As I write this the GOP-controlled house is putting its dysfunction on display for the world to see. A small fraction of the party is refusing to do the right thing by standing up against the evil axises of the world (Genesis 18:25, Deuteronomy 12:28, James 4:17.)
Due to the disagreement over what is right, the conservative speaker has been threatened with being removed from power by those who have become corrupt by their thirst for earthly power. We can see how power can corrupt the hearts of man.
- Greed
- Pride
- Deception
- Revenge
Power used wisely can do great good, however power in the hands of the wrong man, can do great harm. John F. Kennedy wisely said, “When power leads man toward arrogance, poetry reminds him of his limitations. When power narrows the area of man’s concern, poetry reminds him of the richness and diversity of existence. When power corrupts, poetry cleanses.”
When our power goes to our head, we fall as fast as Adam did in the garden when he listened to satan and caused the downfall of all of humanity (Genesis 3:1-19.)
Humanity
Because of the fall, all of humanity is corrupted by its fallen nature. Humanity is defined as the human race. Christianity tells us that humans are God’s greatest creation because we are created in the likeness of God (Genesis 1:26-27, Ephesians 2:10.)
However, the first Adam’s lust for greatness and power corrupted our nature and image. The only perfect man, Jesus, said man’s heart has become evil (Matthew 12:34-35.) The Apostle Paul reminded the early church about the depravity of the human race (Romans 1:27-29; 7:18.)
The Apostle Paul remembered his Jewish teachings from the Torah about how mankind chose this world and Satan over walking with God and God called man wicked (Genesis 3:8-19; 6:5.)
Western Christianity understands Adam as one man; Paul knew Adam was more than just one person who turned against God.
‘Aḏām
The Hebrew word for humanity used in the Old Testament is āḏām and depending on its context it can also mean, “Man, mankind, low, or first man.” Currently, the earth has a population of about 8 billion human beings, it is estimated that 117 billion humans have walked this earth.
Not every one of them has belonged to God, and that is why God commands His people to live differently than the world (Deuteronomy 7:6-11, Romans 12:2, 1 Peter 2:9.)
Most Jews reject the idea of the original sin, although they understand humanity’s relationship with God is broken and we must be reconciled to our Creator. Judaism teaches that is accomplished through knowledge and works.
Judaism places a high importance on teaching their children the Torah and training them to live by it (Proverbs 22:6.) Most Jewish people spend their early life going through the Jewish education system, yeshiva. Below are the main stages of the Jewish educational system.
- Bet Sefer
- Bet Talmud
- Bet Midrash
Not every Jewish student will make it to the final stage, only the best of the best go on to be rabbis or teachers. Jesus is often referred to by His disciples as Rabbi or Master (Matthew 26:25, Mark 9:11, John 1:38.)
Imagine the irony of Jesus teaching about God and mankind. Jesus taught about the fallen nature and corrupt hearts of man (Mark 7:21.) He even rebuked the religious leaders because they were puffed up with pride (Matthew 12:34.)
Most of Jesus’ teachings contradicted those of the religious leaders because Jesus embodied the divine nature of God. He taught His followers not to seek revenge like the fallen people of this world (Matthew 5:38-39.) The Apostle Paul echoed Jesus’ teaching and reminded the early church to let God avenge them (Romans 12:17-21, 1 Thessalonians 5:15.)
Avenge
God promises to avenge His people. He is a God of justice (Deuteronomy 32:25, Psalm 94:1 2, Proverbs 20:22.) Man seeks revenge because he abuses his power (Leviticus 19:18, Proverbs 24:29, Romans 12:19, 1 Peter 3:9.)
God avenges to bring justice; man seeks revenge to give punishment. However, God’s people are called to let God provide justice and not to get revenge like a fallen world, because God is just.
- Righteous
- Sovereign
- Loving
Perhaps, if Israel would remember God’s ways, the Middle East wouldn’t be so volatile now. Israel continues to fight back against Hamas and now Iran. Each nation is prideful because they are ‘āḏām!
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