MYSTERY MEN
The
AVENGER
THE STORY OF LAMECH
T
he man had two wives. Perhaps the stress induced by being an aging man needing to please two women is what drove him headlong into his dementia and maniacal sense of justice. Whatever the cause, Lamech possessed a twisted view of self that pushed him to violent extremes. Lamech developed an alter ego of sorts as he slipped further and further into an utter detachment from reality. He even started to refer to himself in the third person in an attempt to become something more than just “any man”. The day in question may have been sunny, but Lamech’s disposition was anything but. A dark cloud of self-importance and vindictiveness enveloped Lamech as he stepped into the beginnings of another’s violent end. An altercation with a young man was not unexpected. Lamech was looking for a fight. As his youth had slipped away and the inferiority complex took hold, Lamech had become a dangerous combination of fear and overcompensation. Out of the shadows, a non-descript young man crossed paths with his unknown assailant. Lamech made no attempt to veer to the left or right as he set his sights on once again proving his manhood. The young man never saw it coming. One moment he was innocently strolling through the city streets and the next he found himself engrossed in an absurd altercation. A mere brush of Lamech’s overinflated bicep lit the fuse of impending doom. “Watch where you are going…stupid punk!” “Sorry doesn’t cut it dip-wad. Lamech is going to have to teach you a thing or two about respecting your elders.”
“Sorry man…my bad. I didn’t see you coming.”
“Look old man, I’m not looking for any trouble.”
SHOVE! “Too bad, because you just found it.”
Stumbling backward from the force of Lamech’s shove the young man pulled out the knife he carried for protection. “Okay pops, I don’t want to hurt you. Just let me go on my way and we can pretend this never happened.” “You pull a knife on Lamech and expect me to just let you go. Boy, you better be ready to use that. Are you going to cut me? Are you prepared to stick Lamech?”
Lamech advanced and while skirmishing over the knife he received a slight gash on his right forearm. The young man, appalled by the injury to Lamech, dropped the knife and extended both arms forward in an attempt to peacefully end the conflict. The sight of his own blood dripping down his arm sent Lamech into a blind rage. He retrieved the fallen knife and attacked with unwarranted vengeance. Seventy times the blade penetrated the young man’s flesh. When Lamech’s strength was finally sapped the lifeless body of the young man lay motionless on the red-stained street. Remorse would have ceased the heart of an ordinary man, but Lamech was no ordinary man. While others may have run in fear or attempted to cover up their violent indiscretion Lamech recognized an opportunity to become fully detached from reason and rational behavior. Lamech returned home with a fresh swagger and intensity. He called his wives to him and with one arm tightly around each he froze them with the stare from his dark, soulless eyes. Then he made his announcement. “Wives of Lamech, I killed a man today for injuring me. I killed a young man for wounding me. If anybody messes with me, I will rain down vengeance upon them with such fury that they will rue the day of their birth. Let it be known that anyone who crosses Lamech will receive retribution seventy times over. Touch me and I will knock you out. Cut me and I will take your life. I am Lamech. I am The Avenger.”
The potent cocktail of insecurity, self-loathing, and anger gave rise to a brash new villain. The Avenger was born.
Unravel the Mystery Lamech is an obscure biblical figure that is easily overlooked. His story encompasses a mere six verses in Genesis 4:19-24. At first glance, the story of Lamech may appear to be just another violent illustration from the Old Testament, but a closer look reveals an important life lesson and critical insight into one of Jesus’ most challenging teachings. The placement of Lamech’s story within the biblical text gives some clues to its relevance. The first part of Genesis 4 tells the story of Adam and Eve’s two sons, Cain and Abel. Cain and Abel both presented offerings to the Lord, but God favored Abel’s. Cain was greatly disturbed that God preferred his brother’s offering and he killed Abel in a fit of jealousy and anger. Part of God’s punishment for Cain’s actions was that he would be forced to leave his family and wander the earth. Cain appealed to God on the basis that if he wandered alone he would be killed. Cain said to the LORD, “My punishment is more than I can bear. 14 Today you are driving me from the land, and I will be hidden from your presence; I will be a restless wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.” 15 But the LORD said to him, “Not so; if anyone kills Cain, he will suffer vengeance seven times over.” Then the LORD put a mark on Cain so that no one who found him would kill him. (Genesis 4:13-15) 13
God reassured Cain by placing a mark on him and declaring that any wrong done to him would be avenged seven times over. God’s “seven times over vengeance” represented the completeness of divine retribution. Lamech’s story immediately follows Cain’s account and suggests an insight into the twisted nature of humankind. People love to take matters into their own hands and exalt themselves over their Creator. This is precisely what Lamech did. Lamech misapplied God’s prescription for vengeance, took matters into his own hands, and reveled in his unwarranted brutality. Lamech said to his wives, “Adah and Zillah, listen to me; wives of Lamech, hear my words. I have killed a man for wounding me, a young man for injuring me. 24 If Cain is avenged seven times, then Lamech seventy-seven times.” (Genesis 4:23-24) 23
Lamech became the symbol for extreme vengeance. Nobody could be more vengeful than Lamech. Jesus played off of Lamech’s quote when He was questioned about forgiveness. Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” (Matthew 18:21-22) 21
Upon hearing what Jesus said, a Jewish audience would have quickly made the jump to Lamech. In essence, what Jesus was saying was that if Lamech was the pinnacle of vengeance, then Jesus would become the pinnacle of forgiveness. This, of course, was clearly demonstrated through the cross. Jesus replaced retribution with grace and told His followers to do the same. Forgive ness is to be limitless. Followers of Jesus are called to be agents of grace. Christians are commanded not to take vengeance. Christians are to intentionally love people who wrong them. 14
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. (Romans 12:14)
Discover Romans 12:17-21, Luke 6:37-38, Luke 17:3-5
Discuss 1. What is your attitude towards vengeance? Are you more like Lamech or Jesus? How do you respond when somebody wrongs you? 2. Are there limits to your forgiveness? Where do you draw the line with extending grace? 3. Have you ever been on the receiving end of vengeance? How did you feel? How did you respond? 4. Have you ever been on the receiving end of forgiveness? How did you feel? How did you respond? 5. Is there someone in your life right now that God’s wants you to forgive? Is there someone you have been vengeful to that you need to talk to? What are you going to do?
The
DELIVERER
THE STORY OF EHUD
T
he dark and desolate times called for the rise of a deliverer. Eighteen years of subservience to a foreign and grotesquely fat king left the chosen people in a desperate state of despair. Eighteen years of paying an ever-inflating percentage of their gross national product as a tribute to the obese tyrant. Eighteen years of embarrassment. Eighteen years of enslavement. Eighteen years of watching the fat man get fatter at their expense. Enough was enough. Desperate times called for desperate measures and one desperate man decided the time had come to deliver. Enter Ehud. Ehud had one distinctive characteristic… Ehud was different… Ehud was lefthanded. At an early age, he learned that everything was made without him in mind. Weapons, tools, and everyday conveniences presented a steady challenge to the growing southpaw. In a right-handed world, Ehud had learned all-to-well how to play the role of the underdog. He was crafty and cunning, resourceful and radical, independent and indignant. Ehud was everything the chosen people needed. As the annual depression associated with paying their yearly tribute to their gargantuan oppressor swept across his fellowman, Ehud began his preparations. It was his turn to present the fat tormentor with his nation’s proceeds. This time things would be different. Ehud crafted a double-edged sword that was 18 inches long and devised a cunning plan to deliver more than a monetary tribute to the tubby tyrant. With his sword strapped under his clothes on his right thigh, Ehud set off on his mission. After delivering the money, Ehud spoke subtly to the king. Ehud leaned forward, looked suspiciously to the left and right, and motioned with his head for the king to come closer. Intrigued, the king leaned closer to his exploited subject.
“Psss…hey King. I have a secret message for you.”
“Really? I love secrets. Is it good?”
“Yes! You are going to LOVE IT. It is about something extra-special to put into your belly.”
“Ohhhhh, it sounds yummy…tell me now…give it to me now.” “With all of these people around you might have to share it…”
With his belly rumbling in delightful anticipation, the king sent everyone away so that he could be alone with Ehud. “Give me the secret goodies now!”
Ehud approached the sitting king. “I have a message from God for you.”
As the king rose from his seat, Ehud reached with his left hand, drew the sword from his right thigh and plunged it into the king’s belly. Even the handle sank in after the blade, which came out his back. Ehud did not pull the sword out, and the fat closed in over it. Then Ehud went out; he shut the doors behind him and locked them. After he had gone, the servants came and found the doors locked. “He must be relieving himself. The way he eats it could take all day. That’s a stink you can’t risk walking into, let’s wait out here until the coast is clear.”
LOCK
They waited to the point of embarrassment, but when he did not open the doors, they took a key and unlocked them. There they saw their lard-laden Lord lying dead on the floor. While the servants waited, Ehud had run to call his countrymen to fight.
“I just ran my sword through the fat of the king’s belly. The king is dead. Follow me now and we will slaughter his army!”
The chosen ones followed and routed the fallen king’s men. Ten thousand of the dead tyrant’s men perished as the cloud of despair was lifted and the dawn of a new day peaked over the horizon. The king received the tribute he deserved. The chosen ones overcame their oppression. The Deliver had delivered.
Unravel the Mystery Ehud isn’t exactly a household name, but his story is a fantastic example of bravery, cunning, and intolerance for injustice. The Deliverer recognized a great wrong in his world and took drastic action to change things. He refused to accept the status quo. You can read Ehud’s full story in Judges 3:12-29. Other than this one event, we know nothing about the life of Ehud. But a single day’s worth of courageous action was sufficient for him to become a great biblical hero. Ehud’s actions are directly tied to the heart of God. Ehud was not the world’s first Deliver and he also was not the last. God has a long track record of using people to bring deliverance to the world that He loves. Joseph delivered his family out of the great famine. Moses delivered the Israelites out of Egyptian slavery. Joshua delivered the Jews out of the wilderness into the Promised Land. David delivered God’s people from the taunts of Goliath the giant. Jesus delivered the world from sin and death. And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: “The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob. 27And this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins.” (Romans 11:26-27) 26
Jesus is the ultimate deliverer. Just like Ehud, He refused to sit idly by when desperate action was needed. Jesus gave His life to deliver all of us from the captivity of our sin. He set us free from the un-payable debt all of us owed. He delivered us from the wallowing death of humanity into the eternal life of the Kingdom. When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. 21 What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! 22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:20-23) 20
All who belong to Jesus are called to be like Jesus. If Jesus delivered then we deliver too. We suddenly have purpose and meaning, because we have been delivered to deliver! Like Ehud, Moses, Joseph, David, Joshua, and Jesus we must take drastic action to deliver the world around us from bondage. God delivered you, called you, and empowered you to do great and courageous things for the Kingdom. Jesus said it clearly in His final words before leaving this earth. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. (Acts 1:8) 8
Translation: Spread the word. Tell everyone that Christ has set them free. Hold nothing back as the power of God works in you to bring deliverance to the world around you.
Discover Judges 3:12-29, 1 Corinthians 1:18, Matthew 28:18-20
Discuss 1. What is the most difficult situation you have ever been delivered from? What happened? How did you feel? 2. How can you be a “deliverer” for people around you? How does God want to use you? 3. What do you think is the most difficult part of being a “deliverer”? What prevents you from living out this calling? 4. What risks are you taking in order to see people come into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ? Are you prepared to tell the people in your life that Christ has set them free? 5. Do you know anyone who is in need of a deliverer? What drastic actions can you take to see them set free?
The CHALLENGER
THE STORY OF EZRA
D
ark times had fallen on the chosen ones. Their city lay in ruins as they found themselves exiled in a foreign land. Oppression had once more enveloped them as their identity as a people slowly slipped away. In the midst of dark despair the swift winds of change began to blow. The ominous clouds of oppression broke as the light of new hope shone down on the chosen ones and they were permitted to go home…or at least, what was left of home.
The invasion had destroyed everything. Only ruins waited to welcome their return. The temple, the walls, the homes…everything that had defined the chosen ones…laid in piles of rubble. The people were broken and bricks and mortar would only go so far in repairing their psyche. The rebuilding process called for a new kind of hero. In a world ruled by physical strength and brute force, the intellectual elite were rarely glamorized. They were often called nerds, dweebs, dorks, and pinheads by bullies whose density prevented them from appreciating the power of knowledge. Knowledge would return the chosen ones to their ancestral home…not merely a location found on a map, but to the place where they could confidently and securely “be”. One such hero would arise from within the exiles. While others were fixated with the physical condition of home, one man would stand up and challenge the chosen ones to return to their chosen ways. Enter Ezra.
Ezra was well versed in The Law that Creator had given the chosen ones. This Law defined them as a people and governed their intimate interaction with one another and Creator. Ezra understood that a fully rebuilt city would never stand if the foundation of Law was not laid. It was strange that a teacher whose life had been devoted to study would step up to lead, but it was evident from the start that the hand of Creator was on Ezra. Five thousand exiles followed Ezra home. A man thought to be nothing more than a bookworm led the chosen ones on foot over a 900 mile journey across treacherous terrain with no military escort. The fact that they arrived intact was amazing enough, but what Ezra did next would set the course for the entire future of the chosen ones. With new buildings and walls erected Ezra seized his opportunity to fulfill his purpose. The chosen ones gathered for a great assembly and at daybreak Ezra did what Ezra did best…he started to read. A hush fell over the great assembly at the sound of the teacher’s voice and the ancient words of Creator were once more heard by the chosen ones. The broken people were crushed by the sound of their Law. For so long they had floundered in the ambiguity of their exile. Identity had been lost, but on this day the rush of new life burst from within the chosen ones and exploded in deep emotion. The reading of the Law re-established the chosen ones as Creator’s people. As awareness over the magnitude of the moment spread throughout the crowd, the great assembly in its entirety began to weep. After six continuous hours of reading and instructing, Ezra stopped. A mass of overwhelmed people stood before the teacher waiting for instruction. Broken, weeping, and paralyzed by the complexity of the moment, they waited. Ezra then spoke his challenge.
Unravel the Mystery Ezra is one of those biblical characters that are easy to overlook. He was not flashy, his story involved no violent exploits, and he experienced no tragic fall and rise. Ezra’s story has little of the drama that the modern reader craves, but this man was revered among the Jews as a national hero. His role in the growth, development, and stabilization of God’s chosen people laid a foundational framework that set the standard for Jewish culture for centuries. Ezra was a scholar who was utterly devoted to studying God’s Law. When Ezra instructed people in regards to the Law, they understood God’s commands and were eager to comply. Ezra commanded attention when he spoke and people listened intently to what he had to say. He had a tremendous understanding of his people and emerging culture. Ezra recognized the great need for a stabilizing force among the Jews returning from exile and he seized the opportunity to make the Law that force. God used Ezra to rally His people around the Law and their identity as a people became largely based on that Law. Ezra loved God’s Law and he gave his life to making sure that others loved it as well. His efforts helped transformed a broken people into a nation that would shape the moral landscape of the entire world. His impact is still being felt today and it all started because of his personal devotion to the words of God. What is your attitude towards God’s Law? Do you love the scriptures, hate them, or simply view them as irrelevant? A deep commitment to the words of God is the foundation of a life that truly makes a difference. When we love something, we think about it continually. It is always on our mind, it shapes our actions, and it influences our words. Can you personally echo the words found in Psalm 119? 97
Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. (Psalm 119:97)
Ezra didn’t just love the Law, he used the Law. He taught it to others and found it useful for helping people understand how they could relate to their Creator. God’s words are meant to be shared and discussed. They are never to sit stagnant in a book on a shelf. God’s words are alive and active clamoring to penetrate the heart of every person springing them to new life. Are you committed to sharing this message with others? For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12) 12
Ezra remained committed to God’s Law throughout his life. His devotion never ceased. Ezra consistently adhered to God’s principles and encouraged others to do the same. He never stopped growing in his knowledge. We must have a similar attitude towards the scriptures and gospel message. We must never allow ourselves to stop growing. Continual study is crucial to keep the message fresh and on the tip or our tongues.
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. (Hebrews 3:14-15) 14
Discover Ezra 7:10-25, Nehemiah 8:1-18, 2 Timothy 4:2
Discuss 1. What is your personal attitude towards the scriptures? Do you love them and look forward to studying them? Do they intimidate you? Do you find them boring and irrelevant? 2. Do you want God to use you to do something great in this world? How crucial do you think having a growing understanding of God’s word is to determining His will for your life? 3. Are you prepared to encourage others with scripture? Why or why not? 4. What are you currently doing to grow in your understanding of God’s Law? 5. What changes do you need to make in order for your life to truly be built on the foundation of God’s words?
The
FINISHER
THE STORY OF CALEB
S
lavery, while an inherently evil practice, can shape a person in such a way that their destiny will undeniably be fulfilled. An intensity is often unleashed from within the enslaved causing them to never halt their efforts until their life’s mission is finished. The chosen ones had not known freedom for centuries, yet an unsuspecting leader of heroic proportions lurked beneath the cover of this people’s oppression. When the deliverance occurred, this man followed the masses out of captivity in utter wonderment of what the future might hold. Amidst the uncertainty, Caleb knew one thing for sure…he would never be a slave again. Having known the shackles of slavery for the entirety of his life created an intense desperation in regards to clinging to his newfound freedom. In fact, the limited taste of freedom brought through the deliverance and subsequent travel to a new home, merely served to whet his appetite for more. Freedom often has that affect on the authentically brave and if anything Caleb was authentically brave. This attribute alone was enough reason to support Caleb’s selection to an elite group of spies. Out of the 600,000 wandering refugees, twelve were chosen to partake in their nation’s first reconnaissance mission. Their leader sent the twelve on a forty day mission to inspect the land Creator would give them as their own. Caleb eagerly went. Twelve men explored the same land. Twelve men saw that it was good. Twelve men tasted its fruit and beheld its bounty. Twelve men returned to report their findings. Twelve men agreed on the quality of the land, but a distinct line was drawn in regards to the realistic potential of the chosen one’s ability to overtake the current inhabitants. Two supported an invasion. Ten did not. Two believed in Creator’s ability. Ten did not. Two were ready to seize the day. Ten were seized with fear. Ten to two they gave their report before the great assembly of refugees. “The land is great. It is everything we have ever wanted. However, the people who live there are more powerful, more advanced, and more numerous than us.”
Fear swept over the crowd at the report from ten of their bravest men. The sounds of panic and dread poured out of the assembly. Two spies stood ready to give a different report. Joshua and Caleb were certain that victory belonged to the chosen ones. Caleb silenced the crowd. “Let’s go now! The land is ours. We can do this.”
“If we fight we will be destroyed. The people who live there are giants!”
Despair enveloped the crowd and they started to plan a return to the land of their captivity. Caleb and Joshua were so upset that they tore their clothes and screamed at the top of their lungs.
RIP!
“That land is OUR land! Creator has given it to us. Do not rebel against Creator, but go with us now to finish this. Stop being cowards. We will devour those people and take hold of what is ours!”
The assembly hated Caleb’s bravery and as one body they rose up to kill the two who stood alone. Creator intervened. The ten died of plague. The chosen ones were prohibited from entering their new home until every adult from that generation died. Because they had a different spirit and served Creator wholeheartedly, Joshua and Caleb would lead the chosen ones into their promised land, but they would have to wait and wander for forty years. Forty years of regret. Forty years of watching their contemporaries die in the desert. Forty years of complaints. An average man would have given up. An average man would have lost hope. An average man would have gotten too old, too decrepit, too senile, too frail…but Caleb was no average man. He finished things…finishing is what he did. To the Finisher these were forty years not to be wasted. These were forty years to prepare. Forty years to train an army. Forty years to make the battle plan. When the last of Caleb’s generation died, he didn’t mourn…he mobilized. The chosen ones wiped out their foes and swept across their new land taking possession of every inch their feet touched. Caleb spoke to his friend Joshua. “I’m 85 years old, but I am just as strong today as the day we first explored this land! I am as vigorous now as I was then. We did it! We came. We saw. We kicked the giants out! Now I am ready to settle in my new home. I am finished!”
Unravel the Mystery Caleb is a relative unknown as the lives of Moses and Joshua often overshadowed his own. Caleb didn’t get all of the press that those guys did, but his life was no less heroic or important. Everything that we know about Caleb points to a man who started well, lived well, and finished well. He was steady and consistent. The trappings of this world and the fears common to mankind had little to no impact on this focused individual. Caleb lived in faith and by faith. He believed God and stayed committed to His will to the very end. Caleb’s life was not void of problems. He faced trying circumstances that make our trials seem like child’s play. Caleb never cracked under pressure or lost sight of his mission. He lived for God and pushed others to do the same even in the face of severe opposition. Much can be learned from this mysterious man of the Bible. First and foremost Caleb unequivocally believed God and this extreme faith caused him to be spiritually bold. Caleb was sure of what he hoped for and certain of what he could not see and this authentic faith compelled him to action. The ten spies who spread the bad report about the Promised Land were not crazy or lying. They honestly cared about the people and believed what they were saying was true. How could a rag-tag group of former slaves take on the powerful inhabitants of that land and win? It was not humanly possible, but Caleb was not counting on human strength. Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. (Hebrews 11:1) 1
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. (James 2:17) 17
This faith drove Caleb to live a purposeful life. Caleb understood his purpose and he spent time in patient preparation until his purpose was fulfilled. God has a tremendous plan for all of us, but we often lose faith in the face of obstacles and find ourselves adrift in a life void of purpose. God wants us to stay laserfocused on His will for our lives, but we cannot do that when we are gripped with fear and doubt. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 1:5-8) 5
A primary contributor to Caleb’s ability to finish well was his humble heart. He never exalted himself above God. He did not jockey for positions of power or play political games. Caleb simply stated the truth and did everything in his
power to lead others into obedience to that truth. It is crucial that we remain humble servants of the Most High God and never exalt ourselves above His will. Then and only then will we discover the secret to being a finisher.
Discover Numbers 13:17-33, Joshua 14:6-13, Philippians 2:3
Discuss 1. What do you hope for more than anything else? Are you certain and sure that God wants you to have what you hope for? How does this impact your faith in God? 2. What prevents you from taking bold action to serve the Lord? 3. Do you know what your life’s purpose is? 4. Do you have any issues with humility? In what ways do you exalt your will for your life over God’s? 5. What do you need today to ensure that you finish well?
MYSTERY MEN Experience more online at www.mycompasschurch.com/mysterymen
Content written by Bo Chancey www.bochancey.com Concept artwork by Adam Stewart of Apparatus Artwork, LLC www.apparatusartwork.com Comic artwork and layout by Barrett Hemmings of Ameliorate Design www.tomakebetter.com