I think the Body of Christ – male and female – has a responsibility to encourage “authentic manhood” – having men seek Christ daily and lead by example. The series we’re doing at church, “Gender Crisis: Examining Biblical Manhood and Womanhood,” has been a reminder of how to spur men to godliness. The premise is that men are called to valor; women to virtue (but not that both sexes shouldn’t possess each trait in some form). We just wrapped up the portion on men, where we looked first at nine “vices” of men found in Genesis Chapters Three and Four. The next week we talked about the courage it takes for men to live out their callings in Christ— and how to do so (both can be listened to here, series "Gender Crisis").
DANIEL, DAVID AND JOSEPH
My recent experiences have prompted me to take a closer look at examples of godly men in the Bible. I listened to another sermon where it is mentioned there are two men in the Bible for which nothing bad is ever really said about in the text – Daniel and Joseph. David also was mentioned in the sermon as a man devoted to God for most of his life. I’ve always been a fan of David and have liked Joseph’s story, but I’ll confess I never explicitly labeled them as examples of godly men. But seeing them in this light actually is fascinating. I think they present some great profiles for identifying manhood God's way. Although their stories are likely familiar, to point out their godly traits I’ll revisit them (and perhaps from a new perspective).
COMMON THREADS
There are several godly traits the three men share. A few of them:
Favor and Leadership
A common theme is that each man had the favor of God and was set apart for a special, prominent purpose from youth.
Early on God called Joseph to leadership in a foreign land. In his family he was known as the favorite of his father Jacob and told his brothers and father of dreams indicating they would “bow down” to him (Gen. 37: 1-11), which eventually came true when the brothers went to Egypt to get food during famine many years later (Gen. 42: 1-11). Not long after Joseph relayed his dream, the already jealous brothers sold him into slavery, and he was taken to Egypt (Gen. 37: 12-28). However, once there God’s favor, which was evident to others around him, led him to be placed in high positions, first in charge of the estate of Potiphatr, one of the officials of the ruler, Pharaoh (Gen. 39:1-6). He later became second in command to Pharaoh himself after interpreting his dreams (Gen. 41:39-57). The Bible says Joseph started working for Pharaoh when he was only 30 (Gen. 41:46). It was Joseph's God-given leadership skills and revelation from God through dreams that led him to help Egypt, the region—and Israel—escape starvation during famine (Gen. 47: 13-25).
Likewise, as a young man Daniel was taken to Babylon as an exile from Jerusalem after Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, captured the city. He was one of the few men of Israeli royalty chosen on Nebuchadnezzar's orders to be trained for leadership in the Babylonian kingdom (Daniel 1: 1-3). He and others taken are described as intelligent: “showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace” (Daniel 1: 4, 7). During training he and his comrades, Haniniah (Shadrach); Mishael (Meschah) and Azariah (Abednego), excelled “in every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them...ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom” (Daniel 1:18-20). Additionally, like Joseph, the Bible also mentions God gave Daniel (separate from others) the ability to interpret dreams (Daniel 1:17) – a talent that was used by kings many times. Daniel also served several kings (or in several “administrations," if you will:)) (See Daniel Chapters 1; 5; 6:1-3; 6:28; 7; 8:27-9:1-2).
David also was chosen by God in youth to serve as King of Israel, set apart from seven older brothers who could have been chosen (I Samuel 16: 10-13). He was a shepherd boy when God told Samuel to anoint him the next king, and, for many years before becoming king, he served under King Saul – at times in danger of his life from Saul’s jealousy (I Samuel Chapters 19, 23, 26). Through the familiar story of David and Goliath, we see he had a faith in God from youth that allowed him to brave—and defeat—a long-feared enemy with only a sling and a stone (I Samuel 17). And, at a young age, he received a reputation as a valiant man – more valiant than then-ruler Saul (I Samuel 18). He ruled Israel for many years and had many victories as King (2 Samuel 8).
Holiness
Each of the men also walked closely with God (which had something to do with God’s favor on them!).
Joseph had a great faith in God, which was evident by the shining way he handled his “unfair” circumstances. First, he was sold into slavery in Egypt. Then, he was put in prison indefinitely for a crime he didn’t commit (he didn’t get no hearing or appeal!). But in each instance, the Bible says God was with him (Gen. 39: 1-6). It never talks about him throwing tantrums or saying “why me.” Instead, he carried himself well, with God’s favor, and was exalted, even in prison (Gen. 39: 20-23). And later in life, when he re-encountered the brothers who had sold him into slavery so many years earlier, he showed them genuine mercy and compassion—even through his hurt (Gen. 45).
David loved God with all his heart. So much that, as frequently referenced, he was “a man after God’s own heart” from youth—the reason God chose him to lead Israel (I Samuel 13:13-14; 1 Samuel 16:7; Acts 13: 22). People often focus on the story David and Bathsheba (wife of Uriah the Hittite) (2 Samuel 11-12), but there’s so much more to his life in the Bible! God says that incident was the only exception to a life devoted to Him. I Kings 15: 5 states, “For David had done what was right in the eyes of the Lord and had not failed to keep any of the Lord’s commands all the days of his life—except in the case of Uriah the Hittite.”
Daniel was a man who stood for righteousness – even when he was the only one. Upon beginning training in Babylon to serve King Nebuchadnezzar, Daniel had the opportunity to eat “the royal food and wine,” which included consuming meat considered unclean in Israel. The Bible says Daniel “resolved not to defile himself” with it (Daniel 1:8). Of the other young men brought from Israel, Daniel was only one of four who said no to the food on principle - not because he had to (Daniel 1: 6-17). Further, in Babylon Daniel lived in a nation where praying to God was at a time outlawed, yet he did it openly and incessantly. And his prayers were fierce (See Daniel 9, for example). His commitment to God led him to a lion’s den, but even then he knew God could deliver him from it— and did. In short, he had zeal for God his whole life!
Hotness
Another interesting tidbit about Daniel, David and Joseph is that, even in the Bible, where inner beauty is praised more often than outer, they are all described as good looking!
Joseph was called “well-built and handsome” (Gen. 39:6) (explains why Potiphar’s wife wanted some!)
The Bible says when David was called to leadership he was “ruddy, with a fine appearance and handsome features.” (1 Samuel 16: 12) (denotation of ruddy: “of or having a fresh, healthy red color, red; red or reddish” – aka a Shepherd Boy’s Tan:)!)
Daniel also was selected to serve in Babylon partly because he was a young man “without any physical defect, handsome” (Daniel 1:4). And after rejecting the “king’s meat” in favor of vegetables, the Bible says he and his three friends “looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food.” (Daniel 1: 15) (so they probably looked even better!)
DISTINGUISHING TRAITS (My Faves)
I love how each man’s holiness “profile,” while similar, was still different. Specific traits stood out to me for each – and a thought about the traits’ relevance to men today.
Joseph: Mr. Purity
I love Joseph’s choice to use self control to flee from sexual temptation. Potiphar’s wife came on to him—i.e., she explicitly said, “Come to bed with me!” (Gen. 39: 7). The Bible says Joseph had to resist the request many times: “And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with her” (Gen. 39:10). When she cornered him one day, rather than stick around he fled the scene, not even taking time to grab his cloak (i.e., coat) (Gen. 39: 11-12).This is a man in a position of power, with an entire estate at his disposal—who said no to sex that he easily could have gotten. Joseph’s story also indicates that he didn’t avoid the sex only because it would have been with his boss’ wife, but also because such strength was part of his character. Also like Daniel, his integrity got him in trouble with "the law," but we know God also delivered him (Gen. 39: 13-23; Gen. 41).
I think this observation is relevant to men today, especially young men whom God has gifted and put in prominent positions in government, sports, entertainment and other areas. Their prominence can cause them to face added temptation, but this story is a reminder that they don’t have to give in – and should flee situations if they need to. Often in society we describe purity as a “woman’s” thing, but the Bible is clear it’s a man thing, too— no matter what position he’s placed in. I love it (and I am not beating a dead horse on this issue— it’s living and in need of more whipping:))!
David: Mr. Passionate
I love how David appears to have been a “manly” man (e.g., the sling fightin’ and war winnin’), but he still saved his greatest passion for God. I appreciate how he talked about God like a lover and praised Him no matter what he was facing in life— even the prospect of being murdered. Take the devotion to God he portrays in Psalm 63. Then there’s Psalm 42, among many other examples. David also would worship God in public, openly. In one example he was “leaping and dancing” – “with all his might” in thankfulness to God for his blessings (2 Samuel 6: 14, 16). And when his wife tried to call him out on it, asking how dare a “king” act that way in public, in front of “slave girls,” he replied, “…I will celebrate before the Lord. I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes.” ( see 2 Samuel 6: 12-23).
In a world concerned with male “image,” we discourage men from being raw about their feelings— and sometimes this turns them away from God. But the truth is no man can love a woman – or anyone else— the way he should without a love for God. Imagine how families would change if men had this same kind of passion for God – love of their families would flow so much more naturally. Let’s encourage open, “undignified” worship and love of God in men!
Daniel: Mr. Meticulous, Man of His Word
For Daniel, I’m most impressed with his excellence and reputation. Just a couple verses that stand out to me about him from Chapter 6 of his book, which precede the campaign to send him to the Lion’s Den:
3 Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. 4 At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent.First, I love how he was noticed for his excellence – he was the best. But even more importantly, he could be trusted. That means he did what he promised and did the right thing, even when no one was looking (v. 4). He was so excellent and trustworthy that he, like Joseph, was singled out by negative people (aka “haters” ) who wanted to see him ruined. But, again, because of his righteousness God delivered him.
In our society we need to challenge men to be excellent, honest and keep their word – even when no one is looking. They may be subject to attack for their character, but when it’s anchored in Christ, in testing they’ll stand firm – and eventually be vindicated. God's servants have to be blameless!
D, D & J
Favor and leadership; holiness and hotness; personality— in short, these men were the total bundle!
MODERN MEN
So how does this translate into men and women encouraging authentic manhood today? Of course we should note the traits of godly men such as David, Daniel and Joseph. However, men today can only be those kinds of men if they have close communion with God. Each of those men in the Bible, while experiencing God’s favor, also experienced hardship, as we all do in life. But by walking with God daily, all of them withstood life’s challenges, accepting their calling as men. Men today have to do the same!
The reason we often do not believe men can rise above vices such as sexual temptation, untrustworthiness, anger or disrespect for women is because, male or female, we often have not experienced God’s life-changing power in our lives. We aren’t walking with God daily, so we don’t understand that God works on us over time, helping us overcome sins that we assumed were simply part of us. We don’t think that knowing Christ can really keep us, male or female, from succumbing to the societal pressures that come with our genders. But all Christians are called to holy living because of Christ – particularly men, who are called to lead by example. Holiness is supposed to be the rule among followers of Christ, not the exception. And if we seek Christ daily, it can be done!
These stories also highlight the fact that part of encouraging godly men is telling them to live out their individual callings. Although the three men described had similarities, they also had differences: in personality, passion and experiences. God’s plan for each man – and woman – is different. While it’s okay to have role models, we should encourage men to use what God has given them for a life of service and obedience. And He will take what they’ve got and use it extraordinarily –and different from the next guy.
It’s also important to note that each of these men sought God from youth. We need to encourage men to love and fear God while they’re still boys, so when the temptations hit as they become men, living for Christ will already be part of them! Let’s begin from day one – in the womb…no, at conception! Granted, raising kids to know Christ - or having godly parents - isn't a guarantee that the boys - or girls - will become godly adults. But teaching them commitment to God from infancy certainly increases the likelihood that they'll grow up to serve God. And even if they stray, God's word will be ingrained in them, and they'll return.
CHANGE (YES HE CAN)
I believe in revolution through Christ – a change in our world that comes when we are humble, repentant, and constantly seeking the face of God . I also believe that any man who chooses this way will be an amazing, shining example in a world of broken men. Let’s challenge men to live for Christ in every aspect of their lives – through their speech, attitudes and lifestyle. Our world can use a few more good, godly men – Real Men.
No comments:
Post a Comment