The past few days have seen a bevy of activity regarding Jody Lusk. I appreciate the conversations I’ve had both publicly at this site and privately. I appreciate the challenge to look at things from multiple angles and the realization that nothing said can ever encompass all that we need to think about as motivated by this situation.
I do want to pass on a statement that Jody made to WBKO in Bowling Green, KY. I have copied it directly from their site below.
“I am deeply sorry for my sinful actions and I am in deep shame. I have been asked what could possibly motivate me to do such a thing. I can’t quite explain why. Satan binds us to sin and what it is and what it really does. Being a preacher I know that God’s Word warns us about Satan and his ways. Unfortunately, until I experienced that first hand I didn’t fully grasp it. I was on a spiritual high as 2009 began but I let it all come crashing down, I let Satan have his way with me. My faith wasn’t as strong as I thought it was. Looking back on all that I’ve done it’s hard to believe this was me doing this. I had been hardened to sin and it’s consequences. On Saturday after the events of the day had transpired it all hit me like a ton of bricks – what I’ve done, the people I had hurt, especially my dear wife and kids who deserved none of this. Jail is bad enough, but the idea of not having them in my life is absolutely crushing, I cry everytime I think about them. I think about the young lady I had the affair with and hope she will be okay and that she can renew her commitment to God. I hadn’t studied His Word or prayed in months. I was so weak. Since being in jail I have cried out to God frequently and begged for forgiveness. I know He has forgiven because He promises in His word that He will. I have studied His Word more in 2 days that I had in the past 6 months. I feel much better spiritually but emotionally I’m a wreck. I can’t stand that I’ve put my family, the young lady’s family, and all my Christian brethren through so much pain. I hope people can look at my failures and learn from them. Never give in to any sin. Satan wants all of us to think that some sins are OK. But what seems like a small sin will always progress and lead to other sins. Don’t let him fool you. I ask for everyone to forgive me – my family, her family, my brethren, my friends, and my community. I realize that even with forgiveness there are consequences and I will face them. I hope that while in jail that God can use me for His glory to help some lost soul find Him. Please pray for me. Please don’t give up on me. I take full responsibility for my actions. There are no excuses.
Jody Lusk”
While we continue to pray for all those who have been hurt by Jody’s sins, the victim, the victim’s family, Jody’s wife, Jody’s kids, their extended families, the Auburn Kentucky church, the Auburn community, let’s remember to pray for Jody as well.
Edwin Crozier says
I will risk one editorial comment based on a private comment I have received. I don't think Jody meant to say that "Satan binds us to sin." I think he meant to say, "Satan blinds us to sin." I could be mistaken, but based on the rest of the sentence, I think that is what he meant.
Eric Reynolds says
In our society, we do not refer to his crime as an "affair" with a "young lady." I appreciate that he is seeking God and his forgiveness. He is definitely right that Satan blinds us to the horrible nature of sin. As time passes he will probably be able to see this sin for what it truly is. We should definitely keep praying for him.
Gene Jenkins says
Thanks for passing this along, Edwin. What a huge heavy hearted situation on all points! I truly pray that the lessons from this, the true Godly lessons, are ultimately realized as originating from the evil activity of the true menace, that being Satan. We are all, at BEST, weak and we all need God every moment because sin is, indeed, crouching at the door.
Michael Pickford says
Good eyes. He definitely meant "Blinds." "Binds" doesn't really even make sense in that sentence. Please (everyone) continue to keep all involved in your prayers. And may we all learn a lesson and take heed!
Jim Canada says
Edwin,
I really appreciate you addressing this topic on your blog. You have done a great job of even handeldy mediating this discussion for a lot of people who are overwhelmed emotionally.
I am glad to read Jody's statement and see what appears to be an obviously penitent heart. We need to remember that no matter how broken we become God can take our mess and create something for His glory.
I do also want to add a word of caution. We need to remember that this was not an affair, it was rape. Even if it was not forceable it is still sexual abuse. And we need to remember that this is a child who was raped, not a 'young lady'. Of course we might call her a young lady under certain circumstances, to do so in the context of a relationship with a 35 year old man gives the impression that it is normal, or at least softens the impact.
I don't say this to reaccuse Jody of his crimes. I am glad to see his statement. However, we need to be careful about the language we use. Words affect us consciously and sub-consciously, and using mild terms to describe deplorable sins takes away some of the shock value – and we need to be shocked by sin.
Thanks again for your work Edwin.
Jim C
Edwin Crozier says
Thanks for the comments guys. I'm only passing on what has been written and don't wish to argue over what it should have said and shouldn't. I think what has been said about the word "affair" is accurate.
I would also like to add that this really will be a growth thing. I know in my own experience, even when I have been truly penitent about some sin it took me some time to be truly honest down to the core about exactly what I had done. I know I've told some friends who are accountability partners for me that sometimes it takes me talking to someone four, five, or six times to be really honest about exactly what I had done removing all language of "accidental" or "it just happened" or whatever kind of prideful, trying to cover my own behind language I might use. So, I want to reiterate Eric's response. As time passes, I believe he will see this more fully. I say let's be thankful he is where he is now instead of continuing his sin and pray for his continued enlightenment that will help him overcome.
Gene Jenkins says
I understand that Jody's family is reading this blog (from some of the comments I've read, within). I'd like to pass along a verse that helped me so very much in my personal trials of the past… and present! :
John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
May we all realize that our sins are horrific, but also realize that God gives peace to the point where we can withstand the wounds that we have self inflicted and, once again, rise to praise HIS name all the more as our redeemer.
Never forget that you do have brethren that understand and stand by as our dear brother Rufus Clifford use to say "as your hands hang limply by you side".
Haley says
I have shed many tears over this brother and this sin. If only all sin would produce this much sorrow in the church. We should pray for all those involved and pray for Jody's soul and all others involved.
Thankfully, it is not our job to decide whether his heart is sincere. Now it is our job to do our best to support Jody's family, the brethren at Auburn, and even Jody himself as he hopefully learns his lesson.
Richard Dodson says
I don't believe his repentance is sincere. I watched a "raw" interview he gave to some reporter. I didn't like how he was doing interviews before talking to his family. He said he wanted to do so because the news was not reporting he was guilty of consensual rape verses forcible rape. There was nothing consensual with what he did. He manipulated her. With his own words he spoke how they talked, then hugged, kissed, texted. It's obvious his actions were premeditated.
He then said she was mature beyond her years both physically and mentally. That's an attempt to make this not seem as bad as it sounds. I am the father of a 13 year old girl. It's just not possible for a 13 year old to be mature enough to make his actions seem less filthy.
He then attacked people like me who see him as filthy. He said he used to be like that but now that he's seen sin from that side he hopes he wasn't. That's his attempt to look like a victim.
Keep in mind the news interviewed professionals who deal with sexual predators and they even said his actions were like most when they get caught.
I hope he repents. I don't want anyone to burn in Hell. But a man in his position doesn't just go out and sin in this fashion without first searing his conscience. This isn't David cheating with Bathsheba. This is David cheating with Bathsheba's daughter.
I know Christians should look to and want to forgive. But keep in mind the lesson we learn from John the Baptist. We also need to see fruits of forgiveness. As for Jody I will keep looking.
Edwin Crozier says
I appreciate your perspective, Richard. As I said above, I don't want to get into any arguments about how sincere his penitence is. If we were all judged based on every nuance of every word we said, who would stand? Fortunately, the courts will determine his guilt and punishment and God will deal with his soul.
I still stand by my earlier statements that what we need to see in this is the warning that sin can attack any of us and take us farther than we ever expected if we think we can control and enjoy it even just a little (Romans 7:14-24).
By the way, it is interesting that you bring up David and Bathsheba. David and Diana Garland have an interesting take on that story. I think they may go a bit far in some of what they say, but it is definitely an eye-opening perspective.
http://www.baylor.edu/content/services/document.p…
Joni says
I agree that we can't get into arguing about Jody's sincerity. It is not our place to judge someone's heart, but I would like to reply to the statement made by Richard that "a man in his position doesn’t just go out and sin in this fashion without first searing his conscience." Preachers are people too, not someone who is holier than everyone else or who is even held to a higher standard than everyone else by God (except that they are teachers, which would include anyone who teaches, not just preachers). My husband is a preacher and it is so hard to deal with the fact that we are treated differently just because preaching is his talent. His talent is no different than being a songleader, Bible class teacher, or anyone else who takes part in doing the Lord's work. Please try to look at your preacher as being a person just like you, striving to do the right things, but having just as many temptations as anyone else.