June 4, 2026:

GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY:

“The Nephilim were on the earth in those days—and also afterward—when the sons of God went to the daughters of humans and had children by them. They were the heroes of old, men of renown.” (Genesis 6.4)

TODAY’S REFLECTION ON GOD’S WORD:

The term and title of “hero” is applied to a great number of people these days. Everyone wants a hero. Some even desire to be heroes and be heroic. It has a very positive and affirming appeal to it. It means risk taker, strong person, selfless and will to sacrifice everything for the sake of another. We might use such a description to parallel the definition Jesus used to teach what “true love” is all about. Jesus said, “No greater love is there than this that one would lay down his life for the sake of another.” (John 15.13) Of course, let’s keep this teaching in its context. Jesus was defining and preparing the remaining disciples (Judas of Kerioth had already departed to do his part in bringing the Lamb of God to be sacrificed) for the events which were about to unfold. Jesus was all about parable teaching. A parable took a common experience from everyday life and used it as the basis for teaching a deeper and greater understanding of God’s truth. We might say He put God’s truth in a “common” language. “Common” meaning with terms that everyone could understand. Of course, not everyone would be able to understand fully the deeper meanings. Such an effort would require more diligent study and intentionality. Thus, such teachings would confound the wise (because the common language seemed beneath them but they usually got what Jesus was saying at the surface level and they rarely, if ever, liked it). It would also make wise the simple because it gave them something to hold on to and more easily grasp. It would invite them to want to hear more and listen more intently to what Jesus said. We see this with the disciples who often came to Jesus afterward and inquired further “What does this mean?” Of course, Jesus never used the word “hero.” Jesus never invited the disciples to be “heroic.” He did ask them to be faithful and loving and willing to be sacrificial in every part of their lives so they could take up the cross and follow Him. Many of their efforts for the gospel of Christ were, in fact, heroic, and almost all of the original disciples were martyred for having faith in Him and in proclaiming the gospel of the Kingdom of God in their midst and yet to come.

Still, “hero” is an ambiguous word. By that I mean that it is not captured on one side of the spectrum or the other. Its meaning is best understood by its context, as many words are often understood. I would say, and have said many times previous, the same about other words which exist today and applied to “faith” and “the Church.” Such words as “god” or “religion” or even “church” would fall into this same category. The declaration that “religion is bad” or “the church is wrong” or “God does not exist” certainly is heard more than their counterparts “religion is good,” “the church is right” and “God exists.” For example, those who say “religion is bad” and thus should be removed from our faith vocabulary forget that religion is a universal word of a lifestyle determined by one’s faith commitment. “Religion” is neither good or bad. It is actually “neutral.” There is, however, good and bad religion. James 1.27 would be a scripture easily read to demonstrate that. So, what then of the word “hero,” especially as it is used in today’s passage for reflection from Genesis 3.4? The word “hero” was applied to the Nephilim, whose original is linked by other sources to be the same as those spoken of in the following verse as “sons of God.” The term as it was used did not apply an honorable connotation. They were mighty warriors, fierce and combative, with the purpose of ruling the earth and to dominate all nations, tribes and generations with fear of the sword. They took the women as spoils of war to raise up their own “tribe.” The later stories of the family of Goliaths would have been offspring of such unions. They had no respect for God. They were sinister and violent. They were feared but not as God should be feared. Yet, they would consider themselves gods nonetheless.

What is it that we can learn from this lesson? Paul would remind us in his teaching to the Church in Ephesus about our battle is not against flesh and blood. We most certainly do have battles against such enemies but not as the Church. As the Church, our battles are against the powers of dark forces and beings who are cursed and cast out of Heaven but never cast away from the justice of God. We are to be engaged in the spiritual warfare which is far more important as it becomes the eternal conflict with eternal ramifications. What is the purview of the Church is to combat those in this world who consider themselves “gods” and men of renown. Those who claim the right of taking life for their very own and using it to serve their will and agenda. We see them promoted as “hero” and “G.O.A.T.” There are not such beings because they do not have God’s love in them. We are to confront them with spiritual power and might derived from God’s Word and inspired by the Living Word of God who is Jesus Christ. Ours is the victory. It is pronounced in advance. But that does not mean the battle is completed. It is still being waged. With the faithful, the battle continues in every venue. The body they may kill, but, let them be truly fearful of the One who can kill both body and soul. Rise up, Christian soldiers, the battle rages on in spirit and in truth; in love and mercy and justice.

TODAY’S PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING:

Father, in these days we are finding the need to believe even more than ever before. We all have known trouble, some in greater ways than others, but You are offering us the assurance that we will not be consumed by it forever. Regardless of the “time” we are in and the “time” we have been given, we ask for Your Holy Spirit which Jesus asked You to share with us, to lead and guide and direct us in the paths we should go. Teach us what we still need to learn. Empower us to put that learning into action. Bless our actions not as a works righteousness but as righteous works of faith, hope and love in Jesus’ name. AMEN.