This blog is about the interpretation of Old and New Testament scripture through an ancient polytheistic lens. It serves as a public extended study into the research of critical bible interpretation. Bible Study; search tags like #question of amen, #sin.
God has gifted us with an incredible gift of Mercy. Through the Lord Jesus Christ, we are able to discern truth from lies to establish peace on earth. The latest report from the United Nations gave me some insight on how world leaders are responding to the threat against God's Children. The report also clarified which individuals are responsible for preaching Jesus Christ and the Gospel.
"Watch out for false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are voracious wolves. You will recognize them by their fruit... Every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree is not able to bear bad fruit, nor a bad tree to bear good fruit." (Matthew 7:15-18 NET)
The United Nations reporters let us know that soldiers are intentionally targeting children in order to destroy nations. These soldiers have no qualm about destroying the most innocent of us-- their justification is based on worthless fear and arrogance.
"See that you do not disdain one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven." (Matthew 18:10 NET)
If we as a society are unable to criticize anyone for wrongdoing, then evildoers and false prophets will bear bad fruit. Similar to this, if we act in a righteous way to uphold fairness, justice and liberty for all--Jesus Christ shows us that he bears the fruits of God in his dedication to the Lord.
"You must not worship the LORD your God the way they do! For everything that is abhorrent to him, everything he hates, they have done when worshiping their gods. They even burn up their sons and daughters before their gods!" (Deuteronomy 12:31 NET)
"Someone told him, "Look, your mother and your brothers are standing outside wanting to speak to you." To the one who had said this, Jesus replied, "Who is my mother and who are my brothers?" And pointing toward his disciples he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother." (Matthew 12:47-50 NET)
Beware the Yeast of the Pharisees
Once we attain the continuous salvation, it is up to all of us to uphold it's fruits. We should not sucumb to lies and destruction in order to please the Lord. Baal and Satan represent all of the wicked things that Jesus Christ rebukes.
"Watch out," Jesus said to them, "beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees ... Do you still not understand? ... How could you not understand that I was not speaking to you about bread? But beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees!" Then they understood that he had not told them to be on guard against the yeast in bread, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees." (Matthew 16:6-12 NET)
Undoubtedly, people love to lie. Jesus Christ warns us in his new covenant that these traits of deceit do not belong in the Kingdom of Heaven.
"You people are from your father the devil, and you want to do what your father desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. Whenever he lies, he speaks according to his own nature, because he is a liar and the father of lies. But because I am telling you the truth, you do not believe me." (John 8:44-45 NET)
In the year of the Lord, Jesus Christ, it would appear then that Christians themselves are responsible for teaching the good news of the New Covenant.
We have been gifted with a tremendous and tolerant Body of God. His burden is heavy and many Christians around the world pay the ultimate price to lift him up. Our burden is to mandate love, peace and tolerance even in the face of dissention. As people who follow Jesus Christ, we are responsible for holding each other accountable when we produce bad fruit. Part of the accountability means changing our ways. The New Testament authors ask us to seek the truth and hate the lie.
"When Jesus learned of this, he said, "You who have such little faith! Why are you arguing among yourselves about having no bread? Do you still not understand? Don't you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many baskets you took up? Or the seven loaves for the four thousand and how many baskets you took up? How could you not understand that I was not speaking to you about bread? But beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees!" (Matthew 16:8-11 NET)
"Everything is lawful," but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is lawful," but not everything builds others up. Do not seek your own good, but the good of the other person." (1 Corinthians 10:23-24 NET)
The responsibility of those who share the Good News of Jesus Christ lies mostly on people who love the truth and hate the lie (Matthew 7:21-23).
"You must not give a false report. Do not make common cause with the wicked to be a malicious witness. "You must not follow a crowd in doing evil things; in a lawsuit you must not offer testimony that agrees with a crowd so as to pervert justice," (Exodus 23:1-2 NET)
"But the one who peers into the perfect law of liberty and fixes his attention there, and does not become a forgetful listener but one who lives it out - he will be blessed in what he does. If someone thinks he is religious yet does not bridle his tongue, and so deceives his heart, his religion is futile. Pure and undefiled religion before God the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their misfortune and to keep oneself unstained by the world." (James 1:25-27 NET)
So I ask, who is responsible for uplifting the body of Christ? Whose burden is it to bear to suffer for peace and truth in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ? Why is it that we allow ourselves to be associated with those who love the lie, whose father is the father of lies? Why do we seek to destroy one another for the sake of deceiving our hearts? Follow Jesus Christ. It is not enough to say "our Lord is one"--when we are lying, destroying and demeaning people.
"My brothers and sisters, do not show prejudice if you possess faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ. For if someone comes into your assembly wearing a gold ring and fine clothing, and a poor person enters in filthy clothes, do you pay attention to the one who is finely dressed and say, "You sit here in a good place," and to the poor person, "You stand over there," or "Sit on the floor"? If so, have you not made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil motives? Listen, my dear brothers and sisters! Did not God choose the poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom that he promised to those who love him? But you have dishonored the poor! Are not the rich oppressing you and dragging you into the courts? Do they not blaspheme the good name of the one you belong to?" (James 2:1-7 NET)
If we seek to uplift one another and learn from our mistakes, we are certainly able to create a better future. I do not condemn people who choose to work out their love of God in their own way. I certainly condemn associating with the wicked-- with murderers and thieves, insolent people who love the lie. These are people that exploit people, demean and degrade people for selfish gain. They are wise only in their own estimation. They do not fear the Lord Jesus and do not care about you.
"Just as a thief has to suffer dishonor when he is caught, so the people of Israel will suffer dishonor for what they have done. So will their kings and officials, their priests and their prophets." (Jeremiah 2:26 NET)
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever! Do not be carried away by all sorts of strange teachings. For it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not ritual meals, which have never benefited those who participated in them." (Hebrews 13:8-9 NET)
The Lord has tasked us to uphold righteousness, love and truth. People with evil intentions subvert the Bible into coercing people into doing evil. Love the truth and not the lie. Do not associate with the wicked. Do not be wise in your own estimation.
Iowan faith leaders recently published a letter denouncing Christian Nationalism, reposted below. Thank you faith leaders for your commitment to upholding peace, love and inclusivity.
More than 100 Iowa faith leaders representing a broad range of religious traditions have signed a public letter denouncing Christian nationa
LETTER: Iowa Faith Leaders Against Christian Nationalism
As faith leaders and clergy from different traditions, we join with one voice to name the fear we hold for our nation’s future with the rise in Christian nationalism and we call out the harm it is doing to our country, state, and communities. On the 250th anniversary of the signing of our nation’s Declaration of Independence, we cling to the promise of religious freedom for all. We are steadfast in our commitment to keep religion and government separate to ensure a healthy democracy and a future for our nation in which all people may flourish.
Christian nationalism is a political ideology that twists the words of Christianity and misuses its influence. It is antithetical to the love of God and the teachings of Jesus Christ who commands his followers to love our neighbors and stand with the marginalized. As Christian nationalism is a perversion of Christian teachings, it frequently uses them as justification for discrimination and violence against other faith traditions.
Our faith traditions are rooted in love for all people. Together we are Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, Unitarian Universalist, Hindu, Buddhist, and more. Our traditions teach us to care for our neighbors, tend to the sick, feed the hungry, and welcome the stranger.
Hear the words of many faiths that compel us to love one another – not cause harm or promote hate.
Christianity: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this, you shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these." - Mark 12:30-31, NRSVUE
Judaism: “What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor. This is the whole Torah. All the rest is commentary.” - Hillel, Talmud, Shabbat 31a
Islam: “Serve God and join not any partners with Him; and do good – to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbors who are near, neighbors who are strangers, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (ye meet), and what your right hands possess.” - The Holy Qur’an, al-Nisaa 4:36
Sikhism: "I am a stranger to no one; and no one is a stranger to me. Indeed, I am a friend to all." - Guru Granth Sahib, pg. 1299
Unitarian Universalism: First Principle of UU tradition, “Uphold the inherent worth and dignity of every person.” – UUA.org
Hinduism: "This is the sum of the duty; do not do to others what would cause pain if done to you." - Mahabharata 5:1517
Buddhism: “Treat not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful.” - Udanavarga (5:18)
In contrast, Christian nationalism is not Christianity. It is not a faith or religion. Christian nationalism is an ideology whose purpose is to concentrate power to serve and benefit the few rather than the many.
Christian nationalism teaches that the United States is a “Christian nation” and must give favor to Christians. It promotes a false narrative that our nation was founded for Christians on Christian principles. It rejects separation of religion and government and teaches that to be a “true” citizen, one must be a (conservative evangelical) Christian. The ideology advocates for protecting a “traditional” social hierarchy, particularly regarding gender roles, sexuality, and the nuclear family. It emphasizes that Christianity should hold a dominant influence over societal and public institutions to protect the nation from moral decay.
To uphold its teachings, the Christian nationalist agenda promotes policies and actions which:
Diminish rights for the LGBTQ community, women, people of color, and immigrants.
Undermine our public schools that serve the needs of all children and shift taxpayer dollars to enhance private, religious institutions.
Insert one extreme interpretation of Christianity over all other religious traditions into public schools, government, and national life.
Target religious minority groups causing a rise in hate crimes.
Promote censoring and banning of books, entertainment, and art based on an extreme interpretation of Christian beliefs.
Dismantle secular government and the separation of religion and government.
Whitewash the history of racism and systemic oppression in our nation’s history.
We call upon our elected officials to turn away from those who promote Christian nationalism and its agenda. We urge elected officials to uphold the rights of all people, protect the public institutions that serve all, and safeguard our democracy.
On the 250th anniversary of our nation exerting its independence, we are joining our voices together to name the harms of Christian nationalism to our democracy and its people. We denounce the ideology, its agenda, and its misuse of Christianity. We are committed to dismantling Christian nationalism and building a path forward to benefit all.
Signed by,
Bishop Betsey Monnot, The Episcopal Church, Iowa
Bishop Amy Current, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, southeastern Iowa
Bishop Kevin Jones, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, northeastern Iowa
Rev. Jacquline Saxon, American Baptist Churches USA, Iowa and Minnesota
The Rev. Wendy Abrahamson, The Episcopal Church, Grinnell
Rev. Dr. Jade Angelica, Unitarian Universalism/Hindu, Dubuque
Rev. Ryan Arnold, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, West Des Moines
Rev. Jon Bailey, United Methodist Church, Des Moines
Rev. Dr. Brett Becker, Presbyterian Church (USA), Ames
Rev. Dr. Beverlee Bell, United Methodist Church, Urbandale
Pastor William Bernau, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Johnston
Rev. Robyn Bles, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Des Moines
The Rev. Nora Boerner, The Episcopal Church, Iowa City
Pastor Alice Bolen, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Rev. Timothy Bonney, United Methodist Church, Bettendorf
Pastor David Borger Germann, Christian, Coralville
Rev. Minna Bothwell, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Des Moines
Rabbi Sarah Brammer-Shlay, Reconstructionist Judaism, Grinnell
Rev. Lindsey Braun, United Church of Christ, Urbandale
Rev. Carin Bringelson, Unitarian Universalism, Cedar Rapids
Rev. Candice Brown, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Rev. Jill Cameron Michel, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Coralville
Dr. Kathryn Campbell, The Episcopal Church, Algona
Rev. Kyle Carswell, The Episcopal Church, West Des Moines
Rev. Owen Cayton, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Ankeny
Pastor Abbie Chronister, United Church of Christ, Cedar Falls
Rev. Kelli Clement, Unitarian Universalism, Ames
Rev. Denny Coon, United Methodist Church, Des Moines
Pastor Jim Coppoc, United Church of Christ, Traer
The Very Rev. Nicola Dance Chase, The Episcopal Church, Des Moines
Rev. Katie Dawson, United Methodist Church, Des Moines
Rev. Trish Decker, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Cedar Rapids
Rev. John Doherty, The Episcopal Church, Des Moines
Pastor Ryan Downing, United Church of Christ, Iowa City
Rev. Elizabeth Duff Popplewell, The Episcopal Church, Cedar Falls
Rev. William Eddy, Christian
Rev. Kevin Edens, The Episcopal Church, Iowa City
The Rev. Bruce Fischer, United Church of Christ
The Rev. Peter Fones, The Episcopal Church, Cedar Falls
Rev. Robert Fread, International Council of Community Churches, Hudson
Pastor Jessie Fritz-Rapsch, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Sioux City
Rev. Andrew Gangle, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Des Moines
Rev. Margaret (Peggy) Garrigues, United Methodist Church, Solon
Rev. Sonja Gerstenberger, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Ames
The Rev. Lizzie Gillman, The Episcopal Church, Des Moines
Rev. Saeah Goettsch, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, North Liberty
Rev. Dr. Patricia Goldberg, United Church of Christ
Rev. Debbie Griffin, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Des Moines
Rev. Eric Guy, United Methodist Church, Urbandale
David Hansen, Quaker (Religious Society of Friends), Ames
Pastor Marian Hart, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Rev. Jonathan Heifner, United Methodist Church, Cedar Rapids
Rev. Marcia Heil, United Church of Christ/Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Muscatine/Nichols
Rev. Jen Hibben, United Methodist Church, Ames
Rev. Cindy Hickman, United Methodist Church
Rev. Deb Hill-Davis, New Thought, Ames
The Rev. Kathryn Hogg, The Episcopal Church, Cedar Rapids
Rev. Linda Hunsaker, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Elkhart
Senior Pastor Chad Jennings, United Methodist Church, Cedar Falls
Rev. Patricia Johnson, The Episcopal Church, Sioux City
Rev. Kirsten Klepfer, Presbyterian Church (USA), Grinnell
Minister Bridget Laflin, Unitarian Universalism, Cedar Rapids
Rev. Rachel Lamparek, United Methodist Church, Coralville
Rev. Kristine Leaman, The Episcopal Church, Fort Dodge
Rev. James Lindberg, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Iowa City
Rev. Abigail Livingood, The Episcopal Church, Waterloo
Hugh Mackintosh, Certified Lay Minister, United Methodist Church, Fredericksburg
Rev. Dr. Jessica Margrave Schirm, United Church of Christ, Grinnell
Rev. John McKinstry, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Iowa City
Rev. Russell Melby, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Ames
Rev. Mike Miller, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Marion
Rev. Rachel Mithelman, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Rev. Jacqueline Morgan, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)/United Church of Christ, Sioux City
Rev. Donna Murphy-Ceradsky, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Ames
Rev. Bret Myers, United Church of Christ, Sioux City
Rev. Dr. Gregory Neal, United Methodist Church, Des Moines
Rev. Nate Nims, United Methodist Church, Urbandale
Rev. Bill O'Connell, Presbyterian Church (USA), Johnston
Rev. Christopher Olkiewicz, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Windsor Heights
Rev. Eric Pasanchin, Presbyterian Church (USA), Ankeny
Rev. Jessica Paulsen, Presbyterian Church (USA), Corning
Rev. Edward Pease, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Moville
Rev. Dr. Mark Pries, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Iowa City
The Rev. Dr. Catherine Quehl-Engel, The Episcopal Church
Rev. Ruth Ratliff, The Episcopal Church, Cedar Falls
Rev. Julia Rendon, United Church of Christ, Indianola
Rev. Sarai Rice, Presbyterian Church (USA), Des Moines
Rev. Nancy Ross-Hullinger, Presbyterian Church (USA), Council Bluffs
Rev. Dr. David Russell, American Baptist Churches USA, Ames
Pastor Heather Santi-Brown, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Atlantic
The Rev. Mel Schlachter, The Episcopal Church, Coralville
Rev. Lee Schott, United Methodist Church, Ames
Rev. Kara Seaton, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Coralville
What is the Purpose of the Church? Jonestown 1978 - a Cautionary Tale.
This post deals with very mature content. This post is recommended for adults only and deals with the theme of mass murder.
What is the goal of the church?
Is it to find God--in practicing mysticism? Or is it to participate with God--in achieving practical goals to be in obedience to God?
Many religious systems offer a way to "find God", to feel a "divine presence" and be "closer to spirit". Cults throughout the ages offer an easy way that involves following a prescribed set of rules (rituals) in order to obtain near-success in finding divinity.
"Enter through the narrow gate, because the gate is wide and the way is spacious that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. But the gate is narrow and the way is difficult that leads to life, and there are few who find it." (Matthew 7:13-14 NET)
However in many cults, you are isolated from the outside world that inevitably block your discernment. You become an easier victim to the aspirations of a leader or a clique. You start to do things that you are not allowed to question. The cult and it's members manage your actions and feelings-- ultimately controlling your life. You lose your free will that God had gifted you when you came into this world.
"For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be subject again to the yoke of slavery." (Galatians 5:1 NET)
One tragic example of this loss of freedom and life is that of the Jonestown Massacre in 1978.
A Wolf in Sheeps clothing.
The Peoples Temple Agricultural Project originally began as a promising Christian commune that had its foundations on tolerance and self reliance. This was so-to-say, "an experiment in socialism" for Black and White Americans who cared about working together.
However the leader had delusions of grandeur-- using his charisma and memorization of scripture to influence his followers to do what he wanted. When an American Congressman visited the Jonestown location-- one member reached out to the official in an attempt to escape the commune. This started a series of events that led to the murders of the visiting congressman, the investigating journalists and the entire established congregation. The leader of Jonestown coerced his followers to kill their own children, then to kill themselves by drinking poison. He used fear to rush them into self-destruction. Whoever did not submit was forcibly injected with poison by zealous members that carried automatic weapons. 909+ Americans were killed following this leader, in an attempt to be close to God.
"You must not worship the LORD your God the way they do! For everything that is abhorrent to him, everything he hates, they have done when worshiping their gods. They even burn up their sons and daughters before their gods!" (Deuteronomy 12:31 NET)
The people who had managed to survive told their story in interviews over the years. A documentary from CNN sheds more light on this tragedy.
Ostensibly, the leader of the Peoples Temple benefited from the wealth of the congregation. He planned an escape with his mistress and closest "security" by moving suitcases of American cash to a Soviet embassy.
"For the love of money is the root of all evils. Some people in reaching for it have strayed from the faith and stabbed themselves with many pains." (1 Timothy 6:10 NET)
All in all, I do not think that the Lord would agree with such behavior. For the congregation in Jonestown, the "closeness to God", the sense of belonging and idealism of socialism were part of the reasons why they stayed and obeyed.
The Sustenance of the Lord.
Even though the congregation was based on Christianity:
The congregation was not taught discernment to avoid following false messiahs (Matthew 24:23-26, Mark 13:6, Mark 13:21-23).
They didn't know the God the Father was always with them (John 17:22-26, John 14:23).
They didn't know the Kingdom of God was among them (Matthew 5:20, Luke 17:20-21).
They didn't know their unease and searching already qualified them for the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 5:3, Matthew 11:11).
They were not adequately taught the scriptures and fell victim to a scam.
"The LORD will also subject you to madness, blindness, and confusion of mind. You will feel your way along at noon like the blind person does in darkness and you will not succeed in anything you do; you will be constantly oppressed and continually robbed, with no one to save you." (Deuteronomy 28:28-29 NET)
In their search for God, the congregation was not being taught through the Scripture the closeness of God in the spirit. This unending search made the congregation do things that went against the Lord Jesus Christ's will-- leading to their unfortunate demise.
Participating with God.
If we know that God is always with us, we do not need to be constantly searching for the Lord. In fact, we can turn our attention from "searching" towards "doing God's will". We do so, by participating in the wider society and being representatives of God's will. In order to fully realize the kingdom of God, we have to be in obedience to God.
"Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me. Yet not my will but yours be done." (Luke 22:42 NET)
"For I have come down from heaven not to do my own will but the will of the one who sent me." (John 6:38 NET)
What is God's will?
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and the regaining of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." (Luke 4:18-19 NET)
By taking actions that are similar to that of our Lord Jesus Christ, we are able to "participate with God" and experience the continued salvation.
"And the one who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, because I always do those things that please him." (John 8:29 NET)
"But if I judge, my evaluation is accurate, because I am not alone when I judge, but I and the Father who sent me do so together." (John 8:16 NET)
"Look, a time is coming - and has come - when you will be scattered, each one to his own home, and I will be left alone. Yet I am not alone, because my Father is with me." (John 16:32 NET)
Questions for Professed Followers.
If you fear any Deity, ask yourself.
Is it your will or the Deity's will being done?
Are you in control or is the Deity in control?
Who would you rather give your agency to-- yourself or the Deity's?
If you choose yourself, are you making the best choices for you or are you following a crowd?
If you choose a Deity, are you making the best choices for the Deity or are you following a crowd?
Is the Deity close or far?
Jesus tells us he is working according to the Fathers will, not his self serving desires (John 6:38, Luke 22:42).
Jesus in his freedom glorifies the Father (John 8:54, Matthew 5:16, Matthew 5:48, Matthew 7:28-29).
Jesus fed people and healed people (Matthew 14:20, Matthew 12:13-15).
Jesus remarks only God is good, humbling himself (Mark 10:18, Luke 18:19).
Jesus defied the crowd in doing God's will (John 8:10-11, Matthew 21:12).
Jesus lets us know God, The Father is close because he is in obedience (John 8:16, John 8:29).
So I challenge you to stop looking for God. Read the Gospels. Participate with God. Do not do things to exhault yourself in an attempt to work irrelevant wonders. Do the things that will help others. Heal people. Feed people. Clothe people. Teach others. Practice righteousness by treating others well. Be considerate to strangers. Be gentle with God's creations. In doing so, you will be close to God and he will let you know in many ways that you are loved.
"Justice will settle down in the desert and fairness will live in the orchard. Fairness will produce peace and result in lasting security. My people will live in peaceful settlements, in secure homes, and in safe, quiet places. Even if the forest is destroyed and the city is annihilated, you will be blessed, you who plant seed by all the banks of the streams, you who let your ox and donkey graze." (Isaiah 32:16-20 NET)
"But above all pursue his kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:33 NET)
"Then Jesus said to those Judeans who had believed him, "If you continue to follow my teaching, you are really my disciples and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:31-32 NET)
"Fools say to themselves, "There is no God." They sin and commit evil deeds; none of them does what is right." (Psalm 53:1 NET)
"And the Lord said to me: Conspiracy exists among the people of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem. They have turned back to the iniquities of their ancestors of old, who refused to heed my words; they have gone after other gods to serve them; the house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken the covenant that I made with their ancestors. Therefore, thus says the Lord, assuredly I am going to bring disaster upon them that they cannot escape; though they cry out to me, I will not listen to them. Then the cities of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem will go and cry out to the gods to whom they make offerings, but they will never save them in the time of their trouble. For your gods have become as many as your towns, O Judah, and as many as the streets of Jerusalem are the altars to shame you have set up, altars to make offerings to Baal.
As for you, do not pray for this people or lift up a cry or prayer on their behalf, for I will not listen when they call to me in the time of their trouble. What right has my beloved in my house, when she has done vile deeds? Can vows and sacrificial flesh avert your doom? Can you then exult? The Lord once called you, “A green olive tree, fair with goodly fruit,” but with the roar of a great tempest he will set fire to it, and its branches will be consumed. The Lord of hosts, who planted you, has pronounced evil against you because of the evil that the house of Israel and the house of Judah have done, provoking me to anger by making offerings to Baal." (Jeremiah 11: 9-17, NRSV)
As reiterated earlier, Sin is Lawlessness (1 John 3:4). Laws throughout civilizations change depending on the culture, time period and circumstances. What was once considered lawful before may eventually be considered lawless later. Similarly, what was once considered lawless before may eventually be considered lawful or at the very least benign later on.
In the Bible, murder (Exo 20:13, Mat 10:19), false testimony (Exo 20:16, Mat 10:19) and stealing (Exo 20:15,17, Mat 10:19) have been consistently considered lawless acts-- these are acts of sin.
Acts of sin are remedied by admission of guilt, restitution to the injured and prevention of the same injury in the future (Numbers 5:6-7). It is expected for the offender to not repeat sin to be considered obedient to the LORD. (John 8:10-11). Forgiveness alone is also a valid way to free yourselves from the burden of prosecuting sins (Luke 17:24)-- but it is not the only way to be obedient to the LORD.
Overall, we should treat others how we would like to be treated (Matthew 7:12) and enforce laws in line with this spirit of righteousness.
"The Pharisees (who loved money) heard all this and ridiculed him. But Jesus said to them, "You are the ones who justify yourselves in men's eyes, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly prized among men is utterly detestable in God's sight." (Luke 16:14-15 NET)
"The expert in the law said to him, "That is true, Teacher; you are right to say that he is one, and there is no one else besides him. And to love him with all your heart, with all your mind, and with all your strength and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices." When Jesus saw that he had answered thoughtfully, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." Then no one dared any longer to question him." (Mark 12:32-34 NET)
"Then Jesus entered the temple courts and began to drive out those who were selling things there, saying to them, "It is written, 'My house will be a house of prayer,' but you have turned it into a den of robbers!" (Luke 19:45-46 NET)
Our Lord Jesus Christ and the Evil One Baal are Not The Same God.
When officials fail to prosecute crimes, lawlessness becomes acceptable in society. Heinous crimes such as rape and murder become justified by apathy. In order to practice your discernment for enforcing ancient and modern laws, follow the age old addage...
"In everything, treat others as you would want them to treat you, for this fulfills the law and the prophets." (Matthew 7:12 NET)
Also keep in mind, that you cannot serve both God and money (Matthew 6:24). Stand up for the most vulnerable beings in society. Take action to relieve them of their suffering in a compassionate and merciful way. Do not follow people who use godliness as a means of profiteering (1 Timothy 6:5) who also cosign others to the destruction (1 Timothy 6:9).
"Jesus answered, "I am not possessed by a demon, but I honor my Father - and yet you [pharisees and authorities] dishonor me." (John 8:49 NET)
You cannot create sound laws under Duress.
Most of the time, people tend to agree on many things (Luke 9:49-50). We all want peace, happiness, sustinance and rest. We all want a world where we can thrive and live our lives to the fullest. However, there are people who like to exaggerate things in order to artificially create wealth or because of personal problems. Stated plainly, you cannot create sound laws under the threat of imminent death.
"And you say, 'If we had lived in the days of our ancestors, we would not have participated with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.' By saying this you testify against yourselves that you are descendants of those who murdered the prophets." (Matthew 23:30-31 NET)
"From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and forceful people lay hold of it." (Matthew 11:12 NET)
1 Clement similarly tells us that, "Righteous men were persecuted, but it was by the lawless; they were imprisoned, but it was by the unholy. They were stoned by transgressors: they were slain by those who had conceived a detestable and unrighteous jealousy." (1 Clement 45:4)
The sacred texts let us know that-- people used violence to receive a title they were uniquely unqualified for. These unqualified people used their title to abuse others in the kingdom of God-- as means of access to wealth and because of jealousy. Jesus Christ tells us, we are not to emulate murderers (Matthew 26:52), nor abusers (Luke 11:11-13), nor liars or thieves (John 8:44).
"How else can someone enter a strong man's house and steal his property, unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can thoroughly plunder the house." (Matthew 12:29 NET)
Laws are to be applied for mutual enforcement.
Jesus Christ also lets us know, "For by the standard you judge you will be judged, and the measure you use will be the measure you receive." (Matthew 7:2 NET)
The LORD similarly attests, "...You must have the same statute for the resident foreigner and for the one who was born in the land.'" (Numbers 9:14 NET)
The spirit of the law is meant to be enforced mutually for all parties involved with no exceptions. To do otherwise is to be labeled as a hypocrite and an evildoer.
Evildoers are people who are "knowers" of the law and not "doers" of the law. In this case, the commandments of not murdering people, not stealing from people and consistently bearing false witness (1 Timothy 1: 8- 10) -- without admission to their crimes nor restitution for them!
"For those who are circumcised do not obey the law themselves, but they want you to be circumcised so that they can boast about your flesh." (Galatians 6:13 NET)
Practice Right Judgement.
Right judgement is determined by faith, not by the works of the law. We are given immense grace by God to create and enforce laws in a way that is just and fair for all people.
"Now it is clear no one is justified before God by the law, because the righteous one will live by faith. But the law is not based on faith, but the one who does the works of the law will live by them." (Galatians 3:11-12 NET)
"Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us ...so that we could receive the promise of the Spirit by faith." (Galatians 3:13-14 NET)
The Spirit that the biblical author is referring to is the Spirit of Righteousness that our Lord Jesus Christ exhibited. When we emulate the righteousness of Jesus (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, Galatians 5:22-23), we in turn receive the promised spirit in order to create and interpret laws in a righteous way. To do otherwise is to enforce the Spirit of Destruction, of apathy and sin (evil ideas, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander, Matthew 15:19-20), as sin is lawlessness.
I am praying that the righteous authorities heed the warning about the works of the evil one. Jesus Christ is without sin (1 John 3:5) and has saved us from sin by faith (John 5:46, John 14:1, Ephesians 2:8-9) so that we do not fall into the trap laid out by the evil one (Matthew 13:38-39). Prosecute criminals and do not associate with the wicked!
"Keep your distance from a false charge - do not kill the innocent and the righteous, for I will not justify the wicked. You must not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and subverts the words of the righteous." (Exodus 23:7-8 NET)
"I am not asking you to take them out of the world, but that you keep them safe from the evil one... I am not praying only on their behalf, but also on behalf of those who believe in me through their testimony, that they will all be one, just as you, Father, are in me and I am in you. I pray that they will be in us, so that the world will believe that you sent me." (John 17:20-21 NET)
"... Many will be led into sin, and they will betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will appear and deceive many, and because lawlessness will increase so much, the love of many will grow cold. But the person who endures to the end will be saved." (Matthew 24:10-13 NET)
"Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous. Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil." (1 John 3:7-8 ESV)
Oftentimes when people seek the knowledge of God and Jesus Christ they are met with a message of peace and love. While these are the primary ideals of Christian worship, we are met with another core theme, repentance.
Like a clean cup and a pure spirit, we are asked to change any ways of evil in order to embrace goodness, kindness and mercy from a pure heart. And while outwardly we may appear to do the right things, Jesus Christ wants us to focus on our inward appearance --that is to take accountability for our mindset in order to not repeat lawlessness (as "Sin is lawlessness", 1 John 3:4). The bible acknowledges in many ways that being the change we want to see is an inherently difficult thing.
"But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”" (Matthew 19:26 ESV)
Repentance and Renewal
"Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what is the will of God - what is good and well-pleasing and perfect." (Romans 12:2 NET)
In this passage we are asked to renew our mind. What does renewal mean? This means discarding preconceptions in order to accept a new perspective. In this way we are asked to become "childlike" (Matthew 18:1-5), to have an apprentice mindset and to be eager to learn new things. Renewal also means to discard what is evil to embrace what is good.
Difficulties of Renewal
In Luke 17:25-33, Jesus Christ gives an example of how difficult change is.
"...First [The Son of Man] must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation... [First] People were eating, they were drinking, they were marrying, they were being given in marriage... Then the flood came and destroyed them all. Likewise, just as it was in the days of Lot, [first] people were eating, drinking, buying, selling, planting, building; but [then] on the day Lot went out from Sodom, fire and sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all. It will be the same on the day the Son of Man is revealed." (Luke 17:25-30 NET)
As demonstrated by the inserts in the passage; First, we go about our daily lives quite comfortable with what we are accustomed to. Then, we are tasked to change our preconceptions, our attitudes and our behaviors on the ordinary -- which may bring devastation to our previous way of being. The Lord often asks us to do something wholly different from what we were comfortable with before --in order to save our lives.
Lots Wife and Disobedience
"Remember Lot's wife! Whoever tries to keep his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will preserve it." (Luke 17:32-33 NET)
Lots wife was tasked with removing herself from Sodom and Gommorah ("symbolically called Sodom and Egypt", Revelations 11:8). She had to remove herself from her ordinary and comfortable life into a new place-- and come to terms with the iniquities of the city. In this interpretation of the biblical narrative, we see that Lots wife was unable to come to terms with the changes needed in order to preserve her life. When she turned back to seek her former comforts, she then became a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:26). In this interpretation--the Lord calcified her image as a testament to her inability to change to the dire circumstances.
"When morning dawned, the angels urged Lot, saying, 'Get up, take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or else you will be consumed in the punishment of the city.' But [Lot] lingered..."(Genesis 19:15-16 NRSV)
If Lots wife was turned to salt for disobedience to God, Lot himself showed his disobedience by lingering in the city. Lot was actually taken up by The Almighty to be saved, by his mercy (Genesis 19:16). It turns out, there was not one person in the city who listened to the Lord to leave their former residences and escape sin.
As we can see in the narrative, it is extremely difficult to change your mind once you are comfortable with your ways!
Changing Houses and Cleaning Cups
As Lot and his wife were asked to change residences, so too are we asked to change our house and to live with Jesus Christ.
"And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?”" (Luke 2:49 ESV)
Our place of residence signifies our mindset and our approaches to life. Our houses also represent what we align ourselves to, or who we associate with.
"And the Lord said to him, “Now you Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. You fools! Did not he who made the outside make the inside also?" (Luke 11:39-40 ESV)
In the New Testament, we are given contrasting paradigms; Light and dark (Luke 11:33), inside and outside, cleanliness and uncleanness (Matthew 23:25-26). These paradigms are contrasted because like our minds there is an outward appearance that is easily discerned by the public, and an inward appearance that is revealed only to the inhabitant (and to the Lord).
We as individuals are responsible for how we approach life. The Lord gives all of us the freedom to make that determination for ourselves. We can either allow wickedness to fill our cup or allow kindness to fill our cup. Part of taking accountability for our actions, is taking ownership for what is inside of our cup.
Abandoning Houses, Renewal and Obedience
Like an unclean cup, an unclean spirit represents an old and unrepentant spirit. This spirit languishes in wickedness and enables more wickedness to grow (Matthew 12:43-45). Based on the biblical narrative, typically an unrepentant spirit does not listen to the Lord.
Like a clean cup, a clean and pure spirit represents a new and repentant spirit. This spirit identifies and acknowledges their faults, makes amends (in signs of rectification) and attempts to not repeat faults. This spirit usually listens to the Lord.
In this interpretation of the narrative-- Renewal and repentance represent obedience to God. First acknowledge sin, then make amends, and then finally take steps to not repeat sin. 1 Clement reiterates the idea of changing residences in order to obey God.
"[Abraham] through obedience went forth from his land and from his kindred and from his fathers house, that leaving a scanty land and a feeble kindred and a mean house he might inherit the promises of God." (1 Clement 10:2 https://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/1clement-lightfoot.html)
Clement tells us that Abraham left his fathers house (of "Ur of the Chaldeans", Genesis 11:31), which is described as a mean house that he might inherit the promises of God.
One example of this mean house is shown in Judges 6.
"That night the LORD said to him, "Take the bull from your father's herd... Pull down your father's Baal altar and cut down the nearby Asherah pole. Then build an altar for the LORD your God on the top of this stronghold according to the proper pattern. Take the second bull and offer it as a burnt sacrifice on the wood from the Asherah pole that you cut down." So Gideon... did just as the LORD had told him. He was too afraid of his father's family and the men of the city to do it in broad daylight, so he waited until nighttime." (Judges 6:25-27 NET)
Gideon chose to listen to the Lord and stop worshipping Baal and Ashera. Again, this represents the mean house that Abraham left-- that of Ur of the Chaldeans. Gideon denounced Baal, destroying the evil altar, cutting down the Ashera statue and replacing it with an altar to the Lord. Gideon was afraid of change, afraid of his family and his neighbors. Even though he was afraid-- Gideon contested with Baal, becoming Jerubbaal in order to save his people from the Midianites and the Amalekites. Gideons obedience in contesting Baal, counted for righteousness towards the Lord.
This mean house from the beginning is likewise demonstrated in Genesis 4.
"Lamech said to his wives, "Adah and Zillah! Listen to me! You wives of Lamech, hear my words! I have killed a man for wounding me, a young man for hurting me. If Cain is to be avenged seven times as much, then Lamech seventy-seven times!"" (Genesis 4:23-24 NET)
Lamech testified against himself that he murdered a man for striking him and that he would get revenge on his enemies sevenfold. Jesus Christ does not want us to emulate murderers (Matthew 15:19-20).
"Then Jesus said to him, "Put your sword back in its place! For all who take hold of the sword will die by the sword." (Matthew 26:52 NET)
"But Jesus said to Peter, "Put your sword back into its sheath! Am I not to drink the cup that the Father has given me?"" (John 18:11 NET)
Jesus Christ's cup is that of righteousness and mercy. It is not a cup of corruption, bloodshed or destruction of life. Jesus wants us to get out of the house of the devil-- out of the house of Baal and come into the Fathers house of Mercy.
Practice your discernment. Follow the ways of mercy, truth and love. Let your obedience to God be the same as turning away from wickedness, making amends and embracing righteousness. I will pray for all the unsung heroes ready to make a change in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
"For they said to you, "In the end time there will come scoffers, propelled by their own ungodly desires." These people are divisive, worldly, devoid of the Spirit. But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith, by praying in the Holy Spirit, maintain yourselves in the love of God, while anticipating the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that brings eternal life." (Jude 1:18-21 NET)
"Don't you realize the LORD's day of judgment will bring darkness, not light - gloomy blackness, not bright light?" (Amos 5:20 NET)
Have you ever heard the phrase "there are two sides to every story"?
We often take for granted the simplicity of language and make assumptions about how something should be read.
For example the phrase, "She sells sea shells down by the sea shore" -- can be read very plainly as a woman or a girl literally selling collected crustaceans near a beach. However, this phrase is often used as an alliteration tool for English language speakers. If you can say this phrase without making a mistake, it signals a mastery of the English language. As we can see one phrase serves a dual use.
In the Bible we can also identify two ways of reading the sacred texts. One way can be identified as a "plain reading"-- what you read on the surface is the intended meaning. Another way is a hidden or "covert meaning" -- that is a meaning that the literal language does not state but is implied through context and patterning of the scriptures.
Many languages of the ancient world share this function of communicating overt and covert meanings in words and phrases. In modern times we are blessed to be able to pick up many covert meanings of the Bible through various translations of the scriptures. However as demonstrated throughout history, there are endless ways to interpret both the overt and covert meanings to justify one stance or another.
Ancient issues with discernment.
"Deliver me, O LORD, from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue. What shall be given to you, and what more shall be done to you, you deceitful tongue?" (Psalm 120:2-3 ESV)
"Too long have I had my dwelling among those who hate peace. I am for peace, but when I speak, they are for war!" (Psalm 120:6-7 ESV)
The prophets of the ancient world had a similar issue with interpreting overt and covert meanings of the ancient texts. People with bad intentions often distorted the meanings of the scriptures in order to justify degenerate behavior. In Psalms we can see the writer advocated for peace, while others took liberties in using the text to justify war.
A problem with strict literal interpretations.
The New Testament warns us about the emphasis of a literal interpretation of scripture.
"... these people blaspheme all that they do not understand, and they are destroyed by all that they, like unreasoning animals, understand instinctively." (Jude 1:10 ESV)
By emphasizing the literal interpretation of the scriptures through peer pressure and religious persecution-- criminal behaviors could then be justified. "Unreasoning" in this case, means that the hidden or covert interpretations of the scriptures were disregarded to reach a conclusion.
Problems with "unpure" covert interpretations.
The New Testament warns us about the corruption of the hidden interpretations in the book of Titus.
"This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth. To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled. They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work." (Titus 1:13-16 ESV)
As we can see people with ill intentions distort the meanings of the scriptures in order to justify degenerate and criminal behaviors.
In this passage we are warned:
1) Not to devote ourselves to myths.
2) Not to receive people who do not accept truth itself.
3) That scriptures become corrupted by those who have ill intentions (those "not pure").
This rule-of-thumb can be applied to interpret ancient and modern laws to avoid perpetuating injustices set by dogma or peer pressure.
One of the purposes of religious dogma.
By committing worshipers to dogmatic interpretations of scriptures, leaders could continue to justify their control over others through strict adherence to ritual laws. Unfortunately, ancient prophets were not exempt from this peer pressure by religious leaders.
Some prophets were coerced into writing scriptures in order to justify giving power to the kings of their time. Many other prophets rebelled against these unruly leaders. This is why the prophets were always persecuted throughout the bible. These prophets chose to not listen to the authorities when leaders were going against the well-being of the people.
Jesus Christ explicitly points out this coercion and persecution of the prophets in the book of Matthew.
""Woe to you, experts in the law and you Pharisees, hypocrites! You build tombs for the prophets and decorate the graves of the righteous. And you say, 'If we had lived in the days of our ancestors, we would not have participated with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.' By saying this you testify against yourselves that you are descendants of those who murdered the prophets." (Matthew 23:29-31 NET)
The prophets were trying to end the strict adherence to ritual laws and promote a faith based on love from a good heart and a pure conscience. Our adherence to love qualifies us to Jesus' covenant.
"As I urged you ... not to spread false teachings, nor to occupy themselves with myths and interminable genealogies. Such things promote useless speculations rather than God's redemptive plan that operates by faith. But the aim of our instruction is love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith." (1 Timothy 1:3-5 NET)
Again, blindly listening to religious leaders does not qualify us to Jesus' covenant.
"But some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees rose up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them and to order them to keep the law of Moses.”" (Acts 15:5 ESV)
"Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses." (Hebrews 10:28 ESV)
"But Jesus, paying no attention to what was said, told the synagogue ruler, "Do not be afraid; just believe."" (Mark 5:36 NET)
"Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life." (John 5:24 ESV)
""I give you a new commandment - to love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another." (John 13:34 NET)
Christian salvation is largely determined by:
1) Belief that Jesus Christ came to save us from all evil.
2) Our adherence to pure love from a good heart by displaying good works that promote righteousness and dignity for all peoples.
We do not need an exact knowledge of biblical interpretations to be saved. We do not need to depend on strict adherence to ritual laws or to follow the "correct" religion. Jesus Christ actually removes that obligation from non-experts (Revelations 2:24).
The role of the experts in religious laws is to make sure we abide by our adherence to love from a pure heart-- not use our expertise to exploit, defraud, demean and destroy others.
"Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another." (Galatians 5:26 ESV)
The Fruit of the Spirit
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." (Galatians 5:22-23 ESV)
As human beings from all different beliefs and religions-- we are all capable of displaying these traits. No belief system has a monopoly on goodness and pure love. We can all enjoy peace despite our differences. Our job as the Children of God is to make sure our differences do not cause us to destroy one another.
"The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil." (Matthew 12:35 ESV)
Please continue to pray for peace between all of the nations. Please also pray for the ecological restoration of earth so that our future generations can enjoy a habitable planet--just as we and our ancestors have enjoyed. Amen.
"One Sabbath, when [Jesus] went to dine at the house of a ruler of the Pharisees, they were watching him carefully. And behold, there was a man before him who had dropsy. And Jesus responded to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath, or not?” But they remained silent. Then he took him and healed him and sent him away. And he said to them, “Which of you, having a son or an ox that has fallen into a well on a Sabbath day, will not immediately pull him out?” And they could not reply to these things." (Luke 14:1-6 ESV)
Gambling is a frequent past-time shared by many cultures throughout the world. For some people, this past time is relatively harmless since they know their limits-- when to keep playing and when to stop. For others, gambling presents a serious addiction that squanders money, ruins relationships, introduces desperation and criminal behavior in ones life.
The people who are aware of their limits know that once their money is gone, the game is over. They also know that by going into debt, they risk ruining their lives for the sake of a chance at greater rewards. People with addictions to gambling either don't know, or don't care of the dangers of going into this "debt".
Casting Lots.
In the Book of Jonah we can see the consequences of gambling peoples lives. This is sometimes referred to as casting lots.
"The ship's captain approached him and said, "What are you doing asleep? Get up! Cry out to your god! Perhaps your god might take notice of us so that we might not die!" The sailors said to one another, "Come on, let's cast lots to find out whose fault it is that this disaster has overtaken us." So they cast lots, and Jonah was singled out. They said to him, "Tell us, whose fault is it that this disaster has overtaken us?..." He said to them, "I am a Hebrew! And I worship the LORD, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land."" (Jonah 1:6-9 NET)
In the story, the sailors refused to take responsibility for their lack of preparation at sea.
"Because the storm was growing worse and worse, they said to him, "What should we do to you to make the sea calm down for us?"" (Jonah 1:11 NET)
"[Jonah] said to them, "Pick me up and throw me into the sea to make the sea quiet down, because I know it's my fault you are in this severe storm."" (Jonah 1:12 NET)
The sailors decided to gamble the life of one person to escape accountability. Jonah's very life was the "debt" for the sailors inadequacies.
Debt can lead to self-destruction.
"[Jonah] prayed to the LORD and said, "Oh, LORD, this is just what I thought would happen when I was in my own country. This is what I tried to prevent by attempting to escape to Tarshish! - because I knew that you are gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in mercy, and one who relents concerning threatened judgment. So now, LORD, kill me instead, because I would rather die than live!"" (Jonah 4:2-3 NET)
When we are in debt, we tend to do things we wouldn't otherwise consider. We might work extra hours and neglect our loves ones to pay off debt. We may also steal or turn to other criminal behaviors to fend off debt. We may even consider self-destruction to avoid it entirely.
"The LORD said, "Are you really so very angry?"" (Jonah 4:4 NET)
"The LORD God appointed a little plant and caused it to grow up over Jonah to be a shade over his head to rescue him from his misery. Now Jonah was very delighted about the little plant." (Jonah 4:6 NET)
Debt is the result of gambling with men when we have nothing left to offer. Provisions from the LORD remind us that debt is an artificial construct-- debt simply does not occur naturally. As a society, we do not have to suffer under debt and we should not risk our lives for the sake of fulfilling this artificial debt.
The dangers of fast money.
"So God sent a worm at dawn the next day, and it attacked the little plant so that it dried up." (Jonah 4:7 NET)
"The LORD said, "You were upset about this little plant, something for which you have not worked nor did you do anything to make it grow. It grew up overnight and died the next day." (Jonah 4:10 NET)
Just as with the little plant that shaded Jonah, wealth can grow overnight and then very suddenly be ripped away. Gambling is the easiest way gain wealth quickly without working. As we can see, losing such wealth can harbor feelings of anger and self-destruction when it is suddenly gone. The debt that occurs from gambling also leaves one at risk to other risk takers who do not deal in tokens or money, but in bodies and blood.
Do Not Cast Lots.
Casting lots means to gamble other peoples lives and property for profit. It also means to make a very important decision based on luck or chance. It should not be done. Over and over the Bible warns us about casting lots. Jesus Christ himself was the victim of this practice.
"And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments." (Luke 23:34 ESV)
There are those who gamble other peoples lives and wealth in order to profit. They place the risk of destruction upon other people, instead of themselves--just like the sailors in the story of Jonah. As stated before, some people who gamble are unaware of their limits when taking risks. They then receive "debt" that leads to anger and self-destruction of themselves and other people.
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." (John 10:10 ESV)
We can all live life abundantly, but we are reminded not to destroy other people in the process. Moderation is key (if you choose to gamble money or tokens). Know your limits and know when to stop. Know when the game is over before you go into "debt".
I will continue to pray for peace between the nations and for ecological restoration of the earth, in Jesus Christ's name. I hope you will do so as well, so that everyone can have greater peace and greater freedom on this planet. Amen.
"You know the commandments: 'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.'"" (Mark 10:19 NET)
"It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God."" (Mark 10:25 NET)
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and ideas about the world.
This does not give anyone the right to take away other people's lives for having a different point of view.
As a follower of Jesus Christ, I would remind everyone...
"Treat others in the same way that you would want them to treat you. "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to be repaid, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, so that they may be repaid in full. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to ungrateful and evil people." (Luke 6:31-35 NET)
No one wants to be a victim. No one wants to feel unsafe in a place where they are closest to their God and their community. Even though we may feel frustrated, silenced and disagree with the powers that be-- we should remember that violence is what the destroyer uses to silence people.
Jesus Christ advocated for peace.
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; I do not give it to you as the world does. Do not let your hearts be distressed or lacking in courage." (John 14:27 NET)
Part of this peace means using our discernment to uplift one another and encourage dialogue-- even with people we disagree with. Destroying one another creates hatred and bitterness in the world. Violence ruins the small chance we have to change hearts and minds.
We all have the capability of using our voices to speak out about injustice.
Pray for Peace between the nations. I am sorry to see religious violence-- yet again-- in our communities of the world. May the Lord Jesus Christ help us all in promoting Peace On Earth.
"For the outlook of the flesh is death, but the outlook of the Spirit is life and peace..." (Romans 8:6 NET)
"I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In the world you have trouble and suffering, but take courage - I have conquered the world."" (John 16:33 NET)
But once the Sacred Months have passed, kill the polytheists ˹who violated their treaties˺ wherever you find them, capture them, besiege them, and lie in wait for them on every way. But if they repent, perform prayers, and pay alms-tax, then set them free. Indeed, Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
— Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran
https://quran.com/9/5
This is who they want you to follow into the destruction.
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