in a wide variety of ways. A parakletos might be a person called in to give a favorable witness in a law court or an advocate called in to plead the cause of someone . . . an expert called in to advise on some difficult situation. Or a person called in when, for example, a company of soldiers was depressed and dispirited to put new courage into their minds and hearts . . .. a paraklētos is someone called in to help in time of trouble or need” (Barclay).

“We often talk of being able to cope with things. That is precisely the work of the Holy Spirit. He takes away our inadequacies and enables us to cope with life. The Holy Spirit substitutes victorious for defeated living” (Barclay).

The comfort and help that the Holy Spirit provides empowers those with weakened knees and uplifts those with low spirits, enabling them to confront life’s challenges with unwavering determination and limitless confidence. Comfort encompasses not only emotional solace and a feeling of contentment but also physical relief, gratification, and a sense of well-being (Garland).

Numerous individuals in the Scriptures experience profound solitude. Among them was David, whose words often resonated with deep feelings of separation, isolation, and disconnection.

Psalms 142:4 I look for someone to come and help me, but no one gives me a passing thought! No one will help me or care about what happens to me.

Psalms 102:6-7

6 I am like an owl in the desert, like a little owl in a far-off wilderness.

7 I lie awake, lonely as a solitary bird on the roof.

Regarding social distancing and isolation, Job stands out from the rest.

Job 19:14-21

14 My family is gone, and my close friends have forgotten me.

15 My servants and maids consider me a stranger. I am like a foreigner to them.

16 When I call my servant, he doesn’t come; I have to plead with him!

17 My breath is repulsive to my wife. My own family rejects me.

18 Even young children despise me. When I stand to speak, they turn their backs on me.

19 My close friends detest me. Those I loved have turned against me.

21 “Have mercy on me, my friends, have mercy, for the hand of God has struck me.

“The normal Christian life is to be characterized by hope, joy, and peace. As we grow in grace, God wants us to experience more and more of each of them – and if they’re lacking, something has gone wrong” (Stanley).

Romans 15:13 I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

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FOMO ∙∙

FOMO ∙∙

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 7:21

Matthew 7:21-23

21 “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter.”

22 “On judgment day, many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’”

23 “But I will reply, ‘I never knew you.’”

FOMO, Fear Of Missing Out, is a state of mental or emotional tension experienced because of concern that a window opportunity will be missed. It is that pang we feel in our stomachs when we are anxious that a favorable set of circumstances will slip through our fingers and be forever lost. Simply stated, FOMO is the fear of not being included.

FOMO occurs frequently in the realm of investments such as stocks, precious metals, real estate, startups, and the like. But any assets in this present world yield only short-term gains. What generates residual returns that provide long-lasting benefits? Do any earthly assets offer never-ending rewards? Of course not.

Can investments be made that result in long-term gains which last forever?

1 Timothy 4:8 Godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

The prospect of eternal joy in the presence of the Father is the clear expectation of every child of the King (Psalms 16:11). The possibility of missing out would be almost inconceivable.

John 10:29 No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand.

By faith, we are confident that it could never happen but suppose for a moment that it could. The possibility of eternal separation from the Father would be emotionally crippling. FOMO would be off the charts. What would people who are not children of the King experience?

Eternal separation from the Father is the final link in a chain of bad personal decisions. People choose doubt and unbelief rather than faith and confidence. People choose sin rather than surrender. A chain reaction is set in motion. When sin is selected, it leads to death, death to the Father. Death to the Father leads to eternal separation from Him.

The stock market crashed in 1929, leading to the Great Depression. How great will depression and anxiety be for those who are faithless? Sadly, many of the faithless masquerade as faithful. Wearing a disguise never fools the Father. He knows each of those who are His children and those who are not.

The reality of coming judgment is fixed. Sadly, many who think they are safe and secure in the Father’s Forever Family are misguided. Their own disguise fools them. Unfortunately, many will not become aware of this until they have a face-to-face encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:21-23).

The Father has graciously presented a remedy to prevent everlasting separation for those willing to accept it. They can avoid missing out. Redemption has been provided through the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:55-57

55 O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?

56 For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power.

57 But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.

REFLECT & PRAY

The outbreak of cold, unloving hearts has exploded in the 21st century. We need to stand firm. Hate what is wrong and hold tightly to what is good (Romans 12:9).

Father in so many ways, I have missed out on so much. Thank You for securing my place in Your eternal home.

INSIGHT

2 Timothy 3:1 You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days, there will be very difficult times.

The rough, turbulent times in which we live are escalating. The entire world groans and is caught in a downward cycle.

The Greek word translated as difficult, perilous, or terrible is chalepos. In the New Testament, chalepos is used only twice. In Matthew 8:28, this term describes the vicious ferocity of two demoniacs from the country of the Gadarenes. 2 Timothy 3:1 describes the Zeitgeist, the character and essence of the age which marks the last days. The days will be so horrendous. They will be difficult to endure, troublesome, dangerous, harsh, fierce, and savage.

2 Timothy 3:1-4 showcases “one of the most terrible pictures in the New Testament of what a godless world would be like, with the terrible qualities of godlessness set out in a ghastly list” (Barclay).

The last days are a time of violence and danger, an ugly time. It will be a Reign of Terror dwarfing that of the French Revolution. Conditions will become so bad that people will hardly believe what is happening. Evil will savagely target that which is good and godly. This final assault of evil will threaten the existential existence of humanity. But rest assured, evil will be defeated, and the Father will prevail.

What would this lawless and godless world be like? What are the ghastly characteristics of those who embrace it?

There are 19 specific characteristics outlined for the worst of the lot: they will love only themselves and their money. Further, they will be braggarts, arrogant, lovers of self, disobedient to their parents, and thankless. They will consider nothing sacred, without human affection, implacable in hatred, reveling in slander, uncontrollable in their passions, savage, not knowing what the love of good is, treacherous, reckless, inflated with pride, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly (Barclay and NLT, 2 Timothy 3:2-5).

Paul provided us with a snapshot of the last days. Is there any doubt that invisible evil spiritual influencers are working behind the scenes to lay the groundwork for the rise of the Antichrist? Thanks to modern media, horrific events are captured and streamed to our digital devices without end.

The description that Paul provided mirrors modern society. Is the future now? If so, it is a loud and clear wake-up call. FOMO, fear of missing out, will escalate exponentially. Even the children of the King may be gripped by distress. If a heaven-bound train makes a pickup anywhere nearby, make every effort to take it. The Lord Jesus Christ stands at the door and knocks (Revelation 3:20). He alone knows the way and offers certain and safe passage (John 14:6).

A time is coming when the Father will have a climactic collision with evil itself. In the end, He will triumph.

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Controlling anger

Controlling anger

Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry. – Ephesians 4:26

Psalms 4:1-4

1 Answer me when I call to you, O God who declares me innocent. Free me from my troubles. Have mercy on me and hear my prayer.

2 How long will you people ruin my reputation? How long will you make groundless accusations? How long will you continue your lies? Interlude

3 You can be sure that the LORD set apart the godly for himself. The LORD will answer when I call to him.

4 Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent.

Anger problems can manifest differently, from occasional outbursts to chronic and intense anger issues. Situational stressors or triggers can influence the prevalence of anger problems.

Anger management refers to the techniques, strategies, and skills that individuals can learn and practice to effectively manage their anger and respond to anger-provoking circumstances constructively and healthily. It involves developing self-awareness, understanding the underlying causes and triggers of anger, and acquiring techniques to control and express anger appropriately. The goal is to create healthier ways of dealing with anger, improving relationships, and enhancing overall emotional well-being.

Anger management typically involves the following components:

Self-awareness: recognizing the signs and physical sensations associated with anger.
Relaxation techniques: relaxation exercises like deep breathing.
Cognitive restructuring: identifying and challenging negative thought patterns or distorted thinking that contribute to anger.
Effective communication skills: developing strategies to express anger assertively and clearly without resorting to aggression or hostility. This includes active listening, using “I” statements, and expressing emotions non-confrontationally.
Problem-solving: identify and address the underlying issues or conflicts that contribute to anger and focus on problem-solving rather than blame.
Stress management: employing stress reduction techniques, such as exercise, hobbies, time management, and self-care practices.
Empathy and perspective-taking: cultivating empathy towards others, trying to understand their viewpoints. Empathy is about standing in someone else’s shoes, feeling with his or her heart, and seeing with his or her eyes.

The Scriptures provide excellent strategies for anger management. The guidelines also warn about uncontrolled anger’s dire collateral damage.

All anger is not inappropriate. All anger is not sin. Ephesians 4:26 “Reminds us that not all anger is sinful. There is a holy anger against sin that ought to be in the heart of every believer (Mark 3:5), but we must be careful not to be guilty of unholy anger” (Wiersbe).

The children of the King are not to allow themselves to be consumed by anger.

Ephesians 4:26-27

26 Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry,

27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil.

All anger is not the same. Anger exists along a continuum from mild to extreme. It may manifest as frustration, irritation, or seething, explosive, murderous rage. Or, it may arise anywhere in between.

What does anger actually accomplish? Uncontrolled anger is an exercise in futility. Stop kidding yourself. Short tempers and thoughtless words only stir up strife.

Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.

The Father provided an object lesson. He gave us two ears but only one mouth. We are capable of controlling our reactions. Be sensible. Engage your intellect and develop strategies to overcome useless, futile responses to actual or perceived offenses.

REFLECT & PRAY

James 1:19 You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.

Father thank You for providing methods for effectively dealing with and defusing anger. Enable me to look within myself, discover my challenges and learn to overcome them effectively.

INSIGHT

Anger is a natural response to life’s upheavals and disappointments. But as children of the King, we are admonished not to allow anger to control us. We are to pause and ponder the situation and choose to find peace amidst chaos and serenity in the face of adversity.

Overall, Psalms 4:4 urges individuals to approach God with reverent fear, to reflect on their actions, and to be silent and attentive to their inner selves. The goal is to align their hearts with the righteousness of a God-centered life. In Psalms 4, David’s enemies are in view. He is not speaking to godly or righteous people inclined to do the right thing. He cautions them against inappropriate and damaging behavior.

Psalms 4:4 Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent.

LXX Psalms 4:4 Be angry, and sin not; feel compunction upon your beds for what you say in your hearts.

The Hebrew word rendered as anger is ragaz. The primary meaning of ragaz is to quake, shake, or tremble. Over time the semantic domain expanded to include rage, quaking with fear, getting excited t excited or agitated, behaving violently, quivering, or experiencing great anger. It could be accurately translated as, do not sin by letting anger control you.

On the one hand, it is the idea of trembling, standing in awe of God, and getting a better perspective. “Tremble and do not sin” conveys a sense of wonder and reverence towards God.

On the other hand, is the idea of great anger. David admonishes people to consider their ways and cool off. To avoid sin, they must ponder, reflect, and remain silent rather than lashing out.

It is often easier to be critical of the sins committed by others while overlooking our own transgressions, as the Lord Jesus Christ taught in Matthew 7:1-5. Instead of tossing and turning in bed, consumed by the actions of others, take a moment to reflect and take inventory of your own heart. Are there sins that need to be addressed within you? Look inward and seek to rectify any shortcomings that you may find.”

The phrase “When you are on your beds” invites profound introspection. It implies taking the time to honestly evaluate your inner thoughts, desires, and intentions before the Father. Let the outside world disappear, and allow your inner voice to rise above the noise.

The mention of “When you are on your beds” beckons one to engage in deep introspection. It is an opportunity to let go of the external distractions and let the world around fade away, creating space for your inner voice to resonate above the clamor. This verse implies the importance of dedicating time to honestly assess your inner thoughts, desires, and intentions in the presence of God, acknowledging Him as the ultimate authority over your heart and life.

David’s adversaries should allow their emotions to cool down. If they feel the need to be angry, it should be for a just cause. The statement “Be angry and do not sin” is quoted in Ephesians 4:26, but in that context, it is directed toward the children of the King. It serves as a reminder that it is acceptable to be angry on behalf of the Father’s righteousness, but never for personal reasons. However, in Psalms 4, these words are spoken to wicked individuals, warning them against letting their anger spill over into violent actions. During the stillness of the night, as they lie awake, they should examine their own hearts and consider the foolishness of fighting against the Father. Such thoughtful contemplation would silence their slanderous words and end their wicked schemes (BBC).

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Junk food ∙

Junk food ∙

Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good? Listen to me, and you will eat what is good. You will enjoy the finest food. – Isaiah 55:2

1 Peter 2:2-3

2 Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment,

3 now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness.

A typical American diet is chock-full of unhealthy foods high in calories from either sugar or fat. Such foods generally lack essential dietary components such as fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. They are commonly called junk food or HFSS (high in fat, salt, and sugar) foods.

The term “junk food” lacks a clear and consistent definition, and its meaning has evolved over time. Typically, junk food refers to heavily processed food products. However, even foods high in protein, such as meat or fish cooked with saturated fat, may be categorized as junk food. Fast food or fast-food restaurants are often seen as the poster child for junk food.

Consuming junk food has raised numerous health concerns, notably the increased risk of obesity and diabetes. Other potential adverse effects include memory, learning difficulties, and depression. To address these issues, various public health awareness campaigns have been launched, and advertising restrictions have been implemented as part of a nationwide effort to improve the health of the American people.

However, the topic of spiritual junk food is frequently neglected by followers of the faith. Often eaten mindlessly, we consume it without thinking. Sadly, eating spiritual junk food has become totally acceptable and quite normal..

“It is no secret that Christ’s Church is not at all in good health in many places of the world. She has been languishing because she has been fed, as the current line has it, ‘junk food;’ all kinds of artificial preservatives and all sorts of unnatural substitutes have been served up to her” (Walter Kaiser).

As a result, Kaiser notes that biblical and theological malnutrition has “afflicted the very generation that has taken such giant steps to make sure its physical health is not damaged by using foods or products that are carcinogenic or otherwise harmful to their bodies.” How ironic!

We often invest in food that fails to nourish or improve our well-being, just as our spiritual diet can lack substance. To make positive changes, one must seek to raise the bar, reject spiritual junk food and instead strive for excellence. The pure unadulterated milk of the word is the antithesis of spiritual junk food. Each child of the King should intensely desire it.

The Greek word rendered as crave, yearn, or long is epipotheo. Epipotheo literally means to “long for.” It expresses an intense, passionate, strong desire for something. Thus, it has the sense “to be thirsty always for spiritual milk, in the same way, that newborn babies are always thirsty for their mother’s milk” (UBS).

Take away: as newborn babes cry for milk, every child of the King should long for the Word of God (Black & Black).

REFLECT & PRAY

The pure milk of the word is not just for babies. All children of the King, young or old, in the faith, should thirst for the Word of God as infants cry for milk.

Father I pray that I will continually crave the pure milk of Your Word and settle for nothing less.

INSIGHT

Consuming spiritual junk food weakens us and leaves us spiritually flabby. Our hearts and souls become malnourished, leading to spiritual apathy and lethargy. We become spiritually dull. We can hear but do not seem to listen and cannot digest solid spiritual food.

Hebrews 5:11-14

11 . . . And you are spiritually dull and don’t seem to listen.

12 You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food.

13 For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right.

14 Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.

Just as there is a typical pattern for early childhood development, there is a regular pattern for spiritual development. The children of the King to whom the Book of Hebrews was written were suffering from a tragic case of arrested development. “As a result, they were now ‘dull of hearing;’ that is, unable to listen to the Word, receive it, and act on it” (Wiersbe).

Because their spiritual diet was inadequate, they were spiritually malnourished and unable to progress toward maturity. Although enough time has passed, they never got past the basics. Further, there was additional collateral damage. They slipped back. They had forgotten what they had learned. Instead of being able to teach the truth of the Word of God to others, they needed those who were mature to come and teach them the basic teachings about Christ all over again.

Spiritual health is analogous to physical health. Just as muscles need exercise to perform at their best and remain strong, flexible, and functional, our spirits also require exercise. Without regular exercise, muscles atrophy and lose tone, becoming weak. Similarly, when our spirits are not exercised adequately, they become feeble and paltry.

Although they were no longer considered new believers chronologically, they had regressed in their spiritual growth and were now functioning at the level of spiritual infants. They could not receive and assimilate solid spiritual food and had to revert to milk.

Consuming spiritual junk food has a deleterious impact on almost everyone who partakes of it.

How is your spiritual diet working for you?

The goal is to become mighty in our spirits.

Luke 1:80 John the Baptist grew up and became strong in spirit.

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