A Tale of Two Kings ∙

A Tale of Two Kings ∙

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

Proverbs 30:7-9

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

REFLECT & PRAY

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

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

INSIGHT

A Tale of Two Kings: Saul

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

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

1 Samuel 10:23-25

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

 23 He stood head and shoulders above anyone else.

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

1 Samuel 13:13-14

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

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

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

A Tale of Two Kings: Solomon

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

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

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

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

1 Kings 3:6-9

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is a discerning heart?

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

1 Kings 3:10-14

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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© Dr. H 2024

The Terminator is coming ∙∙

The Terminator is coming ∙∙

“I am the Alpha and the Omega – the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come – the Almighty One.” – Revelation 1:8

Revelation 22:12-13

 12 “Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds.

 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”

In 1791, President George Washington identified a 100-square-mile area on the Potomac River for the national capital. To mark the coordinates of the ten-mile square, rough surveys were conducted, and boundary stones were placed. These stones are recognized as the oldest federal monuments.

The ancient Romans used boundary stones called termini to demarcate land borders and safeguard personal property. According to Roman belief, the stones were quasi-sacred and under the watchful eye of a god, Terminus, typically depicted by a sculpted head or bust atop the stone. Interestingly, the god Terminus was frequently represented with no hands or feet, conveying the idea of the immovability and permanence of the boundary. Ovid wrote a hymn: “O Terminus, whether you are a stone or a stump buried in the field, … You set bounds to people and cities and vast kingdoms.”

For eons, people fought over land. Now, Terminus has settled all boundary disputes. There would no longer be any arguments about where one’s property ended, and another’s began. Terminus was the new sheriff in town and, thus, the peacekeeper. Moving the stones was now a capital offense.

What about disputes between nations, tribes, and peoples? Who settles them? Who controls the outcome of history and the human timeline? Who began time itself, and will one day end it?

Revelation 1:8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega – the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come – the Almighty One.”

The coming one is the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the Alpha and Omega. He is eternal and is not limited by the space-time continuum. He is at the beginning of all things, and He is at the end of all things.

But there is more. Time is a created thing. The Lord Jesus Christ is the creator of time itself. He created time so that people could experience sequence. Adam and Eve were placed into time.

REFLECT & PRAY

The Father has chosen you; He wants you. You only have to come alongside.

Father, thank You for allowing the end of all things to be in the capable, powerful, and authoritative hands of Your appointed Terminator, the Lord Jesus Christ.

INSIGHT

The Romans were mistaken. They believed in an imaginary god whom they called Terminus. The Lord Jesus Christ is the real, authentic Terminator. He is the one whom the Father appointed as the Sheriff to settle all disputes and bring peace to the earth. He is the ultimate authority. The buck stops with Him.

Life in the 21st century is discomforting, if not frightening. In so many ways, our world is topsy-turvy and full of utter disorder and confusion. How will it all end? The task of completing all things has been entrusted to the Lord Jesus Christ by the Father Himself.

Isaiah 46:9-10

 9 Remember the things I have done in the past. For I alone am God! I am God, and there is none like me.

 10 Only I can tell you the future before it even happens. Declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times, things are not yet done. Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish.

Revelation 1:8a “I am the Alpha and the Omega – the beginning and the end.”

Alpha and Omega refer to the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, respectively symbolizing the beginning and end. The anchor points of time. He was there at the beginning and will be there at the end. When polar opposites are used in Scripture,  they often highlight everything between them. Thus the complete human timeline is on the table. This signifies more than just His presence; it highlights His ultimate authority and control over history.

Revelation 1:8b “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come.”

The Lord Jesus Christ has eternally existed. He will always exist. He has no beginning or end, and nothing can outlast Him. He is without beginning or end. He is eternal and transcendent. Nothing remains hidden from Him. He harmonizes past, present, and future under His authority and dominion. He is supreme and has all-encompassing control over all things, even time itself.

Revelation 1:8c the Almighty One.

The Greek word translated Almighty One is pantokrator. The term pantokrator literally means “the one who has his hand on everything,” hence, omnipotent ruler over everything. It comes from the Greek pas – all and krateo – to hold or to have strength. The Septuagint used pantokrator to translate the Hebrew phrase Yahweh Sabaoth, The LORD of Hosts, The LORD of Heaven’s Armies (Psalm 24:10). The Lord Jesus Christ has authority and sovereignty over all things.

This passage contains two distinct wordplays. The first pertains to the supreme leader of Rome, while the second relates to the enemy of our souls.

The Roman Emperor was known as the autocrator, or self-ruler, commanding over his conquered territories. In contrast, as the pantokrator, Jesus Christ reigns over all, including the Roman Empire itself.

The adversary of our souls is referred to as the kosmokrator, meaning world ruler or ruler of this world. This enemy holds limited, temporary control over the world. However, the Lord Jesus Christ governs everything, including the enemy and his limited realm, the earth.

The Father sovereignly directs all history to its final, inevitable, predicted outcome.

As described in Matthew 24:30, the ultimate sign of the Son of Man’s arrival will manifest in the sky, causing profound mourning among the people of the earth. They will witness the Son of Man arriving on the clouds of heaven with immense power and glory.

Jesus Christ is not only the Terminator of the old; He is the Creator of the new. In the present age, only the children of the King recognize His true identity. However, at His return, He will reveal Himself to all. At that moment, He will be acknowledged and revered by all those who believe in Him as the eternal King and ruler of the Father’s kingdom, taking command of the earth and all its inhabitants.

Revelation 21:4-6

 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death, sorrow, crying, or pain. All these things are gone forever.”

 5 And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!”

 6 And he also said, “It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega – the Beginning and the End.

Revelation 22:12-13

 12 “Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds.

 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”

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© Dr. H 2024

A letter of recommendation ∙∙

A letter of recommendation ∙∙

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

Mark 8:27-29

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

John 6:68-69

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

REFLECT & PRAY

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

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

INSIGHT

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

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

John 20:30-31

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

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

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

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

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

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© Dr. H 2024

Counsel of desperate despair ∙∙

Counsel of desperate despair ∙∙

If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do? – Psalms 11:3

Psalms 17:3-15

 3 You have tested my thoughts and examined my heart in the night. You have scrutinized me and found nothing wrong. I am determined not to sin in what I say.

 4 I have followed your commands, which keep me from following cruel and evil people.

 5 My steps have stayed on your path; I have not wavered from following you.

 6 I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God. Bend down and listen as I pray.

 7 Show me your unfailing love in wonderful ways. By your mighty power, you rescue those who seek refuge from their enemies.

 8 Guard me as you would guard your own eyes. Hide me in the shadow of your wings.

 15 Because I am righteous, I will see you. When I awake, I will see you face to face and be satisfied.

Legend has it that Rome was founded in 753 B.C. by Romulus and Remus, the twin sons of Mars, the god of war. Romulus became Rome’s first king. Later, in 27 B.C., Augustus took the reins as the first emperor, ushering in the Pax Romana, a period of two centuries marked by peace and prosperity, during which the Roman Empire thrived.

However, the empire eventually crumbled under the weight of its own excesses and corruption. As it grew bloated, Rome struggled to maintain control over its territories, which gradually slipped away. In September 476 A.D., a decisive defeat at the hands of a Germanic prince named Odovacar in Italy led to the end of the empire’s illustrious legacy.

Historians still debate the reasons behind Rome’s downfall. Key factors include barbarian invasions, economic woes, overexpansion, military overspending, government corruption, political instability, a loss of traditional values, the division of the empire into East and West, and a weakened Roman military. The foundations of Rome eroded, leading to its ultimate demise.

David, the king of Israel, faced similar chaos. The foundational principles of Mosaic law and justice were being eroded (Psalm 11:3). When societal foundations collapse, chaos and lawlessness often regrettably follow. The FRCL translation captures this breakdown: “The standards of the society are in ruins” (UBS).

The Hebrew term haras, translated as “destroyed” or “collapsed,” signifies destruction or irreversible damage, similar to the obliteration of the Egyptian forces at the Red Sea (Exodus 15:7). Such devastation is often described as horrific, appalling, or loathsome.

REFLECT & PRAY

During challenging times, David’s closest advisors and friends tempted him to doubt. He had to choose between flight or faith. He chose faith.

Father, You dwarf all adverse circumstances and provide each child of the King the opportunity to navigate these challenges with Him by their side, whether in spirit or even in a tangible presence (as seen in Matthew 28:20 and Daniel 3). With this promise, fear and retreat lose their power.

INSIGHT

David had known God intimately since he was a young boy. They weren’t just friends; they were buddies. God was with David during those solitary nights as he tended his sheep, listening and responding to his prayers with gentle, loving whispers. The Father saw this faithful child develop the confidence to survive all testing until the incident with Bathsheba.

The Father saw this faithful child develop the confidence to survive all testing until Bathsheba.

Psalms 11:1 I trust in the LORD for protection. So why do you say to me, Fly like a bird to the mountains for safety!

The same was not true of his advisors. They were overwhelmed by the looming threat. They saw only the gathering storm, not the One who could calm it. Today, we rely on Doppler radar to warn us of severe weather, prompting evacuations in the face of hurricanes or coming tornadoes. As far as David’s fainthearted counselors were concerned, a man-made hurricane was coming. The situation was hopeless. The Nation of Israel was doomed. They strongly urged him to evacuate, flee, and save himself. “Fly like a bird to the mountains for safety!”

David found their panic perplexing. He was puzzled. Did they not know who he was, or more importantly, who the Father was? They should have known about David’s unwavering faith and trust in the Father’s protection. Confident that God could handle the situation, David saw no reason to fear or flee. He dismissed their well-intentioned yet misguided advice, resolute in his decision to stand firm no matter what.

David responded with what Kidner describes as “a spirited retort to some demoralizing advice,” essentially asking, “How can you say such a thing?” No doubt, he thought something like, “These challenges are tough but not insurmountable. I’ve faced worse before, and God has always seen me through. This, too, shall pass.”

Psalms 11:3 The foundations of law and order have collapsed. What can the righteous do?”

Psalms 11:4-7

 4 But the LORD is in his holy Temple; the LORD still rules from heaven. He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth.

 5 The LORD examines both the righteous and the wicked. He hates those who love violence.

 7 For the righteous LORD loves justice. The virtuous will see his face.

David brushes them aside, confidently dismissing their concerns. His faith gave him assurance regarding things he could not see with his eyes. Reflecting inwardly, he poses a question: “Where is the Father right now?” He answers, affirming that the Father is enthroned in heaven, observing the unfolding events of history.

Psalms 2:4 But the one who rules in heaven laughs. The Lord scoffs at them.

The Father watches over both the righteous and the wicked, ready to intervene in the world and enter into the time-space continuum at any moment. The Scriptures are replete with examples of Him doing precisely that, such as parting the Red Sea, toppling Jericho, and protecting in the fiery furnace. With the Father eternally enthroned in heaven, there is little cause for worry. Amidst the seeming disorder of the world, David remains steadfast in his trust in the Father. Through his unwavering stance, David exemplifies the way of faith for all children of the King.

Psalms 11:2-3

 2 The wicked are stringing their bows and fitting their arrows on the bowstrings. They shoot from the shadows at those whose hearts are right.

 3 The foundations of law and order have collapsed.

This sounds eerily familiar to recurring events of the 21st century, serving as a wake-up call. Without a firm foundation, how can Western Civilization stand?  

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© Dr. H 2024

Envy and “The Whack” ∙∙

Envy and “The Whack” ∙∙

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

Genesis 4:2-9

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

REFLECT & PRAY

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

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

INSIGHT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The same is true for each child of the King.

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© Dr. H 2024