God Prunes Us

Posted on August 23, 2025 by Bryan Hodge

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me” (John 15:1-4).

First, let’s identify the branches. The branches are Jesus’ disciples, individual disciples (John 15:5-8).

Second, God wants these branches to bear fruit. Paul prayed that brethren, “Walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work” (Colossians 1:10). Fruitful living incudes such things as: Spirit led living (Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 5:9), winning souls for Christ (Romans 1:13; cf., 16:5; 1 Corinthians 16:15), and praising God (Hebrews 13:15). Let us be “fruitful in every good work” (Colossians 1:10). Let us not be barren or unfruitful (2 Peter 1:5-10).

Third, the kind of fruit which God wants us to produce is possible only through our being connected to the true vine, that is: Christ. Consider these comments: (1) “What kind of ‘fruit’ is it that a person cannot bear when separated from Christ? Jump ahead to verse eight and notice an identifying mark of the fruit under consideration. It is fruit that will ‘glorify God.’ The only way to bear fruit that will glorify God is to remain attached to the vine” (Tom Wacaster, The Magnificence of Jesus, Vol. II, p. 198). (2) “We are not to understand the phrase. ‘Apart from Me you can do nothing,’ as unqualified or absolute… sinners can read the ‘golden rule’ (Matthew 7:12) and practice it just as Christians can… However, sinners, not being in Christ, will never be able to acceptably glorify God by their good behavior… We must thus understand the Lord’s statement to be elliptical: “Apart from me ye can do nothing [that will glorify My Father…]” (Dub McClish, Studies in John, p. 392). I believe this is correct. An atheist or non-Christian may do some or even many good deeds. However, these deeds do not produce fruit which glorifies God. It ought to humble us to know that apart from Christ, we cannot bear fruit which glorifies God.

Fourth, God so wants the branches to be fruitful that he prunes them. [Proper pruning of grape vines and fruit trees has a number of benefits. It helps prevent disease, makes the plants more productive in bearing fruit, increases the size of the fruit, increases the balance of roots to top, decreasing the number of growth points on top, increases air circulation and light for branches, and makes harvesting fruit easier.] How does God prune the branches? The words “prunes” (John 15:2) and “clean” (John 15:3) are different forms of the same original word. The pruning or cleansing is accomplished, in context, through God’s word. Let’s spend time with God’s word and let him prune us (cf. Proverbs 3:11-12; Hebrews 12:5-6). [Are there other ways that he prunes us? He may providentially prune us through circumstances in life (Psalm 119:67, 71-72; 2 Chronicles 33:10-13).] The branches are to bear fruit. The vine does not bear it alone. If we do not bear fruit to God’s glory, who will?

Fifth, those branches which do not bear fruit will be, eventually, “taken away” (John 15:2), “cast out… and thrown into the fire” (John 15:6). Therefore, let us bear fruit which glorifies God. We have purpose in life. “For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:20).

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Would We Climb A Tree?

Posted on August 15, 2025 by Bryan Hodge

“Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus… he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was short of stature. So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way.” (Luke 19:2-4).

Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus. However, the crowd was in the way. [The text says, “he was of short stature.” Does this mean that Zacchaeus was short, or that Jesus was short? The language is ambiguous in the Greek. Most people assume that it means Zacchaeus was short. This seems probable since no other Bible passage indicates that Jesus was short.]

Zacchaeus was determined and would not be deterred. “He ran ahead and climbed up into the sycamore tree to see Him.” [This is probably not the American Sycamore (Plantanus Occidentalis). This may be the Sycamore Fig, a.k.a. Fig Mulberry (Ficus Sycomorus), a tree native to that part of the world. One writer makes this comment, “The Sycamore tree in this text was a fig-mulberry which produced poor fruit which were eaten by poor people. Amos worked with these trees prior to being commanded by God to prophesy to Israel (Amos 7:14).” (Burt Groves, The Gospel According to Luke, p.197)]

Thought Questions

  1. How are we using God’s creation? In Jericho, a Sycamore tree was used to see Jesus. In Eden, the Tree of The Knowledge of Good and Evil was used to rebel against God (Genesis 3). Our bodies can be used as instruments of righteousness or as instruments of unrighteousness (Romans 6:13).
  2. How determined are we, and how much effort are we willing to make to see Jesus? Think of the efforts some made. (1) Zacchaeus ran ahead and climbed a tree. (2) Nicodemus came to Jesus by night (John 3:1-2). Was this after a long day at work? Was this out of fear of being seen? (3) Four friends carried a paralytic man to Jesus (Mark 2:1-4). They were not deterred by the crowd. They even broke through a roof and lowered their friend to Jesus. (4) A woman with an issue of blood came to Jesus and touched his garments (Mark 5:25-27). She did so even though she was considered unclean (Leviticus 15:19-30) and was probably ostracized by society. (5) Parents brought their children to Jesus and were not deterred by certain disciples who rebuked them (Mark 10:13-16). (6) A blind man named Bartimaeus refused to remain silent, when Jesus passed by, but begged for mercy (Mark 10:46-50). He was not deterred when “many warned him to be quiet” but he “cried out all the more, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!'”(7) Peter said to Jesus, “See, we have left all and followed You.” (Mark 10:28). Jesus answered, “Assuredly, I sat to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s, who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time – houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions – and in the world to come, eternal life” (Mark 10:29-30). In other words – it is worth the cost, whatever you give up to follow Jesus. (8) Consider what Paul said, “I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him…” (Philippians 3:8-ff).

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Two Trees

Posted on August 5, 2025 by Bryan Hodge

There are some well-known living trees in the world today. Consider this list: (1) The General Sherman. It is a Giant Sequoia (Sequoiadendron Giganteum) located in Sequoia National Park in California. It is reported to be, by volume, the largest single-stem tree in the world. Its height is 274.9 feet. Its circumference at ground is 102.6 feet (The General Sherman Tree, nps.gov). (2) The Hyperion. It is a Coastal Redwood (Sequoia Sempervirens) located in Redwood National Park in California. It is reported to be the tallest tree in the world. Its height is 380.8 feet. Its diameter is about 16.2 feet or about 50.9 feet in circumference (Tallest Tree Living, guinessworldrecords.com). (3) The Methuselah Tree. It is a Great Basin Bristlecone Pine (Pinus Longaeva) located in the Inyo National Forest in eastern California. It is believed to be the oldest living tree, over 4,700 years old (Methuselah, a Bristlecone Pine is Thought to be the Oldest Living Organism on Earth, usda.gov). (4) The Great Banyon Tree of India. it is a Banyon Tree (Ficus Benghalensis) located in the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose India Botanic Garden in Howrah, India (near Kolkata). This multi-trunk tree spreads over more than 4.6 acres (Story of the Great Banyon, World’s Largest Banyan Tree, timesofidia.com). (5) The Big Tree at Goose Island. It is a Virginia Live Oak (Quercus Virginiana) located in Goose Island State Park near Rockport, Texas. Its height is 44 feet. Its circumference is about 36 feet. Its spread is about 90 feet (The Big Tree at Goose Island State Park by Eva Frederick, tpwmagazine.com). This tree is estimated to be over 1,000 years old (The Big Tree at Goose Island State Park to Receive Special Care, Feb. 08, 2016, by Katy Schaffer, tpwd.texas.gov).

Two special trees are mentioned in the Garden of Eden. These are known by name to Bible Students. Let’s notice.

The Tree of Life

“And out of the ground the LORD God made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil” (Genesis 2:9).

What do we know about the Tree of Life? It had healing or regenerative benefits to man (Genesis 3:22; Revelation 22:1-2). There are some plants that have beneficial properties [Aloe Vera is beneficial in treating burns and is anti-inflammatory. Ginger is thought to help with digestion, nausea relief, and to be anti-inflammatory. Lavender is thought to have a calming effect. Willow bark contains a chemical called Salicin and has similar effects as aspirin. It helps with pain and fever. Eucalyptus is used to help with respiratory problems and seems to reduce inflammation. Peppermint is anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial. Hikers sometime chew peppermint before drinking from a stream in order to reduce harmful microbes. These are some of the many beneficial plants which our Creator provided]. However, one could “live forever” by eating from this tree. Man lost access to this tree due to sin (Genesis 3:22-24).

In the book of Revelation, those who overcome will have access to the Tree of Life (Revelation 2:7; 22:1-2). Overcome what? Here are some things that we are to overcome: (1) The world (1 John 5:4-5); (2) The wicked one (1 John 2:13-14); (3) Self (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:27). How can we overcome? The answer is found in the blood of Christ and our faith (Revelation 12:11 cf. 7:13-14; 1 John 5:4). Eternal life is possible.

The Tree of Life is used as a comparison in the book of Proverbs. Wisdom (Proverbs 3:13 cf. 3:18), righteousness (Proverbs 11:30) and a wholesome tongue (Proverbs 15:4) are compared to the Tree of Life. These things have life and healing properties in them.

The Tree of The Knowledge of Good and Evil

“And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, ‘of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die” (Genesis 2:16-17).

Why did God create this tree and then tell man not to eat? (1) The tree may have been beneficial to man in other ways. It may have provided shade. It may have provided beauty to the garden. (2) It provided a test of faith. Would they trust God? Would they trust Him even when they did not understand why. (3) It provided a test of wills. Would God’s will or man’s will rule? That is, would man submit to God? Would man allow God to be God, or would man seek to be his own God?

Why was this tree called The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil? (1) Some think that mankind did not know the difference between right and wrong before they ate. But this can’t be. They knew that they were not to eat (Genesis 3:1-3). (2) Some think that they did not fully know the difference between good and evil before they ate. That is, they did not understand the consequences of disobeying God, as they would. This is a possible explanation. (3) This has to do with man trying to be like God. “As the serpent correctly noted, ‘knowing good and evil’ (Genesis 3:5, B.H.) can also mean being the one who determines what is good and what is evil. That is what is meant in this verse (Genesis 3:22 B.H.) by ‘man has become like one of us, knowing good and evil'” (Dennis Prager, The Rational Bible: Genesis, p. 59). I believe this is the meaning of the tree’s name. (There may also be some irony and sarcasm in the words of Genesis 3:22. They clearly were not like God in every sense).

You know the rest of the story. The serpent tempted Eve in three ways (The same three ways that we are tempted): (1) The Lust of the Flesh = good for food; (2) The Lust of the Eyes = pleasant to the eyes; (3) The Pride of Life = desirable to make one wise and you will be like God, knowing good and evil (Genesis 3:5-6 cf. 1 John 2:15-17). Both Eve and Adam ate. Far from being equal with God, following their sin, Adam and Eve were afraid and tried to hide from God (Genesis 3:6-10). They were cast out of the garden and cut-off from The Tree of Life (Genesis 3:22-24).

Questions for us:

  1. Do we trust God, or do we think that he is keeping us from something good?
  2. Who determines good and evil in our lives? Is it God, or do we?

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The Fable of the Trees

Posted on June 23, 2025 by Bryan Hodge

“The trees once went forth to anoint a king over them…” (Judges 9:8-ff).  Did you know that there are fables, allegories, and parables in the Old Testament? (e.g., Numbers 23:24; Judges 9:7-15; 2 Samuel 12:1-4; 14:1-7; 1 Kings 20:35-40; 2 Kings 14:9; Isaiah 5:1-6; Ezekiel 17:1-10; 19:1-9; 24:3-5).

{Here are a few definitions: (1) A fable “is an analogy presented in fancied words and acts of beings not possessing reason” (Principles of Interpretation by Clinton Lockhart, p. 170).  “The truth or moral to be enforced may be of a very high order, but the actors are selected from those beings incompetent to do such things” (Hermeneutics by D.R. Dungan, p. 244).  Talking trees would be an example.  (2) The term allegory is used in more than one way.  It may refer to “a continual (extended, long B.H.) metaphor” (Figures of Speech in the Bible by E.W. Bullinger, p. 748).  It is also used to refer to “a figurative application of real facts” (Dungan, p. 258-259).  Galatians 4:21-ff, The Allegory of Sarah/Isaac and Hagar/Ishmael, would be an example of the second usage.  (3) A parable is “a story by which something real in life is used as a means of presenting a moral thought.  The actors in a parable are real – human beings are the actors, and they do nothing which they could not do” (Dungan, p. 227).  Dungan quotes Webster saying, “The distinction in scripture between a parable and an allegory is said to be, that a parable is a supposed history, and an allegory is a figurative application of real facts” (Dungan, p. 258-259).  The Parable of the Sower is an example (Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23).}

Let’s consider The Fable of the Trees (Note: For those who grew up in the 1970s and 80s, please do not confuse this with the 1978 song The Trees by Rush. We are speaking of the Biblical fable.) …

1.   The Olive Tree.  “And they said to the olive tree, ‘Reign over us!’ But the olive tree said to them, ‘should I cease giving my oil, with which they honor God and men, and go to sway over trees?’” (Judges 9:8-9). 

The olive tree had no desire to be king.  It knew its role and was happy to serve in that role. 

2.  The Fig Tree.  “Then the trees said to the fig tree, ‘You come and reign over us!’ But the fig tree said to them, ‘Should I cease my sweetness and my good fruit, and go to sway over trees?’” (Judges 9:10-11).

The fig tree also had no desire to be king.  It knew its role and was happy to serve in that role. 

3.  The Vine.  “Then the trees said to the vine, ‘You come and reign over us!’ But the vine said to them, ‘Should I cease my new wine, which cheer both God and men, and go sway over trees?’” (Judges 9:12-13). 

The vine, like the first two, had no desire to be king.  It knew its role. 

These first three trees represent Gideon, his sons, and grandsons (cf. Judges 8:22-23).  Gideon refused to be king.  He said, “I will not rule over you, nor shall my son rule over you; the LORD shall rule over you” (Judges 8:23).  This is how it was to be at this point.

4.  The Bramble.  “Then all the trees said to the bramble, ‘You come and reign over us!’ And the bramble said to the trees, ‘If in truth you anoint me as king over you, then come and take shelter in my shade; but if not, let fire come out of the bramble and devour the cedars of Lebanon!’” (Judges 9:14-15).

The bramble was different from the first three.  It desired to be king.  If it was not allowed to be king, then it would bring destruction.

There is irony in this fable.  (1) The bramble said, “Come take shelter in my shade.”  Yet, it was not able to provide shade or shelter.  It was a bramble.  The NIV translates this “thornbush.”  The NIV Study Bible comments, “Probably the well-known buckhorn, a scraggly bush common in the hills of Palestine and a constant menace to farming.  It produced nothing of value.”  It could not provide shelter or shade to cedars of Lebanon.  (2) The one who sought power, and become king, was the least valuable in the fable. It was the least qualified to lead.

The bramble represents Abimelech (Judges 8:29-31; 9:1-6; 9:16-21; 9:22-57).  He desired power.  He killed 69 of the 70 sons of Gideon in order to eliminate any potential rival (Judges 9:1-6).  He appealed to close relations with the men of Shechem (Judges 8:31; 9:1-3).  In the end, he brought fire to Shechem (Judges 9:15; 9:19-20; 9:30-49).

Application For Us

1.  One should never take a role or position for which he has no divine authority.

2.  One should use whatever role he has in life to be useful and serve others, not to promote self.  The Olive tree, the fig tree, and the vine used what they had to serve others. The bramble served himself. 

3.  Sometimes those who seek power are dangerous. Moreover, the bramble was the least qualified to lead.  Caution is needed in selection.

4.  Blood relations is not always a good indicator of character. Nepotism and respect of persons is not wise.

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God Prepared a Plant

Posted on June 18, 2025 by Bryan Hodge

    “And the LORD God prepared a plant and made it come up over Jonah, that it might be shade for his head to deliver him from his misery…  But as morning dawned the next day God prepared a worm, and it so damaged the plant that it withered.  And it happened, when the sun arose, that God prepared a vehement east wind, and the sun beat on Jonah’s head… Then God said to Jonah, ‘Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?  And he said, ‘It is right for me to be angry, even to death!’ But the LORD said, ‘You have had pity on the plant for which you have not labored, nor made to grow, which came up in a night and perished in a night.  And should I not pity Ninevah…?’” (Jonah 4:6-11).   

Jonah was extremely displeased and angry with God (Jonah 4:1, 4, 9).  There are two reasons for this.  (1) Jonah wanted God to destroy the city of Nineveh.  However, God was gracious and merciful to Ninevah, when the inhabitants repented (Jonah 3:5-10; 4:1-2). Jonah said in prayer, “Ah, LORD, was not this what I said when I was still in my country?  Therefore, I fled previous to Tarshish; for I know that You are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger and abundant in loving kindness, one who relents from doing harm.” (Jonah 4:2).  Jonah does not like these qualities of God when such is applied to his nation’s enemies.  Do you think that he had this attitude when God’s mercy was extended to him?  (Jonah 2:1-10).  (2) He was also angry over the plant.  Jonah sat outside of Nineveh waiting, hoping that God would change His mind and destroy the city.  While he waited, God prepared a plant to shade Jonah (Jonah 4:6).  It came up in a night (Jonah 4:10). Then, God prepared a worm to destroy the plant in a night (Jonah 4:7-10). [What type of plant was this? We don’t know with certainty. God prepared it. God prepared four things for Jonah (Jonah 1:17; 4:6; 4:7; 4:8). The Hebrew word is kikayon. Some think this was a gourd (see King James Verson). Others suggest the castor oil plant. It is possible that this was a plant miraculously provided on this occasion.]

God was teaching at least two lessons by preparing and destroying this plant.  (1) Some people lack proper compassion and concern for other people.  Jonah care more for a plant than he did for these people.  He cared more for his own personal comfort than he did for these people.  Some, even today, care more about their possessions than they do people.  This should not be.  (2) God cares about people, all people, and not about Israelites alone.  If Jonah could so care for a plant which he had not planted or cultivated and nurtured, then should not it be understandable that God would care for the people whom he created? 

Consider the following passages: (1) God “desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4).  (2) He is “not willing that any should perish but that all come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).  (3) Jesus came “to seek and to save that which is lost” (Luke 19:10).            

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Like A Tree by Water

Posted on June 5, 2025 by Bryan Hodge

“He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.  The ungodly are not so, but are like chaff which the wind drives away.  Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous” (Psalm 1:3-5).

Psalm one is a psalm of contrasts.  It sets forth two kinds of people: the righteous and the ungodly.  It sets forth two standards for life: the law of the LORD and ungodly standards which are against the LORD’s will.   It sets forth two walks or manners of life: the way of the righteous and the way of the ungodly.  It sets forth two ends: the righteous are like a tree by water and the ungodly are like chaff.  Let’s consider these things under two headings…

The Righteous   

(1) His standard for life is God’s word.  “His delight is in the law of the LORD and in His law he meditates day and night: (Psalm 1:2).  (a) He delights in God’s word (Psalm 1:2 cf. 40:8; 119:16, 24, 47; Related passages Psalm 19:10-11; 119:72, 103, 127; Job 23:12; Matthew 5:6).  Do we delight in God’s word?  (b) He meditates on God’s word (Psalm 1:2 cf. Psalm 119:15, 23, 48, 97, 99, 148).  The word translated “meditate” (Hebrew hagah) means “to ponder” (Strong’s) or “muse” (BDBG).  [The word in Psalm 119 is a different word (Hebrew Siyach) but conveys the same basic thought].  Do we continually meditate on God’s word day and night?      

(2) His walk is called “the way of the righteous” (Psalm 1:6).  He does not walk in the counsel of the ungodly (Psalm 1:1).  Jeremiah said, “It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps” (Jeremiah 10:23).  James teaches that we are to “be doers of the word and not hearers only” (James 1:22).  Are we letting God’s word to direct our lives? 

(3) This man is blessed (Psalm 1:1). All that he does prospers (Psalm 1:2 cf. Romans 8:28). He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water (Psalm 1:3 cf. 92:12-13).  “Rivers” is plural and literally refers to divisions of waters.  This may refer to irrigation canals or ditches.  One writer said, “He is not like a tree just planted anywhere.  This tree is planted where it may receive necessary moisture.  It is a tree that is cultivated and cared for… This is a fruitful tree… Its leaf is unwithering.  Here is fadeless beauty; here is precious permanence” (Robert R. Taylor, Jr., Studies in Psalms, pp. 13-14). 

The Ungodly

(1) His standard is not God’s word.  “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night” (Psalm 1:1-2).  The ungodly is not like this.  (a) He follows the counsel of ungodly men.  (b) He does not delight in God’s word (cf. Jeremiah 6:10; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10). 

(2) His walk is called “the way of the ungodly” (Psalm 1:6).  He may, over time, progress and become hardened in sin.  Many see this progression in the verbs: “walks,” “stands,” and “sits” (Psalm 1:1).  First, one listens to and follows sinful counsel.  Next, one begins to closely associate with sinners.  Finally, one becomes settled in sin.  He may even become the one who provides ungodly counsel. 

(3) This man will not be blessed.  (a) He is like chaff (Psalm 1:4).  Webster defines chaff as, “the seed covering and other debris separated from the seed in threshing grain” (merriam-webster.com).  This is the unwanted part of the plant.  (b) He shall not stand in the judgment (Psalm 1:5).  That is, he will not be acquitted.  He will not pass the test.  (c) He will not stand in the congregation of the righteous (Psalm 1:5).  That is, he will not be in this group.  He will not be going to heaven.  He will not have their fellowship.  In which group will we be?

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According to Its Kind

Posted on May 28, 2025 by Bryan Hodge

“Then God said, ‘Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb that yields seed, and the fruit three that yields fruit according to its kind, whose seed is in itself, on the earth’; and it was so.  And the earth brought forth grass, the herb that yields seed according to its kind, and the tree that yields fruit, whose seed is in itself according to its kind; And God saw that it was good.  So the evening and the morning were the third day” (Genesis 1:11-13). 

God is the creator.  “God” is expressly mentioned 32 times in Genesis one.  Without God, there would be nothing. 

God is the creator of plant life.  As examples of this, three specific types of plants are mentioned: grass, herb and fruit trees.  These categories probably do not exactly correspond with modern taxonomy.  One writer suggests that in this passage, “The term ‘grass’ is intended to include all spreading ground-covering vegetation; ‘herb’ includes all bushes and shrubs; ‘trees’ include all large woody plants, including even fruit-bearing trees” (Henry Morris, The Genesis Record, p. 63).     God created plants for man and animal (Genesis 1:29-30; 2:16-17).  The Bible tells us that man may use plants for: (1) food (e.g. Genesis 1:29; Deuteronomy 20:6; 2 Timothy 2:4).  (2) shade (e.g. 1 Kings 4:25; Jonah 4:6); (3) lumber (e.g. Deuteronomy 19:5; 1 Kings 5:6); (4) fire (e.g. Isaiah 44:14-15; John 21:9; Acts 28:2-3).  These are only a few of the ways plants may be used.                        

God creates plants with the ability to reproduce according to its kind.  Science knows this as the Law of Biogenesis, which says, “a living organism can only arise from other living organisms similar to itself (i.e. that like gives rise to like) and can never originate from non-living material” (Biogenesis, encyclopedia.com).  Apologetics Press says, “This law says two things: (1) living things always come from living things; and (2) living things produce only more living things like themselves.  In nature, we have never seen a single exception to this basic law of science” (The Law of Biogenesis, apologeticspress.org).  Jesus asked, “Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?” (Matthew 7:16). 

Let’s make a spiritual application.  “The seed is the word of God” (Luke 8:11; cf. 1 Peter 1:22-23).  If we want the church to grow, if we want to produce Christians, then the seed is necessary.  The seed (the word of God) must make contact with the soil (the souls of men).  There is no other way. “Are you sowing the seed of the kingdom brother, in the morning bright and fair?  Are you sowing the seed of the kingdom brother, in the heat of the noondays’ glare?  For the harvest time is coming on, and the reaper’s work will soon be done; will your sheaves be many?  Will you garner any for the gathering at the harvest home?”  (Song: Sowing the Seed of the Kingdom by Palmer Hartsough and Fred A. Fillmore). 

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A Talking Serpent, A Talking Donkey, Caring Ravens, and A Man-Swallowing Fish

Posted on May 20, 2025 by Bryan Hodge

The Bible contains some events that some people find hard to believe.  Let’s consider four of these.

1.  The Serpent (Genesis 3)“Now the serpent… he said to the woman” (Genesis 3:1).  How could a serpent talk?

We should understand that the tempter is actually the devil (cf. Revelation 12:9; 20:2; John 8:44; 2 Corinthians 11:3, 14).  He appeared to Eve in the form of a serpent.  He can transform himself into an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14).  God has, at times, granted him certain power over nature (e.g. Job 1:6-19; 2:6-8).

Why would Eve speak with a serpent?  This may be due to her being in a trusting, naive state at this point.  We do not know how long Adam and Eve had been in the garden at this point. 

The curse of the serpent going on its belly and eating dust is a picture of humiliation or defeat (cf. Genesis 3:14; Psalm 72:8-9; Isaiah 49:23; 65:25; Micah 7:16-17). The serpent on its belly is a symbol of Satan’s humiliation.

There is an important lesson we should not miss.  We should reject temptation no matter who presents it, and no matter what form it comes to us. 

2.  The Donkey (Numbers 22)    “Then the LORD opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam…” (Numbers 22:28).  How could a donkey speak?                          

The answer is plainly stated.  The LORD caused this to happen.  The real issue is: Do we have faith in God and in his power?

Why would Balaam speak with a donkey?  Anger is likely the answer.  Devin W. Dean comments, “Consider what anger had done to Balaam; When God grants the donkey the ability to speak, Balaam just goes right into the conversation.  Anger has blinded him even to the miracle being performed in front of his eyes” (Editor Stan Crowley, Studies in Numbers and Deuteronomy, the Eighteenth Annual Schertz Lectures, p. 243).

There are a few important lessons we should not miss.  (1) God should be feared.  The donkey seems to fear the Angel of the LORD more than Balaam fears the LORD.  (2) One should be careful when he is angry.  Anger seems to have temporarily blinded Balaam to reality.  (3) One should not rashly or quickly turn against a servant with a history of loyal service.  Balaam was ready to kill his donkey even though the donkey had been a loyal servant in the past (Numbers 22:23-30).  Moreover, the donkey saved Balaam’s life on this occasion (Numbers 22:31-33).  (4) One should be willing to listen to reason and receive truth, no matter who speaks it.  One writer states it this way: “However God speaks to you listen up… Do you find it hard to believe that your wife’s counsel could be the voice of God?  However God speaks to you, listen up!  Do you get tired of the preacher telling you to open up your hand to the poor and give liberally?  However God speaks to you, listen up!” (Calvin Miller, Preaching: The Art of Narrative Exposition, p. 109).  “Test all things; hold fast what is good.  Abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22). 

3.  The Ravens (1 Kings 17).

“The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening; and he drank from the brook” (1 Kings 17:6).  How could ravens feed Elijah?

The answer is plainly stated.  The LORD commanded them to do this (1 Kings 17:1-5).  The Bible indicates that God can control animals (e.g. Genesis 2:19; 6:20; 7:8-9; 1 Kings 17:1-6; Daniel 6:22; Jonah 1:17; 2:10). [However, did you know that there have been many reports of crows and ravens bringing gifts to people who feed or show kindness to them? They are very smart.]

There is another interpretation which has been suggested.  Some believe that this does not refer to birds but to people, the inhabitance of Oreb (raven) or Orbo (e.g. Pulpit Commentaries, Clark Commentary, studylight.org).  I am not convinced that there is an adequate reason to draw this conclusion.

Here are a few possible lessons.  (1) Some blessings are conditional.  Elijah had to be in the place God specified to receive the food from the ravens (1 Kings 17:1-6).  (2) God may use the unclean to accomplish good.  The raven was an unclean animal (Leviticus 11:13-15).  (3) It is possible to bring clean food to another and still be unclean oneself.  Charles Spurgeon said, “But see too how possible it is for us to carry bread and meat to God’s servants, and do some good things for his church, and be ravens still!” (enduringword.com). 

4.  The Sea Creature (Jonah 1-2). 

“Now the LORD had prepared a great fish to swallow Jonah.  And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights… so the LORD spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land” (Jonah 1:17; 2:10).  There are certain commonly asked questions about this.

What was this, a fish or a whale?  It is called a fish (Jonah 1:17; 2:1; 2:10; Matthew 12:40 NKJV).  Some have rendered it as a whale (e.g. Matthew 12:40 KJV).  The Hebrew word is dahg.  Apologetics Press says this in their Defending the Faith Study Bible, “we conclude… that the word used in the book of Jonah… refers indiscriminately to any type of fish… However, a point of clarification need to be sounded even here.  According to the present zoological nomenclature, a ‘whale’ is not a ‘fish’ – it is classified as a mammal.  Hebrew linguistic experts note no such distinction in the terms used in the Old Testament.  The ordinary term for ‘fish’ (dahg) would not necessarily exclude the whale in its application.  God was under no obligation to classify animals thousands of years ago according to our modern classification scheme” (p. 1653).  The Greek word is ketos.  Apologetics Press says this, “The Septuagint translators (Greek translation of the Old Testament – B.H.) used the same term in their rendering or Jonah 1:17… Arndt Gingrich offers only one definition of ketos – ‘sea monster’… Thayer lists three terms “sea monster, whale, huge fish,’ with the reference to ‘whale’ being merely one possibility” (p. 1636).  We cannot narrow this down anymore.

Could this really happen?  Notice that it says that God “prepared” this great fish to swallow Jonah (Jonah 1:17). [God prepared four things in this book for Jonah (1) great fish (1:17); (2) plant (4:6); (3) worm (4:7); (4) east wind (4:8)].  Wayne Jackson comments, “Commentators have assembled a number of cases in which huge sharks or whales have swallowed creatures larger than a man (Robinson 1957, 78-79), but such examples actually are irrelevant, for the text states that the Lord ‘prepared’ (appointed) this creature for a specific purpose” (Wayne Jackson, The Prophets, p. 417).

Could one really survive three days and three nights in the belly of the fish?  If one does not deny the power of God, then it is certainly possible. If one denies God such power, then the message of the Bible falls apart (e.g. creation, inspiration, prophecy, virgin birth, resurrection.).  However, some think that it is possible that Jonah died.  He said, “out of the belly of Sheol I cried” (Jonah 2:1) and “You have brought up my life from the pit” (Jonah 2:6).  Is this literal language or figurative language? 

Here are a couple of lessons.  (1) It is far better to listen to God than to go against him.  (2) Jonah coming forth after three days and three nights are a type of Jesus being resurrected after three days and three nights (Matthew 12:39-40).  Do you believe in the power of God?

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Odd Association, Strange Fellowship, Wonderful Fellowship

Posted on May 9, 2025 by Bryan Hodge

“The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, The leopard shall lie down with the young goat, The calf and the young lion and the fatling together; And a little child shall lead them.  The cow and the bear shall graze; Their young one shall lie down together; And the lion shall eat straw like an ox.  The nursing child shall play by the cobra’s hole, and the weaned child shall put his and in the viper’s den” (Isaiah 11:6-8). 

Some think that this teaches that one day the whole world will be at peace.  Some of these even take the language as literal.  They believe that even the animals will one day be at peace.  Predator and prey, they will no longer be.

Others think that this does not describe earth, but heaven.  They believe that this peace will exist in heaven.

However, I believe that these views are mistaken.  I do not believe that this describes universal world peace, and I do not believe that this refers to peace in heaven. 

This refers to what happens in the LORD’s holy mountain (Isaiah 11:9 cf. 2:2; Daniel 2:35, 44).  This refers to people – who once were very different with very different interests and even adversarial in relationship – being brought together in Christ, in the body of Christ (i.e. in the church). Consider this, Paul applies this section of Scripture to the Gentiles under the New Testament (Isaiah 11:10 in Romans 15:12).      

 He writes, “Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God” (Romans 15:7). When Christ is truly followed, peace, harmony, and reconciliation is possible.

The church should be the greatest unity movement ever.  “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).  He “created in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace” (Ephesians 2:15).  “There is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all” (Colossians 3:11).  The things which divide us should no longer do so in Christ.  Jew and Gentile can be one in Christ (Ephesians 2:15).  Matthew (once a tax collector) and Simon (once a zealot, who no doubt wanted to remove the yoke of Rome) were brought together by Christ (Matthew 10:1-4 cf. Luke 6:12-16).  I once preached in a congregation that had Russians and Ukrainians worshipping together.  Brethren from north and south in the U.S.A. can do the same.  Whites and blacks can do the same. 

Jesus desired and prayed for the unity of believers (John 17:20-23).  Are we praying for such?  Are we stiving for such?  “Pursue with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14). True Christianity is beautiful. Let’s practice it.           

                         

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Two More Animals from Job: Behemoth and Leviathan

Posted on May 7, 2025 by Bryan Hodge

The LORD mentions twelve animals to Job in Job 38:39-41:34.  These are designed to serve as examples of God’s power, wisdom, and care of this planet.  The first ten are somewhat familiar to us: lion, raven, wild mountain goat, deer, wild donkey, wild ox, ostrich, horse, hawk, and eagle.  The last two are more difficult to identify: Behemoth and Leviathan. 

Some suggest that these are not real, but mythical creatures.  However, this does not seem to fit the context.  (1) God is reasoning about his wise and sovereign rule in the universe.  How would an appeal to non-existent animals serve this purpose?  (2) The first ten animals are real animals.  Why would God switch to the unreal?

It is my belief that these are real animals, animals with which Job would have been familiar.  Let’s take a look.

1.  Behemoth (Job 40:15-24).

“Look now at the behemoth, which I made along with you…”  Behemoth is the plural form for the Hebrew word “beast” (Behema).  It is joined to singular verbs and singular pronouns.  The plural, “Behemoth,” is majestic plural.  It is used for intensification.  It means “great beast.”

This beast is described.  It eats grass (40:15).  It is strong (40:16-18).  It eats and plays in the mountains (40:20) but is also no stranger to water (40:21-24).  It is “the first of the ways of God” (40:19).  It is difficult to kill or capture (40:19, 24 ESV).  

What is this animal?  Some have suggested that it is a hippopotamus or an elephant.  The ASV contains this footnote: “That is, the hippopotamus.”  The RSV contains this note: “or the hippopotamus or the elephant.”  The NIV Study Bible has this note: “possibly the hippopotamus or the elephant.” 

However, there are difficulties with this view.  (1) This creature’s tail is compared with a cedar (40:17).  This does not seem to fit the hippopotamus or the elephant.  (2) This creature is said to be “the first of the ways of God” (40:19).  The ASV reads “the chief…” Holman Christian Standard Bible reads, “the foremost…”  The NIV reads “ranks first…”  The Hippopotamus is large, (4-5 feet tall, 13-16 feet long, 3-4 tons).  The elephant is even larger (10-13 feet tall, 18-24 feet long, 6-7 tons). This could fit. However, larger creatures have lived on earth, e.g. some dinosaurs.  Argentinosaurus was much larger (estimated to be 120 feet long, 100 tons).  (3) This animal feeds in the mountains (40:20).  This does not eliminate the elephant; nor, does it eliminate the pygmy hippopotamus (but it is smaller, 2-3 feet tall, 4-6 feet long, 400-600 pounds).  It does eliminate most hippopotamus.  (4) It appears to be almost impossible to conquer (40:24 ESV).  Elephants have been controlled and used by men from early history. Herodotus (5th century B.C.) mentions Egyptians in his day using the hides of hippopotamus (Herodotus, History Books 2:71).

This may describe a large grass-eating dinosaur.  [The word “dinosaur” was not coined until 1842 by paleontologist Richard Owens.  It comes from a combination of Greek word: “deinos” = terrible, fearfully great; “sauros” = lizard.] However, the exact identity of Behemoth is uncertain.

This speaks of God’s might.  He made this animal (40:15).  He does not fear this animal (40:19).  The Creator is mightier than creation.  He should be feared. 

2.  Leviathan (Job 41:1-34).

“Can you draw out Leviathan with a hook or snare his tongue with a line which you lower?”  Easton’s Bible Dictionary says, “A transliterated Hebrews word (livyathan) meaning ‘twisted,’ ‘coiled’” (studytools.com).

This creature is described.  It swims in the sea (41:7, 31-32 cf. Psalm 104:26).  It is also in the mire (41:30).  It is difficult to capture or kill (41:12, 22).  It has terrible teeth (41:14).  It has impenetrable scales (41:15-17, 23-24, 26-29).  It has a tough underside (41:30).  It has eyes like the morning (41:18).  Does this refer to the color of the eyes?  Or, does this refer to the eyes appearing first from the water?  It is described as breathing fire and smoke (41:18-21).  Is this literal?  Or, does this refer to steam coming from the water as it breathes?  It appears to be especially frightening when it raises itself up (41:25).  It is made without fear (41:33).    

What is this animal?  Some have suggested that it is the crocodile.  The ASV has this note: “That is, the crocodile.”  The RSV contains this note: “or the crocodile.”  The NIV Study Bible contains this note: “possibly the crocodile.”  Admittedly, the crocodile does fit some of the descriptions.  (1) It is in the water and the mire (41:30-32).  (2) It does twist and can churn the water (41:31).  (3) Its eyes do appear first from the water (possible meaning of 41:18).  (4) It may blow water from its nostrils.  This may appear to be steam or smoke and may even reflect light (41:18-21).  (5) It does have many teeth (41:14).  Most species of crocodile have between 60 and 70 teeth.  Some have up to 100 teeth (Crocodile Teeth: Everything You Need to Know, a-z-animals.com).  Their teeth are also replaced when they fall out. 

However, there are difficulties with this view.  (1)  This animal appears to be especially frightening when it raises up (41:25). This does not seem to fit the crocodile. (However, I have seen video alligators climb over fences and up trees.)  (2) It appears to be tall (41:34).  Crocodiles are big (They can be over 20 feet long and weigh over 2,000 pounds).  However, are they tall? This does not seem to fit the crocodile.  (3) It has a tough underside (41:30).  This does not fit the crocodile.  (4) This animal is not made a servant, or a pet, and is not traded by merchants (41:4-6).  Does this fit the crocodile?  Herodotus (5th century B.C.) tells how Egyptians hunted, captured, made pets of, and ate crocodile (Herodotus, The Histories Book 2:69-70).  (5) It is most natural to understand this animal to be fire-breathing (41:18-21). If so, this does not fit the crocodile.

This may describe some extinct aquatic animal, reptile, or dinosaur type animal, e.g. Plesiosaurus, Spinosaurus.  This may be a dragon.  [Did they really live?  There are legends of them found in many cultures around the globe.  Can an animal breathe fire?  The Bombardier Beetle can emit blasts of hot gas at 212 degrees (F).]  The exact identity of Leviathan is uncertain.

This speaks of God’s might.  The LORD asks, “No one is so fierce that he would dare stir him up.  Who then is able to stand against Me”? (41:10-11) God is to be feared. All should appreciate who he is. 

Bonus facts.  Did you know that the Blue Whale is believed to be the largest creature that ever lived?  It can exceed 100 feet in length and weigh as much as 200 tons – the weight of 30 elephants!  (Blue Whale, monteraybayaquarium.org).

Did you know that some use “leviathan” as a name for large powerful governments or businesses? Thomas Hobbes wrote a book titled Leviathan in 1651. The book argues for a strong central government for maintaining order. Many have opposed his beliefs. “Behemoth” is also now used to refer to something big and powerful including business, government, and religious organizations,

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