Category Archives: Truth

Drama and Trauma in the Bible

Posted on August 2, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Drama can refer to theatrical, over-the-top and sensational. Meanwhile, trauma is a deeply distressing or disturbing experience. If drama is your response to a particular situation, a traumatic event often links both of these emotions together. Today’s featured passage of the Bible is like the opening of a television drama, setting the stage for an hour-long episode.

Now Dinah daughter of Leah, whom she bore to Jacob, went out [unattended] to see the girls of the place. 2 And when Shechem son of Hamor the Hivite, prince of the country, saw her, he seized her, lay with her, and humbled, defiled, and disgraced her. 3 But his soul longed for and clung to Dinah daughter of Jacob, and he loved the girl and spoke comfortingly to her young heart’s wishes. 4 And Shechem said to his father Hamor, Get me this girl to be my wife, Genesis 34:1-4.

Dinah’s birth is one of the few females mentioned by Moses alongside all the boys in Jacob’s family. The reason for Dinah’s initial introduction earlier in Genesis comes to light in the passage above. While there are plenty of strange and weirds events in the first book of the Bible, this is the first mention of rape. From a Jewish perspective, this is more about being defiled and disgraced.

Jacob heard that [Shechem] had defiled Dinah his daughter. Now his sons were with his livestock in the field. So Jacob held his peace until they came. 6 But Hamor father of Shechem went out to Jacob to have a talk with him. 7 When Jacob’s sons heard it, they came from the field; and they were distressed and grieved and very angry, for [Shechem] had done a vile thing to Israel in lying with Jacob’s daughter, which ought not to be done, Genesis 34:5-7.

While Moses reveals Jacob is the first to find out about this traumatic event, her brothers went busy out in the fields tending livestock. The news that their sister had been raped brought on raw emotions, especially among Simeon and Levi. Although Shechem’s father and Jacob come to a peaceful resolution, Simeon and Levi were unable to let this sinful act go unpunished. Subsequently, the end of Genesis 34 ends just like it started with drama and trauma.

by Jay Mankus

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Who Needs a Treaty When There is the Lord

Posted on August 1, 2023 by expressyourself4him

The more I study the book of Genesis, the more I realize the need for a sense of spiritual direction for Israel. The addictions, bad habits, and unwholesome cravings displayed throughout the first book in the Bible illustrate the disease of sin deep inside the hearts and souls of mankind. When Simeon and Levi sought revenge over peace, Jacob was worried that surrounding nations would unite to completely wipe out Israel.

And Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, You have ruined me, making me infamous and embroiling me with the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites and the Perizzites! And we are few in number, and they will gather together against me and attack me; and I shall be destroyed, I and my household, Genesis 34:30.

The term treaty describes a variety of instruments, including conventions, agreements, arrangements, protocols, covenants, charters, and acts all done in the name of upholding peace. However, when Israel makes treaties in the Old Testament, they are putting their trust in another nation rather than the God of Abraham. In the passage below, Moses suggests who needs a treaty when the terror of the Lord consumes surrounding nations.

And they journeyed and a terror from God fell on the towns round about them, and they did not pursue the sons of Jacob. 6 So Jacob came to Luz, that is, Bethel, which is in the land of Canaan, he and all the people with him. 7 There he built an altar, and called the place El-bethel [God of Bethel], for there God revealed Himself to him when he fled from the presence of his brother, Genesis 35:5-6.

If you tend to be into mathematics, numbers, and statistics, the odds of Israel surviving as a nation in the 21st century isn’t good on paper. Yet, somehow and some way, the God of Abraham continues to watch over Israel today. When you search the internet for miraculous wars survived by Israel, a list of 17 different modern accounts exist. These Cinderella stories should not have happened, but the God of Abraham continues to do the impossible, using terror over treaties.

by Jay Mankus

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When the Day is Breaking

Posted on July 31, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Depending upon where you live, certain expressions may not mean anything to you, going right over your head. However, as Moses reflects upon Jacob’s encounter with an angel, when the day is breaking refers to the period in the day when light from the sun begins to appear in the sky. What Moses is trying to say, Jacob wrestled with God all night long as the sun began to rise.

And when [the [a]Man] saw that He did not prevail against [Jacob], He touched the hollow of his thigh; and Jacob’s thigh was put out of joint as he wrestled with Him. 26 Then He said, Let Me go, for day is breaking. But [Jacob] said, I will not let You go unless You declare a blessing upon me, Genesis 32:25-26.

After spending eight years working night shift, I’ve spent the last year driving to work early in the morning as the day is breaking. Depending upon where I am on the Interstate, the sun rises over the rolling hills of western South Carolina. If I’m not careful by placing my car visor down, I can be blinded momentarily by bright sun rises.

It is God Who sits above the circle (the horizon) of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers; it is He Who stretches out the heavens like [gauze] curtains and spreads them out like a tent to dwell in, Isaiah 40:22.

One of my favorite passages on the sunset is found in Lamentations 3:19-24. The prophet Jeremiah transitions from a broken soul, struggling to undue past sins to when the day is breaking. Jeremiah refers to every new day as a refresh start, like God giving each of us a do-over in life. May these words of hope give you a new perspective on life when another sun rises signals the start of a new day.

by Jay Mankus

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The First Purging in the Bible

Posted on July 30, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Depending upon the translation of the Bible that you prefer to read and study, there are approximately 100 passages that directly or indirectly reference purging. From a cultural perspective, there are two types of purging. The abrupt or violent removal of a group of people from an organization or place with the latter focusing on cleansing and purifying your body.

And God said to Jacob, Arise, go up to Bethel and dwell there. And make there an altar to God Who appeared to you [in a distinct manifestation] when you fled from the presence of Esau your brother. 2 Then Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, Put away the [images of] strange gods that are among you, and purify yourselves and change [into fresh] garments; 3 Then let us arise and go up to Bethel, and I will make there an altar to God Who answered me in the day of my distress and was with me wherever I went. 4 So they [both young men and women] gave to Jacob all the strange gods they had and their earrings which were [worn as charms against evil] in their ears; and Jacob buried and hid them under the oak near Shechem, Genesis 35:1-4.

The first examples of purging in the Bible is found in today’s featured passage. After a strange turn of events at the end of Genesis 34, Jacob is concerned about the spiritual state of his family. After his wife Rachel stole images of gods that her father worshipped without being caught, other woman rummaged through vacant houses in Canaan, taking everything that they liked or looked good on them. This plundering inspired God to speak directly to Jacob by addressing this issue.

So kill (deaden, [a]deprive of power) the evil desire lurking in your members [those animal impulses and all that is earthly in you that is employed in sin]: sexual vice, impurity, sensual appetites, unholy desires, and all greed and covetousness, for that is idolatry (the deifying of self and other created things instead of God). 6 It is on account of these [very sins] that the [holy] anger of God is ever coming upon the sons of disobedience (those who are obstinately opposed to the divine will), 7 Among whom you also once walked, when you were living in and addicted to [such practices]. 8 But now put away and rid yourselves [completely] of all these things: anger, rage, bad feeling toward others, curses and slander, and foulmouthed abuse and shameful utterances from your lips! 9 Do not lie to one another, for you have stripped off the old (unregenerate) self with its evil practices, 10 And have clothed yourselves with the new [spiritual self], which is [ever in the process of being] renewed and remolded into [fuller and more perfect [b]knowledge upon] knowledge after the image (the likeness) of Him Who created it, Colossians 3:5-10.

Possessions like good luck charms seem innocent but can lead to ungodly beliefs about why good and bad things happen in the world. From a New Testament perspective, the apostle Paul explains why spiritual purging is necessary. If a Christian never relinquishes former addictions, bad habits or unwholesome cravings, where is their faith, James 2:26? One of Paul’s consistent messages throughout the first century, if you want to live you must first die to self, Galatians 5:24. May today’s blog inspire you to begin practice purging your soul of evil, Colossians 3:1-4.

by Jay Mankus

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What Just Happened?

Posted on July 29, 2023 by expressyourself4him

I was first introduced to horror movies at the end of the 1970’s. While the graphics and technology are no match for today’s modern films, the action scenes were sudden and unexpected, causing me to jump from my seat on the couch. While studying the book of Genesis for the first time using the Amplified Bible Classic Edition, the unexpected turn of events to conclude Genesis 34 left me bewildered, wondering, “what just happened?”

The sons of Jacob answered Shechem and Hamor his father deceitfully, [justifying their intended action by saying, in effect, we are going to do this] because Shechem had defiled and disgraced their sister Dinah. 14 They said to them, We cannot do this thing and give our sister to one who is not circumcised, for that would be a reproach and disgrace to us. 15 But we do consent to do this: if you will become as we are and every male among you be circumcised, 16 Then we will give our daughters to you and we will take your daughters to us, and we will dwell with you and become one people. 17 But if you will not listen to us and consent to be circumcised, then we will take our daughter and go. 18 Their words pleased Hamor and his son Shechem. 19 And the young man did not delay to do the thing, for he delighted in Jacob’s daughter. He was honored above all his family [so, ranking first, he acted first], Genesis 34:13-19.

When you read the passage above, Moses leaves readers with a sense of uncertainty as you’re not sure how Dinah’s brothers are going to respond to news of their sister being raped and held captive by the Prince of Canaan. However, as Shechem’s father Hamor serves as a mediator and negotiator on his son’s behalf, cooler heads prevail. Like any sort of negotiation, there is a little give and take on each side. The deal breaker for Jacob is circumcision. As long as Shechem and his entire family agree to become circumcised, Shechem and Dinah will be allowed to get married.

But on the third day [after the circumcision] when [all the men] were sore, two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah’s [full] brothers, took their swords, boldly entered the city [without danger], and slew all the males. 26 And they killed Hamor and Shechem his son with the edge of the sword and took Dinah out of Shechem’s house [where she had been all this time] and departed. 27 [Then the rest of] Jacob’s [eleven] sons came upon the slain and plundered the town, because there their sister had been defiled and disgraced. 28 They took their flocks, their herds, their donkeys, and whatever was in the town and in the field; 29 All their wealth and all their little ones and their wives they took captive, making spoil even of all [they found] in the houses, Genesis 34:25-29.

Little any good thriller, living happily ever after does not follow Pollyanna’s script. Yet, as I kept reading Genesis 34, I couldn’t remember how this story ended. To a certain extent, Simeon and Levi play the role of Denzel Washington in the 2014 film the Equalizer. Moses states their motivation in the passage above, having their sister defiled and disgraced could not be forgotten in their minds. This one act of revenge made it necessary for God to introduce the Ten Commandments one book later; followed by Jesus’ words on forgiveness in Matthew 6:14-15.

by Jay Mankus

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The Crossover Connection Week 26: A Mix of Korn and Rage Against the Machine

Posted on July 29, 2023 by expressyourself4him

While I don’t follow Professional Wrestling like I did in high school, a friend informed me that today’s featured group had some of their songs featured at live events. Like any group with eight albums, Thousand Foot Krutch has evolved over time. Although some of their early songs which became popular are soft rock, modern Thousand Foot Krutch combines hip hop with nu metal.

Praise the Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in the heavens of His power! 2 Praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him according to the abundance of His greatness! 3 Praise Him with trumpet sound; praise Him with lute and harp! 4 Praise Him with tambourine and [single or group] dance; praise Him with stringed and wind instruments or flutes! 5 Praise Him with resounding cymbals; praise Him with loud clashing cymbals! 6 Let everything that has breath and every breath of life praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! (Hallelujah!) – Psalm 150:1-6

One of my favorite songs of Thousand Foot Krutch is This is My Call which reminds me of a couple of my former students who lost their lives after battling cancer. While each album contains a few memorable songs, the one that gets the most airtime in my car is The End is Where We Began. As you listen to the attached You Tube, I hope that you appreciate the songs on this album.

by Jay Mankus

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Removing Luck from the Equation

Posted on July 28, 2023 by expressyourself4him

The origin of superstitions likely comes from the Latin word superstitio. When translated into English, this refers to stand over in awe of. However, modern superstitions may also be connected with superstes, Latin for outliving or surviving. The human mind has a way of rationalizing good and bad, using chance and luck as a means to give credit for the positive and blame to any negative.

Then Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, Put away the [images of] strange gods that are among you, and purify yourselves and change [into fresh] garments; 3 Then let us arise and go up to Bethel, and I will make there an altar to God Who answered me in the day of my distress and was with me wherever I went, Genesis 35:2-3.

After plundering Canaan and rummaging through all the vacant homes, Jacob’s family accumulated masses amount of jewelry, possessions and wealth before departing. Based upon the words of Moses in the passage above, God was concerned about the spiritual state of Jacob’s family. With numerous objects of worship serving as a new distraction, Jacob wanted to remove luck from the equation so that the Lord received all the glory and praise.

So they [both young men and women] gave to Jacob all the strange gods they had and their earrings which were [worn as charms against evil] in their ears; and Jacob buried and hid them under the oak near Shechem, Genesis 35:4.

Revelation 3:15-16 makes it clear that following God is either all or nothing. There is no half-way as anyone lukewarm about God will be spit out. Subsequently, any good luck charm, object of worship or symbols of evil were brought before Jacob and buried. This purging of apparel, charms and objects were designed to end and eliminate any ungodly beliefs. May this passage inspire you to self-reflect on your life so that you too may remove luck from stealing God’s credit for blessings.

by Jay Mankus

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A Shocking Revelation

Posted on July 27, 2023 by expressyourself4him

A revelation is a surprising and previously unknown fact, especially one that is made known in a dramatic way. The most common revelation occurs while reading the Bible, but can come from a conversation with a friend or mentor. As Jacob listens to an angel of the Lord in the passage below, the meaning of his birth name convicts him.

And when [the [a]Man] saw that He did not prevail against [Jacob], He touched the hollow of his thigh; and Jacob’s thigh was put out of joint as he wrestled with Him. 26 Then He said, Let Me go, for day is breaking. But [Jacob] said, I will not let You go unless You declare a blessing upon me. 27 [The Man] asked him, What is your name? And [in shock of realization, whispering] he said, Jacob [supplanter, schemer, trickster, swindler]! – Genesis 32:25-27

Back when I was in high school, shocking moments were usually isolated to radio morning shows. Shock Jocks were the rage prior to the invention of the internet and social media. Today, modern talk show hosts attempt to do or say something that will go viral, serving as the hot take of the day. Unfortunately, the envelope can only be pushed so far until you’re either cancelled, censored or fired.

And He said, Your name shall be called no more Jacob [supplanter], but Israel [contender with God]; for you have contended and have power with God and with men and have prevailed, Genesis 32:28.

As for the context of today’s featured passage, Jacob has his come to Jesus moment. Despite getting caught up in fooling his father to receive the blessing of the first born, Jacob didn’t show any guilt or remorse. However, when an angel of the Lord exposes Jacob’s past, Moses appears to suggest that Jacob is flooded with conviction. Although it never feels good to be humiliated, shocking revelations tend to make me stronger in the long run. Humble yourself before the Lord.

by Jay Mankus

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When a Man Loves a Woman

Posted on July 26, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Since I am a visual learner, whenever I study the Bible I tend to recall certain movies or songs that relate to what I just read. Such is the case of Shechem who Moses suggests was smitten by love. Yet, in the back on my mind, I was thinking about scenes from the 1994 American romantic drama When a Man Loves a Woman starring Andy Garcia and Meg Ryan.

And Shechem said to his father Hamor, Get me this girl to be my wife. 5 Jacob heard that [Shechem] had defiled Dinah his daughter. Now his sons were with his livestock in the field. So Jacob held his peace until they came. 6 But Hamor father of Shechem went out to Jacob to have a talk with him. 7 When Jacob’s sons heard it, they came from the field; and they were distressed and grieved and very angry, for [Shechem] had done a vile thing to Israel in lying with Jacob’s daughter, which ought not to be done. 8 And Hamor conferred with them, saying, The soul of my son Shechem craves your daughter [and sister]. I beg of you give her to him to be his wife, Genesis 34:4-8.

Although my movie knowledge has declined over the years, When a Man Loves a Woman is one of the best I have ever seen on the topic of alcoholism. The second season of Joan of Arcadia also does a valent job on addressing this issue. Since I had a good friend from high school whose parents and family members struggled with an addiction to alcohol, bystanders often feel helpless on what to do.

And the young man did not delay to do the thing, for he delighted in Jacob’s daughter. He was honored above all his family [so, ranking first, he acted first]. 20 Then Hamor and Shechem his son came to the gate of their [enclosed] town and discussed the matter with the citizens, saying, 21 These men are peaceable with us; so let them dwell in the land and trade in it; for the land is large enough [for us and] for them; let us take their daughters for wives and let us give them our daughters. 22 But the men will consent to our request that they live among us and be one people only on condition that every male among us be circumcised, as they are. 23 Shall not their cattle and their possessions and all their beasts be ours? Only let us consent to them, and they will dwell here with us. 24 And all the people who went out of the town gate listened and heeded what Hamor and Shechem said; and every male was circumcised who was a resident of that town, Genesis 34:19-24.

Nonetheless, Shechem was so head over heels for Dinah, he was willing to become circumcised as an adult and force his entire male family members to follow his lead. Love makes people do crazy things like my friend from Delaware who converted to Mormonism just to marry his high school sweetheart. Whatever love persuades you to do in the future, make sure you don’t compromise your values as well as your personal relationship with Jesus, Romans 10:9-11.

by Jay Mankus

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Peniel

Posted on July 25, 2023 by expressyourself4him

The Old Testament is filled with words that if you’re reading too fast, you’ll miss what this term means. At the conclusion of his wrestling match with an angel of the Lord, Jacob receives a revelation from God. Jacob was so moved by outlasting God, he named this particular place Peniel. The context of this dedication is the realization that Jacob has seen the face of God and lived.

Then Jacob asked Him, Tell me, I pray You, what [in contrast] is Your name? But He said, Why is it that you ask My name? And [b][the Angel of God declared] a blessing on [Jacob] there. 30 And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel [the face of God], saying, For I have seen God face to face, and my life is spared and not snatched away, Genesis 32:29-30.

 According to the scholars who completed the King James Version of the Bible, there are 783,137 words in this particular translation. Meanwhile, other theologians suggest that there are actually 790,676 totals words in the entire Bible. When I took a speed-reading course in my junior year of high school, this was designed to prevent me from daydreaming as I read. However, even when I daily study the Bible, I often glance over words like Peniel.

And as he passed Penuel [Peniel], the sun rose upon him, and he was limping because of his thigh. 32 That is why to this day the Israelites do not eat the sinew of the hip which is on the hollow of the thigh, because [the Angel of the Lord] touched the hollow of Jacob’s thigh on the sinew of the hip, Genesis 32:31-32.

Dr. Temperance Brennan played by Emily Deschanel in the television series Bones would be fascinated by the above passage of the Bible. This is the type of knowledge that scientist’s geek out over. However, the more sentimental the individual, the place where this happened to Jacob will be more appealing. Subsequently, Peniel symbolizes the beginning of Israel, a new identity, and the end of Jacob. As modern Christians put into practice the apostle Paul’s advice in Colossians 3:5-14, you too can have a fresh start as a new creation in Christ Jesus.

by Jay Mankus

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