Seer wrote:
I like both ideas.
Maybe instead of having God turn the staff black, it could be the results of Elkuund's lust for power. I'm thinking of a situation like Melkor/Morgoth in Tolkien's Silmarillion, after he revolted, Eru did not turn him into a dark evil monster incapable of good, those were the results of his decision to leave Eru's presence in pursuit of power. Perhaps instead of the dark staff being God's intentional punishment, it is an unavoidable reflection of the change that has taken place in Elkuund's heart.
Another example of this is God's statement to Eve in Genesis 3 about the consequences of her sin. Some were His intentional actions: "I will greatly increase your pains in childbearing" while others were the natural consequences/results: "Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you."
Maybe the staff turning dark is a natural outcome, while the marks on Elkuund's hands could be God's curse like the mark of Cain.
These are just my thoughts. Hope they help.
In Christ,
Jordan aka Mr. Squishy
Timotheus wrote:
Would God allow Elkuund to continue to hold the white staff if his heart is to use it in pride?
In most cases, God gives gifts (be they talents/natural abilities or skills, or blessings (i.e. wealth)) to people and leaves it up to that person how to use the gift. Perhaps Elkuund's staff is like that.Timotheus wrote:
Would God turn the white staff that saves into a staff that condemns others who look upon it?
Maybe instead of having God turn the staff black, it could be the results of Elkuund's lust for power. I'm thinking of a situation like Melkor/Morgoth in Tolkien's Silmarillion, after he revolted, Eru did not turn him into a dark evil monster incapable of good, those were the results of his decision to leave Eru's presence in pursuit of power. Perhaps instead of the dark staff being God's intentional punishment, it is an unavoidable reflection of the change that has taken place in Elkuund's heart.
Another example of this is God's statement to Eve in Genesis 3 about the consequences of her sin. Some were His intentional actions: "I will greatly increase your pains in childbearing" while others were the natural consequences/results: "Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you."
Maybe the staff turning dark is a natural outcome, while the marks on Elkuund's hands could be God's curse like the mark of Cain.
These are just my thoughts. Hope they help.
In Christ,
Jordan aka Mr. Squishy
You said exactly the same things I was going to say, after I read the post, and more!
