Dr H Reflections

Nephilim ∙∙

Nephilim ∙∙

The Nephilim were on the earth in those days (and also after this) when the sons of God were having sexual relations with the daughters of man, who gave birth to their children. They were the mighty heroes of old, the famous men. – Genesis 6:4

Numbers 13:33 There also we saw the Nephilim (the sons of Anak are part of the Nephilim), and we became like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight.

Numbers 13:33 And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.

Numbers 13:25-33

25 After exploring the land for forty days, the men returned

26 to Moses, Aaron, and the whole Israel community at Kadesh in Paran’s wilderness. They reported to the entire community what they had seen and showed them the fruit they had taken from the land.

27 This was their report to Moses: We entered the land you sent us to explore, and it is indeed a bountiful country – a land flowing with milk and honey. Here is the kind of fruit it produces.

28 But the people living there are powerful, and their towns are large and fortified. We even saw giants there, the descendants of Anak!

30 But Caleb tried to quiet the people as they stood before Moses. Let’s go at once to take the land, he said. We can certainly conquer it!

31 But the other men who had explored the land with him disagreed. We can’t go up against them! They are stronger than we are!

32 So they spread this bad report about the land among the Israelites: The land we traveled through and explored will devour anyone who goes to live there. All the people we saw were huge.

33 We even saw giants there, the descendants of Anak. Next to them, we felt like grasshoppers, and that’s what they thought, too!

Greek and Roman mythology, along with folklore from the Ancient Near East, feature stories of beings who were part human, part divine, such as Hercules and the Titans like Cyclops and Atlas. Hercules stands out as the most prominent Greek hero, known for his extraordinary strength as the son of Zeus and Alcmene, making him a demigod.

Have giants indeed existed on Earth? Some translations of the Old Testament suggest this possibility. Enter the Nephilim. Who were they, and where did they originate? Could they be the legendary giants of ancient lore? The term “Nephilim” appears only twice in the Old Testament, in Genesis 6:4 and Numbers 13:33. Although the exact meaning is unclear, Nephilim were described as large, powerful, and aggressive men, with the name meaning “rebels” or “fallen ones.”

In Hebrew, the word used is “Nephilim,” which has been transliterated into English the same way. When the Old Testament was translated into Greek as the Septuagint, “Nephilim” became “gigantes,” giving rise to the English word “giants.” In the King James Version, “Nephilim” is translated as “giants,” a term still used in many modern translations of Genesis 6:4 and Numbers 13:33.

However, the Scriptures do not label them as giants in the modern sense. What do the Scriptures actually say?

Genesis 6:4 The Nephilim were on the earth in those days, and afterward, when the sons of God had sexual relations with the daughters of men, and they gave birth to the children. Those were the mighty men who were of old, men of renown.

According to Genesis 6:4, the Nephilim became mighty, fierce, and violent warriors. They were well-known and famous in the antediluvian world.

Moses sent 12 spies into Canaan on a reconnaissance mission to find out if it was indeed a land flowing with milk and honey, how well it was fortified, and what kind of people lived there (Numbers 13:33). The Scriptures state that Nephilim were present. It adds a detail that is not present in Genesis 6:4. Further, they were large men. The spies declared that compared to the Nephilim, they were as tiny as grasshoppers in their own sight (Numbers 13:33). Could this fearful exaggeration be a rationalization to attempt to halt the invasion of Canaan?

The most famous of the Nephilim was Goliath of Gath, a Philistine, who was six cubits and a span, that is, about 9 feet 9 inches in height (1 Samuel 17:4).

If all human life on earth was destroyed except for Noah and those that accompanied him on the ark, the Nephilim were part of the human gene pool of the humans that survived. They were the descendants of Adam and Eve.

In modern times, very tall humans are frequently seen on basketball teams. Many are over seven feet tall. In addition, there are real giants among us in modern times. Many of whom are 8-9 feet tall. In childhood, their pituitary gland makes too much growth hormone (somatotropin), producing gigantism.

REFLECT & PRAY

Grasping the meaning of the Scriptures can be challenging, yet we delve into them not because they are simple but because they are complex.

Father, thank You for the gift of reasoning and the presence of the Holy Spirit within us, guiding us to comprehend the vastness and depth of Your magnificent Word (Ephesians 3:18).

INSIGHT

The Golden Rule of Interpretation states: “When the plain sense of Scripture makes common sense, give it no other sense.” To understand the Scriptures, we must allow them to express their own meaning within their intended context, employing a literal, grammatical, and historical approach. This method seeks to uncover what the text meant to the original writer or speaker and to its initial audience.

Applying the Golden Rule of Interpretation to Genesis 6:1-4 involves examining the genealogies of Seth and Cain outlined in Genesis 4. Seth’s lineage is noted for its piety (Genesis 4:25-26, Genesis 5), whereas Cain’s descendants are characterized by their lack of godliness (Genesis 4:11-15).

Genesis 6:1-4

1 Now it came about when men began to multiply on the face of the land, and daughters were born to them,

2 that the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful, and they took wives for themselves, whomever they chose.

4 The Nephilim were on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God had sexual relations, the daughters of men, and they gave birth to the children. Those were the mighty men who were of old, men of renown.

Without incorporating concepts from other Scriptural texts or Jewish and Christian traditions, the simplest, most straightforward interpretation is that the “sons of God” represent the godly lineage of Seth. At the same time, the “daughters of men” refer to the ungodly lineage of Cain. These groups intermarried, resulting in some of their descendants being Nephilim.

The world quickly became filled with wickedness and immorality. Consequently, God chose Noah, a righteous man, to save pairs of animals and eight human beings from the impending global flood.

Genesis 6:1-4 makes no mention of fallen angels. Additionally, Genesis 1 states that living beings reproduce “after their kind.” If, as some propose, fallen angels turned into human males, married human females, and bore children, the question arises: where did the genetic material originate for such offspring?

The noncanonical Apocrypha from the intertestamental period presents a different perspective. In Sirach 16:7 (also known as Ecclesiasticus), the “ancient giants” are depicted as rebellious beings deserving of divine retribution. Wisdom 14:6 (also known as the Wisdom of Solomon)and Baruch 3:26-28 go further, suggesting these giants were eradicated by the Flood.

If so, the Nephilim mentioned later were not direct descendants but rather shared the same name as their predecessors. However, they were equally fearsome. The Israelite spies admitted, “We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them” (Numbers 13:33).

Scripture can often be perplexing, leaving us puzzled. Even the apostle Peter experienced such challenges.

2 Peter 3:15-16

15 This is what our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you with the wisdom God gave him

16 speaking of these things in all of his letters. Some of his comments are hard to understand, and those who are ignorant and unstable have twisted his letters to mean something quite different, just as they do with other parts of Scripture. And this will result in their destruction.

It is incumbent upon each child of the King to study and research for themselves and find the best resources to help them better understand the Word of God. The King James Version puts it like this.

2 Timothy 2:15 Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman who must not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

This reflection is a bit different, but it comes in response to a question I was asked.

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Seductive subordinate loyalties ∙

Seductive subordinate loyalties ∙

Who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? – Luke 14:28

Luke 9:57-62

57 Someone said to Jesus, “I will follow you wherever you go.”

58 But Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head.”

59 He said to another person, “Come, follow me.” The man agreed, saying, “Lord, first let me return home and bury my father.”

60 But Jesus told him, “Let the spiritually dead bury their own dead! You must go and preach about the Kingdom of God.”

61 Another said, “Yes, Lord, I will follow you, but first let me say good-bye to my family.”

62 But Jesus told him, “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.”

“Smart leaders understand that their job requires them to identify trade-offs, choosing what not to do as much as what to do. Grading the importance of various initiatives in an environment of finite resources is a primary test of leadership” (HBR).

Three interdependent elements are crucial for executing any project: objectives, resources, and timing. Achieving the desired outcome of a project requires clear goals, sufficient resources, and an appropriate timeline. If you alter one part of this triangle, the others must be adjusted accordingly.

While all three elements are vital, resources are the most crucial. They are what allow an objective to be met within a given timeframe; without adequate resources, any project remains a mere concept. Once a leader decides which resources will be allocated to specific objectives over certain periods, the need for ranking diminishes. This process naturally distinguishes three types of priorities: critical, important, and desirable (HBR).

The invitation from the Lord Jesus Christ to follow Him isn’t just a suggestion; it’s the most crucial and vital calling, surpassing all other loyalties. It is not merely desirable or important; it is essential and indispensable. It requires our unwavering commitment, and anything that hinders our complete dedication to Him must be set aside (ESV, Notes).

This requires a paradigm shift in our priorities, focusing solely on what truly matters. Sadly, less critical priorities can gradually blur our focus, drain our energy, and consume our efforts. We begin to struggle with the seductiveness of subordinate allegiances. Dr. Richard H. Seume describes it as “The lure of the lesser loyalty.” Often, it’s the minor distractions, the little things, not major crises, that steal our time from the Father. They nibble away on our commitments, and we lose our laser focus. We hardly notice the erosion of our determination and resolve to the Father’s prime directive for us.

Song of Solomon 2:15 Catch all the foxes, those little foxes, before they ruin the vineyard of love, for the grapevines are blossoming!

Foxes, small animals that can damage vineyards, often dig around vines, loosening soil and destabilizing roots. They chew on trunks and roots, which can kill the vines or prevent fruit production. By eating tender shoots and grapes, they can destroy the crop for the season.

This could easily be restated as: “It’s the little foxes, not the lions, that spoil the vineyard” or “The biggest threats come from the smallest sources.” The foxes symbolize the little things not effectively dealt with that add up and create hindrances that stand in the way of the fulfillment of objectives. In Song of Solomon 2:15, they threaten to spoil love relationships.

REFLECT & PRAY

“The path of Christianity is strewn with the litter of straying saints. Invariably, each who has strayed has chosen to be led by a lesser loyalty” (Swindoll).

Father, the poignant words “Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it; prone to leave the God I love” haunt me whenever I sing them. They bring tears to my eyes as I reflect on my tendency to stray from the God I cherish. Please take my heart and seal it for your courts above.

INSIGHT

Robert Robinson (1735-1790) may not be best remembered for his sermons, as they have been more or less lost to history. Yet, his hymn “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” has become immortalized. At the age of 20, Robinson was introduced to Christianity by George Whitfield in 1755. Just two years later, in 1757, he penned a hymn that reflected his newfound joy and confidence in his faith.

Sadly, over time, Robinson began to stray from his dedication and drifted away from his commitment to the truth of Scripture. He became “a great soul racked and rent by the clash of inward loyalties” (Graham W. Hughes). “The allurement and siren song of “intellectual” speculations loosed him from his theological moorings until he drifted far from shore and became shipwrecked in heresy” (Doug Kutilek). His spiritual turmoil robbed him of the joy his own words once brought him.

A popular, though unverifiable, anecdote recounts that during a stagecoach journey, a woman asked Robinson’s opinion on the hymn she was singing. He reportedly replied, “Madam, I am the poor unhappy man who wrote that hymn many years ago, and I would give a thousand worlds, if I had them, to enjoy the feelings I had then” (christianity.com).

How tragic it is that the seductiveness of subordinate loyalties can lure away any child of the King.

How can we avoid drifting away?

To prevent such drifting, we must thoughtfully consider our priorities and ensure we have the resources to follow through and complete the Father’s assignment He has for each of us. We are called to be His disciples. True discipleship demands significant sacrifice and commitment.

Luke 14:28-32

28 But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it?

29 Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of money, and then everyone would laugh at you.

30 They would say, “There’s the person who started that building and couldn’t afford to finish it!”

31 Or what king would go to war against another king without first sitting down with his counselors to discuss whether his army of 10,000 could defeat the 20,000 soldiers marching against him?

32 And if he can’t, he will send a delegation to discuss terms of peace while the enemy is still far away.

These Scriptures reveal profound truths. They highlight that one can follow the Lord Jesus Christ without fully committing to discipleship. An anecdote tells of a conversation with a renowned scholar about a former student. The scholar remarked, “He may have attended my lectures, but he was not one of my students” (Barclay).

Tragically, there are many believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, but so few who are genuinely committed and faithful disciples.

It is crucial to count the cost of following Christ. While the demands may seem daunting, we are not expected to meet them alone. The One who calls us to this challenging path accompanies us every step of the way and awaits us at the journey’s end (Barclay).

Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it; prone to leave the God I love.

Take my heart; O take and seal it. Seal it for thy courts above.

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From Milquetoast to Moses ∙∙

From Milquetoast to Moses ∙∙

By faith [Moses] endured, as seeing Him who is unseen. – Hebrews 11:27

Hebrews 11:24-29

24 It was by faith that Moses, when he grew up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.

25 He chose to share the oppression of God’s people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin.

26 He thought it was better to suffer for the sake of Christ than to own the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his great reward.

27 It was by faith that Moses left the land of Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger. He kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the one who is invisible.

29 It was by faith that the people of Israel went right through the Red Sea as though they were on dry ground. But when the Egyptians tried to follow, they were all drowned.

Timidity is characterized by a deficiency in courage and confidence. Timid individuals often lack self-assurance and inner strength. They are quickly startled and remain on high alert. This state is typically marked by self-doubt and anxiety about what might happen. Perpetually shadowed by self-doubt, they are preoccupied with the fear of unforeseen circumstances. Such individuals navigate life with a cautious tread, constantly wary of what might lie around the corner.

“The timid are afraid before the danger, the cowardly while in danger, and the courageous after danger” (Jean Paul).

“History does not long entrust the care of freedom to the weak or the timid” (Dwight D. Eisenhower).

And yet the Father chose Moses to become one of the most outstanding leaders of all time.

Numbers 12:3 Now the man Moses was very meek, more humble than any other person on earth.

The Hebrew term anav, often rendered as “meek” or “humble,” essentially means to be lowly, bent over, and in need, paired with a humble mindset that chooses to endure wrongs rather than retaliate. In the Targum Palestine, this translates as being bowed down in his mind, i.e., overwhelmed (Pulpit Commentary).

Moses initially resembled the timid and cautious Mr. Casper Milquetoast, incarnate, a timid soul, “the man who speaks softly and gets hit with a big stick.” Think Barney Fife rather than the imposing figure of Charlton Heston.

Despite this, Moses was transformed into a man of faith and a formidable leader. How did this change occur? Initially, he acted out by slaying an Egyptian, and things immediately went from bad to worse. It led to immediate and severe repercussions, leaving him humiliated and exiled to the wilderness.

The wilderness is the Father’s school for testing, preparation, and refinement. Moses undoubtedly faced significant discouragement and disillusionment. What motivated his actions as he faced the challenges of life? He had more excellent opportunities than most people could ever imagine. His heart was forever captured when he encountered the Father at Sinai. The Father spoke words of assurance, commitment, and purpose into his heart.

Moses lacked confidence, and his first words after the Father told him what He wanted him to do were filled with recoiling self-doubt, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” (Exodus 3:11)

Moses offered many excuses as to why he was a poor choice and inadequate for the task.

Exodus 4:10 Moses pleaded with the LORD, “O Lord, I’m not very good with words. I never have been, and I’m not now, even though you have spoken to me. I get tongue-tied, and my words get tangled.”

The Father used Moses just as he was, filled with doubt and lacking confidence. Does that hit a little close to home? The Father uses folks just like us.

Despite it all, God eventually used Moses to free the Israelites from Pharaoh’s control, just as the Lord had promised. By faith. . . he endured, as seeing Him who is unseen he kept his eyes on the one who is invisible (NLT).

Moses overcame Pharaoh by believing that the Father would keep His promises.

Exodus 4:11-12

11 Then the LORD asked Moses, “Who makes a person’s mouth? Who decides whether people speak or do not speak, hear or do not hear, see or do not see? Is it not I, the LORD?

12 Now go! I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say.”

“When we trust God, we get what God can do; but when we trust ourselves, we get only what weak people can do” (Wiersbe).

REFLECT & PRAY

Whatever task the Father assigns us, He will empower us to accomplish it as long as we stay focused on Him and rely on His strength and direction.

Isaiah 46:11 I have said what I would do, and I will do it. I have planned it; surely I will do it.

Father, I recognize many of Moses’ weaknesses in myself. Please inspire me to live by faith and place my trust in You.

INSIGHT

Life is fleeting, and wisdom is learning to hear the Father’s voice, attuning ourselves to the Father’s guidance, and making the best choices grounded in what He Says.

While the Bible acknowledges that sin brings momentary pleasure and godliness involves temporary hardship, the ultimate rewards of a godly life far surpass the fleeting joys of sin (Stanley).

Of course, it is important to remember that not all pleasures are sinful.

1 Timothy 6:17 God who richly provides us with all things for our enjoyment.

However, many impulses and cravings can lead to sinful actions. Frequently, our yearnings and desires are emotional reactions to the things we see, taste, or experience. By engaging our conscious mind, we can seize these impulses or random thoughts and desires, allowing us to resist them effectively (2 Corinthians 10:4).

Hebrews 11:25 [Moses] chooses to be mistreated with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.

“Moses chose the imperishable, saw the invisible, and did the impossible” (Havner).

“The decisions we make today will determine the rewards tomorrow. More than this, our decisions should be motivated by the expectation of receiving rewards . . . The Epistle to the Hebrews emphasizes: ‘Don’t live for what the world will promise you today! Live for what God has promised you in the future’” (Wiersbe)!

Hebrews 12:2 Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame.

2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity but of power, love, and self-discipline.

Safety is not the absence of danger but the presence of God, the Father.

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Duking it out with Dagon ∙

Duking it out with Dagon ∙

After the Philistines captured the Ark of God, they took it from the battleground at Ebenezer to the town of Ashdod. They carried the Ark of God into the temple of Dagon and placed it beside an idol of Dagon. – 1 Samuel 5:1-2

1 Samuel 5:3-12

3 But when the citizens of Ashdod went to see it the next morning, Dagon had fallen with his face to the ground in front of the Ark of the LORD! So they took Dagon and put him in his place again.

4 But the following day, the same thing happened – Dagon had fallen face down before the Ark of the LORD again. This time his head and hands had broken off and were lying in the doorway. Only the trunk of his body was left intact.

5 That is why to this day, neither the priests of Dagon nor anyone who enters the temple of Dagon in Ashdod will step on its threshold.

6 Then the LORD’s heavy hand struck the people of Ashdod and the nearby villages with a plague of tumors.

7 When the people realized what was happening, they cried out, “We can’t keep the Ark of the God of Israel here any longer! He is against us! We will all be destroyed along with Dagon, our god.”

8 So they called together the rulers of the Philistine towns and asked, “What should we do with the Ark of the God of Israel?” The rulers discussed it and replied, “Move it to the town of Gath.” So they moved the Ark of the God of Israel to Gath.

9 But when the Ark arrived at Gath, the LORD’s heavy hand fell on its men, young and old; he struck them with a plague of tumors, and there was a great panic.

10 So they sent the Ark of God to the town of Ekron, but when the people of Ekron saw it coming, they cried out, “They are bringing the Ark of the God of Israel here to kill us, too!”

11 The people summoned the Philistine rulers again and begged them, “Please send the Ark of the God of Israel back to its own country, or it will kill us all.” For the deadly plague from God had already begun, and great fear was sweeping across the town.

12 Those who didn’t die were afflicted with hemorrhoids, and the cry from the town rose to heaven.

Luck is often described as an unexpected event or situation that happens by chance beyond our control. Many people see luck as a guiding force in their lives. A good luck charm is an object believed to bring fortune to its owner, often carried or worn for protection. These charms can be anything from a horseshoe or four-leaf clover to a rabbit’s foot, lucky coin, religious emblem, or talisman.

The idea of good luck charms is closely tied to superstition. Even though there’s no scientific evidence to back their effectiveness, these charms can provide comfort and confidence to those who believe in them. Each charm’s importance is steeped in folklore, mythology, religion, tradition, or a mix of these elements.

Historically, the people of Israel made a grave mistake by treating the Ark of the Covenant, the holiest artifact on earth, as a mere good luck charm. The people of Israel put their trust in the Ark of God instead of putting their trust in the God of the Ark. This misguided belief led to severe consequences: the Ark was captured by the Philistines, symbolizing their victory over Israel’s armies.

The story serves as a cautionary tale respecting sacred objects and highlights the unmatched power of the living God of Israel.

REFLECT & PRAY

The Ark of the Covenant represented God’s presence and authority among the Jewish people and His rule over them. Similarly, for those who are children of the King, the Lord Jesus Christ holds a comparable significance as the Ark did for Israel. We need to give the Lord Jesus Christ His rightful place in our lives. With His presence and guidance, we can navigate each day with confidence.

Father, I am grateful for Your presence and the assurance of Your help. Teach me to walk humbly with You and to seek forgiveness quickly when I falter.

INSIGHT

The Ark of the Covenant was the centerpiece of the Tabernacle, residing in the Holy of Holies. Inside, it held the two tablets of the law, and on top was the golden “mercy seat,” where God’s majestic presence dwelt. This was considered God’s throne, from which He communicated with His people (Exodus 25:10-22) (Wiersbe).

Exodus 25:22 I will meet with you there and talk to you from above the atonement cover between the gold cherubim that hover over the Ark of the Covenant. From there, I will give you my commands for the people of Israel.

The “Philistines,” originally from the Aegean region, were seafaring people whose name likely comes from the Hebrew peleshet, meaning “invader” or “migrant.” They settled along the coastal areas of “Palestine,” a name that shares its roots with “Philistine.”

The Philistines are known for their aggressive and militant nature. Their clashes with Israel began around the 12th century BC. They held a significant advantage with their superior iron weapons and maintained a monopoly on iron production in the region. This dominance enabled them to control Israel, even prohibiting blacksmithing among the Israelites, who had to rely on the Philistines for tasks as basic as sharpening their tools (1 Samuel 13:19-22).

God gave Israel specific instructions for waging war, as outlined in Deuteronomy 20. They were to enter battles trusting in the Father after they searched their hearts and made things right with Him.

Instead of seeking guidance from the Father, the Israelites foolishly decided to imitate Moses and Joshua by taking the Ark into battle (Numbers 10:33-36; Joshua 3-4, 6). They placed confidence in the Ark itself to ensure their safety and victory rather than putting their faith in the God of the Ark. This was a grave error, as they attempted to manipulate divine power for their own ends. They acted out of ignorant superstition, treating the Ark as a mere good-luck charm.

Unlike Moses and Joshua, the Israelites did not seek God’s will, walk by faith, or aim to honor and glorify Him. They hoped the Ark’s presence would deliver them from their enemies (Wiersbe). The battle was lost, and the Philistines captured the Ark, leading to a humiliating and demoralizing defeat.

The Philistines placed the Ark in the temple of Dagon to proclaim their god Dagon’s superiority over the God of Israel, mocking and belittling Him. This arrogance invited divine judgment.

1 Samuel 2:30 I will honor those who honor me, and I will despise those who think lightly of me.

Now comes the sweet irony. The Father has a way of getting defiant people and their false gods to bow before Him. The Father will not be used to achieve selfish ambitions.

God demonstrated His power over the Philistines and their false god, Dagon. The Philistines realized they were not just fighting Israel but the living God of Israel. Dagon was found prostrate, without a head or hands, symbolizing submission to the Ark and the God it represented.

1 Samuel 5:3-12

3 But when the citizens of Ashdod went to see it the next morning, Dagon had fallen with his face to the ground in front of the Ark of the LORD! So they took Dagon and put him in his place again.

4 But the following day, the same thing happened – Dagon had fallen face down before the Ark of the LORD again. This time, his head and hands had broken off and were lying in the doorway. Only the trunk of his body was left intact.

Psalms 97:7 Those who worship idols are disgraced – all who brag about their worthless gods – for every god must bow to him.

The Philistines were supernaturally afflicted with “tumors.” The Hebrew word translated as “tumors” is ophel. Ophel refers to an abnormal “swelling,” “growth,” or “sores” occurring on the skin. They were contagious and life-threatening (1 Samuel 5:9, 11-12).

The Philistines, both shocked and terrified, were desperate to rid themselves of the Ark. In a futile attempt to escape responsibility, their wise men devised a plan: they hitched two cows to a cart, placed the Ark on it, and set the cows free, allowing them to ‘moo-ve’ their way back to Israel. However, their plan was no match for the divine intervention that was to come.

It was never a fair contest! Lifeless, man-made idols stood no chance against the Almighty, living God of Israel. Dagon lost his hands (1 Samuel 5:4), while God’s mighty hand struck the Philistines with afflictions and death, causing widespread panic (1 Samuel 5:6, 9).

Israel’s initial defeat by the Philistines set the stage for God’s ultimate victory over Dagon.

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Who is the greatest? ∙

Who is the greatest? ∙

A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. – Luke 22:24

Luke 22:21-30

21 But here at this table, sitting among us as a friend, is the man who will betray me.

22 For it has been determined that the Son of Man must die. But what sorrow awaits the one who betrays him.

23 The disciples began to ask each other which of them would ever do such a thing.

24 Then they began to argue among themselves about who would be the greatest among them.

25 Jesus told them, In this world the kings and great men lord it over their people, yet they are called “friends of the people.”

26 But among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant.

27 Who is more important, the one who sits at the table or the one who serves? The one who sits at the table, of course. But not here! For I am among you as one who serves.

29 And just as my Father has granted me a Kingdom, I now grant you the right

30 to eat and drink at my table in my Kingdom. And you will sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

On February 25, 1964, the world of heavyweight boxing witnessed the rise of a loud and self-assured young pugilist. He was not the tallest nor the bulkiest among the boxers of the time. Nor were his punches the strongest. But he was still the best fighter of his time. His agility set him apart, and his unwavering confidence was unparalleled. This fighter was Muhammad Ali, who boldly declared in his 1963 poem for all to hear, “I am the Greatest. I said that even before I knew I was.” Here are some excerpts.

This brash, young boxer is something to see. And the heavyweight championship is his destiny.

This kid fights great. He’s got speed and endurance. But if you sign to fight him, increase your insurance.

This kid’s got a left. This kid’s got a right. If he hits you once, you’re asleep for the night.

And as you lie on the floor while the ref counts 10, you pray that you won’t have to fight me again.

For I am the man this poem is about, the next champ of the world, there isn’t a doubt.

He is the greatest. When I say two, there’s never a third. Betting against me is completely absurd.

“I am the greatest.”

“I’ve wrestled with alligators. I’ve tussled with a whale. I done handcuffed lightning and throw thunder in jail. You know I’m bad. Just last week, I murdered a rock, injured a stone, hospitalized a brick. I’m so mean; I make medicine sick.”

“To be a great champion, you must believe you are the best. If you’re not, pretend you are. Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.”

In stark contrast, the spring of 33 AD marked a moment of introspection and humility on the night of the Last Supper. It was the week when the Savior went to die on a tree. As the Lord Jesus Christ prepared for His ultimate sacrifice, His disciples struggled with shortsightedness, missing the profound truth before them.

Engrossed in self-absorption and pride, they failed to grasp the significance of the moment. They miss the big idea and focus on irrelevant matters. They are driven by self-centeredness and hubris.

Picture this: the Lord Jesus Christ has just wrapped up explaining the profound meaning of Passover, highlighting His impending sacrifice and death for humanity’s sins. In no uncertain terms, He openly reveals to the disciples that His death is near and even drops the bombshell that one of them will betray Him.

Instead of processing this astonishing, incredulous revelation, the disciples get caught up in their own ambitions. Focused on their own potential importance and future opportunities, they debate who among them ranks as the greatest. They are fixated on status and glory, eager to determine who will be “Numero Uno” in the forthcoming kingdom.

“It is a terrible indictment of the human heart that immediately after the Lord’s Supper, the disciples should argue among themselves as to which of them was the greatest!” (MacDonald)

Barclay is even more direct, “It is one of the most poignantly tragic things in the gospel story that the disciples could quarrel about precedence in the very shadow of the cross.”

Yet, this event turns into a critical discipleship moment. In an odd, unexpected twist, the Lord Jesus Christ flips the script, teaching that true greatness isn’t about being served but about serving others (Luke 22:27-30). The real leaders in God’s kingdom are not those wielding power and enjoying the fruits of others’ labor. True greatness comes through service.

Instead, the greatest are those who serve. The kingdom of God turns everything on its head. “It is a law of life that service leads to greatness; and the higher a man rises the greater the servant he must be” (Barclay).

Jesus is Exhibit A. He exemplifies this principle perfectly. He who was the greatest was indeed the servant of all. As the ultimate example of greatness, He chose the path of a servant, demonstrating that the way up is indeed down.

Matthew 20:25-28

25 But Jesus called them together and said, You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them.

26 But among you, it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant,

27 and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave.

28 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.

REFLECT & PRAY

In the Father’s kingdom, illusions of grandeur give way to the strength of true character.

Father, if our failures made us unfit to serve, who could ever serve You? Even when we stumble, we are not abandoned, for You lift us and hold us steadfastly, never letting us go (Psalms 37:24).

INSIGHT

Discipleship Moment Two: Everyone, even the most confident, harbors the potential for betrayal and failure (Luke 22:31-38).

True greatness emerges when we face and conquer life’s toughest challenges. The Lord Jesus Christ had high hopes for Peter, yet the path to his greatness was fraught with epic failures, crushing disappointments, and overwhelming shame. Peter’s self-assurance about his loyalty and character was about to be shattered completely.

Despite his confidence, Peter crumbled when it mattered most. He found himself in a whirlwind of discouragement and confusion, wrestling with a kind of post-traumatic stress. Though he was once ready to lay down his life for his beloved friend, in the critical moment, he couldn’t even admit he knew Him. The Lord Jesus Christ had foreseen and predicted this unraveling of Peter’s resolve.

Luke 22:31-32

31 Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat;

32 but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.

Jesus had prayed for Peter, knowing that despite an impending downfall marked by failure and humiliation, Peter’s journey was far from over; it was just beginning. After experiencing profound embarrassment and dishonor, Peter would pull himself together. His initial failure became a catalyst for refining his character. His previously untested soul would be purged and his insecurities removed. Unwavering character and dependability would become the characteristic of the remainder of his life.

Through this fiery trial, Peter emerged not only ready for service but stronger and more faithful than ever. This once-broken man, now profoundly aware of human frailty, was uniquely equipped to support and uplift others. The crushed and mortified Peter could easily identify with the frailty of others. His past weaknesses were transformed into a source of empathy and strength.

Psalms 37:24 When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong because the LORD is the One who holds his hand.

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