I want out ∙

I want out ∙

As for me, I will call on God, and the LORD will rescue me. – Psalms 55:16

Psalms 55:4-18

 4 My heart pounds in my chest. The terror of death assaults me.

 5 Fear and trembling overwhelm me, and I can’t stop shaking.

 6 Oh, that I had wings like a dove; then I would fly away and rest!

 7 I would fly far away to the quiet of the wilderness.

 8 How quickly I would escape – far from this wild storm of hatred.

 11 Everything is falling apart; threats are rampant in the streets.

 12 It is not an enemy who taunts me – I could bear that. It is not my foes who so arrogantly insult me – I could have hidden from them.

 16 But I will call on God, and the LORD will rescue me.

 17 Morning, noon, and night, I cry out in my distress, and the LORD hears my voice.

 18 He ransoms me and keeps me safe from the battle waged against me, though many still oppose me.

Fear is a universal human experience, with at least 60 percent of adults acknowledging that they harbor at least one unreasonable fear. Despite its pervasiveness, the exact reasons why these fears manifest remain elusive. Secular research offers various theories: one suggests a genetic predisposition to fear, while another attributes it to past traumatic experiences.

Fear is an emotional response to perceived threats or dangers. It is often characterized by anticipation or dread of potential disappointment or catastrophe. Fear can be rational, based on real and immediate threats, such as physical danger. However, it can also be irrational, arising from imagined dangers or past experiences, like the fear of failure or the fear of rejection. Phobias, such as arachnophobia or claustrophobia, are extreme examples of irrational fears that can significantly affect a person’s life.

Fear is a fundamental survival mechanism that triggers a range of physiological and psychological reactions. It prepares the body to either confront or flee from the threat, a response commonly known as “fight or flight.”

At times, our world can be daunting, causing fears to surface and driving us to worry, dread, and heartache. This is especially evident when it comes to fearing the future. Fear reveals more about us and our inner selves than our circumstances. While it is natural to experience anxiety when danger is present or bad things happen, overcoming fear is possible. It all depends upon what we do with it. By acknowledging our fears, understanding their origins, and facing them with courage, we can transform fear from a limiting force into a catalyst for growth and resilience. Faith has the power to transform our fears into opportunities for growth and resilience.

In Psalms 55, David is overwhelmed by the turmoil surrounding him and teeters on the brink of what we might now call a nervous breakdown. Engulfed by uncertainty, he yearns for a way to escape. David wants to run away, make that, fly away.

Oh, that I had wings like a dove; then I would fly away and rest! (Psalms 55:6).

Despite the weight of his fears, David had developed a lifestyle of faith in the face of overwhelming odds. Rather than giving in to fear, David chose to pursue hope and confidence. Rather than running away from his pain, he decided to face it and ran to the Father. David called upon the Father to rescue him in his circumstances, not from the circumstances (Psalms 55:16).

In those moments when life feels unbearable, and escape seems tempting, David’s journey inspires us to boldly trust in the Father and rise above our immediate fears.

As Charles Stanley reminds us, “When the walls close in and the floor gives way, we often wish we could be anywhere but where God has put us. Trusting God, however, means looking beyond what we can see to what God sees.”

REFLECT & PRAY

Consider your own responses to fear and uncertainty. Are you seeking to escape or find refuge in faith?

Father, I often find it easy to feel fearful. Many difficult and dreadful events have left me with a hollow ache that turns into dread and anxiety. But, dear Father, You are my rock and fortress against fear. Please rescue me.

INSIGHT

The Lord Jesus Christ, through His atoning death, resurrection, and present intercession for us at the right hand of God, has broken the power of fear.

Romans 8:15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”

Because we are children of the King and members of the Father’s Forever Family, we have a dynamic and remarkable power residing within us to overcome our anxieties.

Fear doesn’t become ingrained in us overnight, and courage and confidence don’t happen suddenly, either. Developing the ability to trust the Father with boldness and unwavering confidence rather than yielding to our natural fears is a gradual process. Peter shows us the way. It all starts with humility, setting the stage for a deeper connection with the Father and transforming how we handle fear.

1 Peter 5:6-7

 6 Humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time, he will lift you up in honor.

 7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

Faith or fear, the choice is ours. The Father promises perfect peace to those who trust in Him. We have the power to choose faith over fear, and in doing so, we can experience the peace that comes from trusting in the Father.

Isaiah 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!

Psalms 97:11 Light shines on the godly, and joy on those whose hearts are right.

Psalms 56:3 When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You.

The psalmist does not say, “If something ever scares me,” he says, “whenever I am afraid.” Fear is a natural human reaction to danger. The Father does not tell us to ignore our fears but to bring them to Him (Stanley).

“If people are afraid, it is because of something in the past that haunts them, or something in the present that upsets them, or something in the future that they feel threatens them. Or it may be a combination of all three. A believer in Jesus Christ does not have to fear the past, present, or future, for he has experienced the love of God, and this love is being perfected in him day by day” (Wiersbe).

Like a river glorious is God’s perfect peace,

over all victorious in its bright increase:

perfect, yet still flowing fuller every day;

perfect, yet still growing deeper all the way.

Trusting in the Father, hearts are fully blest,

finding, as he promised, perfect peace and rest.

(Frances Ridley Havergal)

1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.

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© Dr. H 2024

Servant-mentor ∙∙

Servant-mentor ∙∙

Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others. – 2 Timothy 2:2

Exodus 18:17-24

 17 This is not good! Moses’ father-in-law exclaimed.

 18 You’re going to wear yourself out – and the people, too. This job is too heavy a burden for you to handle all by yourself.

 19 Now listen to me, and let me give you a word of advice, and may God be with you. You should continue to be the people’s representative before God, bringing their disputes to him.

 20 Teach them God’s decrees and give them his instructions. Show them how to conduct their lives.

 21 But select from all the people some capable, honest men who fear God and hate bribes. Appoint them as leaders over groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten.

 22 They should always be available to solve the people’s common disputes, but have them bring the major cases to you. Let the leaders decide the smaller matters themselves. They will help you carry the load, making the task easier for you.

 23 If you follow this advice, and if God commands you to do so, then you will be able to endure the pressures, and all these people will go home in peace.

 24 Moses listened to his father-in-law’s advice and followed his suggestions.

In Greek mythology, when Odysseus, also known as Ulysses, set off for Troy, he entrusted Mentor with managing his household. Mentor was a trusted friend and loyal advisor to Odysseus. He was given the responsibility of guiding and educating Telemachus, Odysseus’ son. Over time, Mentor evolved into Telemachus’ protector and trusted advisor.

This story of Mentor’s guidance and support served as a model of a mentor. The term “mentor” in English originates from this tale. Today, a mentor is seen as a wise and trusted counselor or teacher who offers invaluable guidance and support.

Mentoring involves a long-term relationship focused on nurturing the mentee’s growth and development. The mentor provides wisdom, education, direction, and encouragement.

Successful mentoring requires the mentor’s willingness and ability to serve and the mentee’s openness to guidance and instruction. Disengaged mentors or resistant mentees can disrupt this dynamic relationship.

While the term “mentor” isn’t found in the Scriptures, there are many examples of mentoring relationships:

  • Jethro -> Moses
  • Moses -> Joshua
  • Naomi -> Ruth
  • Mordecai -> Esther
  • Barnabas -> Paul
  • Paul -> Timothy

Jethro, who was Moses’ father-in-law, possessed remarkable wisdom and insight. He took on the role of mentoring Moses, who had assumed the overwhelming task of resolving conflicts among the people. Recognizing the strain on Moses, Jethro astutely observed the situation and promptly realized that Moses was burdened beyond his capacity. Consequently, Jethro counseled Moses to alter his approach. Moreover, he offered practical and actionable steps that yielded remarkable results.

Exodus 18:21-23

 21 But select from all the people some capable, honest men who fear God and hate bribes. Appoint them as leaders over groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten.

 22 They should always be available to solve the people’s common disputes, but have them bring the major cases to you. Let the leaders decide the smaller matters themselves. They will help you carry the load, making the task easier for you.

 23 . . . then you will be able to endure the pressures, and all these people will go home in peace.

REFLECT & PRAY

Servant mentorship thrives on solid relational bonds. It involves clearly communicating the nature of the relationship and shared values, building on the mentor’s ability to empower and guide mentees.

Father, thank You for the mentors You have placed in my life. Please help me to mentor others as I have been mentored.

INSIGHT

Barnabas grew into an exceptional servant-mentor. Recognizing his abilities, the leaders of the Jerusalem church entrusted him with guiding and mentoring the new believers in Antioch. Barnabas invited Paul to join him in this mission (Acts 11:26). Throughout their travels, Barnabas undoubtedly encouraged Paul to use and develop his spiritual gifts. Barnabas mentored Paul, and we know how that story played out.

Barnabas performed a pivotal role in encouraging John Mark. During Paul’s first missionary journey, John Mark faltered, failed miserably, and abandoned his responsibilities, leading Paul to deem him unreliable (Acts 13:13). This caused a rift between Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15:36-39). Paul refused to take John Mark on his second journey.

Barnabas, who had once taken a risk on Paul, now took a risk on John Mark, demonstrating the essence of a servant-mentor. That is what servant-mentors do. He gave John Mark a second chance, allowing him to overcome his past and serve effectively (2 Timothy 4:11).

There’s more to this story. Without Barnabas’ encouragement and mentorship, Paul might never have been accepted by those he once persecuted nor become the author of thirteen New Testament books. Similarly, without Barnabas’ support, the Gospel of Mark might never have been written.

Servant-mentors inspire their mentees by showing belief in them, often restoring them to wholeness and usefulness. An encourager motivates those they serve to believe in themselves and strive for their best.

When Barnabas met Paul, he introduced him to the hesitant leaders of the Jerusalem church (Acts 9:27-28). Later, Barnabas supported the rejected John Mark, taking him to Cyprus to mentor those in need (Acts 15:39).

Barnabas, the Father’s humble and effective servant-mentor, indirectly contributed to the creation of 13 New Testament books.

Servant-mentors focus on encouraging and training those in their care, aiming to work themselves out of a job eventually. They pour their lives into others, who may go on to make a significant impact. When the mentee succeeds, the mentor celebrates their achievements.

In the early accounts of Paul and Barnabas’ travels in the book of Acts, Luke initially refers to them as “Barnabas and Saul” (Acts 11:26; 13:2). However, after their time in Cyprus, the order changes to “Paul and Barnabas” (Acts 13:13).

Why the change? The Father chose to bless Paul’s efforts in extraordinary ways, and Barnabas gracefully took a supporting role, undoubtedly rejoicing in his mentee’s success.

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© Dr. H 2024

Forgiven much, forgiven little ∙

Forgiven much, forgiven little ∙

I tell you, her sins – and they are many – have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love. – Luke 7:47

Luke 7:37-50

 37 And there was a woman in the city who was a sinner; and when she learned that He was reclining at the table in the Pharisee’s house, she brought an alabaster vial of perfume,

 38 and standing behind Him at His feet, weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears, and kept wiping them with the hair of her head, and kissing His feet and anointing them with the perfume.

 39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, He would know who and what sort of person this woman is who is touching Him, that she is a sinner.”

 40 And Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he replied, “Say it, Teacher.”

 41 “A moneylender had two debtors: one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty.

 42 “When they were unable to repay, he graciously forgave them both. So which of them will love him more?”

 43 Simon answered and said, “I suppose the one whom he forgave more.” And He said to him, “You have judged correctly.”

 44 Turning toward the woman, He said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has wet My feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.

 45 “You gave Me no kiss; but she, since the time I came in, has not ceased to kiss My feet.

 46 “You did not anoint My head with oil, but she anointed My feet with perfume.

 47 “For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little.”

 48 Then He said to her, “Your sins have been forgiven.”

 49 Those who were reclining at the table with Him began to say to themselves, “Who is this man who even forgives sins?”

 50 And He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

Things Many Do Not Know

By gently lifting your legs while lying on your back, you can avoid sinking into quicksand.

Celery actually burns more calories to consume than it contains, making it a negative-calorie food.

The adhesive on Israeli stamps is certified as kosher.

When bats leave a cave, they instinctively turn to the left.

It is impossible to lick your elbow.

Multiplying 111,111,111 by itself results in the sequence 12,345,678,987,654,321.

If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs raised, it signifies the rider died in battle. One raised leg indicates the rider died due to wounds received in battle, while all legs on the ground mean the rider died of natural causes.

Honey is the only food that doesn’t spoil.

During Shakespearean times, beds were secured with ropes for firmness, leading to the saying, “Goodnight, sleep tight.”

In ancient Babylon, for a month following a wedding, the bride’s father would provide unlimited mead, a honey-based beer, to the groom. Their calendar was lunar-based, and this period was called the honey month, which we know today as the “honeymoon” (Rashmi Jain).

A surprising 75% of readers will attempt to lick their elbow after reading this fact.

Spiritual Things Many Do Not Know

Our Heavenly Father is able to open our eyes to see what we cannot see. He often uses everyday experiences to teach us valuable lessons. The story of the sinful woman and Simon the Pharisee serves as a powerful illustration of sin and forgiveness.

Evil and wickedness wreak havoc in our souls and emotions. When we finally recognize the harm and eventual consequences of our sins, many of us experience a sudden awakening. Failing to acknowledge our wrongdoings is a regrettable sin in itself. As we become aware of our sins, our longing for forgiveness intensifies. The more significant the sin, the deeper our need for redemption. Relying solely on ourselves distances us from an intimate relationship with the Father and His forgiving love. Conversely, acknowledging our need opens us to His compassion and mercy.

Simon, a Pharisee, was intrigued by Jesus’ teachings and actions. Driven by curiosity, he invited Jesus to dinner to learn more about Him. However, Simon ended up learning more about himself. Jesus offered Simon a profound, all-important “aha” moment.

“Simon was conscious of no need and therefore felt no love, and so received no forgiveness. Simon’s impression of himself was that he was a good man in the sight of others and of God. The woman was conscious of nothing else than a burning need and therefore was overwhelmed with love for him who could supply it, and so received forgiveness” (Barclay).

REFLECT & PRAY

The one who has been forgiven much loves much, but the one who is forgiven little loves little.

Father, I am grateful that You showed me my sins and my need for Your forgiveness. Thank You for Your mercy. As a sinner, I am deeply thankful for Your grace.

INSIGHT

John 16:8-11

 8 And when he comes, he [the Holy Spirit] will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment.

 9 The world’s sin is that it refuses to believe in me.

 10 Righteousness is available because I go to the Father, and you will see me no more.

 11 Judgment will come because the ruler of this world has already been judged.

The Father sent the Holy Spirit to reveal our need for forgiveness and salvation.

When the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, it may highlight our stubborn hearts and reluctance to believe and seek forgiveness. At other times, it may emphasize the Father’s standards and how we fall short. Sometimes, the focus is on the consequences of our actions and the certainty of judgment. The Father embodies absolute holiness, righteousness, and goodness.

Some of us resemble Simon, unaware of our sinful behavior and feeling no need for forgiveness. We often compare ourselves to others and think we are pretty good. However, the Father sees things as they really are. His assessments and judgments are objective and perfect. His standard of measure is not relative or arbitrary. His standard is His own holiness, righteousness, and goodness.

Romans 3:23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.

The Father’s response to sin is not one of repulsion or rejection. Instead, out of His love, He sent Jesus Christ to die for our sins. By accepting Him as our Savior, we receive forgiveness. This offer of forgiveness extends to everyone, even the worst among us.

1 Timothy 1:15 This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” – and I am the worst of them all.

Isaiah 1:18 Come now, let’s settle this, says the LORD. Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool.

None of us are too bad to be forgiven. But some of us think we are too good to need forgiveness.

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© Dr. H 2024

Squeezed into a mold ∙

Squeezed into a mold ∙

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind. – Romans 12:2

1 Peter 1:13-23

 13 So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world.

 14 So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then.

 21 Through Christ, you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because he raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory.

 22 You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters. Love each other deeply with all your heart.

 23 For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God.

Josiah Wedgwood, an English potter born on July 12, 1730, revolutionized pottery with his renowned Wedgwood line. Establishing the Wedgwood company in 1759, he implemented various innovative techniques to enhance pottery production, earning him the title “Father of English Potters.”

One significant technique he utilized was press molding, which allowed for the mass production of ceramics with consistent shapes. He introduced the art of creating embossed decorations on his distinguished Wedgwood pottery.

Press molding involves placing clay into a mold and pressing it to adopt a specific design. Once the clay dries, the mold is removed, revealing an exact copy of the mold’s interior.

The concept of press molds is far from novel. The enemy has used this technique for around 6000 years. He devised it to undermine and subvert the human race. He is at work 24/7, pressing people into conformity with the world system.

For those who are not yet children of the King, the world has already shaped them, continuing its influence without pause. They become entrenched in the world’s system, remaining so unless the Father intervenes. Once we become children of the King, we are given the power and authority to reject this mold. We can choose to renounce this conformity. This is precisely what Paul encourages us to do. Such a change requires a total paradigm shift and perspective transformation.

It is essential to realize that we do not conform ourselves to the world’s patterns; instead, external spiritual forces work to mold us into them. We are subjected to the enemy’s relentless press molding. Regrettably, we are targets of a potent, abusive, and malevolent personality intent on causing us harm. He has our worst interests at heart.

We cannot change ourselves; the Father is the one Who performs the transformation. Our role is to allow Him to perform His transformative work. When we choose to stop being conformed, we decide to allow ourselves to be transformed by the Holy Spirit through the renewal of our minds.

REFLECT & PRAY

Galatians 5:16 Walk by the Spirit, then you will not be doing what your sinful nature craves.

Father, thank You for Your ability and willingness to overcome the relentless pressures we face. Encourage me to let You transform me through the renewal of my mind.

INSIGHT

Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.

Two significant internal processes are influencing humanity. The first involves being conformed or molded, as external forces apply pressure to shape our inner selves.

The second process is indescribably incredible, involving the Holy Spirit’s transformative power. Through spiritual metamorphosis, the Holy Spirit renews our minds from the inside out, morphing us in ways we could never have imagined.

The Greek term for “conformed” is syschematizo. Syschematizo refers to an internal process that shapes one’s behavior according to a specific pattern or set of standards. It aligns thoughts and actions to a diabolically inspired design.

It’s as if the adversary has crafted a unique blueprint for each person’s life, persistently striving to mold individuals into his desired outcome. This extends beyond mere behavior changes. It is an inner process at work that shapes one’s psyche, thought processes, and belief systems, encompassing values, ideologies, motivations, objectives, beliefs, worldviews, and so much more.

The Greek verb form syschematizo deserves more attention. It is an imperative, meaning Paul is issuing a command, not merely a suggestion or recommendation. It is in the present tense, which implies an ongoing, repeating, continuous action. It is also passive, indicating the conforming forces are external, pressing upon the individual rather than being self-generated.

In simpler terms, we must cease permitting ourselves to be continually pressed into the mold crafted by our adversary. We should endeavor to thwart his attempts to mold us according to his will.

Take a moment and let that sink in. The malicious and malevolent adversary of our King relentlessly exploits every opportunity and strategy to subvert the children of the King. He warps their minds, emotions, beliefs, and actions.

How appalling is that?

The Greek term aionis translated as “world,” signifyingthe system of worldly customs and principles adhered to by those who are not connected to or in alignment with the Father, the living God.

The world can be described as follows: “All that floating mass of thoughts, opinions, maxims, speculations, hopes, impulses, aims, aspirations, at any time current in the world, which it may be impossible to seize and accurately define, but which constitute a most real and effective power, being the moral, or immoral atmosphere which at every moment of our lives we inhale, again inevitably to exhale, – all this is included in the aion (age) . . ., the subtle informing spirit of the kosmos or world of men who are living alienated and apart from God” (Trench).

The Greek word for “transformed” is metamorphoomai. Metamorphoomai means to change the essential form or nature of something; be transfigured, changed from the inside out. As the inner being changes, so does the outward expression.

This Greek verb is also a command, not a suggestion. It is also in the present tense,    which signifies continuous action, something to be done repeatedly. It is passive, meaning the transformation is received rather than self-produced. The person being transformed is not responsible for producing the transformation; instead, they are receiving it.

As children of the King, we are not entirely passive; we actively cooperate by allowing the Holy Spirit to work within us, transforming our hearts and lives.

The process of metamorphosis in butterflies serves as a compelling metaphor for this inner transformation. The life cycle of a Monarch butterfly involves several stages of growth leading to adulthood. The most intriguing phase of metamorphosis is when the pupa, or chrysalis, transforms into a fully developed butterfly.

The caterpillar selects a suitable branch, attaches itself, and hangs there, shedding its skin to become a chrysalis. This final phase showcases the miraculous process of metamorphosis, a testament to the Father’s intelligent design. In this stage, the chrysalis is filled with undifferentiated cells and amorphous goo. It has no eyes, antennae, or legs and remains immobile. During this transformation, significant changes in form, size, and structure occur, allowing the chrysalis to effortlessly become an adult butterfly.

How, then, does spiritual transformation occur? The Father renews the mind of each child of the King. The Greek word for “renewal,” anakainosis, refers to a process that makes something new, different, and presumably better.

Instead of being molded by the worldly system under the enemy’s influence, we are transformed “more and more to that new spiritual world into which we have been introduced, and in which we now live and move” (Trench).

In this journey, the Lord Jesus Christ becomes the focal point of our lives.

The alteration of outward behavior relies on the renovation and complete change of the believer’s cognitive functions. This is achieved through the work of the indwelling Holy Spirit (Wuest). When we intentionally and consistently yield to Him, He “puts sin out of the believer’s life and produces His fruit. He does that by controlling the mental processes of the believer” (Wuest).

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© Dr. H 2024

Grace and the Bug ∙

Grace and the Bug ∙

Everything God created is good. – 1 Timothy 4:4

Genesis 1:27, 31

 27 So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God, he created them; male and female, he created them.

 31 Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good!

On September 9, 1947, a team at Harvard University, composed of engineers and computer scientists, encountered an issue with the Mark II computer, which was persistently malfunctioning and producing incorrect results. Upon investigation, what did they discover? They uncovered a literal “bug” – a moth had infiltrated the computer’s physical structure and lodged itself between the relay contacts, disrupting the machine’s electronics. This incident is noted as the discovery of the first computer bug. At 3:45 p.m., Grace Murray Hopper documented this occurrence in the computer’s logbook, attaching the moth with a note that read, “First actual case of bug being found.”

The term “bug,” referring to a defect or glitch in a system, dates back to the 1800s, with Thomas Edison reporting “bugs” in his inventions. Edison played a crucial role in popularizing this term in the context of technological faults.

In the field of Information Technology, a “bug” is defined as an error or flaw in a computer program or hardware system, as noted by Techopedia. Bugs can cause unexpected results or make a system act unpredictably, representing any deviation from the intended design. Programmers must debug their code to ensure it functions as expected, as most bugs stem from human error.

Adam and Eve were pure, innocent, holy, and righteous, devoid of any sin. There were no flaws in the original design. As the Father examined His creation work, He continuously affirmed its goodness (Genesis 1:4, 10, 12, 18, 21, and 25). After the creation of Adam, He declared that everything He had created was very good (Genesis 1:31). “A verdict on the totality of Creation, now completed” (Sarna). The Father does not make mistakes. All of His creation was perfect.

If this indeed was the case, what changed? Was something added unexpectedly? Not at all; instead, something was removed.

The situation can be likened to light and darkness. The Creator didn’t create darkness; He created light. Darkness is simply the absence of light (Genesis 1:2-4).

Similarly, the Father didn’t create sin. Human sin represents the absence of innocence, purity, and holiness. When Adam and Eve chose to disobey the Father by eating the fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, their autonomous choice was an act of sin. It was then that the first “bug” was introduced into the human race. This bug wasn’t a moth; it was sin.

REFLECT & PRAY

Contemplate the grandeur and complexity of the cosmos while simultaneously recognizing the meticulous detail and delicateness of His fingerwork. Marvel at the beauty of the night sky while acknowledging the profound care with which it was designed. How awesome is our Father God!

Father, thank You for debugging me and welcoming me into Your Forever Family.

INSIGHT

Everything the Father created was inherently good. Each phase of creation was affirmed as good, and upon completion, He declared it all to be very good, with no imperfections in the human race.

Genesis 1:31 Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good!

How good was it? What does this goodness entail, and what does good mean?

The Hebrew word for “good” is tov. In the Old Testament, particularly in Genesis, tov has a broad meaning, encompassing what is happy, beneficial, aesthetically pleasing, morally right, preferable, of superior quality, or utmost value. The Hebrew word tov suggests something desirable, enjoyable, beautiful, correct, delightful, or positive.

In Genesis, “good” denotes anything that enhances, supports, or promotes life. The Father’s creation is deemed good because He Himself is good, and His goodness is evident in all His works (NET, notes). Genesis 1:31 “affirms the consummate perfection of God’s creation” (Sarna).

For the infinite, all-powerful, all-knowing, eternal Father God, the act of creation was merely a display of His craftsmanship. It was effortless for Him; He spoke, saying, “Let there be,” and so it was.

Psalms 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.

Job 40:15-19

 15 Take a look at Behemoth, which I made just as I made you. It eats grass like an ox.

 16 See its powerful loins and the muscles of its belly.

 17 Its tail is as strong as a cedar. The sinews of its thighs are knit tightly together.

 18 Its bones are tubes of bronze. Its limbs are bars of iron.

 19 It is a prime example of God’s handiwork, and only its Creator can threaten it.

Indeed, He used His fingers! Such intricate fingerwork requires precision and care, not raw power. Consider the precision needed by an eye surgeon performing cataract surgery or the delicate tasks neonatologists perform.

Psalms 8:3 When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers – the moon and the stars you set in place.

The starry expanse is described as the fingerwork of God, suggesting that creating the heavens was as effortless for Him as making something with one’s fingers is for a person, rather than using their entire body. It took minimal effort (Constable).

Once the bug of sin infiltrated humanity, each person needed to be individually “debugged.” This crucial task became the responsibility of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world.

The necessary action was not easy, but it was straightforward. The eradication of sin from human hearts, minds, and spirits was accomplished through the redemptive work of the Lord Jesus Christ. This operation was exceedingly expensive, more than any mere mortal could ever pay. What was the price? It cost the Lord Jesus Christ His life.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Whoever accepts His sacrifice is debugged and becomes part of the Father’s Forever Family. Consequently, they become as though they had never sinned.

John 1:12-13

 12 But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.

 13 They are reborn – not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.

He died upon a cross of wood Yet made the hill on which it stood!

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© Dr. H 2024