Thoughts After a Year

Posted on January 24, 2025 by Bryan Hodge

It has been more than a year since I was detained, interrogated for hours, denied entry, locked up, threatened with prosecution, and unceremoniously sent home by immigration officials in India.  This writing is designed to explain what happened and provide my thoughts a year later.

Details

The immigration officer, at his cubicle, looked through my passport and asked: “Where is your visa?”  I showed it to him.  It was on the page that he had already produced for him.  He said, “No, your other visa.”  He said, “This is a tourist visa.  You need a missionary visa.”  I had not yet stated the purpose of my visit.  Immediately, I realized that I must be on some list.  I replied that I did not need a missionary visa.  I explained that I had carefully read the details concerning the various visas available.  I was not a missionary according to the description on their website. 

He asked why I was there.  I told him that I was there to see friends.  He asked if these friends were church members.  I informed him that they were. He asked if I planned to assemble and worship with these friends. I said that I did.  Again, he said, “You need a missionary visa.”  Again, I disputed this point. 

He asked to see my phone.  He went into my pictures.  He found some pictures of baptisms which had been recently sent to me from a preacher in India.  He asked, “What is this?”  I answered that it looked like baptisms to me.  Then, I pointed out that the dates on these pictures. I was not in India when these pictures were taken a few weeks earlier.

He wanted to further interrogate me.  He closed his cubicle and moved me to a bench outside his supervisor’s office.  He questioned me over the next few hours.  He would ask a few questions, leave for an extended period of time, and returned with more questions.  This cycle occurred many times.  (1) He searched my phone’s contact list.  He took down the names and numbers of those with names or numbers of obvious Indian origin.  He asked me where each of these lived and if they were church members.  (2) He took me to a computer and pulled up pictures of church buildings (Catholic, Anglican, Church of South India, etc.) from the places in which my contacts lived.  He asked, “Is this where they attend?”  He showed me many pictures.   He became frustrated and accused me of lying when I told him that none of the church buildings were where my friends attended. I suppose that if it is not on the internet, then it must not exist. (3) He asked me if I was a Catholic or a Protestant.  I told him that I was neither Catholic nor Protestant.  He claimed that these were the only options.  I told him that I was simply a Christian.  He asked me to explain to him the difference between Catholic and Protestant.  I tried to provide him a simple answer.  It was clear to me that he understood very little about these things, or the Bible itself.  (4) He asked to what church I belonged.  I told him I was a member of the church of Christ.  He said that there was no such church.  I insisted that it existed.  (5) He asked several political questions.  He asked for whom I would cast my vote in the next presidential election.  I told him that I did not know whom the nominees would be and asked “do you?”  He asked for whom I voted in the last election.  I told him that I did not see what that had to do with my entry into his country.  He asked if I was a Republican or a Democrat.  When I refused to answer, he said, “You are from Texas.  Your Senators are Cornyn and Cruz.  They are both Republicans.  Therefore, you must be a Republican.”  I told him that that did not logically follow.  (6) He asked me why I had visited certain cities in the past.  Note: For the last several years, hotels have been required to scan the passports of their foreign guests.  I told him that in some places it was due to travel, in other places I was visiting friends or visiting with a church, and in some cases, I was vacationing.  (7) He asked me how much money I was carrying on me.  I thought here it is; he wants a bribe.  However, he never asked for such.  I told him that I had about $3,000 (USD).  He said, “That is too much.”  I told him that it was not.  I was allowed to carry up to $5,000 without declaring it.  He said that I was correct.  However, I did not need to carry that much.  (8) He asked me what I was going to do with the money.  I told him that the money would be used for food, lodging, travel, possible unexpected needs, and possibly gifts to my friends.  He said that if I gave any money to any church member for any reason (e.g., medical assistance, educational assistance, transportation) it could be viewed as illegal activity.  (9) He then mentioned a few names. These were church members from America.  He asked my relationship with them.  I told him that they were Christians known to me.  He asked when they would return to India.  I told him that I had no idea. (10) He produced a handwritten statement for me to sign.  It read something like, “I, William Bryan Hodge, passport number xxxxxx, did knowingly try to illegally enter the country of India on the date of xxxx.”  I refused to sign.  He asked, “What shall I do with this statement?”  I answered, “I don’t care.  Eat it if you like.” (It was time to eat.)

He informed me that I had twenty-four hours to find a way out of the country or they would prosecute me.  I called my wife who went to work.  It was not easy.  All flights were booked on all carriers.  However, American Airlines, working with British Airways, found a way to get me home.

Next, he instructed a soldier to lock me up.  I was taken to a small holding room with bars on the door.  I was locked inside with a guard assigned to sit outside the room.  Hours went by without food or water.  When the shifts changed a new guard was assigned outside the door.  He opened the door and entered.  He quietly said that he too was a Christian.  He apologized for my treatment and said this was becoming common.  He asked if I needed anything.  I told him that my phone needed charging and that I could use some food and drink.  He charged my phone from a plug which was visible from the bars on my door.  He brought me some food and water. He purchased this himself from a restaurant in the airport.  I think it had been about seventeen hours since I had eaten or drunk anything. He told me that he would stay on duty and take care of me until I departed the country.  He did.

I boarded a flight to London the next day. An immigration officer handed my passport to a British Airways pilot and told him to not give it back to me until I landed. 

At Heathrow Airport in London, I met a young Nigerian in the wee hours of the morning.  He lived in London, where he worked as an accountant, and was traveling to Nigeria to propose to his girlfriend but had missed his flight.  It was just the two of us in an empty, very cold part of the airport (the heat seemed to be off).  He was reading a book about miracles.  He asked me if I was a Christian.  I told him that I was.  He said that he had many questions about the Bible.  He said that he was not able to work miracles as some claimed to be able; did this mean that he wasn’t a Christian?  We had a Bible study in the airport. We spent several hours together. When the coffee and pastry shop opened, we were the first customers. We continued our talk until our flights separated us. One never knows when and where opportunities will arise.

Five days after I had departed for India, I was back home.  I had not changed clothes, or bathed, in five days. I must have looked and smelled a mess.  But my wife and friends welcomed me back with open arms. 

Thoughts

1.  This was a major event in my life.  It so troubled me that I refused to write about it for a year.  I had traveled to India dozens of times over the last nearly a quarter century. I made my first trip in January 2002, just a few months after that terrible day of 9-11. I have helped some churches become organize with elders and deacons. Brethren in America sent help to some of these churches after the 2004 tsunami (note: amazingly, one church in India returned the kindness and sent help to the congregation where my parents attend after a hurricane struck the gulf coast).  Over the years, I have been a part in thousands of baptisms and have helped plant a few churches.  An entire 7th Day Adventist church was converted on one trip. I have been allowed to speak at Baptist churches, Pentecostal churches, and 7th Day Adventist churches, Preachers have been converted. Some of the brethren have become like family to me. In some congregations, I have worked with three generations of family members. I have watched children grow up, marry, and have children. One city honored me at holiday event and thanked me for working in their city. I have spoken to children in a private school. I have taught classes in two schools of preaching in India. One of the schools has had as many as 100 students in class. Alas, I may not ever be able to go back. It still truly saddens me.

2.  I have come to realize that this is not the end of my work. I am now teaching the book of Acts to some Indian brethren by Zoom each Monday morning.  I am answering questions by email and through WordPress. I have discussed the possibility of meeting a couple of preachers in another country.

3.  I am so thankful for the fervent prayers that went up for me. Many prayed for my safe return home.

4.  We need to keep the Indian brethren in our prayers.  Some leaders of that country want India to be Hindu only. It is not easy being a Christian in India today.

5. It is their work. Ultimately, this work must be carried on by the brethren in India, I have known this all along. I believe that they will continue the good work.

6.  Critics abound. Word came to me that one supporting congregation had those in a business meeting who questioned supporting me on another trip (to a different country) because I had been kicked out of a country.  The preacher told me that some thought that we should not alienate countries but work with them.  This is from a group of men who have never been on an evangelistic trip to a foreign country and who did not know the facts (nor, had they contacted me to clarify the facts). Someone has said that if you want to avoid criticism: say nothing, do nothing, be nothing. It seems to me that this is the philosophy of many. Let us not be content being “armed chair quarterbacks.” Theodore Roosevelt once said ” It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena …” Let us each be in the arena seeking to bring souls to Christ, and edify our brothers and sisters in Christ, and may we do this to the glory of God. Let us go everywhere preaching the word (Acts 8:4).

7. Accurate information. One preacher told me that he had read my report of what happened. I am not sure what he read; however, I have not released a written report on this until now.

Let’s some things straight.  (1) What I do is illegal in India even with a missionary visa.  “A Missionary visa is granted to a foreigner whose sole objective of visiting India is missionary work not involving proselytization.  Visa shall NOT be granted to preachers and evangelists who desire to come to India on propagation campaigns, whether on their own or at the invitation of any organization in India.”  Those who may be granted a missionary visa includes, “Bishops, superiors, etc. of foreign missionary organizations who desire to visit or inspect the workings of their institution in India” (Details of visas granted by India, mha.gov.in).  Notice, evangelism is not legal for foreigners.  Moreover, I do not claim to be a Bishop (overseer) or supervisor of any church in India. Countries that issue missionary or religious visas do so for a couple of reasons. They may do so to expedite entry for missionaries and religious workers. They may do so to limit or restrict missionary activities. The latter clearly is what India is doing. (2) Technically, a missionary visa is not available to me.  The Minister of Home Affairs says, “Applications from foreign missionaries coming to work in new foreign missionary centres will be considered only if the society concerned has obtained permission from the Government of India for opening the centre.  A list of recognized foreign missionary societies in India is given in Appendix X.  No new society will ordinarily be recognized” (mha.gov.in).  The List of Recognized Catholic Societies include 65 societies.  The List of Recognized Protestant Societies include 48 denominations and societies.  These organizations are greater than an individual local church.  The church of Christ is not recognized.  This is probably why the officer insisted that the church of Christ did not exist.  Let us realize that all authority ultimately resides in God.  No earthly government has authority to hinder the preaching of the Gospel (Acts 4:18-20; 5:27-29).  This is an over-reach of the authority delegated to them.  Let us be as bold as lions. Furthermore, let us be as wise as serpents and as harmless as doves.

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Worshipping as Dogs

Posted on January 15, 2025 by Bryan Hodge

“You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only shall you serve” (Matthew 4:10 cf. Deuteronomy 6:13).

“God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24).

The affection commonly seen in a dog for its master is amazing.  When the Master comes home the dog’s tail wags.  The dog may run and jump.  The dog may even lick the master’s hand.  The dog is happy to be in the presence of the master. 

What does this have to do with worship?  The word translated “worship” in the passage above is proskuneo.  It is derived from pros (meaning: to or towards) and kuneo (meaning: kiss).  Some believe that kuneo (meaning: kiss) is derived from kuon (meaning: dog).  One source suggests, “It evolved from its original meaning to represent first the kiss of ‘a dog licking a hand,’ and then simply, ‘to kiss’ …The basic meaning of proskuneo is ‘to bow down to the ground before someone and kiss his feet, the hem of his garment, or the ground in front of him” (Bill Klein, Greek Thoughts, studylight.org). 

It is not wise to read too much into the origin of words.  The etymological fallacy assumes that a word’s current or intended usage is tied to, or is similar to, a word’s origin.  For example: (1) If someone today speaks of “September,” “October,” “November,” or “December” – he probably does not mean the seventh, eighth, nineth or tenth month of the year.  (2) If someone today speaks of “manure” – he probably is not speaking of working with hands or cultivating land by hand. (3) If someone today speaks of “disaster” – he probably is not speaking of a star.

However, I say that we can learn from the dog.  Wouldn’t it be great if all approached God with the devotion and loving affection that a dog has for its master?

*I want to credit brother Danny Rager of Bridgeport, Alabama for prompting these thoughts.  He and I discussed these things on a recent trip to Guyana. 

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Hanukkah: Feast of Dedication Or Festival of Lights

Posted on December 24, 2024 by Bryan Hodge

Hanukkah or Chanukkah (Hebrew meaning Dedication) is an annual Jewish holiday. It is celebrated over eight consecutive days (in 2024, it occurs beginning on the evening of December 25 through January 2).  It celebrates the rededication of the Temple in 164 B.C. following Antiochus IV desecration of the temple and the Maccabees’ successful revolt [See 1 Maccabees 4:36-59; 2 Maccabees 10:5-8: Josephus, The Antiquities of the Jews 12.7.7 (323-325)].  Jewish tradition claims that when the menorah was relit there was sufficient oil for only one day.  A messenger was sent to procure more oil.  During this time a miracle occurred which kept the menorah burning for eight days until more oil could be procured.  This tradition is not mentioned until centuries later (History: The Hanukkah Story, reformjudaism.org).  Neither the Maccabees nor Josephus mention this or give this as the reason for the eight days of celebration.  The reason given connects it to the Feast of Tabernacles (2 Maccabees 10:5-8). 2 Maccabees reads, “They keep the eight days with joy, after the manner of the feast of tabernacles, remembering that not long before they had kept the feast of the tabernacles when they were in the mountains, and in dens, like wild beasts” (2 Maccabees 10:5-8). Why is it called “The Festival (or Feast) of Lights”? Josephus says, “We celebrate this festival, and call it Lights. I suppose the reason was, because this liberty beyond our hopes appeared to us; and that hence was the name given to that feast” (Antiquities 12.7.7)

Did you know that this Feast of Dedication is mentioned in the Bible?  “Now it  was the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem, and it was winter.  And Jesus walked in the Temple, in Solomon’s porch” (John 10: 22-23). 

On this occasion, the Jews (Jewish leadership) demanded that he tell them if he was the Christ (John 10:24).  Jesus answered, “I told you, and you do not believe.  The works that I do in My Father’s name, they bear witness of Me” (John 10:25).  He pointed them to the miraculous evidence.

Jesus then claimed to be able to give eternal life to those who follow him.  Moreover, he said, “I and My Father are one” (John 10:25-29).  The literal language is “I and the Father, we are one.”  In context, this means one in purpose. 

Their reaction?  They wanted to kill Him.  They believed that he was guilty of blasphemy (John 10:31-32). 

He again pointed them to the evidence.  He said, “If I do not do the works of My Father, do not believe Me, but if I do… believe the works, that you may know and believe that the Father is in me, and I in Him” (John 10:37-38). 

Have you examined the evidence?  It may lead to real dedication.  It may change you from the inside out. Jesus can give you light. He is “the light of the world” (John 8:12).

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Beware of Wolves

Posted on December 10, 2024 by Bryan Hodge

“Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.  You will know them by their fruits.”  (Matthew 7:15-16).

The wolf in sheep’s clothing is an ancient picture of deceit.  Aesop (c. 620-564 B.C.) told the fable: The wolf in sheep’s clothing.  In that fable, the wolf’s disguise leads to its demise (death).

Jesus is warning that some people are not what they appear to be.  They appear to be sheep (followers of Jesus).  In reality, they are wolves (dangers to the sheep).  Jesus is speaking of intentional deception (cf. 1 Timothy 6:5; Titus 1:10-11; 2 Peter 2:3; Jude 16-19).

Jesus’ sheep need to remain alert.  There are deceptive people.  There are false prophets.

There is a need to examine the fruit of these prophets.  What does this mean?  (1) Does it refer to behavior / deeds?  Fruit is used this way (e.g. Matthew 3:8).  (2) Does it refer to words / doctrine or teaching?  Fruit is also used this way (e.g. Matthew 12:23-24, 33-35).  (3) Does it refer to a combination of the two?  It is possible.  However, the warning is of false prophets.  Therefore, the second meaning is probably the idea (cf. 1 John 4:1; Acts 17:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:21; Deuteronomy 18:20-22; 13:1-4).

Lessons for us: (1) We should not be gullible (easily deceived).  (2) Those who claim to be proclaiming God’s word should be subject to fruit inspection (cf. Acts 17:11).  (3) External appearance, a pleasing personality, an eloquent voice, flattering words are not the tests for determining truth.  Error can be presented in an attractive package. 

“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves.  Therefore, be wise as serpents and harmless as doves” (Matthew 10:16).

Jesus is addressing the twelve apostles (cf. Matthew 10:1-ff).  He is warning them of violent men.  Wolves, in this passage, refer to persecutors (consider the context, Matthew 10:16-39), and not to false prophets, as in the previous passage (context determines the intended meaning). 

A wolf is a serious danger to a sheep. The description of persecutors as wolves fitting. (1) Wolves often hunt in packs. The persecutors, in the book of Acts, often find strength in the group or mob (Acts 6:8-12; 13:50; 14:1-2; 14:19; 17:5-9; 17:13-14; 21:27-30; 23:13-14). (2) Wolves sometimes chase their prey over long distances, attempting to wear down their prey. The persecutors, in the book of Acts, sometimes pursue over long distances (Acts 9:1-2; 14:19; 24:1)

Facing such opposition how should the apostles to conduct themselves?  (1) They are to be wise as serpents.  Serpents have a strong sense of self-preservation.  They are cautious. They are watchful. They know how to flee and hide from danger. They know how to retreat into brush, rocks, and crevices (cf. Matthew 10:23).  (2) They are to be harmless (or innocent NASB, ESV) as doves.  Doves are harmless.  They do not seek revenge.  A dove is a symbol of peace.  The idea seems to be that the apostles are to be known as peaceful men (Romans 12:18).  They are to do nothing to bring reproach on the mission (1 Peter 2:21-23; Romans 12:17). 

Lesson for us: (1) There are evil men in this world.  (2) We should be wise.  There is a time to flee (cf. Matthew 10:23).  (3) We should seek to live a life which leads others to God (1 Peter 2:11-12, 21-23). 

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Separating Sheep and Goats

Posted on December 10, 2024 by Bryan Hodge

   “All the nations will be gathering before Him and He will separate them one from another as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats” (Matthew 25:32).

The scene is judgment.  Jesus will judge all nations (that is everyone cf. John 5:22; Acts 17:31; Romans 2:16; 14:10; 2 Corinthians 5:10; 2 Timothy 4:1, 8).  The sheep (the righteous) will be separated from the goats (the unrighteous).    

Can you distinguish, in the animal world, between a sheep and a goat?  Some species (varieties) are easy to distinguish, even for an untrained eye.  Other species are not as easy to distinguish.  However, there are difference.  One source listed the following differences: (1) Sheep have 54 chromosomes.  Goats have 60 chromosomes.  (2) A sheep’s tail hangs down.  A goat’s tail goes up (unless it is sick, frightened, or in distress).  (3) Sheep are grazers, preferring to eat short, tender grasses and clover.  Goats eat leaves, twigs, vines and shrubs.  They are very agile and will stand on their hind legs to reach vegetation.  Sheep graze close to the soil surface.  Goats like to eat the tops of plants.  (4) Sheep have a strong flocking instinct.  Goats are more independent.  (5) Most sheep grow wool coats that need to be sheared.  Most goats have hair coats that do not need to be sheared.  (6) Sheep have an upper lip that is divided by a distinct philtrum (groove).  Goats do not.  (7) Many breeds of sheep are naturally hornless.  Most goats are naturally horned.  (8) Sheep horns tend to curl on the side of the head.  Goat horns are more narrow, upright, and less curved.  (9)  Some sheep have manes.  Some goats have beards.  (10) Male goats tend to produce a stronger odor than sheep (Sheep 101: Sheep and Goats, sheep101.info).

Jesus, the Good Shepherd, distinguishes between His sheep and goats.  Specifically mentioned in context is that he observes how we care for one another (Matthew 25:31-46 cf. Galatians 6:10).  Will he count you as one of His sheep?     

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Seeking Lost Sheep

Posted on November 19, 2024 by Bryan Hodge

“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?  And when he had found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’” (Luke 15:4-6).

In Luke 15 three related parables are set forth by Jesus: The Lost Sheep (some are lost due to neglect or detraction; they wandered away); The Lost Coin (some are lost in ignorance); and The Lost Son (some are lost in rebellion).  Since this series of lessons concern animals, we will limit our study to The Lost Sheep.

A sheep could become lost for many different reasons.  It may become separated from the flock by falling in a pit or being caught in a thicket.  It may have become injured and not kept up with the flock.  It may have become distracted and wandered off.  It may have been spooked and ran.  The animal here seems to have simply strayed, wandered away from the shepherd (cf. Matthew 18:12-14).  Regardless of how it became lost, it was lost. 

Imagine this was your sheep.  Would you miss it?  Would you feel the loss?  Would you value it enough to make effort to find it?  Of course, you would.  And if you were able to find it and bring it home, wouldn’t this bring you joy?  You know that it would.

Why did Jesus tell this parable (and the other two in this chapter)?  The Pharisees and Scribes did not understand why Jesus spent time with “tax collectors and sinners” (Luke 15:1-2).  The point of the parable(s) is that Jesus and heaven value the lost, and rejoice when they repent (Luke 15:7, 10, 32).  Moreover, Jesus wanted the Pharisees and Scribes, and he wants us, to so value people as well (Luke 15:6, 9, 22-32).

More than once, Jesus reasoned from the care of animals to the care of people (Luke 12:6-7; 13:15-16; 14:1-5; 15:1-7).  It is perverted priorities which value animals more than people.  Let’s value people.  Let’s desire their well-being, and especially, their salvation.  Let’s rejoice in their salvation. Think for the words of the song There Were Ninety and Nine by Elizebeth Cecilia Clephane written in 1868. “‘Lord, Thou hast here ninety and nine; are they not enough for Thee?’ But the Shepherd made answer: ‘This of mine has wandered away from me; and though the road be rough and steep, I go to the desert to find my sheep, I go to the desert to find my sheep.’ … And all through the mountains, thunder-riven, and up from the rocky steep, there arose a glad cry to the gate of heaven, ‘Rejoice! I have found my sheep!’ And the angels echoed around the throne, ‘Rejoice, for the Lord brings back His own, Rejoice, for the Lord brings back His own!'”

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Caring For Ox and Donkey

Posted on November 13, 2024 by Bryan Hodge

“Hypocrite!  Do not each of you on the Sabbath loose his ox or donkey from the stall and lead it away to water it?” (Luke 13:15).

“Which of you, having a donkey or an ox that has fallen into a pit, will not immediately pull him out on the Sabbath day?” (Luke 14:5).

Oxen and donkeys were valued in that day.  They were work animals (Deuteronomy 22:10; 1 Kings 19:19; Isaiah 30:24; Job 1:13-15).  The ox was clean to eat (Deuteronomy 14:3-5; 1 Kings 19:21).  The donkey was ridden for transportation (2 Samuel 16:1-2; Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 21:1-11).

Those who valued their animals cared for them.  In this, they did as they should.  “A righteous man regards the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel” (Proverbs 12:10).

They provided for the daily needs, and extended mercy to their animals even on the Sabbath day.  Ordinary work was not to be done on the Sabbath (Exodus 20:8-11; 34:21; Numbers 15:32-35).  However, basic needs could be met (e.g. Exodus 12:16).  Mercy was prioritized (Hosea 6:6 cf. Matthew 12:1-8; Luke 14:1-6).  They understood this when it came to their own animals.

However, they were not consistent.  Some would not allow the same care and mercy to be provided to human beings.  Why?  In large part, it was because they were following and binding the traditions of men (cf. Matthew 15:1-9, 12:1-8).  In addition, it was because they were looking for fault in Jesus (cf. Matthew 12:9-14; Luke 6:6-7; 14:1-2).  Their hatred of him had blinded them from seeing the good that he was doing. Some were hypocrites in their criticism of Jesus (Luk 13:15). Why? Because it was his opposition to Jesus which seems to have motivated him. They understood the law when it came to caring for animals, but not when Jesus cared for people.

Applications for us: (1) We should judge whether a thing is right or wrong by the Bible (Acts 17:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:21).  Human tradition should not be the ultimate standard.  (2) We should not let hatred and bias against or for someone to blind us to the truth.  (3) While we should care about animals, we should not care more about animals than we do people.  Man was created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27 cf. 9:26-27).  Dennis Prager writes, “Over many decades, I have asked high school and college students if they would save their dog (or other beloved pet) or a stranger first if both were drowning.  At least a third have responded that they would save their dog… Another third or more were uncertain… But we who adhere to the Bible’s values would feel obligated to save the stranger first… human beings, not animals, are created in God’s image, and therefore human life is more precious” (The Rational Bible: Deuteronomy, p. 77-78, also p. 217).  We should value people as God does.

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More Valuable Than Sparrows

Posted on November 13, 2024 by Bryan Hodge

“Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin?  And not one of them falls to the ground apart from you Father’s will… Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:29, 31). 

“Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins?  And not one of them is forgotten before God… Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows” (Luke 12:6-7).  

The sparrow is a small bird, which weighs perhaps an ounce.  It is found in many parts of the world.  Sparrows were sold as an inexpensive snack.  One Bible encyclopedia says, “At the present day the markets of Jerusalem and Joffa are attended by many ‘fowlers’ who offer for sale long stings of little birds of various species, chiefly sparrows, wagtails, and larks.  These are also frequently sold plucked, trussed on rows of about a dozen on slender wooden skewers, and are cooked and eaten like kabobs, biblicalcyclopedia.com).    

The wording in Matthew and Luke is slightly different, though the point is the same.  (1) Matthew sets the price for two sparrows for a copper coin (assarion). Luke set the price at five for two copper coins (assarion). There is no difference in meaning.  Sparrows are inexpensive.  There is no contradiction.  Discounts are often given with large quantity.  (2) Matthew reads, “apart from your Father’s will” (NKJV) or “apart from your Father” (ESV). “Will” is supplied by the NKJV translators.  Luke reads, “forgotten before God.”  The meaning is the same.  God knows.  He is aware of what happens to each sparrow. 

In context, Jesus is telling the disciples of the Father’s interest in them.  They would be mistreated and even killed for preaching the Gospel.  The Father would be aware of what they endured and suffered.  He is away of everything on earth, even the death of a small bird.  He cares how men would treat them (cf. Matthew 10:42).  They are reminded of the life to come (cf. Matthew 10:38-39).

When life is difficult and people are unkind and hurtful, when we are mistreated – let us remember that God is aware.  The psalmist wrote, “You number my wanderings; Put my tears in Your bottle; Are they not in Your book?” (Psalm 56:8).  Again, “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints” (Psalm 116:15).  A well known song reminds us, “Oh, yes, He cares, I know He cares \ His heart is touched with my grief \ When the days are weary, the long nights dreary, I know my Savior cares” (Song: Does Jesus Care by Frank E. Graeff).

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Leopard’s Spots

Posted on November 7, 2024 by Bryan Hodge

“Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard its spots?  Then may you also do good who are accustomed to do evil.”  (Jeremiah 13:23).

These words were said to a rebellious people in Judah.  They had grown so accustomed to doing evil that they would not change.  Captivity was coming, if they would not listen (13:17).  They would be scattered (13:24). 

God did not want it this way.  However, they had refused to listen (13:10-11),  and would continue to do so (13:15-17).  The reason for their coming shame was their iniquities (13:22).  They had forgotten the LORD (13:25).

Their current state of rebellion is likened to two things which cannot change.  (1) An Ethiopian cannot change the color of his skin.  (2) A leopard cannot change its spots.     There are two mistakes to avoid in considering this passage.  First, we should not assume that the Ethiopian’s skin or the leopard’s spots are bad.  This is not the point.  The Ethiopian’s dark skin is advantageous for life in Africa.  Darker skin offers protection from the damaging effects of UV radiation.  The leopard’s spots help in camouflage.  The point of comparison is not that these things are bad.  The point is these are things which cannot be changed.  It is possible to become so corrupt in sin that one cannot stop.  Second, we should not assume that these Jews were born rebellious to God.  The Ethiopian was born with dark skin. The leopard was born with spots.  However, these Jews, “would not hear” (13:11).  They had “forgotten” the LORD (13:25).  The point of comparison is not in how things are born.  The point of comparison is in what cannot change.

We should beware of the dangers of sin.  Wayne Jackson comments, “Judah’s sin appeared to be so ingrained that she was beyond changing (v. 23; Hosea 5:4).  Persistent sin can lead to an ingrained pattern of behavior that is almost impossible to break (Ephesians 4:19; 1 Timothy 4:2; 2 Peter 2:14)” (Wayne Jackson, The Prophets, p. 141). 

Bonus facts.  The leopard is incredibly strong.  It is generally considered to be pound for pound the strongest of the big cats.  A large leopard may weigh 165 lbs.  It can carry a carcass weighing as much as 220 lbs. up a tree, even 50 feet, to keep it from other predators such as lions and hyenas.

Many people have difficulty distinguishing between a leopard and a cheetah.  Here are a few of things to look for in identification.  A leopard’s spots form rosettes.  A cheetah’s spots are solid round or oval spots.  Also, cheetah’s have black “tear marks” that run down from the inner corner of their eyes.  A leopard does not.  Leopards are nocturnal (move about more at night).  Cheetahs are diurnal (move about more in daylight).  Cheetahs are much faster (70 – 75 mph v. 36 mph).  Cheetahs are more slenderly built and have proportionately a longer tail.

Many also have difficulty distinguishing between the leopard and the jaguar.  Here are some things to consider.  Leopards are in Africa and Asia.  Jaguars are in North and South America. Leopards have spots. Jaguars have rosettes and spots inside them. Jaguars are larger than leopards (220 – 300 lbs. v. 165 lbs.).  Jaguars are fond of water.  Leopards not as much.

God’s creation is amazing.

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Soaring Like Eagles

Posted on October 15, 2024 by Bryan Hodge

“Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fail, But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:30-31).   

Eagles are efficient in flight.  Wildlife researcher Adam Duerr writes, “Like many people, I am fascinated by bird flight.  Unlike most people, I get to study flight of Golden Eagles for a living.  These large birds move through the landscape primarily by soaring – a style of flying where they hold their wings outward and rarely flap, saving them considerable energy.  Instead of flapping they reply on rising air currents to gain altitude.  Two types of raising air currents provide most lift for soaring eagles.  The first, thermal updrafts, form when energy from the sun heats air at the Earth’s surface and causes it to rise.  Eagles circle within these columns of rising air to gain altitude and then glide out of the thermals to move across the landscape.  The second, orographic updrafts, form when winds are deflected upward by structures such as ridges or hills.  Eagles can soar at relatively low altitude above and along those structures (Fly Like an Eagle? By Adam Duerr, April 9, 2019, americanorinthology.org).  This saves energy.  The Journey North, associated with the University of Wisconsin – Madison Arboretum, had this to say, “It takes a lot of energy to flap such large wings… two scientists who studied eagles, Jon M. Gerrard and Gary R. Bartolotti, write that “Eagles are capable of sustained flapping flight but they usually spend little time doing it.  During the month when Cindy (one of the female eagles they studied) was observed intensively, she averaged less than 2 minutes per hour in flapping flight.  That is not surprising when one considers the large expenditure of energy required by the pectoral and superacoracoid muscles to power the huge wings.  The energy needed to maintain a bird in flat soaring or gliding flight is much less, perhaps a 20th or less the power needed for flapping.  Therefore, eagles will always choose to soar or glide when possible’” (How Eagles Fly, journeynorth.org).

The wings of an eagle are amazing.  They contain winglets at the tip of their wings which reduce drag.  “Dr. Edward F. Blick, who served as a professor in the School of Aerospace at the University of Oklahoma, did extensive wind-tunnel studies at the university with eagles.  In doing research in 1971, Dr. Blick and his colleagues discovered that the eagle’s six-slotted feathers (at the end of each wing) curve upward in gliding flight.  Wind tunnel measurements demonstrated that this design reduced the size of the vortex (whirling current) that emanates from each wing tip.  This, in turn, reduces drag on the wings and allows the eagle to soar great distances on air currents – without even having to beat its wings.  Professor Blick, impressed with the accuracy of the Bible in this regard, stated: ‘Thus 2,700 years after the scripture in Isaiah was written, science has stumbled onto the same truth’” (Wayne Jackson, Science and the Eagle’s Wings, christiancourier.com).

Airplane winglets (upturned ends of the wings) are an example of biomimicry (design by human engineers which mimics what is found in nature, life science, biology).  “When an airplane is in flight, spirals of air are created at the tip of the wing.  This causes drag, which increases fuel consumption… winglets are the upturned ends of airplane wings.  The shape minimizes drag by reducing the size of the vortices created at the end of the wing.  In addition, as the vortices hit the winglet some of the force is converted to thrust, which helps move the plane… soaring birds have upturned wing tips that maximize lift… improving performance and saving energy” (Aerodynamic Wing Additions Inspired by Birds, asknature.org).  Winglets began appearing on airplanes and became common in private and commercial flight in the 1970’s and 1980’s (What Was the First Airliner to Have Winglets? By Omar Memon, simpleflying.com). 

The renewal of strength is mentioned.  The eagle (and other birds) molt (shed old feathers) and produce new feathers.  This may be a reference (cf. Psalm 103:5).    In the passages before us, there is a contrast.  Difficult times were coming.  Even young men would faint.  Strength would be found in waiting on the Lord, trusting in and serving Him.           

The passage mentions three modes of movement in descending order: flying (mount up with wings like eagles), running, and walking.  This may cover different circumstances in life.  Sometimes we are soaring high.  Sometimes we are running to meet urgent needs.  Life is fast paced.  Sometimes we are walking.  Things move more slowly.  Yet, those who wait on the LORD continue onward.  They do not grow weary (Galatians 6:9).  In the return from Babylonian captivity, the Israelites would first soar to heights of joy.  Then, they would run to make preparation for the return.  Then, they would begin the long walk home (Homer Hailey, A Commentary on Isaiah, p. 340).  We too experience different circumstances in life.  Homer Hailey provides this, “The joyous enthusiasm and hope we experience with conversion, soaring on high as with wings on an eagle, are followed by eager preparation, learning and building a foundation of faith, and running without growing weary; but before the heavenly home is reached, there is yet the long journey of trials and testing – a walk on which the sojourner of faith shall not faint.  In the wearisome and monotonous everyday walk of life faith may at times become dull and hope dim; in such hours look up and grasp a new vision of God and heaven” (ibid).                                                          

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