1. Jezebel’s Background
Jezebel was the daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Sidonians (1 Kings 16:31, NIV). The Sidonians, located in what is now modern-day Lebanon, were known for their idolatry and devotion to Baal, a Canaanite storm and fertility god. Ethbaal himself was not only a king but also a priest of Baal, which explains Jezebel’s strong religious convictions and her later influence over Israel’s spiritual decline.
“He not only considered it trivial to commit the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, but he also married Jezebel daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and began to serve Baal and worship him.” – 1 Kings 16:31 (NIV)
2. Jezebel’s Marriage to Ahab
When she married King Ahab of Israel, Jezebel brought her pagan religious practices with her, leading Ahab into Baal worship. Under her influence, temples and altars for Baal were built in Israel (1 Kings 16:32-33). This was a direct violation of the First Commandment, which forbids the worship of other gods (Exodus 20:3-5).
3. Persecution of God’s Prophets
Jezebel wasn’t content with simply introducing Baal worship—she sought to eliminate the worship of Yahweh altogether. She ordered the execution of many of the Lord’s prophets (1 Kings 18:4), while promoting hundreds of prophets of Baal and Asherah (1 Kings 18:19). This led to a spiritual crisis in Israel, culminating in the dramatic confrontation between Elijah and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:20-40).
“While Jezebel was killing off the Lord’s prophets, Obadiah had taken a hundred prophets and hidden them in two caves, fifty in each, and had supplied them with food and water.” – 1 Kings 18:4 (NIV)
4. Jezebel’s Character and Sorcery
Jezebel is also associated with witchcraft and immorality. Her influence extended beyond politics into the realm of spiritual corruption. In 2 Kings 9:22, Jehu confronts King Joram and accuses Jezebel of idolatry and witchcraft:
“When Joram saw Jehu he asked, ‘Have you come in peace, Jehu?’ ‘How can there be peace,’ Jehu replied, ‘as long as all the idolatry and witchcraft of your mother Jezebel abound?’” – 2 Kings 9:22 (NIV)
She even manipulated legal systems to have Naboth unjustly executed so Ahab could seize his vineyard (1 Kings 21), showing a ruthless and manipulative character.
5. Jezebel in the New Testament
In the Book of Revelation, Jezebel is used as a symbol of a corrupting influence within the church. Jesus, speaking to the church in Thyatira, rebukes them for tolerating a false prophetess likened to Jezebel:
“Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophet. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols.” – Revelation 2:20 (NIV)
This shows that Jezebel became an archetype of spiritual adultery, manipulation, and false teaching.
6. Jezebel’s Death and Divine Judgment
Jezebel’s death came as prophesied by the prophet Elijah. She was thrown from a window by her own servants at the command of Jehu, trampled by horses, and eaten by dogs—fulfilling Elijah’s prophecy (1 Kings 21:23-24; 2 Kings 9:30-37).
“They went out to bury her, but they found nothing except her skull, her feet and her hands. They went back and told Jehu, who said, ‘This is the word of the Lord that he spoke through his servant Elijah the Tishbite: On the plot of ground at Jezreel dogs will devour Jezebel’s flesh.’” – 2 Kings 9:35-36 (NIV)
7. Jezebel’s Legacy
Jezebel’s daughter, Athaliah, followed her mother’s footsteps in wickedness. She usurped the throne of Judah, murdered members of the royal family, and promoted Baal worship (2 Kings 11:1-3). Jezebel’s legacy was one of spiritual corruption, violence, and rebellion against God, making her one of the most infamous women in biblical history.
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Understanding His Origin, Nature, and Role in the Biblical Narrative
The name “Satan” means accuser or adversary. In Scripture, he is described as the one who accuses God’s people before Him day and night (Revelation 12:10, NKJV). His mission is to oppose God’s work and lead humanity away from truth and righteousness.
Before his rebellion, Satan was known as Lucifer, which means “morning star” or “light-bringer”.
“How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, You who weakened the nations!”— Isaiah 14:12 (NKJV)
Lucifer was created as a glorious angelic being, a cherub with great beauty, wisdom, and authority in heaven. He held a high rank among angels and served in the very presence of God.
“You were the anointed cherub who covers; I established you; You were on the holy mountain of God; You walked back and forth in the midst of fiery stones. You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, till iniquity was found in you.”— Ezekiel 28:14–15 (NKJV)
These passages are often seen as dual references: while they address earthly kings (Babylon and Tyre), many theologians understand them as symbolic descriptions of Satan’s original state and fall.
Lucifer’s heart became proud because of his beauty and wisdom. He desired to exalt himself above God and sought to be worshiped.
“For you have said in your heart: ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God… I will be like the Most High.’”— Isaiah 14:13–14 (NKJV)
Through his deception, Lucifer led a rebellion, drawing a third of the angels in heaven to join him.
“His tail drew a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth.”— Revelation 12:4a (NKJV)
This resulted in a spiritual war in heaven.
“And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan… he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.”— Revelation 12:7–9 (NKJV)
After being cast out of heaven, Satan’s activity shifted to earth. He became the deceiver of the world and the tempter of mankind. The spiritual war that began in heaven continues here on earth.
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”— 1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV)
While Satan was defeated in heaven, he still influences the world until the final judgment. This ongoing battle is not just cosmic; it involves every believer. Our spiritual struggle is described clearly in the New Testament:
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers… against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”— Ephesians 6:12 (NKJV)
Satan’s end is certain. Scripture assures us that he will ultimately be judged and cast into the lake of fire for eternity.
“The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.”— Revelation 20:10 (NKJV)
Conclusion:
Satan was once a glorious angel named Lucifer, but pride led to his fall. He now stands as the adversary of God and humanity. However, believers have victory through Jesus Christ, and the Bible assures us that Satan’s time is limited. The war may still be ongoing, but the outcome has already been written—God will triumph.
In Malachi 4:5-6 (ESV), God declares:
Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes. And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction.
This was a prophecy concerning a messenger who would come to prepare the way for the Lord. Jesus Himself confirmed that John the Baptist fulfilled this role of Elijah. In Matthew 11:14 (ESV), Jesus said, “and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come.” Likewise, Luke 1:17 (ESV), speaking of John’s mission, says:
and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.
What does it mean that John turned the hearts of fathers to their children?
John’s ministry was one of repentance (Matthew 3:1-2). He preached to both the religious leaders (the “fathers” — those entrusted with the Law, such as the scribes, Pharisees, and Sadducees) and to the common people (the “children” — the followers and future generations). His message called these fathers of the Law to humility, repentance, and faith, so that they could lead their spiritual descendants to righteousness rather than hypocrisy.
By calling the leaders back to true godliness, John sought to restore right relationships — both between generations and between God’s people and the Lord Himself. His ministry was meant to break the cycle of rebellion and judgment, to prepare Israel for the coming of Christ.
How was this fulfilled?
We see this fulfilled in how some of John’s own followers recognized Jesus as the Messiah. For instance, Andrew and another disciple (likely John the Apostle) were first disciples of John the Baptist before they followed Jesus (John 1:35-37 ESV). John pointed them to Jesus, saying, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” (John 1:36).
These early followers became foundational leaders in the Church — spiritual “fathers” of our Christian faith today. John’s ministry turned the fathers of the Old Covenant (those tied to the Law) toward the New Covenant in Christ, while drawing the hearts of the children — the new believers — toward these fathers of faith.
Why was this important?
Without such repentance and reconciliation, God warned that He would strike the land with a curse (Malachi 4:6). But John’s mission was to call Israel back to covenant faithfulness, to avert judgment, and to prepare a people ready to receive the Messiah.
As Acts 13:24 (ESV) summarizes:
Before his coming, John had proclaimed a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.
John the Baptist was born in Judea just a few months before the birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. His father, Zechariah, was a Levite and a priest serving in the temple in Jerusalem. His mother, Elizabeth, was a close relative of Mary, the mother of Jesus.
The story of John’s miraculous birth is recorded in detail in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 1:5–25, 57–80, ESV). The angel Gabriel announced to Zechariah that his wife Elizabeth would bear a son who would “be great before the Lord” and “turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God” (Luke 1:15-16).
From Scripture, we learn that John was filled with the Holy Spirit even before his birth (Luke 1:15). This highlights God’s sovereign work in John’s life from the very beginning, marking him as a prophet with a special calling to prepare the way for the Messiah.
It is believed that soon after John’s birth, his parents died, and John retreated to live in the wilderness. There he lived an ascetic life until his public ministry began, preaching repentance and baptizing those who confessed their sins (Mark 1:4).
John was called “the Baptist” because he baptized people as a sign of their repentance and cleansing from sin (John 1:26-34). Baptism, in this context, symbolized purification and preparation for the coming Kingdom of God. Unlike others named John, he was uniquely identified by this ministry.
It is important to clarify that John the Baptist is not the same person as John the Apostle, who wrote the Book of Revelation. John the Baptist did not author any biblical books.
Theologically, John the Baptist fulfills the prophecy of Malachi, where God says, “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes” (Malachi 4:5, ESV). Jesus himself confirms this when he says, “And if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come” (Matthew 11:14, ESV). John’s role was to prepare people’s hearts for the coming Messiah by calling them to repentance and reconciliation with God.
1. How did John the Baptist turn the hearts of the fathers to their children?
This phrase comes from Malachi 4:5-6 (ESV), where God promises to send Elijah “to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers.” John fulfilled this by calling families and communities to spiritual renewal and reconciliation. His message emphasized repentance (metanoia) — a profound change of heart and mind — turning people away from sin and back toward God.
John’s ministry encouraged fathers to take responsibility for guiding their households in faith and righteousness, restoring broken relationships and preparing them for the coming of Christ. This healing of family and community ties was crucial for the spiritual readiness required to receive the Messiah.
Through baptism, John invited people to publicly demonstrate their repentance and new commitment to God’s Kingdom. His ministry pointed beyond himself to Jesus, “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29, ESV), highlighting the coming fulfillment of salvation through Christ.
Many people assume that the prophet Elijah himself will physically return before the coming of the Messiah. However, Scripture and theological understanding suggest a more nuanced interpretation.
Consider this analogy: A prominent leader, such as the late President Julius K. Nyerere of Tanzania, profoundly shaped a nation. After his death, some predicted that many “Nyereres” would be born—people who would carry forward his vision and leadership style.
Does this mean the exact same individual, Nyerere, will be reincarnated and serve as president again? No, that is not the intended meaning. Instead, the prophecy points to others who embody his spirit and mission.
Similarly, the prophecy concerning Elijah’s return, found in Malachi 4:5 (NIV), says:
See, I will send you the prophet Elijah before that great and dreadful day of the LORD comes.
This does not necessarily mean Elijah himself will return in the flesh. Rather, it signifies that God will raise up someone who carries Elijah’s prophetic ministry and spirit—someone who prepares the way for the Messiah.
This understanding is supported in the New Testament, where John the Baptist is identified as fulfilling this role. Jesus himself said in Matthew 11:14 (NIV):
And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come.
John the Baptist came “in the spirit and power of Elijah” (Luke 1:17, NIV) to prepare the people for Jesus’ ministry, just as Elijah prepared Israel for God’s work during his time.
The first to carry on Elijah’s prophetic mantle was Elisha, who succeeded Elijah and continued his ministry of calling Israel back to faithfulness (see 2 Kings 2:9-15). Then, centuries later, John the Baptist came in the prophetic spirit of Elijah to prepare the way for Jesus Christ.
1. Who was John the Baptist?
John the Baptist was a prophet sent by God to call people to repentance and prepare the hearts of Israel for the coming Messiah (see Mark 1:2-4). His ministry fulfilled the promise of Malachi’s prophecy, embodying the spirit and mission of Elijah.
The Prophet Elijah lived during the 9th century before Christ. He is remembered as one of Israel’s most powerful prophets, who fearlessly confronted the idolatrous rule of King Ahab and his wife, Queen Jezebel (see 1 Kings 18:17-19). Elijah’s mission was to call Israel back to the worship of the one true God, Yahweh.
The Bible does not mention Elijah having a wife or children, nor does it tell us how many years his ministry lasted. What we do know is that his life and ministry were filled with mighty works of God.
Among Elijah’s most famous miracles was the dramatic moment on Mount Carmel when he called down fire from heaven to consume the sacrifice, proving that the Lord alone is God:
Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench. (1 Kings 18:38, NIV)
Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench.
(1 Kings 18:38, NIV)
Another extraordinary event was Elijah’s departure from this world. He did not experience death in the usual sense, but was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind, accompanied by a chariot and horses of fire:
As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. (2 Kings 2:11, NIV)
As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind.
(2 Kings 2:11, NIV)
The prophecy concerning Elijah’s return is found in Malachi 4:5:
See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. (NIV)
This prophecy was partly fulfilled in the coming of John the Baptist, who came “in the spirit and power of Elijah” to prepare the way for the Lord Jesus Christ. As the angel declared to Zechariah about John:
And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. (Luke 1:17, NIV)
And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
(Luke 1:17, NIV)
Jesus Himself confirmed this connection, saying of John:
And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. (Matthew 11:14, ESV)
(Matthew 11:14, ESV)
However, many Bible scholars also see Malachi’s prophecy pointing to Elijah’s future role in God’s plan before Christ’s second coming, when the “great and dreadful day of the Lord” will occur.
“The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41, NIV)
. This phrase encapsulates the tension we often experience between our spiritual aspirations and our physical limitations. While we may have a strong desire to align with God’s will, our bodies often become weary, distracted, or resistant.
After a full day of ministry with His disciples, Jesus didn’t have the opportunity to rest. Instead, He went to a designated house for the evening, where He continued teaching and preparing them for what was to come. He shared important teachings, including the institution of the Lord’s Supper, and spent time in fellowship with them. It was in this context that Jesus washed His disciples’ feet as an example of humility and service (John 13:1-17). They stayed up very late, and around 8:00 PM, when they should have been resting, Jesus called them to pray with Him.
The key lesson here is that despite being physically exhausted, Jesus asked His disciples to stay awake and pray with Him. This request highlights a significant challenge: the ability to push through physical tiredness to fulfill spiritual duties. Jesus understood this challenge, which is why He said, “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” This statement is a recognition that, while our spiritual desires may be strong, our bodies often struggle to keep pace with those desires.
In theological terms, the “flesh” refers to our sinful human nature—those aspects of our being that are prone to selfishness, laziness, and disobedience. The term is often used in Scripture to describe the part of humanity that resists God and is inclined toward sin. The “flesh” doesn’t just refer to our physical bodies, but to our sinful tendencies.
Romans 7:18 (NIV): “I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.”
Galatians 5:16-17 (NIV): “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh.”
This battle between the spirit and the flesh is a central theme in Christian life. While the spirit desires to follow God, the flesh is weak and prone to distraction or sin.
In the Christian tradition, overcoming the flesh involves not denying the legitimate needs of the body but rather learning how to submit those needs to God’s will. The desires themselves—hunger, sleep, pleasure—are not inherently sinful. God designed our bodies with these needs for a purpose: to sustain us and help us enjoy life in this world. However, after the fall of humanity (Genesis 3), these desires became twisted by sin, and they can lead us astray if they are not controlled by the Spirit.
Psalm 127:2 (NIV): “In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves.” God created the need for sleep to restore our energy. If we didn’t need sleep, we would burn out quickly. Similarly, hunger is not a sin.
Matthew 6:25 (NIV) tells us not to worry about our bodily needs because God will provide: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink.”
These desires are part of God’s provision for us to enjoy life and thrive.
However, in a fallen world, these desires can lead to excess and selfishness, which is where the problem arises. For instance, excessive indulgence in food (gluttony), or rest (idleness), can hinder spiritual growth.
After Adam and Eve’s fall into sin, the world became corrupted. What was once a paradise filled with beauty and harmony became a place where evil and temptation abound.
1 John 2:15-16 (NIV): “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.”
God intended for us to enjoy the world, but now, because of sin, our enjoyment can lead to idolatry, selfishness, and separation from God. The desires of the flesh have become entangled with sinful temptation, and therefore, we must be cautious and avoid things that draw us into sinful patterns.
Overcoming the flesh is not about rejecting our physical needs but about surrendering those desires to God. The key is to understand that spiritual discipline and reliance on the Holy Spirit are essential to living victoriously over the flesh.
Paul emphasizes the need to “walk by the Spirit” in order to overcome the flesh. Walking by the Spirit means living in daily dependence on the Holy Spirit’s power, allowing Him to guide us and give us the strength to resist temptation.
Galatians 5:16 (NIV): “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”
The Spirit provides the power we need to resist the pull of the flesh. In our own strength, we cannot overcome these desires, but through the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to live godly lives.
The battle against the flesh is ongoing. We are called to deny our fleshly desires and live according to the Spirit. The ultimate goal is not to reject the body or its needs, but to use them in service to God, submitting them to His will.
Romans 8:13 (NIV): “For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.”
The battle is real, but the victory is assured for those who walk by the Spirit. The more we grow in our relationship with God, the more we can overcome the weaknesses of the flesh. Remember that the flesh is weak, but through the Spirit, we can live a life that pleases God.
Philippians 4:13 (NIV): “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Let us stay close to God in prayer, reading His Word, and relying on the Holy Spirit to help us navigate the challenges of the flesh. And, by avoiding the temptations of the world, we will continue to grow stronger in the faith and honor God with our lives.
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The calling of God is open to many. In the ministry of Jesus, we see that He initially called a large group of disciples. According to Luke 10:1, Jesus appointed seventy others besides the twelve and sent them out in pairs:
“After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go.” (Luke 10:1, NKJV)
This shows that Jesus had a wider group of disciples beyond the twelve. People from various backgrounds—fishermen, tax collectors, ordinary men—were called to follow Him. They responded by leaving their old lives behind, embracing the first step of discipleship.
This reflects God’s general call to humanity to repent and follow Him.
“For many are called, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:14, NKJV)
Later, from among the larger group, Jesus selected twelve apostles for a special role. This wasn’t because they were more qualified, more righteous, or more spiritual than the rest. It was a sovereign choice made in prayerful dependence on God:
“Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles.” (Luke 6:12-13, NKJV)
These men were chosen by grace, not merit. Theologically, this reflects the concept of divine election—God’s sovereign choice rooted in His purpose and mercy.
“So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy.” (Romans 9:16, NKJV)
Grace is unearned favor. Unlike “luck,” which may imply randomness, grace chooses the unworthy for God’s purposes.
Being chosen doesn’t guarantee that one will finish well. Among the twelve chosen apostles was Judas Iscariot—who later betrayed Jesus. His story is a sobering warning that election requires perseverance.
“Have I not chosen you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil?” (John 6:70, NKJV)
“Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.” (Acts 1:25, NKJV)
Despite being called and empowered, Judas allowed sin to creep in. He began stealing (John 12:6), became greedy, and eventually betrayed Jesus. Yet Jesus didn’t expel him—He let him continue until the end, emphasizing how subtle spiritual decline can be.
Jesus warned that in the last days, even those chosen could be deceived if they are not watchful.
“For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” (Matthew 24:24, NKJV)
This means that even the elect must remain vigilant. Salvation is not a one-time event, but a journey that requires steadfastness.
Jesus often spoke to the crowds in parables, but to His disciples, He revealed the deeper truths.
“It has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.” (Matthew 13:11, NKJV)
If you are receiving and understanding the deeper things of God’s Word, it is a sign of God’s grace upon your life. But with this grace comes great responsibility—to remain faithful, discerning, and obedient.
Peter gives us the formula for enduring in our calling:
“Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble.” (2 Peter 1:10, NKJV)
Practical steps to make your calling and election sure:
You may have responded to the call of God with sincerity. Perhaps you’ve even walked closely with Jesus. But like Judas, it’s possible to grow too familiar with the Word, to let the world’s desires in, and to end up spiritually lost.
God won’t force you to stay. He will walk with you in grace, but your choices will determine your end.
“It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.” (Matthew 26:24, NKJV – about Judas)
This is not to instill fear, but urgency. You are called. You may even be chosen. But will you remain faithful to the end?
Let us strive to finish well—holding fast to grace, resisting temptation, and growing in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
“He who endures to the end shall be saved.” (Matthew 24:13, NKJV)
Shalom
The physical world often gives us clues about spiritual realities. For example, if we compare developed nations, like those in Europe, with less developed ones, like many in Africa, we can observe a clear difference. In developing countries, people spend most of their lives struggling to meet basic needs such as food, shelter, and clothing. If someone is able to secure these, they are considered to have “made it” in life. This is why these nations are often labeled as “developing.”
In contrast, in developed nations, these basic needs are usually already taken care of, often from birth, because of the systems their governments have established. This freedom allows people to focus on other things, like research, technology, space exploration, and innovations that advance their societies. It is through these advancements that these nations are seen as powerful and progressive.
This pattern mirrors what we see in the spiritual realm. The Apostle Paul observed that many Christians were still spiritually immature, even after years of walking with God. They were still stuck on the foundational teachings of the faith. They hadn’t grown beyond basic principles. The spiritual life of these believers had plateaued; they kept hearing the same elementary teachings. But maturity requires progress. If they were struggling with the basics, how could they handle deeper truths?
Paul described these foundational teachings in Hebrews 6:1–2:
These are the basics that many Christians hear constantly in churches, Bible studies, and online. Yet, if we remain focused on just these and never grow, are we not still spiritual infants? Aren’t we still spiritually impoverished?
Theologians often refer to these teachings as “elementary doctrines,” the initial teachings that must be mastered before one can progress into deeper spiritual truths. Hebrews 5:11–14 highlights the difference between spiritual milk and solid food. Spiritual milk represents the fundamental teachings (like repentance and baptism), while solid food refers to the deeper, more mature understanding of God’s Word. Paul was frustrated that his audience could not handle solid food meaning, they could not grasp deeper revelations of Christ because they were still clinging to the basics.
“Of whom we have much to say, and hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” Hebrews 5:11–14
Paul’s appeal in Hebrews 6:1–2 is a call to move beyond these elementary principles:
“Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation…” Hebrews 6:1
The foundation is important, but it is not the end goal. The goal is to build the house, which means pressing on to spiritual maturity, to a more complete knowledge of Christ.
Paul even referred to Melchizedek a mysterious figure from the Old Testament to explain the depth of Jesus’ priesthood. Melchizedek had no recorded beginning or end, just as Christ, our eternal High Priest, has no end (Hebrews 7:1–3). These are deeper spiritual truths that Paul could not share with his audience because they were not yet ready for them.
There is so much more about Christ and God’s plan that we do not yet fully understand. As 1 Corinthians 2:9 says:
“But as it is written: ‘Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.’” 1 Corinthians 2:9
The ultimate mystery will be revealed when the seventh angel sounds his trumpet, signaling the end of all things and the completion of God’s plan. Revelation 10:7 makes it clear that the fullness of God’s mystery will be revealed at that time:
“But in the days of the sounding of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, the mystery of God would be finished, as He declared to His servants the prophets.” Revelation 10:7
Until that time, God is calling us to grow spiritually, to move beyond elementary teachings and pursue a deeper relationship with Him. As Ephesians 4:13 encourages:
“Till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ…” Ephesians 4:13
Repentance and baptism are just the beginning. They are the foundation upon which we must build. But God desires that we grow, that we move toward spiritual maturity, learning the deeper truths of the faith. Solid food represents the deeper mysteries of God truths about Christ’s eternal priesthood, His ongoing revelation, and His ultimate return.
If we grow beyond the basics, God will lead us into greater spiritual maturity. The goal is not to remain on the foundation, but to build a life that reflects the fullness of Christ.
“Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection…” Hebrews 6:1
Let us press on toward spiritual maturity, so that we may know Him more deeply, reflect His character, and walk in the fullness of His calling.
Shalom.
The Power of Remembering God’s Faithfulness
One of the greatest sources of strength in the Christian life is remembering. Often, when we feel stuck, discouraged, or afraid, the way forward begins by looking back back to where God has brought us from and the victories He has given us along the way.
If you don’t take time to reflect on where God has brought you from, it becomes easy to fall into a life of complaints and hopelessness. Remembering isn’t just about recalling facts it’s an act of faith. It’s a spiritual discipline that keeps our hearts grounded in God’s character.
Lamentations 3:21–23 “This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope. Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.”
Just like the prophet Jeremiah, we find hope not in our circumstances, but in recalling God’s mercy and past faithfulness.
When you remember how God helped you before, your faith is strengthened to believe He will help you again. That’s why testimony is so powerful it’s faith with a memory.
Hebrews 13:8 “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”
The God who healed you last year, provided for you last month, or delivered you from danger before He hasn’t changed. His nature is consistent, and His power endures.
The Israelites, despite seeing God’s mighty works in Egypt plagues, the Red Sea parting, water from a rock quickly forgot His power. So when they faced new challenges, like the giants in Canaan, they panicked.
Numbers 13:33 “There we saw the giants… and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight.”
This fear wasn’t because their enemies were stronger it was because they forgot how powerful their God was.
Psalm 78:11–13 “They forgot His works and His wonders that He had shown them… He divided the sea and caused them to pass through.”
When we forget what God has done, we start to rely on ourselves and that always leads to fear or failure.
In the Old Testament, clean animals were those that “chewed the cud” animals like cows that bring back what they ate, chew it again, and digest it fully. Spiritually, that’s what meditation is: bringing back what God has done, thinking deeply on it, and letting it strengthen your inner man.
Leviticus 11:3 “Among the animals, whatever divides the hoof, having cloven hooves and chewing the cud that you may eat.”
This is a picture of spiritual maturity. Christians are called to meditate on God’s past deeds, not just once, but repeatedly.
Psalm 77:11–12 “I will remember the works of the Lord; surely I will remember Your wonders of old. I will also meditate on all Your work, and talk of Your deeds.”
Paul teaches that the mistakes of Israel were recorded not just as history, but as a warning to us.
1 Corinthians 10:11–12 “Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition… Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.”
We are told not to repeat their error of forgetfulness, complaining, or doubt.
1 Corinthians 10:9–10 “Nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents; nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer.”
Whether it’s sickness, financial difficulty, danger, or fear don’t panic. Remember how God delivered you before. That memory isn’t just comforting; it’s a weapon of faith.
Psalm 103:2–4 “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from destruction…”
Even in battle, God reminded His people to remember how He defeated Pharaoh, and that He would do it again:
Deuteronomy 7:18–19 “You shall not be afraid of them, but you shall remember well what the Lord your God did to Pharaoh and to all Egypt… so shall the Lord your God do to all the peoples of whom you are afraid.”