2 Corinthians 11:3 But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
In Ancient Greece, mythology and history were hard to distinguish. Tales of gods and demigods abounded. The chief god of Mount Olympus was Zeus. It is told that Zeus became enamored with the princess Europa and decided to seduce and ravish her. Zeus shape-shifted, transforming himself into a tame white bull. Europa, the daughter of King Agenor of Sidon, was picking flowers, when she saw the bull, and then climbed on his back. Zeus carried her away. The Romans later recounted the tale which became known as the “seduction of Europa”, (with the Roman “Jupiter” replacing Zeus).
It seems telling that modern Europe has adopted this story and symbol as an identifying emblem: a “Woman riding a Beast”, known as “Europa”. The symbol is depicted on Euro coins; sculptures of Europa adorn important European buildings, and the dual figure is in plain sight throughout the European continent.
Europe gave birth to the Enlightenment period, which emphasized reason and individualism. Also in Europe the Bible was first translated and printed in different languages. The small continent saw the birth of the Protestant Reformation which eventually gave rise to a new age of missionary activity unmatched since the time of the apostles. The two streams of Faith and Reason have since competed in Europe, yet all the while Europa seems to have perpetuated her pagan influence in this region, notwithstanding the centuries of Christianity on European soil. Can it be accidental that Europa, a powerful pagan symbol of lust and idolatry, epitomizes European culture and identity? Has Europe been seduced by Greece? And what about the church?
The author of Ecclesiastes repines, “There is nothing new under the sun.” The book of Exodus recounts YHVH’s deliverance of the children of Israel with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, yet, Israel too was somehow seduced into idol worship of a golden calf through Egyptian religious influence which they carried out with them.
Do we think we are immune to seduction? Our enemy has studied us and has been practicing his art for thousands of years. An “angel of light” [2 Cor. 11:14], is how he disguises himself; a deceiving wolf dressed up in wool. The last days will witness a great apostasy, [2 Thes. 2:3-4] a turning away from Biblical faith.
We need to know our God and His Word! We need to understand Satan’s schemes [2 Corinthians 2:11], and discern and expose them [Ephesians 5:11]. The enemy is subtle and he knows how to mix lies into truth — however our protection is truly knowing and loving Yeshua (Jesus), living in His Word, continuing in prayer, and being watchful. The days are evil and the Word even says if it were possible even the elect would be deceived! Don’t be seduced; but stay close to the cross, for there is a strong delusion coming [2 Thessalonians 2:11], and many will believe what is false!
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[worthy_plugins_devotion_single_body]Judges 6 begins with an angel talking to Gideon saying, “thou mighty man of valor!” However, in this passage Gideon isn’t feeling very valiant — he’s consumed with his circumstances — how poor his family is and how he’s the least of his fathers’ house. He doesn’t feel he’s done anything worthy of being called valiant, yet the angel still addresses him “mighty man of valor!”
Sometimes it’s very difficult to rejoice in trials – especially when the trials affect ministry! Last week, one of our servers had a database server collapse, but after several days of work, the server is now back online. Although the damage was minimal, the time needed to spend researching the issue and then rebuilding the databases took days.
I’m not sure how much I enjoy the freezing weather here as we’re traveling across the United States, but I certainly can’t wait till Spring comes! On the Hebrew calendar Nisan is the month that transitions from winter to Spring.
The central fact of the gospel message is the resurrection of Yeshua (Jesus), declared in Psalm 2, the begotten Son of God. In 1952, Dead Sea scrolls were discovered in Cave 4 called the “Messianic Apocalypse”. The Messiah’s ministry of resurrection is reiterated in these ancient documents with an obvious reference to Isaiah 61:1-3. The scroll identifies someone who “… will heal the wounded, and revive the dead and bring good news to the poor.” It is clear that at least some of the authors of these documents clearly understood the central nature and ministry of the coming Messiah, most certainly based on their intimate knowledge of the prophetic writings in the Tenach (OT)…that ministry, resurrection of the dead.
Peter and John have just miraculously healed a man who was lame from his mother’s womb and Jerusalem is wonderstruck. God’s goodness and power turn a cripple into a living leaping testimony. We too come to the Lord as spiritual cripples, and He offers us a life of abundant joy as a testimony to Him. This life was purchased at an inestimably high price as recounted in verse 15 above: the death of the Prince of Life. The Hebrew, “Sar Ha-Chayim” actually expresses “life” in the plural, i.e. “lives” (chayim). This plural expression for life points to the literally millions of souls who have been redeemed by the death of Yeshua, but also, to the abundant life He provides for us.
When I was growing up in Baltimore, Maryland during the winter I always wished for a snow day so that I didn’t have to go to school the following day. I was always watching the news for any hint of snow, even just a ½ inch was usually enough–schools would just close! Aside from the weather report there was one sign …
Reading the gospels I find myself considering and identifying with the very human experiences and emotions of the Apostles, especially as the pace and intensity of the events of their lives with Yeshua were unprecedented. I have to wonder if the pace and intensity of the days of our lives can compete with theirs. Witnessing His miracles, His authoritative and concise way of teaching, His inevitable rejection, torture and crucifixion, His astounding exuberant resurrection, and eventual returning flight to Heaven from whence He came…all this must have had a rather relentless effect upon those who walked in any way closely with Him. Would it be fair to compare our present day scientific and technical accomplishments, political gymnastics, information explosion, pandemics, media magic, and the plethora of personal events, encounters and challenges, with their apostolic roller coaster ride?