Title September 2019

Why was Samuel allowed to serve in the Tabernacle like the Levites when he was from Ephraim?

Question: In the Bible, we see that only the priests were allowed to serve in the Tabernacle of God, and only they were allowed to enter the house of God. They had to be from the tribe of Levi; anyone else who entered would die. But in that same Bible, we see the boy Samuel, who was not a Levite, placed in the Tabernacle before the Ark of the Covenant, and he did not die. We read that his father, Elkana, came from the tribe of Ephraim. If you read 1 Samuel 1, you will see this. I need a little clarification here.

Answer: If we read 1 Samuel 1:1, it says:

“There was a certain man of Ramathaim, a Zuphite, of the hill country of Ephraim, whose name was Elkana, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite.”

It is true that this sentence clearly shows that Samuel’s father was an Ephraimite. But if you study the Scriptures carefully, you will find that Elkana, Samuel’s father, was actually a Levite.

Remember, during the time of the Old Covenant, when Joshua divided the land of Canaan among all the tribes of Israel, the tribe of Levi did not have any inheritance. God set them apart to serve at the altar only. So, when they crossed the Jordan, they were distributed among all the tribes to serve the people in matters of the Law and worship.

Thus, Levites living in Dan were called Danites, Levites in Reuben were called Reubenites, and Levites in Ephraim were called Ephraimites.

Deuteronomy 18:1-2 says:

“The priests the Levites, the whole tribe of Levi, shall have no portion nor inheritance among Israel; they shall eat the offerings of the Lord made by fire, and their inheritance shall be the Lord. They shall have no inheritance among their brothers; the Lord is their inheritance, as He has said to them.”

To confirm that Samuel was a Levite, let us return to the book of 1 Chronicles. Let us read:

1 Chronicles 6:33-48

“And these are those who served, with their sons: of the sons of Kohath; Heman the singer, the son of Joel, the son of Samuel; 34 the son of Elkana, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu; 35 the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, the son of Elkana, the son of Mahath, the son of Amasai; 36 the son of Elkana, the son of Shaul, the son of Uzziel, the son of Uri; 37 the son of Tahath, the son of Assir, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah; 38 the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, the son of Israel.

39 And his brother Asaph, who stood on his right, was Asaph, the son of Berechiah, the son of Shimea; 40 the son of Michael, the son of Baaseiah, the son of Malchiah; 41 the son of Ethan, the son of Zerah, the son of Adaiah; 42 the son of Jeatherai, the son of Zerah, the son of Ido; 43 the son of Joel, the son of Zimmah, the son of Shimei; 44 the son of Jahath, the son of Gershom, the son of Levi.

45 On the left side were their brothers, the sons of Merari: Ethan, the son of Kishi, the son of Abdi, the son of Malluch; 46 the son of Hashabiah, the son of Amaziah, the son of Hilkiah; 47 the son of Amzi, the son of Bani, the son of Shemeri; 48 the son of Mahli, the son of Mushi, the son of Merari, the son of Levi. And their brothers, the Levites, were set apart to do all the service of the Tabernacle of the house of God.”

Do you see that? If you follow the genealogy of Elkana, Samuel’s father, you will see that it ends with Levi. Therefore, it is clear that Samuel’s father, Elkana, was not an Ephraimite but a Levite. God would not allow anyone who was not a Levite to serve in His house or Tabernacle.

Thus, Samuel was a Levite—a Levite living in Ephraim. It is like today when a Chaga person born in Kenya moves to live in Tanzania—they are known as Kenyan because of where they were born, even though their ancestry and tribe are Tanzanian.

That is why Elkana, Samuel’s father, was called an Ephraimite—it refers to where he came from, not his tribe.

Blessings.

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QUESTION:
The Bible tells us to greet one another with a holy kiss. What exactly does that mean?

In 1 Peter 5:14 (ESV), it says:

“Greet one another with the kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.”

Does this mean, for instance, that if a godly woman meets me, she should kiss me on the cheek as a greeting? Or if I meet your wife on the street, and since we’re both believers, I kiss her and say “Shalom” is that the kind of kiss the Bible refers to?

ANSWER:

To understand this properly, we need to consider both the biblical text and its cultural-historical context.

The phrase “holy kiss” or “kiss of love” appears in several New Testament passages:

Romans 16:16   “Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.” (ESV)

1 Corinthians 16:20  “All the brothers send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.” (ESV)

2 Corinthians 13:12  “Greet one another with a holy kiss.” (ESV)

1 Thessalonians 5:26  “Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.” (ESV)

These repeated instructions from the Apostle Paul and once from Peter show that this greeting was common among early Christians. But what exactly did it mean?

Historical and Cultural Background:

In the ancient Greco-Roman world, kissing on the cheek was a standard form of respectful greeting, not unlike shaking hands or hugging today. It was used:

As a sign of friendship

To show mutual respect

And as a way to affirm kinship or loyalty

In Jewish tradition as well, a kiss was often used between family members and close companions. It was not romantic but symbolic of affection, trust, and peace.

Therefore, the “holy kiss” in Scripture refers to a ritual gesture among believers meant to express Christian love (ἀγάπη / agapē), unity, and fellowship, not romantic or sexual affection (eros).

Spiritual Meaning:

The term “holy” (Greek: hagios) means set apart, pure, and sacred. So a holy kiss implies a sanctified gesture, free from impure motives or social impropriety.

It stands in contrast to Judas Iscariot’s infamous kiss of betrayal:

Matthew 26:48–49 (ESV)
“Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, ‘The one I will kiss is the man; seize him.’ And he came up to Jesus at once and said, ‘Greetings, Rabbi!’ And he kissed him.”

Here, Judas uses a familiar greeting for sinister purposes. That kiss was anything but holy.

Paul, on the other hand, envisioned the holy kiss as an act that:

Promoted unity in the Body of Christ

Affirmed spiritual kinship

And symbolized the peace and love of God shared among believers

Theological Perspective:

Paul’s instruction to greet one another with a holy kiss was not a doctrinal command or a permanent church ordinance (like baptism or communion). It was:

A cultural expression of genuine Christian affection

Not a universal requirement for all times and cultures

Subject to change based on cultural norms and sensitivity

In today’s world, physical gestures like kissing may carry very different implications, especially across genders or in certain regions. In many cultures today, kissing someone not related to you especially of the opposite sex could easily be misunderstood, making it counterproductive to its original intent.

Modern Application:

If Paul were writing to the church today, he might say:

“Greet one another with a holy handshake” or “a godly embrace” whatever is culturally understood as pure and respectful.

In today’s churches, acceptable alternatives to a holy kiss may include:

A warm handshake

A brief hug between same-gender believers

A verbal blessing or peaceful greeting (e.g., “Shalom,” “God bless you,” “Peace be with you”)

As long as the spirit behind the greeting is holy, the specific form doesn’t matter.

Guidelines for Today:

1. Avoid gestures that could be misinterpreted.
   A man kissing a woman who is not his wife or relative especially in public or church may send the wrong message.
2. Let love be sincere and pure.
   Paul wrote in Romans 12:9 (ESV):

   “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.”

3. Preserve modesty and avoid offense.
   Paul also taught in 1 Corinthians 8:9 (ESV):

   “But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.”

So, if you meet a fellow believer who is a woman, simply offering a respectful handshake is more than enough. It conveys the same love and peace that the holy kiss symbolized without the risk of confusion or impropriety.

Be blessed!

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The Bible says, “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come…” (1 Timothy 4:8, NIV). What does this mean?

Answer:

If you read the context in the earlier verses of this passage, you’ll find that Paul is addressing false teachers who were advocating for outward, ritualistic practices as the key to a holy life. These teachers were promoting certain external behaviors, such as strict dietary rules (e.g., not eating certain foods), circumcision, ritual washings, or excessive asceticism, believing that these actions could make a person holy or acceptable to God.

However, Paul points out that these practices, while they might have temporary value for the body, do not address the deeper needs of the soul. Paul is not dismissing the importance of physical health or discipline, but he’s emphasizing that godliness living a life that honors God through faith in Christ is far more beneficial, both now and in eternity.

Paul’s Point: Physical Practices vs. Spiritual Life

Paul’s argument in 1 Timothy 4:8 (NIV) contrasts the temporary value of physical exercise (or bodily disciplines) with the eternal and all-encompassing value of godliness (spiritual devotion). Physical exercise does offer some benefit to the body it can improve health and extend life in this world. But it can never secure eternal life, nor can it transform the heart and mind in the way godliness does.

In Colossians 2:20-23 (NIV), Paul provides further clarification on this point:

“Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules:

**‘Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!’

These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility, and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.”

Here, Paul is saying that even though these outward religious rules might seem wise or pious, they don’t deal with the deeper issue of sin and the desires of the flesh. True holiness comes from a heart transformed by faith in Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit, not through mere physical discipline or human-made rules.

Godliness: The Fear of God and Holiness

The key point Paul is making is that godliness (which can be understood as holiness or piety) is the path that leads to true life both in this world and in the life to come. This godliness is not about external rituals but about internal transformation that comes from a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. As the NIV Study Bible notes, godliness refers to a reverent, respectful relationship with God that is lived out in practical holiness.

The fear of God the reverence, awe, and respect we have for God’s holiness and sovereignty is what keeps us grounded in our spiritual lives. This fear of God is foundational to wisdom and righteousness (Proverbs 9:10). As we live out this reverence, we experience spiritual growth, peace, and joy that surpasses anything the world can offer.

Godliness and Eternal Life

In 1 Timothy 4:8, Paul points to a two-fold promise that comes with godliness:

Promise for the present life: A godly life leads to peace, purpose, and health. This isn’t a guarantee of perfect physical well-being, but it’s a promise that God will protect and provide for His faithful people. The Lord’s peace can sustain us in the midst of trials, and He promises to be with us in every season of life.

Promise for the life to come: Ultimately, godliness leads to eternal life. Unlike physical exercise, which only benefits the body for a limited time, godliness brings eternal reward. This is the hope of the Christian faith eternal life with God (John 3:16, Romans 6:23).

The True Security of the Soul

While accumulating wealth or seeking worldly success might offer temporary security, it cannot protect the soul. In Matthew 16:26 (NIV), Jesus asks, “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” Wealth and physical protection can only offer temporary security, but they can never address the deeper need for salvation and eternal life.

However, when we live a life of godliness, which is rooted in faith in Jesus Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we not only gain the promise of peace and provision in this life, but we also inherit eternal life (Romans 8:17, 1 Peter 1:4). This is a life of eternal security, built on a firm foundation of faith in Christ.

Why Choose Godliness?

So, why not choose godliness? In a world that constantly tempts us with temporary pleasures and fleeting rewards, the Christian is called to focus on what truly lasts. Godliness is what will lead us to fulfillment, peace, and ultimately, eternal life with God.

As Paul writes in 1 Timothy 4:8 (NIV),

“For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”

This is the simple, clear choice Paul is urging Timothy and all of us to make. Let us prioritize spiritual disciplines that lead to godliness, rather than chasing after fleeting physical accomplishments or material gain.

God bless you.

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The story of this world centers on humanity and our Creator, period! It’s the account of how God created mankind and gave us dominion over everything beneath us, all that exists on Earth…

So, there is no other creature with greater intelligence than humans living on distant planets. When we refer to the “universe,” we’re not only talking about the Earth we live on, but also all the planets, stars, and celestial bodies that exist in space. The universe encompasses everywhere humanity can reach, and no being in the universe surpasses humanity in intelligence.

Psalm 8:3-9 (NIV)

“When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
4 what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
human beings that you care for them?
5 You have made them a little lower than the angels
and crowned them with glory and honor.
6 You made them rulers over the works of your hands;
you put everything under their feet:
7 all flocks and herds,
and the animals of the wild,
8 the birds in the sky,
and the fish in the sea,
all that swim the paths of the seas.
9 Lord, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!”

So, you may ask, if there are no intelligent beings greater than humans, what about those mysterious creatures that scientists claim to see and photograph in space, which sometimes appear human-like?

It is an undeniable fact that scientists have observed strange phenomena in space, and at times they manage to capture them on film. Other times, they see unusual lights, patterns, or shapes that disappear quickly, leaving behind many questions. Because science, for the most part, rejects the idea of God, these scientists are left to speculate about what they are witnessing, often with no satisfying answer.

So, who are these beings, often referred to as ALIENS? The Bible gives us insight into the nature of these beings in the following passage:

Revelation 12:7-9 (KJV)

“And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,
8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.
9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.”

These “aliens” that scientists observe in space are not extraterrestrial beings, but Satan and his fallen angels (demons). The Bible teaches us that Satan, though powerful, is a created being with limited authority. As the passage in 2 Corinthians 11:14 (NIV) warns us, “And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.” He and his demons have the ability to disguise themselves and appear as beings of light or aliens from distant planets, intending to deceive humanity.

Satan’s ultimate goal is to lead people away from the truth of God’s Word and deceive them into believing in alternative explanations about the universe such as the existence of aliens. His aim is clear: to distract people from the reality of God and shift their trust to these supposed “higher beings” that will provide answers to humanity’s technological and social dilemmas.

Satan has many tools at his disposal to deceive humanity. Witchcraft and occult practices deceive those who believe in such things. False prophets and false teachers mislead those who attend churches, but who fail to truly know and understand God’s Word. The alien deception works on those who do not believe in God, leading them to think that beings from other planets possess superior knowledge and power.

I once read a testimony from a woman who had just committed her life to Christ, but she hadn’t fully surrendered yet. She shared how she loved reading about aliens, and in her heart, she believed that there must be other beings different from humans living on distant planets. She longed to see them one day, because she had heard many testimonies from people claiming to have seen these beings.

One night, while driving home, she saw a bright light ahead on the road. As she looked closer, the light came nearer to her car, and she had to slam on the brakes. She described the object as looking like a spacecraft. She was certain it was made from advanced technology, far beyond what is known on Earth.

Although she didn’t see the beings inside, she heard a voice telling her that they were extraterrestrials from a distant planet who had come to help Earth. Overjoyed, she felt as though her dream of seeing aliens had come true. However, shortly before this event, she had heard the gospel and decided to follow Jesus though she hadn’t fully committed, with one foot still in the world.

She then asked these beings, “Do you worship Jesus?” They didn’t respond at first. But after persistently asking, they finally answered, “We do not worship Jesus. You humans worship Him. We are not human.” As she continued questioning them about their worship, the craft suddenly took off and vanished from her view.

It wasn’t long after this encounter that she began to experience problems while reading the Bible. Every time she opened it, she could only see light nothing more. But when she was prayed for and the spirits were cast out, she realized the truth. What she had encountered wasn’t aliens at all. It was demons who had disguised themselves as extraterrestrial beings.

The Bible gives us a clear warning in 1 John 4:1 (NIV):

“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”

So, to conclude, the concept of aliens is a creation of Satan. It is a lie designed in hell with the aim of drawing people away from God. Satan wants people to stop believing in God and instead place their faith in the idea of extraterrestrial beings, as promoted by modern science. This deception has already caused significant confusion in the Western world, and it is beginning to take root in other parts of the world as well.

Blessed!

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What is the difference between adultery and fornication?

Question: When Jesus said, “But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery; and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery” (Matthew 5:32, NIV), what did He mean?

Answer:

The terms fornication and adultery are often used interchangeably in everyday conversation, but the Bible distinguishes between them.

• Fornication (Greek: porneia) refers to sexual activity outside the bounds of marriage. This can apply to anyone—married or unmarried. Theologically, it encompasses all acts of sexual immorality, including premarital sex, prostitution, or spiritual unfaithfulness to God.

• Adultery (Greek: moicheia) is a specific type of sexual immorality that occurs within the context of marriage: when a married person has sexual relations with someone other than their spouse.

So, fornication is a general term for sexual immorality, while adultery is specific to breaking the marital covenant. This distinction is important for understanding Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:32 and 19:9. Here, He addresses married couples, explaining that divorcing a spouse for any reason other than sexual immorality causes them to commit adultery. In other words, marital unfaithfulness is the only Biblically valid reason for divorce.

Theological insight:
The Greek word porneia (translated as sexual immorality) can also refer to spiritual unfaithfulness, not just physical acts. In the Old Testament, God often equates Israel’s idolatry with fornication or adultery (Hosea 1–3; Ezekiel 16:27, 43, 58, NIV). Similarly, the book of Revelation describes the unfaithfulness of nations or people to God using the imagery of fornication (Rev 17:1–5; 19:2, NIV). This shows that sexual sin is not only a moral issue but also a spiritual one—it represents breaking covenant relationships.

Marriage in the Bible:
The Bible repeatedly commands that marriage be honored (Hebrews 13:4, NIV):

“Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.”

This emphasizes that God intends marriage to be permanent and sacred. Entering marriage carries the responsibility to remain faithful. Committing sexual immorality or adultery within marriage can spiritually and relationally “break” that union. In such cases, divorce may be Biblically justified without being sinful before God.

Forgiveness and grace:
However, not every act of marital unfaithfulness automatically mandates divorce. God values forgiveness, and the Bible encourages reconciliation wherever possible (Colossians 3:13, NIV):

“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

Forgiveness, faithfulness, and reverence for God are foundational to a strong marriage. Since God is the one who unites a couple (Mark 10:9, NIV: “Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate”), spouses must seek to protect their covenant relationship from sin.

Conclusion:
Fornication is a general term for sexual immorality, while adultery is a specific violation of the marital covenant. Sexual unfaithfulness can break a marriage and, in cases of adultery, justify divorce and remarriage according to Scripture. At the same time, forgiveness, faithfulness, and God-centered fear are essential for maintaining marital integrity.

Shalom.

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Answer:
The Bible does not give a precise timeline for the duration of Job’s suffering. However, by examining key passages and theological context, we can form a general understanding of the period over which his trials took place.

1. Scriptural Clues  “Months of Futility”

One key passage comes from Job 7:2–6 (NIV), where Job laments:

“Like a slave longing for the evening shadows, or a hired laborer waiting to be paid,
So I have been allotted months of futility, and nights of misery have been assigned to me.
When I lie down I think, ‘How long before I get up?’ The night drags on, and I toss and turn until dawn.
My body is clothed with worms and scabs, my skin is broken and festering.
My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle, and they come to an end without hope.”

Here, Job uses the plural “months”, which clearly indicates that his suffering lasted longer than just a few weeks. Although no exact number is given, it is reasonable to infer that he endured several months possibly a year or more of intense physical, emotional, and spiritual torment. The comparison to a laborer expecting wages shows Job’s expectation of relief, but also the painful delay in receiving it.

2. The Visit of Job’s Friends  Additional Time Factors

In Job 2:11–13, we are told that Job’s three friends Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar traveled from different regions to comfort him:

“When they saw him from a distance, they could hardly recognize him; they began to weep aloud… Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights. No one said a word to him, because they saw how great his suffering was.” (v.12–13)

These friends stayed seven days in silence before even beginning their long dialogues with Job, which span chapters 3 to 31 a significant amount of discourse. Additionally, their journey to reach Job from distant lands (Teman, Shuah, and Naamath) would also have taken time.

3. God’s Restoration and the Sacrifice

After God’s final speech and Job’s humble repentance (Job 42:1–6), God commands Job to offer a sacrifice on behalf of his friends:

“Take seven bulls and seven rams and go to my servant Job and sacrifice a burnt offering for yourselves. My servant Job will pray for you, and I will accept his prayer and not deal with you according to your folly.” (Job 42:8, NIV)

This indicates another period of preparation, worship, and likely waiting. Job’s restoration described in Job 42:10 may have taken place gradually, especially if rebuilding livestock, family, and estate took time.

“After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before.”

While the restoration is described in summary, it does not necessarily mean it occurred instantly. Agricultural wealth (livestock, property, family) typically takes years to develop, suggesting Job’s full recovery could have unfolded over an extended period.

4. New Testament Affirmation: The Example of Job

The apostle James refers to Job as an example of patience and endurance in the face of trials:

James 5:10–11 (NIV):

“Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about.
The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.”

James uses Job to teach that God’s purposes unfold over time, and even prolonged suffering can result in divine blessing. The “end intended by the Lord” (as some translations say) reflects God’s faithfulness in bringing restoration after refining and testing.

5. Theological Reflection: Why the Timeline Matters

Understanding that Job’s trials lasted months or longer helps correct a common misconception: that spiritual deliverance or divine restoration always happens quickly. The doctrine of perseverance enduring in faith despite suffering is a cornerstone of biblical maturity. Job’s story highlights:

The hidden purposes of God in suffering (Job 1–2; Romans 8:28)

The legitimacy of lament and questioning in pain (Job 3–31; Psalms)

The necessity of trusting God’s character, even without knowing His reasons (Job 38–42)

Job did not suffer for a day or a week. His months of suffering included the loss of family, wealth, health, and reputation—yet he remained faithful, and in the end, God revealed His mercy.

Final Encouragement: Endure Like Job

As modern believers, we are called to display the same kind of patience and perseverance:

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

Be blessed!

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Shalom!

In Luke 23:27–29, the Bible says:

And a great multitude of the people followed Him, and women who also mourned and lamented Him. But Jesus, turning to them, said, ‘Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. For indeed the days are coming in which they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, wombs that never bore, and breasts which never nursed!

(Luke 23:27–29, NKJV)

Understanding the Context:

These were prophetic words Jesus spoke on His way to be crucified. A group of women followed Him, weeping in sorrow over the pain and injustice He was enduring. But Jesus, in His compassion and divine foresight, told them not to weep for Him — but for themselves and their children.

Why? Because Jesus foresaw the impending judgment and destruction that would soon fall upon Jerusalem. His words were not just emotional, but deeply prophetic.

The Prophecy Fulfilled in 70 A.D.:

Just 37 years later, in A.D. 70, the Roman army under General Titus besieged Jerusalem. The result was catastrophic: the city was starved, burned, and completely destroyed. Over 1.1 million Jews were slaughtered, including countless women and children. Josephus, a Jewish historian, described horrifying scenes of famine, cannibalism, and mass executions. In that chaos, mothers who had children witnessed unspeakable horrors. In such conditions, it truly seemed a blessing to have never given birth.

Jesus had earlier prophesied this destruction:

For days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment around you, surround you and close you in on every side, and level you, and your children within you, to the ground; and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not know the time of your visitation.

(Luke 19:43–44, NKJV)

This devastation was divine judgment because the nation of Israel rejected their Messiah. They did not recognize the time when God came to them in the person of Jesus Christ.

He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.

(John 1:11, NKJV)

But they cried out, ‘Away with Him, away with Him! Crucify Him!

(John 19:15, NKJV)

Theological Insight: Judgment for Rejecting the Messiah

The destruction of Jerusalem was more than a historical tragedy — it was a judicial act of God upon a nation that had rejected its Savior. Jesus had longed to save them:

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were not willing!

(Luke 13:34, NKJV)

Because of their stubbornness and rebellion, their house — the Temple and the city — was left desolate (Matthew 23:38). This is a sobering reminder that rejecting God’s grace has eternal consequences.

A Foreshadowing of the Great Tribulation:

Even more sobering is the fact that this judgment was a type or shadow of a much greater judgment to come upon the entire world — the Great Tribulation, spoken of by Jesus and the prophets.

For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.

(Matthew 24:21, NKJV)

This coming tribulation will be God’s final outpouring of wrath on an unbelieving world — a time of intense suffering, famine, war, plagues, and divine judgment (see Revelation 6–18). It will be a time so dreadful that people will cry out for mountains to fall on them to hide them from the wrath of the Lamb (Revelation 6:15–17).

Just as the Jews of Jesus’ time rejected the Messiah, many today continue to harden their hearts against Christ. The result will be far worse than what happened in Jerusalem.

The Only Escape — Jesus Christ:

The only way to escape both the coming judgment and the eternal wrath of God is by turning to Jesus Christ in repentance and faith. Jesus is not only the Judge — He is also the Savior who laid down His life for sinners.

Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.

(Acts 4:12, NKJV)

He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.

(John 3:36, NKJV)

Before the Great Tribulation begins, Christ will return to rapture His Church — those who truly belong to Him:

For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout… And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.

(1 Thessalonians 4:16–17, NKJV)

This is why Jesus’ warning remains urgent today. Now is not the time to delay or ignore your eternal destiny. The door of grace is still open — but it won’t remain open forever.

Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

(2 Corinthians 6:2, NKJV)

Conclusion:

When Jesus said, “Blessed are the barren…”, He was not encouraging barrenness, but expressing the sheer terror of what was about to come. In times of divine judgment, the natural blessings of life — like having children — would turn into sorrow. That statement was both a historical warning and a spiritual wake-up call.

Let His words stir us to repentance and readiness. Will you be among those who meet the Lord in the air? Or among those who will face the wrath to come?

May the Lord bless you and give you wisdom to prepare your heart.

Shalom.

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QUESTION:

How can I know if the decision I’m about to make is truly God’s will?

I deeply desire to study medicine, but I’m unsure whether this is God’s will for me. These doubts keep me from making a clear decision. What should I do to know what field of study God has purposed for my life?

ANSWER:

Your question touches on one of the most important aspects of the Christian walk—discerning the will of God. It’s a question many believers ask, whether about marriage, career, ministry, or life direction.

Many people expect God to reveal His will through dreams, visions, audible voices, or prophetic words. While God may sometimes use these ways (Joel 2:28; Acts 2:17), they are not the primary means He has chosen to guide His people. The Word of God and the leading of the Holy Spirit remain the clearest and most trustworthy sources for understanding His will.

1. God is a Counselor, not a Dictator

Isaiah 9:6 describes Jesus as the “Wonderful Counselor”, not a dictator or commander of personal choices. He guides us with wisdom, not compulsion. God created us with the ability to think, choose, and desire. He doesn’t override our will; instead, He shapes it through counsel, conviction, and the renewal of our minds (Romans 12:2).

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

 Romans 12:2, ESV

God’s desire is not just to tell us what to do, but to transform our thinking so we can wisely choose according to His will.

2. How Does God Counsel Us? Through His Word

God has already given us His foundational guidance through Scripture. The Bible is not just a religious book—it is the very counsel of God. It corrects, teaches, rebukes, and trains us in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16–17).

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

 Psalm 119:105, ESV

When you desire to make a major life decision, such as choosing a career path, start by:

Praying sincerely and regularly over the matter (Philippians 4:6–7)

Comparing your desire with biblical principles

Checking for any conflicts with your faith or God’s commands

For example, if you’re drawn to a business involving things clearly condemned in Scripture (e.g., alcohol sales, pornography, dishonest profit), then regardless of the appeal or profit, God’s Word gives a firm “no.” Our desires must always be filtered through truth (Psalm 1:1–3).

3. God’s Will Is Not Always Mystical—Sometimes It’s Moral and Missional

There are two dimensions of God’s will in Scripture:

God’s moral will – revealed in the Bible (e.g., sexual purity, honesty, loving others, avoiding evil).

God’s sovereign or specific will – details about life that are not explicitly found in Scripture (e.g., where to study, whom to marry, which career to pursue).

As long as your decision does not violate God’s moral will, and you’re walking in fellowship with Him, then you are free to choose within that boundary. God gives us wisdom to decide.

The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.

 Proverbs 16:9, ESV

So if, after prayer and reflection, you find no biblical reason against studying medicine, and it’s something you’re passionate about, and it would glorify God, then you can confidently pursue it, trusting that He is guiding your steps.

4. Peace Is a Confirmation, Not a Replacement for Scripture

Colossians 3:15 says:

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

If your decision brings a sense of lasting peace, and that peace aligns with Scripture, then it’s often a sign that God is leading you. However, peace should never contradict God’s Word. We must not confuse emotional comfort with divine approval—always let Scripture be your highest authority.

5. God Doesn’t Play Games with Our Destiny

God is not a trickster who hides His will from sincere seekers. If you truly desire to honor Him, He will ensure you’re not misled.

Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.

 Proverbs 16:3, ESV

Even if the decision you make turns out not to be God’s perfect will, as long as you invited Him in from the beginning, He can redirect your path (Proverbs 3:5–6). He is sovereign over every step and can use even our detours for His glory (Romans 8:28).

So what should you do?

1. Pray deeply and consistently about your decision. If possible, fast and spend focused time in God’s presence. Show Him that you’re serious about seeking His will (James 1:5).

2. Study the Word. Make sure your desire does not conflict with Scripture.

3. Seek godly counsel. Mature believers can help confirm what God may be saying.

4. Observe your heart. Is there peace? Joy? Clarity? Or fear and confusion? (1 Corinthians 14:33)

5. Step out in faith. If everything aligns, move forward with confidence.

And don’t wait for a dream, vision, or an angelic visitation. Those are rare and not essential. God’s Word and the inner witness of the Holy Spirit are sufficient.

Final Encouragement:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

 Proverbs 3:5–6, ESV

As long as you walk in humility, seeking God first and obeying His Word, He will faithfully guide you. Choosing to study medicine can be a wonderful and God-honoring path, especially if your motive is to serve others and glorify Christ.

God bless you richly as you pursue His purpose for your life.

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Answer:

Let’s start with a simple but important question:
Why do most boarding schools prohibit students from having phones, watching movies, playing video games, or even playing cards?

The answer is straightforward: these activities tend to distract students from their main purpose—studying. Instead of focusing on schoolwork, a student may spend hours thinking about a movie they watched or the card game they played. Over time, their grades suffer, and they fail to meet their goals. That failure becomes a loss not only for the student, but also for their family, school, and even the nation.

Now if people—teachers, parents, and leaders—can use such wisdom to guide children away from time-wasting things, how much more does God, who is infinitely wise, know what is good and bad for His children?

Loving the World Is Spiritual Danger

The Bible warns us clearly about loving the world in a way that draws our hearts away from God:

“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.
For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.
The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.”
—1 John 2:15–17

This passage doesn’t mean that playing games, enjoying entertainment, or resting are evil in themselves. God created us with emotions, minds, and bodies that need joy and rest. In fact, the Bible celebrates rest (Genesis 2:2–3), music (Psalm 150), and joy (Nehemiah 8:10). However, the danger comes when these things take over and replace our spiritual priorities.

Just as students are in school for a short season, we are here on earth for a brief time compared to eternity. If we allow temporary pleasures to distract us from eternal priorities, we risk missing what matters most—our relationship with God and our eternal future.

Our Identity: We Are Pilgrims and Strangers

The Bible describes believers as foreigners and strangers in this world:

“Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.”
—1 Peter 2:11

We are not here to live for worldly entertainment. We are here to grow spiritually, serve God, and prepare for eternity. There will be plenty of joy and fulfillment in the life to come—in the New Jerusalem, where God will dwell with His people forever (Revelation 21:1–4).

There, we will no longer need to fast, fight temptation, or preach the gospel. It will be a place of perfect rest, eternal joy, and glorious worship.

“In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
—Psalm 16:11

Practical Discernment: Not All Things Are Beneficial

Some might argue, “But isn’t it too extreme to avoid fun games like cards?”
But the apostle Paul helps us here:

“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything.”
—1 Corinthians 6:12

The point is this: not every activity is sinful, but if something masters your attention, wastes your time, or hinders your spiritual life, then it becomes spiritually dangerous. Card games and similar entertainment can easily become addictive or lead to further forms of gambling, competition, or laziness. Worse still, they can slowly drain your hunger for God.

Ask yourself: Can I spend two hours playing cards, but struggle to read my Bible for 10 minutes?
Can I binge-watch a series for eight hours, but feel too tired to pray or attend fellowship?

That’s a sign that your spiritual priorities are being undermined.

“Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”
—Hebrews 12:1

Conclusion: Be Wise With Your Time and Purpose

Life is short. Eternity is long. We must learn to prioritize what truly matters. It’s not foolish to avoid worldly distractions—it’s wisdom. Just like a serious student avoids unnecessary entertainment to focus on their studies, so must a serious Christian avoid anything that weakens their faith.

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise,
making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”
—Ephesians 5:15–16

So, is it right for a Christian to play cards?

Theologically and practically, it is unwise. While not sinful in itself, it often leads to distraction, time-wasting, and even spiritual coldness. The devil doesn’t always use sin to destroy us—sometimes, he simply uses distractions.

Let us stay alert, focused, and rooted in the things of God. There is a crown of life awaiting those who endure and overcome.

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
—Colossians 3:2

Be wise. Be watchful. Be blessed.

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QUESTION:

Shalom servant of God, please help me understand something. In the book of Acts, three different passages—Acts 9:3–7, Acts 22:6–9, and Acts 26:12–14—describe Paul’s encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. But when I read them, they seem to say different things, especially about whether the people with Paul heard the voice or not. How can that be?

ANSWER:

This is an excellent question and one that many Bible readers have struggled with. At first glance, the accounts seem contradictory—but once we look deeper, we find they are not conflicting but complementary.

1. The Apparent Contradiction

The main confusion comes from these two verses:

Acts 9:7 

“And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.”

Acts 22:9 

“And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me.”

So, one says they heard the voice, and the other says they did not. Which one is true?

2. The Key: Hearing vs. Understanding

The resolution lies in understanding how Scripture uses the word “hear.” In Greek, the word akouō (ἀκούω) can mean to hear a sound or to understand what is being said, depending on the context.

• In Acts 9:7, the men heard a sound—they were aware that something supernatural was happening.
• In Acts 22:9, Paul clarifies that they did not understand the voice that spoke to him.

It’s the difference between audible hearing and comprehending the message. This is a biblical concept seen throughout Scripture.

3. God’s Voice as Thunder

Compare Paul’s experience with the account in John 12:28–30 

“Then a voice came from heaven: ‘I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.’ The crowd that stood there and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, ‘An angel has spoken to him.’ Jesus answered, ‘This voice has come for your sake, not mine.’”

Here, God audibly speaks from heaven. Some people recognized it as a voice, but others only heard thunder. They all heard something, but not all understood what was said.

The same is true of Paul’s companions—they heard the sound, but did not understand the words Jesus spoke to Paul.

4. Jesus’ Teaching on Hearing

Jesus often emphasized that true hearing involves understanding. He said:

Matthew 11:15 

“He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”

Luke 8:18 

“Take care then how you hear…”

These verses teach us that spiritual hearing is more than just sound—it’s about discernment and reception of God’s truth.

5. Why Only Paul Understood

According to Acts 26:14 Paul heard Jesus speak to him in Hebrew:

“And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’”

It’s likely that the others:

• Heard the sound, but
• Did not understand the language, or
• Were spiritually unprepared to comprehend the divine message.

Jesus was speaking directly and personally to Saul. The others were not the intended audience.

6. No Contradiction—Just Different Emphases

There’s no contradiction—just different angles of the same miraculous event.

7. Application: Be Careful How You Hear

Paul urged Timothy:

1 Timothy 4:13 

“Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.”

This wasn’t just about casual reading. It meant deep, prayerful study, guided by the Holy Spirit. Without this, we might misread or misunderstand the Bible.

Jesus warned about this in Matthew 13:14–15 

“You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive. For this people’s heart has grown dull… lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.”

CONCLUSION:

The people traveling with Saul on the road to Damascus heard a supernatural sound but didn’t understand what Jesus was saying. Only Paul, who was the intended recipient, understood the message.

This story reminds us that hearing God is not just about listening with the ears, but receiving His Word with a heart that is ready and open.

“He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” (Matthew 11:15)

May God open our spiritual ears to truly hear and understand His voice.

• Be blessed.

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