Once when perusing through Facebook, I came across a picture that looked to be taken from the pages of the Bible. The one who posted it thought it pretty, eloquent and held promise: “Behold, this is a choice land, and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall be free from bondage, and from captivity and from all other nations under heaven, if they will but serve the God of the land who is Jesus Christ…” (v12) “YES, let’s claim it!” WAIT!  Not being a scholar by any means, but I don’t remember reading this.  At first glance it sounds a bit Old Testament(ish) doesn’t it?  After a lil research I found the verse to be from the book of Ether (2:12) and yes, I spelled that right Ether – it is from the book of Mormon. It’s the story of the Jaredites who were led by God to the Americas shortly after the Tower of Babel scenario (um…). It may be pretty – but not biblical.

How often do we refer to, strongly consider, or even quote what is NOT in the bible?  Example, “Pride goes before a fall…” although close, prides ultimate end isn’t a scraped knee – but destruction, “Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18). How often do we hear; “Well the Bible says, ‘Money is the root of all evil!’”  Head hung, shoulders slumped; condemnation felt.  NO, it’s the “LOVE of money that is the root of all sorts of evil.” (1 Timothy 6:10, emphasis mine).

Another, “The lion shall lay down with the lamb.” There is no mention of this in scripture. Many would say, oh sure it is – in Revelation. Nope.  However, in Isaiah 11:6 (see also 65:25) it speaks of the wolf and the lamb will dwell and graze together, but no lamb sweetly nestled against the side of a powerful lion. And those with the rolling of the eyes while saying, “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.”  As they continue urging, “It’s in Proverbs.”  Again, nope. It comes from a line from William Congreve’s play, “The Mourning Bride.” The proverb they may have been referring to “It is better to live in a corner of the roof than in a house shared with a contentious woman.” (Pro 25:24)

The next time something questionable is seen or quoted to us, or perhaps sounds “good” or conveyed as trivial – seek it out YOURSELF.  Charles Spurgeon said, “Discernment is not knowing the difference between right and wrong. It is knowing the difference between right and almost right.”  It’s that “almost right” that causes us heartache. Trusting first in trivial things, leads to blind deception (See 2 Timothy 4:3-4). May we not be easily swept away by pretty, eloquent or what sounds promising.   Go for the truth. Jesus said when praying to the Father, “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.” (John 17:17) And Paul wrote under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)

Paul wrote, “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”  (Gal. 5:1, ESV)

What is the biblical yoke?

The yoke figuratively represents the burdensome nature of slavery.  It is a symbol of servitude (either by choice or forced). It suggests restrictiveness, yet this is but one aspect of the yoke.  A yoke for the most part is an idiom (something known to a specific culture or era). Of the sixty-one times “yoke” is used in the Bible, all are metaphorical (apart from seven uses).

Stick with me, this gets good.

In the first century the yoke had taken on a unique meaning, a cultural meaning. The Jewish culture was a discipleship culture, a “we” culture (vs our “me” culture).  Our western mindset focuses on “What does the scriptures teach me about me?  Who am I?  What do I do?  The eastern mindset, “What does the scriptures teach me about the nature and character of God?”   Disciples would attach themselves to a Rabbi, following close, listening and learning. The Rabbi would teach the disciple their interpretation and application of the scriptures.  The phrase “sitting at the feet of a Rabbi” was cultural. Remember Paul said he was educated “at the feet of Gamaliel” (Acts 22:3). When Jesus taught in Matthew 5-7, what does the narrative say, “after He sat down… He opened His mouth and began to teach them.” (5:1) And in Luke 10, Mary is found at the feet of Jesus “listening to His word” (v39).  Jesus allowing and championing for it (seen in the “Martha, Martha” conversation) was a radical move on His part – accepting a woman disciple so boldly.

Most Rabbis were “Torah Teachers.”  These Rabbis spent most of their time in the synagogues, reading and teaching the written Law of God and taught only accepted interpretations (passed to them by their Rabbi).  I would offer, many scholars believe these teachings were called the “yoke of Torah” or the Rabbi’s Yoke. 

In Jesus’ day, Jesus’ world, every Rabbi (and Pharisee) had one.  It was their collection of teachings. It was their theology and perspective on the scriptures: Who God is and what it means to walk with Him. Their disciples would accept it and emulate it, taking on the “yoke” (teaching) of their Rabbi. 

Over the many years, many of the Rabbi’s (primarily Pharisees) inflated and added commands, making following them rather rough.  To fulfill every command (interpretation) was difficult.  Each Rabbi having their own emphasis.

Consider now, Jesus’ words in Matthew 11 “”Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (vv28-30).  In essence, consider my summary “Let ME be the one to show you who the Living God is – what He is like – what it means to follow Him!”  Think now, how many times Jesus continued to point to the Father  (i.e.) “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.” (John 5:19) And Jesus speaks only how and what “to say” from the Father (Jn 12:49). He speaks with authority from the Father.

Now THAT is a YOKE!

There was a smaller group of Rabbi’s – known to have s’mikhah – (pronounced Smee-KAWK … Hebrew throat slur). “Walking in the authority of God.”  These Rabbis with s’mikhah (authority) could make NEW interpretation, application AND pass legal judgments.  Many scholars (sharing what I found in my research) believe Jesus had taken on the authoritative Rabbinical role.

Matthew makes note, “When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.” (The Torah Teachers in the synagogue).  (Matthew 7:28-29).  Many times, the narrative speaks of people’s amazement at His authority.

Remember multiple times Jesus said, “You have heard it said – But I say to you…”  Especially in the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus gave clear instruction, often quoting the Law, yet reaching beyond the interpretative mandates.  Some teachers of the Law would step as close to the “line” of law, assuming to not break it – “You can look and lust, but don’t touch.”  Jesus said, “It all begins in the heart” (summary).

Those hearing His words had never heard the scriptures explained like He did, with NEW insights, application – with authority.  Jesus spoke of covenant – the NEW covenant – passing legal judgments. Authority indeed.

Jesus commissioned His disciples: “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.  “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,  teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”  (Matthew 28:18-20, NASB, emphasis mine).

Swinging back to the beginning, regarding Paul’s words in Galatians 5:1, Paul originally taught those in the region of Galatia the gospel is of grace through faith and not of works – Christ had set them free from Jewish ceremonial laws and regulations, those regulations heaped on its followers.  Metaphorically, he had reached over and took the heavy burdened yoke off – yet they again had reached for the “yoke of slavery.”    (See also Acts 15:10 “Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear?” ESV)  

Fascinating note: When researching the actual yoke and the training of an ox for more understanding, I found that fitting the ox with the yoke: It is BEST that the ox raises its head up into the yoke for the most comfortable and profitable fit. This comes with time and trust, that the animal is willing to voluntarily lift their head to the master. If forced down, the fit could cause irritation, causing the ox to lean, favoring one side, and possibly altering the direction of their steps.  A “harnessed heart” is a true lifting of the head to the Master. 

May we too be mindful of the yoke we raise up into – be it the yoke of Jesus.  Being His disciple; following close, listening, learning, and taking on and emulating His teaching.

The yoke.

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)

Resources: “Rabbi and Talmidim” (except from “In the Dust of the Rabbi”) by Ray Vander Laan. “The Yoke” By Archdeacon Allan Paulsen. “The Yoke” The Messianic Prophecy Bible Project (Free.messianicbible.com).  Prof Kristi McMelland, Professor of Biblical Culture, “Jesus & Women: In the First Century & Now“.  The ESV Commentary. Barnes Notes on the NT: Galatians.  Bible Background Commentary (Acts 15:10). And any other geeky place I forgot to jot down.

After Jesus had taught from Simon Peters’ boat, (Lk 5) He told him to cast his fishing nets out where it is deeper.  Peter responded they had already fished all night, “But if You say so…”  They put their nets in. The catch was so large, the nets began to break.  Peter had to get other fishermen and their boat to help.  This miraculous catch caused all those observing to be in awe.  Two of these awestruck men were the brothers, James, and John.  Going ashore, they left everything and followed Jesus. *

WHAT IF? (For the sake of making a point). What if Peter had declined to do what Jesus said, “It’s ok, I’m a professional fisherman, I got this” and went about his business? 

WHAT IF? What if Peter delayed his obedience?  Delayed it an hour or two?  “F-I-N-E, I’ll drop the nets.” Perhaps by then James and John (in the other boat) would have been out of ear shot or too far away to help and the nets would have broken – the fish, the great catch, slip away back in to the deep.  Perhaps their delay missed the school of fish that now travels in another direction.

WHAT IF?  What if Peter didn’t go all the way out to deeper water, stopping short, dropping the nets in shallow water.   Yes, he again had let down the nets, but NOT in the deep water.  Reluctant to fully obey – devaluing Jesus’ words.

There is a strong principle for us: OUR obedience to Jesus does not just load up our boats of blessing – it causes others to be in awe – awe of Him.  Our listening and doing what Jesus says (now) can lead ourselves (and others) in redirection to follow Him and leave it all behind. Our obedience is not for us alone.  

May we not decline, delay or devalue what Jesus says. (Our response affects others).

Point to Ponder.

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)

*Scholars are divided whether this incident is identical with Jesus’ call of these fishermen as recorded in Matthew 4:18-22 and Mark 1:16-20.  Meaning, they all may be telling the same story, with more or less information or from a different angle.  The story above happened about one year after Jesus and Peter’s initial introduction (John 1:35-42).

This world is a mess.  BUT.  You have to love the “but” in God’s economy. The apostle Paul gives list to the evidence of God – in us. We the redeemed.  “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Gal 5:22-23a, NLT – emphasis mine). 

Other translations render gentleness as meekness.  Meekness, many know it as “strength under control.”  It is an active and deliberate positive response to an undesirable circumstance. Positive is the key. Although a negative may be merited – positive is the choice. What a good God concept.  Yet it is more. It is responding from the inwrought grace of the soul. Not just the inward grace of the soul, that it dwells there – but INWROUGHT. 

Inwrought is not a word we use much today or use at all. Oh but, it has the most beautiful imagery. It is intricately woven material with a particular pattern. (Of fabric or woodwork, stonework, and metal). It is the adding of another element, working it into the material. Meekness is the evidence of God’s grace worked into our soul. What a lovely delicate yet vibrant embroidery, God’s grace woven in and throughout the pattern of our life. The beauty is that it all becomes one piece of material. To take this additional element out would leave holes – gaping, ripping holes.

HOW do we get this woven into us – to come out?  Come out when our merited moments present themselves – controlled gracious responses? Three words: Holy Spirit and – yoke.

In ancient days, a disciple would attach themselves to a Rabbi.  The Rabbi’s hope was that their disciples would walk close, listen, and learn.  Live as they did.  Each Rabbi would present their teaching, this is known as the Rabbi’s “yoke of Torah.” (their teaching, interpretation, and application). Their disciples would accept it and emulate it. Over the course of the Rabbinic progression through the years, many Rabbi’s would inflate, even create additional commandments. To follow and align with them caused great burden on the disciple.  This sheds light on Jesus’ words, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matt 11:28-30).  Many times, we read Jesus saying, “You have heard it said, but I say to you.” Aside from the current teaching, “I say walk close, listen and learn of …Me.”  Jesus’ burden is light. 

The yoke is a symbol of servitude. When researching the actual yoke and the training of an ox for more understanding, I found that fitting the ox with the yoke, it is BEST that the ox raise its head up into the yoke for the most comfortable and profitable fit. This comes with time and trust, that the animal is willing to voluntarily lift their head to the master. If forced down, the fit could cause irritation, causing the ox to lean, favoring one side and possible altering the direction of their steps.

Yes, this world is a mess.  And we may have merited moments of opportunity from time to time. What a challenge.  A challenge to give the world a good God quality. We are disciples of Jesus. We allow and invite the Spirit’s leading and growth in our lives.  We lift our head up into the yoke – Jesus’ yoke.

Lifting. Making the world a little less messy, one (yielded) opportunity at a time.

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)

Recently, in a small group study, while devouring the book of Genesis (verse by verse) we came to the conclusion and I have pondered this for days:  “Yes, unity is good. Great. And encouraged. But.”  But we must make sure what we are attaching ourselves to, investing time and energy (AND our soul) – HAS to be focused properly. Genesis 11, “All the people…” (v1) the story of the Tower of Babel. Their unity took them further away from God, further from His commands.  

They weren’t that far away from the Noah saga (just a page or two) – a few generations step from “The LORD saw how great man’s wickedness on the earth had become … The LORD was grieved…So the LORD said, “I will wipe mankind, whom I have created, from the face of the earth…” And the LORD did. (Summary: Gen 6:5-7; 7:4,11-12 NIV).  God offered mankind a fresh start.  Not only that, the starter kit was wrapped in His ever-loving covenant!  (See Genesis 9).

As the new settlers (post flood) proceeded, you’d think there would have been even a slight hesitation to run off and grab your tool belt and head to the build site. “Wait… What?”  What are we doing?  But didn’t God say…”  Nope.  Brick builders, tower builders – as a whole, they built.  (Continue reading Genesis 11, see how well THAT turned out).  There is much to be heeded: “Come, let us … build up.” Causing God, “Come, let us go down.” (Gen 9:4,7).

How often do we too, join the cause, and perhaps fail to read the fine print?  We fail to truly find out the goal, the intent and by golly, “Did God say?”

King David wrote: “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. COMMIT your way to the Lord; trust in Him…” (Psalm 37:4-5a, emphasis mine).  “Commit” is a highly active word picture. In Hebrew, it means to roll upon or against into a heap. This rolling is an act of trust. WHERE are we attaching our trust? The world is FULL of “Join us. Trust yourself to us. Trust our cause – act now!”

Let us keep in mind, WHATever, WHOever we commit ourselves to, we become rolled up as one.  I echo the King’s exhortation; I surrender to the plea – may we roll up to and in – God! Rolling our life, our will, our behavior and I will offer – our tool belt.  Ask questions, read the fine print before running and committing.  AND may we consider our “Like” as well.

Proper unity.

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)

A few years ago, (many actually) while on our way to a mid-week church service, glancing over at my then 11-year-old son, he was wearing his favorite ‘Ducks’ cap.  I asked him to make sure to take the cap off before going into church. Then explaining that it would show reverence to the Lord. His weird smirk gave evidence he didn’t quite understand.  I thought for a moment and proceeded to tell him, “You taking your favorite cap off, the one you wear everywhere.  I know it’s your favorite and kind of your trademark.  Taking it off can tell God He is TOTALLY COOL. He is worth it; He is bigger and better. Taking it off could be your way of thanking Him in such a way as to bow to His coolness.” His response, “Oh I get it.” 

Although that may be a silly mom thing, but it made for a great illustration. The cap was taken off and laid on the car seat.

How do we bow?

King David wrote, “But I, by Your great mercy, will come into Your house; in reverence will I bow down toward Your holy temple.” (Psalm 5:7) Reverence, not something commonly displayed these days. If a head is bowed, onlookers raise an eyebrow or two.  If effort is put forth in showing honor, others scoff.  If preference is offered, others may challenge.

The Pastor of Hebrews strongly declares: “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our “God is a consuming fire.” (12:28-29, NIV)

This godly reverence paints a most honoring picture. It isn’t a haphazard quick nod of the head as to casually acknowledge something or someone. Like we do when at the grocery store a few yards away from a friend, offering a brief wave of the hand.  It is a true awareness of self.  An accurate estimation of being humble in the presence of goodness. Biblical reverence is whole-hearted, full awareness – GOD IS GOOD!  Yes, we are commissioned to “come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16). But may we not do so with lack of awe and wonder, in that we might dishonor.  Reverence is NOT about performance. It is an issue of the heart. An established mindset. Remembering, that He is BIGGER and BETTER.  He is the One Who sits on the throne – King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

How do we bow?

By the way, the picture above is the lovely Ducks gap.  A treasured token, a mom’s memory of honoring.

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)

I have been asked as a Bible teacher, “What does the Word of God do for you, YOU personally?”  Oh my, where do I start.  Besides the Bible being a sturdy textbook in my hand.  A book that is true.  When I read God’s inspired Word, first it confirms.  Confirms that I too am a fallible person just as the characters in the Bible are – real broken people peppered throughout the story of God.  And when I read about Peter, I can so relate to his ambitious outbursts, his swinging the sword and getting the guys ear.  Yup, that would be me.  And with all good intention, ask Jesus if we can build forts for the visitors (See Mark 9).  Yes, God’s word confirms.

God’s Word also gives me courage. I read King David’s story; I see the longing of his heart.  His running at full speed toward his God. And I also see the stupid mistakes.   I so appreciate God did not cover up the faults of His heroes. Repeatedly, in each person’s experience, we see too the character of God. His serious response. His care.  THIS gives me courage. In the same breath, it encourages me.  Taking those experiences, observing, and learning from them, folding them into my own and giving me courage to walk in the same direction.

Confronts.  Oh, His Word confronts and thankfully so.  If when reading His Word and we feel no discomfort at times, then we are reading it wrong. We are guarded and unyielding.  Professor D.A. Carson* insightfully stated, “We read the Bible, not to be a master of it, but to be mastered by it.”    THAT is my desire. Do I heed and yield every time?  No.  Regretfully, painfully, remorsefully, no.  But I know the sweet moment of repentance followed by the glorious insertion of God’s forgiveness and grace.

And for me, God’s Word calls.  Not like some creepy native drumming sound coming from the corner of the room (Ok, I’ve seen Jumanji too many times). But knowing what God’s word contains – it beckons.  It beckons with the fullness of God – His promises, His guidance, His correction, His character wrapped in His love and yes, His comfort.  Life can be stressful and assuredly messy and overwhelming, but His Word waits for us to reach for it and when we do, His Spirit uses it to calm us.  “They (God’s commandments, words, and instruction) are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb.” (Psalm 19:10, NLT, emphasis mine).

God’s word confirms, gives courage, confronts, calls and comforts, but most of all – it CAPTIVATES me.  I am fascinated with the stories; the triumphs, war cries, the bush a flame, mud in the eyes, violent storms and the unrestrained and abandoned “My Lord and my God!” declaration. (John 20:28).  And all those words in red: “It is written… Get up… Take courage it is I… Quiet, be still… Come forth…Who do you say I am… Then neither do I condemn you” and “It is finished.”  (Just to highlight a few).

HIS word.

Now, I present the question to YOU.  “What does God’s Word do for you?”  If your response is a shrug of the shoulder, ask God to grow your passion. Ask Him to show you things unnoticed, to color the stories vibrantly, and challenge you beyond comfort – He will.

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)

*Professor D.A. Carson is retired Professor of the New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.

Used by God.

Matthew (author of the Gospel of Matthew) was a detailed tax-collector, turned disciple of Jesus. He was a numbers and money man. He mentions gold and silver 28 times, but they’re only mentioned once in Mark and 4 times in Luke. Matthew uses an accounting term when quoting Jesus, “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” (Matt 6:12).

In both the books of Luke and Acts, Dr Luke (as described in Col 4:14) uses specific medical terminology.  Luke gives a detailed description regarding the bent over woman, (Luke 13) the words he uses to describe her condition and Jesus’ healing are actual medical terms. 

And there is Peter, the one who was passionately outspoken, enthusiastic, and at times quite brash, he actually told Jesus “Never, Lord!”  And it was also him who aggressively swung his sword in the Garden.  Yet it was Peter who wrote with divine instruction “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8, NIV).

All biblical writers wrote under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16) BUT they did not lose their individuality. God used each one to offer a different perspective, a unique expression only that person could bring.  

We too, do not lose our individuality being used by God. Our artistic creativity, He will use it.  Our love for words, He will use. Our love and gifting of hospitality, He will use that.  Even that rebellious, (or stupid) season in our past, He can and will use it – for His glory! Interestingly, we do not read Peter apologizing later, “Dear beloved church, in my early days I was impulsive, hasty and at times a bit reckless, sorry about that.” Instead we read, “Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ.”  (2 Peter 1:1).  Yes, yes he was.

Let us be open and available (and ever transforming to the image of Christ) to be used for a unique GODLY expression.   Wherever we are, whatever we are doing, whatever we are holding and saying – to the glory of God. Where the pages of our life (my life) also reads, “Dede, a servant and disciple of Jesus Christ.”

Used by God.

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)

Photo Credit: Country Guide Magazine (My emphasis: “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” – Luke 10:2a)

At our women’s bible study, we recently looked at the serpent in the Garden. Genesis chapters 2-3 are packed with descriptive information. We looked at him being made by God (3:1; See also Ezek. 28:15).  satan, as he is later known, is NOT God’s equal. Not equal (by far) in power, character or authority.  He is a created being – God’s creation, making GOD the Ruler over His creation.  Knowing THAT, does it change your perspective of the one who prowls, looking to devour and whose ONLY goal is to steal, kill and destroy? (1 Peter 5:8; John 10:10).

He is also crafty – skilled in achieving his objective by tricky manipulation. We see this in his scheme of using a question, “Did God actually say…?” (3:1, ESV).  He still uses this.  How often do we too fall prey to the same question, “Did God actually…” and we throw in an “Or…” (with a shrug of shoulder) then we continue to rationalize our behavior or decisions.

But what jumped out to me most is found in the over-all conversation between the serpent and Eve. In chapter 2 it explains the creation of man and woman.  Of those 21 verses, the narrative refers to God as “LORD God” (and v1 of chapter 3 and picks up again in v8).  BUT.  In the historic conversation (3:1b-5) we see Eve following the example of the serpent. There is a deliberate avoidance – the serpent does not, will not, cannot, call Him, (LORD) God.*  LORD, is YHWH, (Yahweh) the Self-Existent One, known as the covenant name of God. Eve also refers to Him only as God, Elohim, (which in itself is GREAT) but in this context, He is minimized. There is a shift in narrative, it changes (and changes back). 

What an example to us.  Minimizing our God – in simple conversation.  How often have we, at work, or other settings, shrug God off, perhaps laugh Him off?  With lack of boldness, we conform (like Eve) and make Him less than He is – change the narrative of God’s character.  (What a scheme, Eph 6:10).  “Ouch!”

May we be ever so mindful.  Being so profoundly aware of His sovereignty, His covenant with us, that we live our life under the authority of God – to the glory of God.

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)

Please know, I do not capitalize the enemies name, although considered a proper noun, I will not give him the courtesy.

*“The serpent does not use the expression “Yahweh God” [LORD God] because there is no covenant relationship involved between God and the serpent. He only speaks of “God.” In the process the serpent draws the woman into his manner of speech so that she too only speaks of ‘God.’”  [New English Bible Commentary].  “It is noteworthy that the serpent also deliberately avoids using God’s personal name “Yahweh” (“LORD”) when he addresses the woman. Here is another hint that his presence in the garden presents a threat. Although his initial words appear deceptively innocent, his subsequent contradiction of God leaves no doubt about the serpent’s motive and purpose.” [English Standard Version Commentary].