My Shepherd

Posted on April 2, 2025 by Bryan Hodge

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1)

The shepherd and his sheep is an image which is often used of God and his people (e.g. Genesis 48:15 cf. 49:24; Psalm 23; 28:9; 74:1; 77:20; 78:52-55; 79:13; 80:1; 95:7; 100:1-3; Isaiah 40:10-11; 53:6-7; Jeremiah 23:1-3; Ezekiel 34; Micah 5:4; 7:14; Zechariah 9:16; Matthew 7:15; 9:36; 10:16; 18:12-14; 25:32-34; Mark 6:34; Luke 15:4-7; John 10:1-6, 7-17; 25-29; 21:15-17; Acts 20:28; Hebrews 13:20-21; 1 Peter 2:25; 5:4 Revelation 7:17).  There is good reason for this metaphor (a figure of speech that makes a direct comparison without using “like” or “as”).  Sheep need attention and much care.  They need such things as food, water, guidance, protection, and shelter.  The LORD (Jehovah) provides for the needs of his people.

1.  Food/Security/Rest

“He makes me to lie down in green pastures” (Psalm 23:2).  The shepherd provided or led the sheep to green pastures.  The original word (deshe) refers to not merely green but fresh shoots or tender grass.  The sheep is satisfied to the point that it lies down.  Sheep do not ordinarily lie down when hungry or afraid.  “They lie down when full and unafraid” (Robert R. Taylor, Jr., Studies in Psalms, p. 47).    God provides the food we need. He provides for our physical needs (Acts 14:17).  More importantly, he provides for our spiritual needs (Deuteronomy 8:3 cf. Matthew 4:4; John 6:32-35).                       

God provides spiritual protection.  Jesus tells us that no one is able to snatch us out of his hand (John 10:28-29).  No external force can separate us from the love of God against our will (Romans 8:37-39).  However, we are to keep ourselves in the love of God (Jude 20-21).

He provides rest. There is spiritual rest provided from the burden of sin (Matthew 11:28-30). In him there is found rest (Psalm 127:1-2; Proverbs 3:21-24). Moreover, there is a rest to come (2 Thessalonians 1:6-7; Hebrews 4:9-11; Revelation 14:13).

2.  Water

“He leads me besides the still waters” (Psalm 23:2b).  Fast moving water is a danger to sheep.  Hugo McCord writes, “When the time comes for a drink, the shepherd has seen to it that still water is available.  If necessary he will dam a stream, making a quiet pool for the sheep’s drinking.  He knows that sheep will not drink gurgling water.  Perhaps instinctively the sheep knows that in swift water his wool will make him heavy and that he will be easily drown” (Tract: Psalm Twenty-Three by Hugo McCord).

God provides the water we need.  He provides for our physical needs (Matthew 5:45; Acts 14:17).  More importantly, he provides for our spiritual needs (Matthew 5:6; John 4:9-13; 7:37-39). 

3.  Restoration

“He restores my soul” (Psalm 23:3).  (1) This may refer to what has already been mentioned.  The sheep is restored or revitalized by the provision of food and water. (2) Others think that this refers to rescuing or bringing back lost sheep (Luke 15:1-4). The original word translated “restores”(shuwb) means “turn back, return” (BDBG).

God provides for us.  He does so for our physical needs.  He also does so for our spiritual needs. (1) He provides inward strength and renewal (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). (2) It is also true that God has made possible a return to him (Acts 11:19; 1 Peter 2:25). God did not send Jesus into the world to condemn, but to save (John 3:17). Jesus came to seek and to save the lost (Luke 19:10).

4.  Guidance.

“He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake” (Psalm 23:3b).  He guides the sheep in the right way.  He does so for his name’s sake.  What does this mean?  (1) This may mean that he does so because of who he is.  It is his nature to lead in the right way. (2) Others take this to mean that he does so because we are his sheep (cf. Isaiah 43:1-7).  He cares for us.

God provides us with spiritual guidance.  He guides us by his word (Psalm 73:24; 119:105; 119:133; 119:172; Proverbs 3:5-6; Jeremiah 10:23; Romans 1:16-17).  He also has given us the example of Jesus (John 13:34-35; Philippians 2:1-8; Hebrews 12:1-4; 1 Peter 2:21-23).

5.  Protection/Comfort   

“Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For you are with me; Your rod and Your staff they comfort me.  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies” (Psalm 23:4-5).  (1)   Some believe that the valley of the shadow of death was an actual narrow passage through which sheep were sometimes moved for grazing (Hugo McCord).  It was a difficult journey.  There were dangers in terrain.  There were dangers from predators.  However, the shepherd’s presence, his rod and his staff, provided comfort.  (2) The prepared table may refer to the pastureland which he made ready for the sheep on the other side of the valley pass.  There are enemies.  However, the shepherd provided protection. 

God provides spiritual protection. Jesus tells us that no one is able to snatch us out of his hand (John 10:28-29). No external force can separate us from the love of God against our will (Romans 8:37-39). However, we are to keep ourselves in the love of God (Jude 20-21).

There will be trails and difficult times in life. However, there is comfort in knowing that our shepherd is with us. Consider these words on the valley of the shadow of death:  “While the most obvious allusion is that of impending death or the threat of death, it is not restricted to death alone. Where would the valley of the shadow of death be? Anywhere the threat of death, of loneliness, of depression, temptation of sin is found.” (Steven M. Lloyd, Coping: A Biblical Approach, pp. 176-177). When we go through trials in this life, we can know that we are not alone. God is in control, and he loves us and cares for us.  “What a fellowship, what a joy divine leaning on the everlasting arms/ What a blessedness, what a peace is mine leaning on the everlasting arms/ What have I to dread? What have I to fear? leaning on the everlasting arms/ I have blessed peace with mt Lord so near leaning on the everlasting arm” (song: Leaning on the Everlasting Arms by E.A. Hoffman 1887).            

6.  Shelter/Home

“You anoint my head with oil.  My cup runs over.  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever” (Psalm 23:5b-6).  Hugo McCord quotes a Basque shepherd, who says – “As the sheep come in for the night, they are lead to a gate.  The shepherd… examines for briars in the ears, snags in the cheek… Each sheep’s wounds are carefully cleansed.  Then the shepherd dips his hand into the olive oil and anoints the injury.”  Water is provided.  “The sheep will sink its nose into the water clean to the eyes, if fevered, and drink until fully refreshed” (McCord, Psalm Twenty-Three).  The sheep had a home, a sheepfold.  He provided shelter and care.

God provided such a place for us.  Abraham waited for a city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God (Hebrews 11:10,16).  Jesus went to “prepare a place” for us (John 14:1-3).  We have an eternal home (2 Corinthians 4:16-18; 1 Peter 1:3-4).  He richly provides us with a glorious existence (Romans 8:18; 2 Peter 1:10-11). 

Posted in animals, Death, psalms, Word Study | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Cinco de Mayo

Posted on April 1, 2025 by Bryan Hodge

On May 5, there will be a celebration.  Some cities have parades.  Mexican culture is celebrated.  Restaurants and bars have specials.

What is it all about?  Some have no idea.  It is just an excuse for a party.  Others mistakenly believe that it is Mexican Independence Day.  It is not.  That day is Dieciseis de Septiembre.

Cinco de Mayo celebrates the Mexican army’s defeat of a much larger French army at the Battle of Puebla.  Mexico had defaulted on debts owed to European governments.  The French, British and Spanish governments sent troops to Veracruz demanding payment.  The British and Spanish negotiated with Mexico and withdrew their troops.  The French did not.  The Battle of Puebla occurred on May 5, 1862.  About 2,000 Mexican soldiers defeated a force of about 6,000 French.  News of the victory spread to California, where is began to be annually celebrated in Columbia, California.  In time, the French would take control of the country and maintain that control for three years.  However, Cinco de Mayo became a day of Mexican pride for some (See: Holiday of Cinco de Mayo is Minor Event in Mexico by Oscar Casares, Houston Chronicle, May 5, 2010, Chron.com; Cinco de Mayo, history.com). 

Application: It is possible for people to do things without knowing what is meant.  The Israelites were told, “When your children say to you, ‘What do you mean by this service?’ that you shall say, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice of the LORD, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt when He struck the Egyptians and delivered our households’” (Exodus 12:26-27).  God did not simply want them to keep the Passover; He wanted them to keep it knowing what it meant. 

It is not enough to partake of the Lord’s Supper.  We are to do so “in remembrance” of Jesus (1 Corinthians 11:23-26), “discerning” his body (1 Corinthians 11:29). 

It is not enough to be baptized.  It is to be done for the correct reason.  “They were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, ‘Men and brethren, what shall we do?’ Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…” (Acts 2:38 cf. 3:19).

Posted in History, holiday, Lord's Supper, worship | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Lion is Outside

Posted on March 29, 2025 by Bryan Hodge

“The lazy man says, “There is a lion outside!  I shall be slain in the streets!” (Proverbs 22:13).

“The lazy man says, ‘There is a lion in the road!  A fierce lion in the streets!’  As a door turns on its hinges, so does the lazy man on his bed.” (Proverbs 26:13-14). 

If there were an actual lion in the road, that might be a valid reason to stay inside and not venture out of one’s house at that moment.  One might wait until the lion goes away. 

In 2009, while I was living in Alaska, a large moose decided to lie down in my driveway next to my jeep’s door.  I was not going to approach the jeep until the moose moved.  I believed that I started banging pots and pans.  It eventually moved and went elsewhere.  In 2021, a nine-month-old, 175-pound tiger named India was on the loose for nearly a week in a Houston neighborhood (Tiger on Loose in Houston for Nearly a Week Moved to Animal Sanctuary by Julia Jacobo, May 16, 2021, abcnews.go.com).  In 2024, a tiger was on the loose on the Mexico – Texas border after escaping from the Quinta La Fauna Zoo in Reynosa, Mexico, just south of Hidalgo, Texas.  It was captured after nearly a week (Escaped Tiger That Had Texas Communities on Edge Finally Caught by Ariana Garcia, Sept. 10, 2024, chron.com).  In these situations, there is good reason to be very cautious.

However, the words in Proverbs are a lazy man’s excuse for inactivity.  It is as if he is saying, “I cannot go to work.  It is dangerous out there.  I could be killed by a lion” (cf. Proverbs 22:13).

Those who don’t want to do a thing will often come up with excuses that make little or no sense.  Zig Ziglar told the story of a man who did not want to lend his neighbor his lawnmower.  He told him that he couldn’t because all the flights from New York to Los Angeles had been cancelled.  The neighbor wanted to know what that had to do with his borrowing the lawnmower.  The man replied, “Nothing … but if I don’t want to loan you my lawnmower, one excuse is as good as another” (From the book, Something Else to Smile About by Zig Ziglar). What one says and the real reason are sometimes very different things.

Let’s not make excuses.  Let us do the things that we should do.  Many people make excuses for not accepting the Lord’s invitation (cf. Luke 14:15-24).  May we not be guilty. 

Posted in animals, Proverbs | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Foxes, Birds, and Jesus

Posted on March 12, 2025 by Bryan Hodge

“There a certain scribe came and said to Him, ‘Teacher, I will follow you wherever You go.’  And Jesus said to him, ‘Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head” (Matthew 8:19-20; Luke 9:57-58).   

Animals generally have some place that they regard as home.  (1) Foxes have their homes.  They have holes, burrows, earths, or dens.  One source describes these underground homes, in these words – “Foxes sometimes take up residence underground in excavations called earths or dens – these terms are used interchangeably, although earth tends to be a British term, while den is more commonly used in American and European literature.  In some early, particularly hunting, literature an earth is occasionally referred to as a ‘kennel’ or ‘lair.’  At its most simplistic, an earth is a hole dug into the ground, with a hollowed-out chamber at the end of the entrance tunnel where the fox sleeps and in which cubs are raised.  The chambers are typically between one and three metres (3-10 feet) below ground, with tunnels generally leading to more than one entrance (a main entrance and emergency exit); in his Walker’s Carnivores of the World, Ronald Nowak gives the largest number of entrances for a single earth as 19.  The entrance tunnel is typically between 5 and 7 metres (16-23 feet), although they may reach up to 17 m. long (56 feet)…  In a survey of fox earths and various habitats around Saarbrucken in western Germany, Darius Weber found that foxes dug 44% of earths themselves, with the rest either being the work of other animals, or situated in bunkers, caves or craters.  In this study, foxes frequently used rabbit burrows or badger setts; the use of the latter by foxes has been well documented in Britain and Europe” (Red Fox Dens / Earths & Resting Sites, wildlifeonline.me.uk).  Foxes also live in hollows of trees, caves, under sheds, and beneath wooden decks.  (2) Birds also have their homes. (a) Some are large.  Eagles make huge nests and sometimes use these nests for many years. “The largest Bald Eagle nest on record was near St. Petersburg, Florida.  It measured over nine feet wide, 20 feet deep, and weighed over 4, 400 pounds!  Another in Ohio was used by a pair for 34 years and weighed over two tons.  Their nests are huge because eagle pairs reuse the same nest for decades, adding new material every breeding season” (Birds That Build the Largest Nests (The Bald Eagle Tops the List!), a-zanimals.com).  The Orange-Footed Scrub Fowl, is a ground dwelling bird which is native to Australia.  It is an amazing builder.  Its nest which is built on the ground can reach 15 feet high and 30 feet in diameter (ibid). (b) Some are small. Guessess World Records says, “The smallest nests are built by hummingbirds. That of the vervain hummingbird (Mellisuga minima) is about half the size of a walnut shell, while the deeper but narrower one of the bee hummingbird (M. helenae) is thimble-sized (Smallest bird nest, guinnessworldrecords.com). (c) Some are used for many years. The Cliff Swallows of San Juan Capistrano, California are famous.  Each March millions of these Swallows return to the same site in California from their winter home in Goya, Argentina.  That site is Mission San Juan Capistrano.  They stay until October and then leave again for Argentina.  The dates are very predictable.  The arrive on or about March 19.  They depart on or about October 23.  They have been doing this since the early 1800’s.  This was disrupted for a while in recent years.  A restoration of the mission occurred in the 1990’s.  The mud nests that were used year after year were removed.  The birds returned to town but built elsewhere.  An effort was made to lure them back by building man made nests.  It successfully worked (see The Swallows of Capistrano, March 19, 2017, birdnotes.org; Also, Why the Swallows Stopped Returning to San Juan Capistrano and how People Brought Them Back by Kurt Snibbe, November 21, 2018, ocregister.com).

Jesus had no home of his own.  He and his disciples stayed in the homes of others (e.g. Luke 9:1-6; 10:1-12; 19:5).  He was constantly on the move. Many preachers today also live without a long-term place on earth that they can call home.

This scribe needed to understand what it would mean to follow Jesus.  He needed to count the cost (Luke 14:28). 

Are we willing to pay the cost that is involved in following Jesus?  He must be first.  We must be willing to give up anything which stands in the way of following him.  He said, “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.  And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple… Whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:25-33).            

Posted in animals, Dedication, Priorities | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Don’t Muzzle An Ox

Posted on March 12, 2025 by Bryan Hodge

“You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain” (Deuteronomy 25:4 cf. 1 Corinthians 9:9; 1 Timothy 5:18).

This may concern a rented or borrowed animal.  Consider these words, “There are two basic options for the identity of the man to whom this command is directed: he is either (1) the owner of the ox, or (2) the someone borrowing or renting the ox… If the command is directly to the owner of the ox… it is difficult to understand why the stipulation is required in the first place.  Oxen were viewed as property, and there was a built-in motivation for maintaining one’s property to perform at a maximum level.  It is difficult to see why the command would make it into mosaic law given the self-interest that would already ensure such action… This leaves us with the situation of a man borrowing or renting an ox to thresh his own grain.  In that event, his self-interest would entail preserving as much of his threshed grain as possible; on the other hand, he would have no intrinsic motivation to let the ox eat of his grain.  If the animal ended up in a weakened state or unhealthy as a result, the situation does not result in any economic loss of his end” (Justin Taylor, Do Not Muzzle the Ox: Does Paul Quote Moses out of Context?, August 28, 2012, thegospelcoalition.org).  Furthermore, consider the context.  All other laws in context concern humans.  “Deuteronomy 25:4 in context is not fundamentally a law about how to treat animals humanely but rather a law about how to properly treat the property you are borrowing or renting from someone” (ibid).  This makes sense.  However, there are those who do mistreat even their own animals (Proverbs 12:10).

Paul quotes this verse twice: (1) In 1 Corinthians 9:9, he uses this passage to argue that preachers have the right to financial support.  He says, “If we have sown spiritual things for you, it is a great thing if we reap your material things?” (1 Corinthians 9:11).  (2) In 1 Timothy 5:18, he uses this passage to argue that elders have the right to financial support.  He not only quotes Deuteronomy 25:4, but also, quotes Luke 10:7 which says, “The laborer is worthy of his wages.”  It is worth pointing out that he refers to both passages as “The Scripture.” 

We should treat others fairly (cf. Matthew 7:12).  “The laborer is worthy of his wages” (Luke 10:7; 1 Timothy 5:18). 

Posted in animals, Elders and Deacons, law of moses, Preachers | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Earth Day

Posted on March 12, 2025 by Bryan Hodge

The father of Earth Day was Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin.  He was deeply concerned over the Cuyahoga River in Ohio catching fire (June, 1969) and the Santa Barbara, California oil spill (January. 1969).  Nelson recruited Denis Hayes (commonly dubbed “Mr. Earth Day”) to organize “teach-ins” on college campuses in order to raise awareness of environmental issues.  The first Earth Day occurred on April 22, 1970 (coincidentally, this was the 100th birthday of Vladimir Lenin.  Earth Day supporters deny any connection).  “Earth Day inspired 20 million Americans – at the time 10% of the total population of the United States – to take to the streets, parks, and auditoriums to demonstrate against the impacts of 150 years of industrial development which lad left a growing legacy  of serious human health impacts…” (Our History, earthday.org).  “In 1990, Hayes organized a global Earth Day, with more than 200 million participants in more than 140 countries” (Earth Day, education.nationalgeographic.org).

What should Christians think of Earth Day?  Here are a few thoughts: (1) There is nothing wrong with wanting to protect the environment.  We should be good stewards of what God has given to us (Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 20:19-20; Proverbs 12:10; John 6:19-20). 

(2) We should not worship the Earth and creation (Romans 1:25).  In pantheism, there is no distinction between the Creator and the creation.  In panentheism, there is a distinction but not a sharp one.  In Judaism and Christianity there is a sharp distinction (Genesis 1:1; Numbers 23:19; Deuteronomy 4:15-19; Psalm 100:3; Isaiah 14:12-15; Ezekiel 28:1-2; Acts 17:24-25, 30-31; Romans 1:25, etc.).  God, not creation, should be worshiped.

(3) We should remember that while it is a good thing to care for this earth, this earth will not last.  We look for “a new heavens and a new earth” (2 Peter 3:10-13).  This earth is not our ultimate home.

(4) There are things which are even more important than protection of the planet.  (a) Man is here to seek the Lord and find Him (Acts 17:26-27).  If a man does not do this, no matter what else that he accomplishes, he has missed the point of life.  (b) We should live for eternity (2 Peter 1:5-11; Mark 8:36-37).  (c) We should seek to save others (Romans 1:14-16; Acts 8:4; 1 Peter 2:9-10).  (d) We should seek to bring glory on Earth to God (1 Corinthians 6:20; 10:31).  Let us not neglect these things.

Posted in History, holiday, Nature, Priorities, stewardship, worship | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Demons and Swine

Posted on March 6, 2025 by Bryan Hodge

“Now a large herd of swine was feeding there near the mountains.  So all the demons begged Him, saying, ‘Send us to the swine, that we may enter them.’  And at once Jesus gave them permission.  Then the unclean spirits went out and entered the swine (there was about two thousand); and the herd ran violently down the steep place into the sea, and drowned in the sea” (Mark 5:11-13; also, Matthew 8:30-32; Luke 8:32-33). 

This happened in the country of Gadarenes or Gerasenes (Mark 5:1 cf. Matthew 8:28; Luke 8:26).  Why the two place names?  Caleb Colley explains, “Matthew, Mark and Luke were writing of the same general.  The Roman city Gerasa was a famous city that would have been familiar to a Gentile audience, but Gadara, as the capital city of the Roman province of Perea was the chief of the ten cities in Decapolis, so even those who lived in Gerasa could have been called Gadarenes… It is clear that Matthew, Mark, and Luke did not contradict each other… In this instance, each writer intended to draw attention to an area close to the Sea of Galilee” (Caleb Colley, Did Jesus Go to Gerasa or Gadara?, apologeticspress.org).  Albert Barnes explains, “There is no contradiction… in the evangelists.  He came into the region in which two cities were situated, and one evangelist mentioned one, and the other another” (The Gospels, p. 91, comments on Matthew 8).  We should understand that Decapolis was ten Greek/Roman cities; This area was predominately gentile.     Here are some things that are clear from the Biblical text: (1) Jesus was recognized by demons (Matthew 8:29).  (2) Demons understood that there would be a coming time of torment for them (Matthew 8:29 cf. Luke 8:28, 31). (3) Jesus demonstrated great power.  At his word, a legion of demons were cast out (Matthew 8:30-31 cf., Mark 5:9-13; Luke 8:30-33).  (4) Some people have wrong priorities (Matthew 8:33-34).  They prioritize pork over people, swine over salvation, sausage over the Savior. 

Why did the demons ask to enter the swine?  We don’t know for sure.  Here are some possibilities which have been suggested: (1) It may be that they desired to inhabit bodies (cf. Luke 11:24-26).  This seems to have merit.  If so, why did these demons kill the swine?  It is possible that they did not intend to do so.  (2) It may be that they wanted to cause harm.  Physical and mental harm is associated with demon possession (cf. Mark 5:5; 5:13; 9:22).  (3) It may be that this was done to turn people against Jesus.  If this were intended, it had some success (cf. Mark 5:17). 

Why did Jesus grant their request?  Once again, we don’t know.  Here are some possibilities which have been suggested: (1) He may have wanted to demonstrate the real presence of these evil demons.  This was not the case of a mere deranged mind.  Roy Lanier Sr. commenting on Mark 5 wrote, “I am not a physician, but I do not know of any human disease which could so quickly be contracted by hogs that would cause the hogs to jump into the sea” (Lanier, 20 Years of the Problem Page, Vol. 1, p. 124).  (2) He may have wanted to expose the true nature of evil.  It leads to distress and destruction.  (3) Some have suggested that this was allowed for punishment.  It is thought, by some, that the owners or keepers of the swine may have been Israelites.  However, this is far from certain.  This area was associated with gentiles.  (4) Some have suggested that Jesus allowed this to expose the improper priorities of the people of that area. They certain had improper priorities. However, it is not clear that this is the reason. (5) Moreover, some suggest that he may have wanted to show that it wasn’t Israel alone who rejected him; gentiles did as well (assuming these were gentiles, which is possible but not certain).  However, it is not clear that this is the reason.  

Lessons

One: Jesus wanted the healed man to do something after being healed.  He said, “Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you” (Mark 5:19).  We are told, “And he departed and began to proclaim in Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him; and all marveled” (Mark 5:20).  We are to do the same (1 Peter 2:9-10; Acts 8:4).           

    Two: Jesus had power over evil.  He had power to heal the demon possessed.  He also had power to heal us of sin (Matthew 9:4-7; 26:28; Acts 2:36-38; 1 John 1:7).

    Posted in animals, Apologetics, Demons, Priorities | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

    Even the Dogs

    Posted on February 27, 2025 by Bryan Hodge

    “Then she came and worshipped Him, saying, ‘Lord, help me!’  But He answered and said, ‘It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.   And she said, ‘Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.’  Then Jesus answered and said to her, ‘O woman, great is your faith!  Let it be as you desire.  ‘And her daughter was healed from that very hour” (Matthew 15:25-28 cf. Mark 7:25-30). 

    The place was in the region of Tyre and Sidon.  These were cities of Phoenicia   (today located in Lebanon).  This was gentile land.

    Why was Jesus and his disciples there?  Perhaps, this was a short retreat from the crowds, a vacation.  We are told that Jesus “entered a house and wanted no one to know it” (Mark 7:24).

    A woman came to him.  Matthew describes her as “a woman of Canaan from that region” (Matthew 15:22).  Mark described her as “a Greek, a Syro-Phoenician by birth” (Mark 7:26).  She had a daughter that was demon possessed.

    At first, Jesus did not answer her (Matthew 15:23).  Why not?  Did he not care?  Surely, this is not the answer.  I believe that: (1) Jesus was responding as a typical Jew would, and even as his disciples would.  (2) He is doing so to reveal her great faith and to teach the disciples a lesson.

    The disciples did not want to be bothered by the woman.  They urged Jesus, “Send her away, for she cries out after us” (Matthew 15:23).  They had no time for her. Did they want Jesus to send her away without helping her? Some think this is the case. Did they want Jesus to quickly give her what she wants and send her away? Some think this is possibly the meaning. Either way, they seem to want to get rid of her.

    Jesus finally spoke saying, “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matthew 15:28).  Was this addressed to the woman?  Or was Jesus replying to the disciples?  Commentators are divided.  Either way, she heard what Jesus said.  Here are a couple of things to keep in mind: (1) It is true that Jesus’ mission was to Israel (Matthew 1:21; Luke 1:68, 77 cf. 2:32; Matthew 10:5-6; Romans 15:8).  (2) However, it should be remembered that Jesus already had shown interest in and had done kind acts for non-Israelites (See John 4:5-42; Matthew 8:5-13).  [Note: The word Jesus used for “dog” was not the word which is else-where used to describe poor character (kuon, Matthew 7:6; Philippians 3:2; 2 Peter 2:22; Revelation 22:15). The word used (kunarion) is softer. It was used of puppies and household pets (see BDAG). Marvin Vincent says, ” The picture is of a family meal with the pet house-dogs running around the table” (studylight.org)]

    The woman did not give up.  She was persistent.  She acknowledged the priority of Israel in his mission.  Then, she said, ‘even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table” (Matthew 15:27). Her response was perfect, on cue.

    Jesus responded favorably.  He commends her great faith.  Twice Jesus pointed out gentiles with great faith (Matthew 8:10; 15:28).  He healed her daughter. 

    Lessons

    Here are some lessons for us to learn: (1) In life there are responsibilities, and priorities which come with these responsibilities.  A Christian is provided these priorities: (a) The first priority is his household (immediate family); (b) The second is his own (extended family, family not living with him); (c) Third is the household of faith (church members); (d) Fourth is all others as one has opportunity (See: 1 Timothy 5:3-4, 8, 16; Galatians 6:10).  Time and other resources must be prioritized.  (2) Even when a matter is outside one’s mission or priorities, if good may be done without sacrificing or harming the mission, then it should be done.  “Even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table” (Matthew 15:27).  “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10).  (3) Some gentiles had great faith (Matthew 8:10; 15:28).  We should not judge one’s spiritual interest by his nationality.  Faith is individual.  I believe that Jesus wanted his disciples to see this.  He had other sheep to call (John 10:16).  He would send the apostles into all the world (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; Luke 24:46-49; Acts 1:8).

    Posted in animals, Faith, Word Study | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

    Dogs and Hogs

    Posted on February 20, 2025 by Bryan Hodge

    Dogs and hogs are both intelligent animals.  Both frequently appear on lists of the most intelligent animals. 

    However, there are things that are not appreciated or valued by these animals.  Consider how Jesus used this in his teaching. 

    “Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and tear you in pieces” (Matthew 7:6). 

    The holy is not to be presented to dogs.  To what does “holy” refer?  (1) This seems to refer to that which has been sacrificed to God.  In some sacrifices, the priests and holy worshippers were permitted to eat part of the meat (e.g. Leviticus 6:24-30; 7:15-21).  What was not ate was to be burned (Leviticus 7:17).  It was not to be fed to the dogs.  They would not appreciate the meaning and significance of the sacrifice (2) William Barclay suggested that an earring could be intended.  He explained that the Hebrew word for holy (kadash or qadosh) and the Aramaic word for earring (kadasha or qadasha) contain the same consonants and that Hebrew was then written without vowels (William Barclay, The Gospel of Matthew, studylight.org).  It is an interesting theory.  However, the current textual evidence that we have is from Greek manuscripts, not Hebrew. No standard English translation renders it “earring” (The Passion Translation does).

    Pearls are not for swine.  They will not appreciate the value of the pearls (cf. Matthew 13:45-46).  They want food, not pearls.  Consider these words by J.W. McGarvey, “If a herd of hungry and ferocious hogs are called to be fed, and instead of grain you throw them a basket of pearls, they will not only trample the pearls under their feet, but in their eagerness for the expected food they may rush upon you, pull you down, and tear you to pieces” (J.W. McGarvey, On Matthew and Mark, p. 70).  We should keep in mind that the swine are probably feral or undomesticated.  Swine was unclean to Israelites (Leviticus 11:7-8; Deuteronomy 14:8). 

    What is the message?  This is not about literal dogs and hogs.  (1) This concerns correction (notice context Matthew 7:1-6).  Jesus is teaching that not all will properly receive correction (cf. Proverbs 9:7-8; 15:12; 23:9).  J.W. McGarvey commented, “Some men, when you press the claims of truth on their attention, will not only despise the truth, but persecute you for annoying them with it.  When such men are known they are to be avoided” (ibid).  (2) There is an application to preaching.  The kingdom of heaven is compared to a pearl of great price (Matthew 13:45-46).  However, not all will appreciate its value.  Consider these words, “In the teaching of the truth we must spend some time in judging or discerning the receptiveness of the people we are seeking to reach.  This can be readily seen by the way they treat the word.  If they have no more regard for truth than a ‘dog’ has for holiness or a ‘hog’ has for pearls, then we should move on to more fruitful fields of endeavor.  The Bible is too sacred a volume to allow godless souls to trample it underfoot and even persecute us for presenting the ‘Good News’” (Kerry Knight in the book The Sermon on the Mount, 7th Annual Spiritual Sword Lectureship, p. 231).  Time is short.  Those needing salvation are many.  If someone makes clear that he does not appreciate the message, then move on to another who does appreciate it.  Let us not waste precious time and energy on those without interest.     

    Fun Fact:  Have you heard of Hogzilla?  It was shot in Alapaha, Georgia in 2004 by Chris Griffin on Ken Holyoak’s hunting preserve.  It was reported to have been 12 feet long and weighted 1,000 pounds.  National Geographic exhumed the body.  They concluded that it was between 7 ½ and 8 feet long and weighed 800 pounds.  It was a hybrid of wild and domesticated swine (The Mystery of Hogzilla Solved, abcnews.go.com; Legend of Hogzilla Proven True, espn.com).

    Posted in animals, evangelism, Preaching | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

    Pigs with Gold Rings

    Posted on February 12, 2025 by Bryan Hodge

    “As a ring of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a lovely woman who lacks discretion” (Proverbs 11:22).

    The book of Proverbs contains many wise sayings, that set forth advice and general truths for life.  These are designed to keep people, especially  young men, from mistakes and bad choices in life (cf. Proverbs 1:1-6, 8-9, 10; 2:1-2; 3:1-4, 11-12; 4:1-2, 10-13, 20-22; 5:1-6, 7-13, 20-21; 6:1-5, 20-24; 7:1-5, etc.). 

    One of the greatest decisions one makes in life is whom to marry. This book says much about this.  Consider: (1) “An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones” (Proverbs 12:4).  (2) “Better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, than in a house shared with a contentious woman (Proverbs 21:9).  (3) “Better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and angry woman” (Proverbs 21:19).  (4) “Who can find a virtuous wife?  For her worth is far above rubies” (Proverbs 31:10).  (5) “Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised” (Proverbs 31:30).

    In the text quoted above (Proverbs 11:22), a simile (a figure of speech which makes a comparison using “like” or “as”) is set forth.  A woman without discretion (translated “judgment” in Psalm 119:66) is compared to a swine.  Her loveliness or physical beauty is compared to a gold ring.  The point is that physical beauty does not overcome ugliness of her character.  It is in modern words: “lipstick on a pig.” 

    True beauty is found in godliness.  “Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised” (Proverbs 31:30). Consider this modern saying: “Beauty is but skin deep, ugly to the bone. And when beauty fades away, ugly claims its own.”

    Posted in animals, Marriage, Proverbs | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment