Tag: fear

Halloween: A Reflection on Darkness and Light

Brent Pollard

A Matter of Personal Conviction

Whether or not a Christian should take part in Halloween festivities is ultimately a matter of personal conviction and conscience. As Paul wrote, “Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind” (Romans 14.5). I respect that there is a difference between believers attending wholesome community events—such as church-sponsored “trunk-or-treats”—and those who embrace the world’s fascination with the macabre. However, I want to caution Christians not to join the world in celebrating darkness, fear, and death.

Jesus taught that His followers are to be “the light of the world” (Matthew 5.14). How can we reflect His light if we participate in a celebration that often glorifies the very darkness we are called to overcome (Ephesians 5.8–11)?

The Pagan Origins of Halloween

Halloween’s origins trace back to the Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest and the start of winter. The Celts believed that on this night, the barrier between the living and the dead weakened, allowing spirits to roam freely. To protect themselves, they lit bonfires and wore disguises to confuse wandering souls.

Scripture repeatedly warns against attempts to communicate with or ward off the dead. God told Israel, “There shall not be found among you… a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead” (Deuteronomy 18.10–11). Though today’s observance may seem harmless, its roots were steeped in superstition and fear of spirits rather than faith in God’s providence.

Roman Influence and Ancient Traditions

When Rome conquered Celtic lands, two Roman observances were merged with Samhain—one honoring the dead (Feralia) and the other celebrating Pomona, the goddess of fruit and trees. Some historians suggest that the custom of bobbing for apples originated from Pomona’s symbol, the apple.

This blending of pagan and civic ritual was typical of the ancient world. Yet Christians are urged not to conform to the world’s customs (Romans 12.2) or mix holy devotion with pagan superstition (2 Corinthians 6.14–17).

The Catholic Church and All Saints’ Day

In 609 AD, Boniface IV consecrated the Roman Pantheon to “All Saints,” creating a day to honor Christian martyrs. This celebration, later shifted to November 1 in the eighth century by Gregory III, is now called All Saints’ Day or All Hallows’ Day. The night before—All Hallows’ Eve—gradually evolved into “Halloween.”

Later, All Souls’ Day (November 2) was added to pray for all departed believers, forming a three-day observance known as Hallowtide. The intent may have been to Christianize pagan customs, but as with many such efforts, the old superstitions persisted under new names.

How Halloween Came to America

Medieval Europeans practiced “souling,” going door to door to offer prayers for the dead in exchange for food. Children later began “guising,” dressing in costumes to receive gifts. These traditions were brought to America by Irish and Scottish immigrants. In America, pumpkins replaced turnips as lanterns, and Halloween evolved into a largely secular, community-centered celebration.

However, Christians should remember that not all cultural inheritance is worth keeping. Paul reminded the Corinthians that while “everything is permissible,” not everything is beneficial (1 Corinthians 10.23).

The Dark Turn: From Pranks to Violence

From the late 1800s through the early 20th century, Halloween was often marked by destructive mischief—toppled outhouses, broken fences, and vandalized property. Communities responded by encouraging “trick-or-treating” as a safer alternative, channeling youthful energy into friendly fun instead of lawlessness (cf. Romans 13.10).

The Wholesome Era: Mid-Century Innocence

For several decades, Halloween reflected a more innocent, child-centered character. The imagery of It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966) captures that gentler spirit. But this era was short-lived. Beginning with Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho and crystallized by 1978’s Halloween, the holiday once again took a darker tone. Instead of laughter and imagination, horror and bloodshed became its trademarks.

Modern Halloween: A Culture of Fear and Death

Today, many Halloween attractions and films glorify brutality and fear. The Saw franchise, “haunted” attractions that simulate torture, and “extreme haunts” that require liability waivers all reveal a troubling fascination with terror and pain. This fascination often crosses the line from harmless fun to a celebration of evil. The prophet Isaiah’s warning feels relevant: “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness” (Isaiah 5.20).

When society laughs at what should make it grieve, something vital has been lost. As Thomas Aquinas noted, when fear and cruelty turn into entertainment, compassion withers.

What Does the Bible Say About Halloween?

The Bible does not explicitly mention Halloween, but its principles still apply. We are told to “abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5.22) and to think on “whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable” (Philippians 4.8). These principles guide our decision-making and help us discern what is beneficial to our faith.

Christ’s victory over darkness is total. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1.5). We do not need to dabble in darkness to prove our courage or find excitement. Our joy comes from walking in the light (1 John 1.7).

Practicing Christian Discernment on Halloween

Discernment is essential. Paul commands, “Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good” (Romans 12.9). The question isn’t whether a Christian can hand out candy or dress up—it’s whether we are celebrating fear or reflecting faith.

Our participation should always glorify Christ (Colossians 3.17). If we choose to engage with the day at all, let it be to share light, kindness, and the gospel with our neighbors. “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12.21).

Conclusion: Light in the Midst of Darkness

On a night when much of the world delights in fear, the Christian’s calling is to stand as a beacon of peace and truth. Rather than imitating the darkness, we can offer an alternative—a message of victory through Christ, who conquered death itself. Let us be inspired to be that beacon, to share the light of Christ in the midst of darkness.

“For once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light” (Ephesians 5.8).

What Is Truth? When We Know But Won’t Act

It wasn’t a philosophical question. It was the exhausted sigh of a man who had compromised so often that truth had become meaningless. He had traded integrity for security so many times that he no longer recognized the currency.

Brent Pollard

The Man Who Couldn’t Afford Truth

Pontius Pilate governed Judea the way most of us manage our lives—by compromise. A mid-level Roman official ruling a resentful province, he had learned that survival meant bending to political winds. Truth, in his world, was whatever kept Caesar pleased and mobs quiet.

Then Truth walked into his courtroom.

“Are You the King of the Jews?” Pilate asked. Jesus answered, “For this I was born—to bear witness to the truth.”

Pilate’s response exposes every human heart: “What is truth?”

It wasn’t a philosophical question. It was the exhausted sigh of a man who had compromised so often that truth had become meaningless. He had traded integrity for security so many times that he no longer recognized the currency.

The Coward Who Saw Clearly

Here’s what haunts Pilate’s story: he knew.

Three times he declared Jesus innocent. His wife warned him in a dream. His conscience screamed. Yet when the priests threatened—”If you release this man, you are no friend of Caesar”—Pilate’s courage evaporated. He chose career over conscience, comfort over conviction.

Then came his famous gesture: washing his hands before the crowd, announcing, “I am innocent of this man’s blood.”

One cannot wash away guilt if one will not confess. Water cleanses skin, not souls. Pilate’s basin was as empty as his heart.

The Sovereignty in the Surrender

But here’s where God’s purposes shine through human failure: Pilate couldn’t escape his role in redemption. When he ordered the sign above Jesus’ cross—”Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews”—the priests demanded he change it. Pilate refused: “What I have written, I have written.”

It was petty revenge, yes—one last jab at those who had cornered him. But beyond Pilate’s passive-aggressive defiance, God was writing truth in permanent ink. The placard that Pilate meant as mockery became prophecy. The “criminal” was indeed the King—not just of Jews, but of Pilate, Rome, and all creation.

God doesn’t need our righteousness to accomplish His purposes. Even our failures serve His sovereign plan.

The Mirror We’d Rather Not See

Pilate is us.

We know what’s right but fear what it costs. We recognize truth but won’t stand for it when the crowd turns hostile. We wash our hands of responsibility while blood stains our souls.

You and I don’t drift into heaven. Neutrality before Christ is impossible—by doing nothing, Pilate crucified Him. Every day we face the same choice: Will we crown Christ as Lord, or dismiss Him when it’s inconvenient?

What Must We Do?

Stop washing your hands. Moral evasion solves nothing. Confession begins where excuses end.

Count the cost, then pay it. Following Christ may cost you approval, comfort, or even advancement. But what profit is there in gaining the world while losing your soul?

Remember who stands before you. Jesus didn’t stand before Pilate—Pilate stood before Jesus. We don’t judge truth; truth judges us.

Act while conscience speaks. Every ignored conviction hardens the heart. Pilate’s tragedy began long before that Friday morning—it started the first time he silenced what he knew was right.

The Final Word

History remembers Pilate not for his power but for his weakness. His name endures not as a hero, but as the coward who asked, “What is truth?” while Truth stood before him.

You and I won’t face Jesus in a Roman court. But we face Him daily in every choice between comfort and courage, between what people think and what God commands.

Pilate’s question remains: What is truth?

Jesus answers: “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”

The question isn’t whether truth exists. The question is whether we’ll bow to it—or spend our lives washing our hands.

A DIFFERENT SPIRIT

Decades earlier, out in the wilderness, a young Caleb stood (nearly) alone. Moses sent the twelve spies into Canaan to scout the land (Numbers 13), in the minds of the terrified ten– the land of giants was unconquerable. Only two men believed that God was bigger, Joshua and Caleb. They urged the rest to move forward and take what He had promised, but it wasn’t going to happen.

Dale Pollard

Decades earlier, out in the wilderness, a young Caleb stood (nearly) alone. Moses sent the twelve spies into Canaan to scout the land (Numbers 13), in the minds of the terrified ten– the land of giants was unconquerable. Only two men believed that God was bigger, Joshua and Caleb. They urged the rest to move forward and take what He had promised, but it wasn’t going to happen. 

For his courage, God vows to Caleb: 

“But my servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit and has followed me fully, I will bring him into the land into which he went, and his descendants shall possess it” (Numbers 14:24). 

That promise wouldn’t be fulfilled for nearly half a century! By the time the land being divided among the tribes, Caleb was 85 years old. His spirit, however, was stronger than before. In Joshua 14, Caleb goes confidently to Joshua. He says,

 “I am 85 years old. I am still as strong today as I was in the day that Moses sent me… Now therefore give me this mountain of which the Lord spoke in that day” (Joshua 14:10-12). 

Which mountain? That would be Hebron. A mountain that was still inhabited by the Anakim– giants descended from the very people who melted the hearts of those ten spies years ago. To anybody else Caleb’s inheritance seemed like an impossible one. It would have appeared more like a curse– certainly not a blessing.  

But up the mountain he went. God and Caleb secured that territory (Joshua 15.13-14), and the mountain that covered the people in a shadow of their previous shame now serves as a reminder. Between Faith and fear, the former is the more formidable force. 

Four Quick Lessons:

  1. Faith will always outlast fear.
  2. Waiting is not wasted. Caleb looked forward for 45 years, but never became bitter or gave up on God.
  3. Strength is spiritual. That “different spirit” that Caleb possessed sounds similar to that of the saints (Romans 8.9-11, I Corinthians 3.16). 
  4. Excuses are useless, God uses the toothless (Caleb was 85). 

When The Clouds Speak

Reflections on God’s Power and Presence in the Book of Job

Brent Pollard

In the book of Job, clouds represent more than just weather patterns; they embody profound metaphors for God’s inscrutable mystery, immense majesty, and sovereign authority. Such imagery offers spiritual insights for individuals seeking to understand the fullness of God’s presence in their lives. These verses combine lyrical elegance with eternal truths for those committed to honoring the authority of Scripture.

Consider what the clouds reveal about our Creator.

1. Clouds Reflect God’s Majesty and Grandeur

“He wraps up the waters in His clouds, and the cloud does not burst under them.” —Job 26.8

Here, we witness the magnificent tapestry of God’s sovereign design. Clouds transport vast quantities of water without releasing it—a stunning equilibrium that surpasses human understanding and highlights God’s supreme authority over His creation. Although science can clarify the complexities of atmospheric physics, we must not forget that behind every natural law stands the sovereign hand of the divine Lawgiver.

In this passage, Job contemplates God’s authority over the depths, the heavens, and the essence of life (Job 26.5–13). The clouds testify to His greatness, who upholds all things by His Word (Hebrews 1.3).

2. Clouds Reveal God’s Mystery and Hiddenness

“‘Clouds are a hiding place for Him, so that He cannot see; and He walks on the vault of heaven.’” —Job 22.14

Although Eliphaz’s views on Job’s culpability are mistaken, he reflects a profound biblical truth: God’s ways often remain enigmatic to humanity. Just as the cloud on Sinai obscured Moses (Exodus 19.9) and the tabernacle radiated with God’s glory (Exodus 40.34–38), the cloud in Job stands as a significant symbol of God’s concealed magnificence.

During periods of uncertainty, it’s crucial to remember that God isn’t far away; instead, He is deeply engaged, even when we can’t perceive His presence. As Paul states, “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5.7). Genuine righteousness is demonstrated through trust in God, even when His intentions are not completely clear.

3. Clouds Symbolize God’s Sovereignty Over Nature

“Do you know about the layers of the thick clouds, the wonders of one perfect in knowledge…” —Job 37.16

Elihu urges Job to contemplate the marvels of the sky. The One who is “perfect in knowledge” has meticulously arranged the clouds. In a realm characterized by change and unpredictability, those with unwavering faith find comfort in knowing God sovereignly governs all creation.

This profound truth is echoed in Jesus’s words when He rebuked the wind and the sea, showing that the Creator commands authority over the storm (Mark 4.39–41). Job’s description of the cloud powerfully foreshadows Christ’s sovereign control over the wind and the waves.

4. Clouds Are a Backdrop for Divine Encounter

Although Job existed before the Mosaic law, clouds as vessels of divine encounters are evident throughout Scripture:

• In Exodus 13.21, the Lord guided Israel with a pillar of cloud.

• In Exodus 19.9, He came down to Sinai in a thick cloud to converse with Moses.

• In Matthew 17.5, a brilliant cloud enveloped the mount of transfiguration, and God’s voice proclaimed, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!”

The pattern is clear: God often reveals His presence through the cloud. What seems obscure to human eyes is, in fact, the gateway to divine revelation. Much like Moses and Elijah, the faithful are urged to climb the mountain—even when surrounded by fog—to receive the Word from the Lord.

5. Clouds Teach Us to Wait on God’s Timing

“Can anyone understand the spreading of the clouds, the thundering of His pavilion?” —Job 36.29

Elihu draws our focus to the profound mystery of God’s workings. We lack control over the clouds and do not understand their complex paths entirely. They emerge, transform, and bring rain at the right moment. Similarly, God’s answers remain beyond our understanding.

The clouds teach us patience, reminding us that the Lord is active even when those clouds obscure our clarity. As the psalmist eloquently says, “Clouds and thick darkness surround Him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.” (Psalm 97.2).

Conclusion: The Cloud Is Not the End of the Story

Job might not understand the full extent of his suffering, but he experiences a profound revelation of God’s greatness, which is enough. Although the clouds may obscure, they also reveal the glory above. They announce God’s power, veil His splendor, and sustain creation. One day, those clouds will serve a different purpose.

“Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. So it is to be. Amen.” —Revelation 1.7

The clouds that once hid God’s glory will eventually reveal the majestic Christ in His fullness. As we walk beneath the expansive sky—occasionally in darkness, often in reverence—we remain assured that above every cloud, the Sovereign Lord reigns.

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are taken from the NASB® (New American Standard Bible®, 1995 Updated Edition). Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved

Words To Live By

“What words do you live by?” That is the question, isn’t it? Everybody lives by some credo or philosophy. Dale shares some unbeatable wisdom from a perfectly impeccable source.

Dale Pollard

“When in doubt at least try to look intelligent.” 

“If you can’t be kind then be vague.”

I came across those two quotes after searching for examples of “words to live by.” Those are okay, but Solomon does a little better. Here are some words from the Word you can live by— taken from Ecclesiastes 12.9-14. 

GOD’S WORD IS WORTH THE EFFORT  

“Not only was the Teacher wise, but he also imparted knowledge to the people. He pondered and searched out and set in order many proverbs.”

Literal meaning of… 

Pondered: weighed 

Searched out: investigated 

Set in order: made a straight path 

LIVE BY GOD’S WORD & SHARE IT CAREFULLY  

“The Teacher searched to find just the right words, and what he wrote was upright and true.”

GOD’S WORD WAS DESIGNED WITH DIRECTION IN MIND 

“The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails—given by one shepherd.”

GOD’S WORD ARE THE ONLY WORDS YOU NEED TO LIVE BY 

(excuse the poor grammar) 

“My son, beware of anything beyond these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh.”

Don’t exhaust yourself looking for the answers you had the whole time. God made it simple and practical by compiling them into one handy collection. 

GOD’S WORD IS EVERYTHING FOR EVERYBODY 

“The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.”

LIVE IN VIEW OF GOD’S JUDGEMENT  

“For God will bring every deed into judgment, within every secret thing, whether good or evil.”

What words do you live by? 

“Do You Fear Death?”

Gary Pollard

Davy Jones asked this question in the second Pirates of the Caribbean. “Do you fear(rrr) that dark ahbees?” It’s basically rhetorical, most people would say, “Duh.” Staying alive drives most of our behavior. We avoid certain activities if there’s even a modest possibility of death! Not everyone is negatively preoccupied with this unknown state, but many (perhaps most) are. Why do we fear death? And can we be certain that there’s life after death? We’ll look at those in order. 

  1. Why do we fear death? There are too many reasons to list here, so we’ll look at just the big ones. We fear death because it’s unknown. It’s been thousands of years since someone came back to life, and they didn’t share any details about it. We fear what we don’t understand. It’s not physically possible to study consciousness after death, so it’s the ultimate unknown! This is a religious blog, so we’ll approach this from that angle. John tells us that if we fear death two things are to blame: one, we’re instinctively afraid of God’s punishment because our lives aren’t where they need to be. Two, we haven’t matured in love. God’s perfect love overrides our fear of death (I Jn 4.17-18). If someone orders their life around their fear of death, they need to make changes. Adopt selfless love — “everyone who lives in love lives in God, and God lives in them” (4.16). John also says, “If God’s love is made perfect in us, we can be without fear on the day when God judges the world. We will have no fear because in this world we are like Jesus.” This tracks with what Jesus said in Lk 21.25-28, “They [all people on Earth] will be afraid and worried about what will happen to the world. … When these things happen, stand up tall1 and don’t be afraid.2 Know that it is almost time for God to free you.” Jesus’s sacrifice removed our fear of death (Hb 2.15). Death is just a “sting”, it’s the consequence of our sin. But it’s no longer an issue. It’s only for a microsecond (from our perspective), and the best thing that could happen to a believer (I Cor 15.51-52, 56-57). Jesus took away any legitimate fear of death because it no longer means we’re destined for punishment! 
  2. Can we know for sure that there is life after death? From a material perspective, no.  Not yet, anyways. Even Solomon struggled with this question (Ecc 3.21), “Who knows what happens to a person’s spirit? Who knows if a human’s spirit goes up to God while an animal’s just goes into the ground?” When every person who ever lived comes back to life at Jesus’s return, we’ll know for sure. What we were only confident in — even though we hadn’t yet observed it firsthand — will become incontrovertibly real. For now, our confidence comes from promises made in scripture, and from a universal, intuitive sense that something exists beyond this life (Is 25.8; Hos 13.14; I Cor 15.57; II Pt 3.13; Rv 21.4). 

  1.  This is imperative mood (command) in Gk. The idea is to stand up with confidence.  ↩︎
  2.  Also imperative mood, lit. “raise up your head”.   ↩︎

Living In The Moment

Brent Pollard

The passage Ecclesiastes 9.1–10 explores themes consistent with the philosophies of “seize the day” or “you only live once.” It reflects a perspective emphasizing the value of living in the present moment and making the most of life. In this passage, Solomon highlights the unpredictable nature of life and the certainty of death, encouraging people to enjoy life’s pleasures fully.

Key Verses Explored

Here’s a brief breakdown of some key verses:

Verses 2–3: Solomon observes that everyone faces the same ultimate fate of death, whether righteous or wicked, good or bad. This observation could lead to a view that suggests nothing has inherent significance.

Verses 5–6: He highlights that the living is aware of their mortality, unlike the deceased, who are unaware and do not receive further rewards, signaling the end of earthly experiences after death.

Verses 7–10: Solomon advises relishing in eating, drinking, and enjoying life’s pleasures with one’s spouse, whom he views as the ultimate reward for toiling under the sun during life’s fleeting days. He says there is no work or planning in the realm of the dead, where everyone is going, so one should do whatever comes to mind with all their might.

On the surface, this advice to enjoy life contradicts the larger Judeo-Christian ethical framework, which emphasizes restraint, morality, and the consequences of one’s actions.

Harmonizing Perspectives

However, we can consider several points to harmonize these views:

Context of Vanity: Ecclesiastes frequently mentions “vanity” (Hebel, meaning “vapor” or “breath”), suggesting that much of human endeavor is fleeting and ultimately futile in the face of death. This definition doesn’t imply life lacks meaning; instead, it indicates that life’s true worth goes beyond material accomplishments or pleasures.

Moral Framework: The call to enjoy life in Ecclesiastes isn’t a call to hedonism or moral recklessness. It’s based on living a life in reverence to God, as indicated in Ecclesiastes 12.13–14, where the advice is to respect God and follow His teachings. Enjoyment in life is seen as a gift from God, not as an end in itself.

Balance: Solomon’s advice recognizes the balance between enjoying life and maintaining moral and spiritual discipline. It proposes appreciating life’s gifts while avoiding becoming overly attached or compromising one’s ethical values.

Ecclesiastes 9.1–10 underscores the importance of enjoying life responsibly while recognizing one’s accountability to God. It promotes a balanced and moderate approach to seizing the day, respecting human existence’s ethical and spiritual aspects while embracing life’s lawful pleasures as gifts from God.

The Duty Of Courage And Strength

Brent Pollard

The Book of Joshua is a powerful account of the Israelites’ conquest of Canaan and subsequent settlement in the Promised Land under God’s leadership. This account is woven with a resounding call for courage and strength as God exhorts Joshua and the people five times (Joshua 1.6-7,9,18; 10.25). These admonitions emphasize the importance of these virtues in a life of faith, obedience, and service to God.

Though Christianity emphasizes the virtues of humility, gentleness, and forgiveness, it does not minimize the importance of courage and strength. On the path of faith, we must exhibit courage and strength to confront the inevitable challenges and adversities. Our responsibility is to be resilient and brave in the face of these hurdles.

Believers consider fear a greater sin than non-believers because faith provides them with greater motivation for courage (1 John 4.18). Thus, discouraging fear is a comfort and a call to action, encouraging believers to confront danger, responsibility, pain, loss, and even ridicule without succumbing to fear. Avoiding the path of risk may lead us astray from our divine calling while shying away from duties that appear daunting and fail to honor our commitments.

Therefore, strength is a desirable trait and a requirement for overcoming sin and fulfilling our mission. Believers must confront their inner sinful desires and external evils by facing and overcoming moral weakness, which often stems from spiritual deficiencies. Believers, like the Israelites in Canaan, must deal with these and life’s general uncertainties. 

Grave dangers and the completion of difficult tasks emphasize the importance of bravery and strength. To claim their spiritual inheritance, resist sin and temptation, and expand God’s Kingdom, believers must actively engage and struggle, just as the Israelites confronted their enemies.

Fortunately, Joshua’s pages contain the secret to courage and strength. We must recognize that these characteristics are divine gifts that, through faith and reliance on His power, even the most naturally timid can obtain. As Moses handed over the reins to Joshua, he told the people, “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31.6 NASB95).

Personal and communal victories serve as reminders of God’s faithfulness and power. They strengthen our courage to face future challenges. For example, the conquest of Canaan by the Israelites not only reinforced their faith in God’s promises but also empowered them to confront future battles. Nevertheless, the journey of developing courage and strength is ongoing, demanding the active application of divine grace. We can expand our capacity for these virtues by stepping out in faith and obedience. While developing courage and strength requires practice, individuals can enhance these traits through dedication and effort, becoming stronger and more courageous. The synergy between courage and strength equips believers with the spiritual armor needed to face life’s battles with resilience confidently.

Viewed through the Book of Joshua, God reminds us that courage and strength are virtues for the battlefield and integral aspects of the Christian life. These virtues require our continual attention and cultivation as we maneuver through the intricacies of faith, obedience, and service. Likewise, as God equipped Joshua and the Israelites for their challenges, He provided us with the same divine resources to be courageous and strong in our spiritual journey.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1.9 NASB95)

Don’t Fight For Your Faith

Gary Pollard

The rest of I Peter 3 is about two key points: be good to each other as a church, and don’t lash out at the world when they hurt you. We’ll look at a couple of applications from this section. 

Verse 14 says, “Don’t be afraid of people who make you suffer. Don’t worry about it, either. Make sure Christ is the ultimate authority in your life.” This is the context for a verse often misused: “Always be ready to answer everyone who asks you to explain about the hope you have.”

The entire section is about suffering. Peter tells us that our fear of God should be greater than our fear of people who make us suffer. We usually try to explain away φοβος (phobos) as meaning “respect” or “reverence”, but that’s not what this word means. It means terror. I Pt 3.15 tells us, “We need to be more terrified of the consequences of abandoning God than we are of people who want to hurt us.” We can only do that by making Jesus the most important thing about our lives. 

As if that’s not hard enough, God also expects us to handle these potentially life-threatening confrontations with gentleness and respect, and offer a rational explanation for our hope of new life. This leaves no room for a hostile response (including self-defense) when we’re being attacked because of our faith. Remember Jesus’s reaction to mistreatment according to I Pt 2.23 — “People insulted him, but he did not insult them back. He suffered, but he did not threaten anyone. No, he let God take care of him. God is the one who judges rightly.” And, “It is better to suffer for doing good than for doing wrong. Yes, it is better if that is what God wants. Christ himself suffered when he died for you, and with that one death he paid for your sins. He was not guilty, but he died for people who are guilty. He did this to bring all of you to God” (3.17-18). 

The rest of this section is a doozy, so we’ll save that for next week. 

Handling Hardship

Bobby Gilbert

(Bobby delivered this as a devotional talk at Lehman Avenue on Wednesday, August 30, 2023. He served for several years as a shepherd, until recently. He lost Brenda almost nine months ago. They had been married for 46 years)

Hardship can be defined as severe suffering. Just take a minute and look up and down your pew; I would say, these are the ones that are very near and dear to you! My plead is don’t take these individuals or even tomorrow for granted; We know that every day people are diagnosed with some dreaded disease, and every day, people die. Disease and death are real, just like divorce, addiction, and suicide. Hardships are going to happen; you and I are not the first to suffer from hardship, and we certainly won’t be the last.

Now we know that hardships are going to happen, but what does this look and feel like? Classic examples are feelings of emptiness, loneliness, fear, anger, abandonment, and guilt.

So, if and when hardships come, how to move forward? 

I have 6 suggestions: 

  1. Make a choice and decide that you don’t have to go through this life counting the months, days, and minutes consumed with these feelings. 
  2. Realize that God is not the source of our hardships, Satan is!   However, after you blame God (and Christians sometimes do), keep moving through, and realize that we serve a God who cares, a God who loves! He is the ultimate source of healing.
  3. Listen to God; get into His Word, absorb His word, Seek after God’s heart.
  4. Now Believe and trust it, God knows what’s best.
  5. Pray to God and petition for specifics: like healing, comfort, and deliverance.
  6. Get to work. Turn all that energy into action; channel it for God’s work and glory. Realize there are so many others hurting from hardships. Hear their stories and allow them to hear your stories; this will help the healing process.

In summary, hardship will come to you, me, and others. But What an example we have of the Suffering Servant, Jesus Christ our Lord, Savior, and King. So, stay focus on Jesus and continue to point others to Jesus! 

Remember Hebrews 12:2: “fixing your eyes on Jesus” … and Matthew 11:28, where Jesus said: “Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

The End Is Near?

Gary Pollard

The message of I Peter could be summarized like this: God calls us to endure suffering, just like Christ suffered. He calls us to live morally pure lives, if for no other reason than our fear of dying in a lost state. We can live morally pure lives through exposure to his word and through submission to each other. We have no idea how much time we have, so we should make the best of it. 

The key verse of I Peter is 4.7 — The end of all things is near. Keep your minds clear and control yourselves. This will help you in your prayers. 

Several times throughout the letter, Peter warns them of their impending suffering, which would cause many of them to die. He uses what sounds like military terminology in a few verses, the kind of pep-talk a leader would give his soldiers before doing battle. “Many of you won’t make it through this. What’s more important than this life is how you live it, because this life isn’t the end for any of us.” 

Over the next few weeks, we’ll do an application-based study of I Peter. For those interested in reading more than will be discussed in these articles, I highly recommend using the Easy to Read Version (free on biblegateway.com and on their app). It does a fantastic job of relaying the full meaning of the original text using language a child could understand.

Osophobia

Ososphobia: The Fear Of Cannibalism

Dale Pollard

The name is derived from a Greek word meaning “human-eater.” 

In the movie 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea there’s a scene where one of the main characters finds himself on an island in the middle of the ocean. Suspense begins to build as he hears the faint sound of bongo drums beating in the distance and that sound becomes louder and steadily closer. Suddenly, out of the jungle line a large group of spear-wielding cannibalistic natives appear and they’re running right at the protagonist. They chase the poor man across the beach and he barely escapes by the skin of his teeth. 

That scene was terrifying and it even instilled in me this irrational fear of cannibals, even though they’re rare here in Tompkinsville Kentucky. 

Did You Know?

In the 1830s, European explorers came to the Fiji islands and they were horrified to discover the local custom of cannibalism. In my humble opinion, exploration is just not worth a run in with human-eating humans. Today, there are allegedly isolated tribes in the most remote places that still partake in the practice of plating people. 

Fear Is Natural 

We all fear something! The one who claims to be fearless is afraid to admit or confront their fear. Fear isn’t wrong; it’s actually natural. We’re supposed to have a healthy fear of the Lord (Job 28:28) and Solomon discusses the natural fear of death in Ecclesiastes. Facing fear is a noble thing but it only truly matters in a spiritual sense. 

The Fear of Truth 

A common phobia in our world today seems to be the fear of truth itself. Many in the Lord’s church know family members and friends who have refused to listen and act on the truth found in God’s Word. They’re afraid to give up the teachings taught to them by their families or the religious groups they grew up in. They’re afraid that the truth requires them to give up a sin they tightly hold on to and the sacrifice which is required to follow Christ. 

The Power of Truth 

The gospel of John is all about truth. In it we learn that Jesus is the only way to heaven— and that’s the truth (John 14:6, 17:17). Though confronting that truth might occasionally make us fearful, we must show others that it also has the power to free and cleanse us of our past and future sins. We must teach through our actions, daily lives, and yes, by inviting them to look at this great truth in Bible study. 

Fact: You Can Face Your Fear

Dale Pollard

Timothy is working with an infant congregation in the 1st century. Persecution makes life fearful for the faithful but Timothy’s obstacles are both external and internal. On the outside he faces pagan people, jealous Jews, and the sword swinging soldiers of Rome. 

On the inside, the Christians who make up this young congregation are being led and taught by a young man— Timothy. He battles self-doubt and a lack of confidence in his own abilities. To top it off, his mentor is in prison. 

Paul perfectly pens the inspired words that would lift young Timothy’s spirit by reminding him that the human spirit was designed to handle and persevere under such daunting circumstances. Paul writes (from a cell), 

“God did not give us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind.” 

2 Timothy 1.7

The spirit (πνεῦμα) referred to here is not the Holy Spirit, but it’s the “disposition or influence which fills and governs the soul of any one” (Strongs, G4154). 

God did not give us the spirit of skittishness so that we’d cower under confrontation or burn out under prospects of suffering.

Holiness amidst hostility is an ability that comes standard on the base model human spirit. It’s not a possibility, it’s a guarantee. 

Power

We’re equipped with power (δύναμις) that is, “inherent power, power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature” (Strongs, G1410). 

Love 

That aggressive strength is powerfully combined with love (ἀγάπη). In this case the word refers to an affection or good will towards others (Strongs, G26). The God given spirit is not heartless. We have the power to show affection yet some chose to pretend as if their personalities are simply not capable of showing this attribute. 

Self-control 

A sound mind (σωφρονισμός) is simply the ability to control yourself (Strongs, G4995). 

We share a commonality with Paul’s protégé. Some have tried to cheapen and downgrade the human race, God’s focal point of creation, to an animalistic status. It’s taught by educated but ignorant scholars who try to deny an undeniable God. 

We’ve been fashioned in the image of an eternal Being and our spirits drive an immortal soul. We aren’t designed to live in a constant state of timidity we’re creations of courage. 

Courage is not the absence of a fearful feeling but it’s the ability to face that fear— and move forward.  

Growing In Love For One Another

Gary Pollard

Colossians 3.8ff is about how our relationships should work when we grow our love for each other. Wives who grow in love voluntarily submit themselves to their husbands (18). Husbands who grow in love show that love and gentleness to their wives (19). Children who grow in love do what their parents ask them to do (20). Fathers who grow in love don’t intentionally irritate their children (21). Paul follows this one up with, “If you are too hard on them, they might give up.” 

Servants who grow in love will do whatever their masters ask them to do, even when they aren’t looking (22). This is analogous to the employer-employee relationship today. If we’re growing in our love for God, we’ll be the best employees we can possibly be. Not to get ahead in the company, but because we fear God (22-23). Bosses and managers who grow in love will treat their employees fairly and generously (4.1). Paul follows this one up by reminding them that they have a master, too — Jesus. 

The letter ends with a few commands — never stop praying. Be ready for anything by praying and being grateful. Be conscious about behavior when we’re around non-believers. We should be kind and wise, especially around those non-believers. The very last phrase in this letter is “may God’s grace be with you.” 

LESSONS FROM SAUL’S FALL

Dale Pollard

Saul had a bright future full of potential. When we first read of him he’s portrayed as a likable underdog who doesn’t see his own potential. He even stated that he’s just a nobody from the small insignificant tribe of Benjamin (1 Sam. 9.17-21). God anoints him as king and like every anointed king that we read of in the Old Testament, he influenced the nation’s relationship with God. In hindsight, we’re able to see God’s wisdom. A judge who spoke on behalf of God would carry out God’s will. A king would always be more susceptible to various forms of corruption with the great power given to him. No matter how the rulers would live their lives, good or bad, we can learn much. Sadly, Saul is one of those kings who taught us how not to live. Here’s a list of the many spiritual dangers we should avoid today. 

Saul’s Seven Deadly Sins 

I SAMUEL 

  1. The sin of lacking patience – 13.8
  2. The sin of excuse-making – 13.11, 12; 15:15, 20, 24 
  3. The sin of half-hearted service – 15.1-26 
  4. The sin of Glorifying self – 15.12
  5. The sin of fearing men rather than God – 15.15, 24 
  6. The sin of desiring forgiveness from man rather than God – 15.25
  7. The sin of jealousy – 18.6-9 

While there are other mistakes and shortcomings that lead to Saul’s physical and spiritual demise, we can be strengthened by them. His failures serve as warning signs and that’s exactly why they’ve been recorded in the only book God ever wrote. 

What To Do When Things Seem To Be Falling Apart

Wednesday’s Column: Third’s Words

Gary Pollard

The country seems to be falling apart. What can we do right now in our messed up culture? These are some observations from I & II Peter:

  1. Focus, first and foremost, on our reward (I Pt 1.3-5). 
  2. View hardship as a way to grow (1.6-9). 
  3. Appreciate our grace, since it gives us sustained innocence in God’s eyes (1.10-12). 
  4. When times get hard, put 100% of our hope in the second coming (1.13). 
  5. We won’t get caught up in our worldly culture, but double down on being moral like Jesus (1.14-20). 
  6. Put all of our confidence and hope in God (as opposed to people) (1.21). 
  7. Practice genuine love for our Christian family (1.22-23). 
  8. Keep the brevity of our lives in the forefront of our minds (1.24-25). 
  9. Get rid of negative character attributes (2.1). 
  10. Spend more time in Bible study (2.2-8). 
  11. Remember that we’re a sovereign nation as God’s people (2.9-10). 
  12. Set a good example, especially around worldly people (2.11-12). 
  13. Submit to all governing authorities, both because it’s what God wants and because it reflects the church well (2.13-17). 
  14. Go through difficulty with patience and grace (2.18-25). 
  15. Husbands and wives can cultivate and strengthen their marriages (3.1-7). 
  16. Make our church family our highest priority (3.8). 
  17. Be good to people who mistreat us (3.9-13). 
  18. Don’t stress about people who mistreat us because of our beliefs (3.14-22). 
  19. Resist the temptation to fall back on sinful habits when difficulty happens (4.1-6). 
  20. Remember that our lives are short (4.7). 
  21. Love our Christian family, take care of them, and be unified in our relationship with God (4.8-11). 
  22. Expect difficulty, and see it as suffering with Jesus (4.12-14). 
  23. Trust God with our lives when things get difficult (4.15-19). 
  24. Give our lives completely to God (5.6). 
  25. Give all of our anxieties to God (5.7). 
  26. Remember that Satan is our true enemy, and he wants us to mess up — don’t let him win (5.8-9). 
  27. Remember that even worst-case scenarios are short-lived (5.10). 
  28. Remember that apostles and prophets predicted that things would get rough toward the end (II Pt 3.1-4; cf II Thess 2.1-3; II Tim 3.1). 
  29. Remember that God is fully in charge of Earth’s destiny (3.5-8). 
  30. Remember that this Earth is temporary (3.10). 
  31. Remember that God expects us to live as if tomorrow’s the end (3.11-12). 
  32. Remember that we’re living for a new earth and sky (3.13, cf Rev 21.1-2; Is 65.17; Mt 19.28). 
  33. “Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found without spot or imperfection, and at peace. And consider God’s patience to be salvation…” (3.14-15). 

Procrastination

Saturday’s Column: Learning From Lehman

Travis Harrison

I want to discuss something I know all too well. Procrastination! Procrastination isn’t a good thing. It’s not something we should be really good at either. By definition it is “the act of delaying the doing of something that should be done.” There can be many attributes that lead us to procrastinate, none of which are good. Delaying things, putting things off happens in our everyday lives, but also in our spiritual lives. 

When it comes to our spiritual lives, do we wait and put off doing things that our Father loves for us to do? Do we let it affect how and when we spread the gospel with others? Does it keep us from inviting people to church or talking to people about our faith? What about forgiving others that have hurt us? Holding onto that anger, letting go of that anger, or learning to love one another as God would have us to do? How about obeying the gospel? Do we wait and put these things off for another time? The answer is yes to all these things. It absolutely keeps us from doing things now! Procrastinating is essentially like saying “I don’t want to or have the desire to do these things right now”, but we should. 

We should want to spread the gospel to every one. Mark 16:15 tells us “go unto all the world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.”

We should forgive others quickly, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32) and (Matthew 6:14) “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you” (Ephesians 4:26-27) “be angry and do not sin, do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.”

We are to love one another! “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12) “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” (1 John 4:11)

We are to obey the gospel. If we have heard the gospel and know we have a spiritual need; to delay doing anything about it is dangerous. We don’t know what is going to happen tomorrow. (James 4:14)  says, “Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time then vanishes.”

Several things cause us to procrastinate. Worry, stress, being anxious, sometimes even laziness. God has taught us not to worry or be anxious about anything (Philippians 4:6). The Bible says plenty about being lazy. (2 Thess 3:10), “If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.” (Proverbs 18:9) says “Whoever is lazy in his work is a brother to him who destroys.” (Colossians 3:23) says, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, not for men.” If the things we do in our lives, in our hearts, is for the Lord; we won’t wait, we won’t delay doing these things because we are motivated by the desire and focus to please our Lord, and to finish the task now, not later. 

I understand that not all of us are procrastinators – and good for you! But since I am one, I say this with love and empathy for those that are. When we, and I mean myself, put off things that the Lord wants us to do, we might get the task done but I can’t say that we are giving Him our best. God deserves our best. Our Father loves us, he is our biggest fan and does not wish any of us to fail. He desires for us all to be with Him in Heaven one day.  He blesses our lives daily and gives us these opportunities to do His will and share it with others so that they have a chance to be with Him also.  And yet we wait, we put things off till tomorrow. We shouldn’t wait to spread the gospel with everyone, we shouldn’t wait to talk to people about Jesus and share with everyone the good news. Don’t wait to forgive others for wrongs they’ve done when our Father is willing to forgive us right now. Don’t wait to show love to everyone because our Father demonstrates his love for us daily. And by all means don’t wait to obey the gospel because none of us know what tomorrow will bring. That’s why it is important to do things now, not later.   

We need to give God our best, whether it’s our daily lives or our spiritual lives. If you struggle with putting things off, waiting till tomorrow to make things right, don’t wait any longer. 

Don’t Give Up!

Sunday’s Column: Learning From Lehman

Kason Eubanks

Austin Hatch’s story has been called miraculous. Some believe he is a walking miracle. He was born into a loving family who loved to spend time together. One day his family was going back home to Fort Wayne, Indiana from their family cabin in Michigan. On the flight back they experienced equipment failure. He lost his mom, his brother, and his sister. The only thing that was left was his father and the game they both love. The game of basketball was there to comfort Austin as they both trash talked each other during the games they played. After his dad got married he decided to take his new wife and Austin for a flight. Due to bad weather they were forced to land early, causing another crash. This time he was the only survivor. He was in a coma for six weeks. When he woke up he had to relearn his life. It was his dream to play for Michigan. Already accepting the scholarship he knew he needed to learn basketball again. He kept going to rehab and finally got in a game at Loyola High School when they got a big lead. They passed him the ball and he shot a three. He did it! He overcame the two worst days of his life.

He cared so much about the game of basketball that he went through all that trouble to go back through all the things he already learned so he could shoot that shot just a couple more times. Just like Austin we all suffer. Going to school or work everyday, it’s hard to keep the world out and remember our task from God.

Revelation 2:10 says, “Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.”

Even the fear of death should not keep from the task God has given us. We are reminded in 1 Peter 3:14 and 2 Timothy 3:12 that if we suffer for the right that we will be given a greater reward. In 2 Timothy 4:7, Paul tells us, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Just like we should. We should not let anyone stop us from keeping our faith no matter what we go through.

Austin Hatch’s story proves that anything can happen at any time. To anyone who is not a Christian or not living as a faithful Christian, what are you waiting for?

What It Takes To Follow Jesus

Monday’s Column: Neal At The Cross

Neal Pollard

Luke moves from a sample of Jesus’ teaching and work in the synagogues to His teaching and work among the common people in Luke 5:1-11. For the first time, in Luke five, we see individuals responding to His teaching by following Him. Though Luke only identifies one of the men at this point, the three other gospel writers mention that Simon Peter’s brother, Andrew, was also in that number. Matthew and Mark tell us that the men in the other boat were James and John. These four fishermen would soon “be catching men” (10). Luke seems to focus his attention on the reaction these men had to Jesus, His teaching, and the impact the miracle with the fish had on them. Their reaction to Jesus mirrors the reaction we need to have when called by His Word to follow Him.

DISCIPLESHIP REQUIRES EXPOSURE TO JESUS’ WORD (1-4).

Luke shows us Jesus teaching in close proximity to the fishermen, but gives no clear indication of how much or if they are listening to Him. He does show how compelling Jesus’ teaching is and how the people were listening (1). John tells us, though, that Andrew had already been listening to Jesus and was trying to persuade Simon to follow Him (1:40-42). Paul’s teaching that faith comes by hearing the word of Christ (Rom. 10:17) will be apparent in the lives of these followers, as Luke will demonstrate in this gospel and the book of Acts. We cannot follow one whose ideas, instruction, and incentives we do not know or believe. 

DISCIPLESHIP REQUIRES UNCONDITIONAL SUBMISSION (5-7).

This is not a one-time act. Submission is a process that must be practiced continually. But, no one can choose to follow who does not surrender his or her own will to Christ’s (cf. 9:23-26). Jesus, the carpenter, tells these fishermen how to fish. Despite their all-night total failure at their craft, they trust Jesus’ word. Simon says, “Master, we worked hard all night and caught nothing, but I will do as You say and let down the nets” (5). Success followed submission, something they would see in greater, more important ways as they continued to follow Him. Jesus asks us to do difficult and perplexing things. Our task is not to question, but simply to surrender. 

DISCIPLESHIP REQUIRES A HUMILITY TO SEE OUR SINFUL SELVES (8).

Simon will show traits which prove him to be a work in progress, from impetuousness to inconsistency. Yet, Jesus could see his heart and the inspired Luke sheds light on it, too. When Peter sees the power of His Lord, he says, “Go away from me Lord, for I am a sinful man!” (8). All of us will disappoint Jesus in our walk with Him, but He loves a heart that harbors no stubborn pride. This is the man Jesus will choose as a leader and spokesman, one who does not try to project perfection and superiority. So it is today (1 Pet. 5:5-6). 

DISCIPLESHIP REQUIRES PROPERLY CHANNELING EMOTION (9-10).

Exposure to Jesus left these fishermen “seized” (enclosed, completely taken hold of) with “amazement” (9). It made them “fear” (10). Others felt emotion like this who were exposed to Jesus’ power and preaching, and they audaciously reject Him (4:22-30; 8:26-39). These four men, amazed and afraid, will be prompted by this to make the life-changing (and life-giving) choice to follow Him. I have seen people in Bible studies and in their pew who realize the truth of the gospel, showing (and even telling of) remorse, dread, and anxiety over their lostness, but who just cannot make the decision to deny self and follow Jesus. I cannot think of a greater tragedy. In my own life, it is not simply enough to feel sorrow over my sin. I must allow this to move me to obedience (2 Cor. 7:9-11). 

DISCIPLESHIP REQUIRES RADICAL CHANGE (11).

Luke will record several positive examples of people whose encounter with Jesus is transformational! Think the sinful woman (7:36-50), the demoniac (8:26-39), the grateful leper (17:11-21), and Zaccheus (19:1-10). Some, though, were just not willing (18:18-27). Luke records multiple occasions where Jesus warns that discipleship requires radical change (cf. 9:57-62). Other writers will contrast it as putting off the old man and putting on the new man (Eph. 4:22-32; Col. 3:5-17; Heb. 12:1; 1 Pet. 2:1ff). Here, Luke simply relates how that they immediately left everything and followed Him. While that may not be a literal necessity today, we cannot hope to have eternal life while holding onto this life so much that we are not following His will. 

These men were about to see things they could not have imagined, experience highs and lows they did not know existed, and be given opportunities they could not have anticipated. It wasn’t going to be an easy life; in fact, it would demand everything they had. But it gave them something only Jesus could give them. This hasn’t changed. If we want what they received, we must do what they did! 

Will You Serve God For Nothing?

Saturday’s Column: Learning From Lehman

Dave Eubank

Recently at the suggestion of some teachers and podcasts I listen to, I took some time and in one setting read through whole books in the Bible. If you haven’t done this I would highly recommend it. Just read through the book not looking for anything or zeroing in on any specific point; just read through the book and let it teach you its main themes and allow it to speak for itself. One of the books I recently read through and want to briefly discuss is the book of JOB. We are very familiar with this book and story and can learn a lot of things from it including sufferings, patience, steadfastness, God’s perspectives, and others. However, I would like to share with you what really stood out and stayed with me as I read through the 42 chapters of this book. Job 1:8-9 says,

Then the Lord said to Satan “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?” So, Satan answered the LORD and said, Does Job fear God for nothing?

Right there is the true question: “Will you fear and serve God for nothing.” It is not only a question that Satan asks the Lord referring to Job, but it is also for us today. Satan was assuming that Job would have a transactional relationship with God, that as long as he was doing what was righteous that Job would assume that he has earned his blessings or somehow God is obligated to bless him. Do we fall into this mindset that Satan is stating her is verse 9? Is it easy to fear and serve God while things are going good in our life or for fear of punishment? Do we have this transactional relationship that says I have done all these righteous X’s so I deserve these Y’s (blessings)? Would we serve God if everything (wealth, family, health) in an extremely short period of time was taken from us and we were in the situation Job found himself in? Satan is saying that taking comforts of this life away will push even the strongest to curse God to his face. Satan states this in Ch 1:11 and notice that as early as 2:9 Job’s wife actually uses the same language when she tells Job, “Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die!”

Sometimes bad things happen because we make bad decisions and we must deal with those consequences. However, Job shows us that sometimes bad things happen outside of our decisions and we do not know all like our Creator GOD. God lays this out in his answer to Job out of the whirlwind in Chapters 38-42 basically stating that, “I created everything and have it all under My control, I AM GOD, even when you don’t realize it and so you must trust Me no matter what circumstances you find yourself in.” In chapter 42 we read exactly what Job did in response to God’s challenge to Job. Now as he repents and fears God he is in dust and ashes. This is the definition of serving God for nothing. Every worldly comfort had been taken from him and he had nothing, not even physical health, and nothing as of yet had been restored to him. But he through great tribulation feared God for nothing except he is God the creator and sustainer of everything.

We do need to serve God just because he is God and the creator of all things but the good news is we don’t serve him for nothing. Read Job 19:25: For I know that my Redeemer lives, and he shall stand at last on the earth; Just as we read Job and see his longing for a mediator between him and God, we now have that through Jesus. God gives us eternal life that can be found in Christ our mediator, not because we deserve it like a transactional agreement but because He is a benevolent, gracious and loving God.