Title October 2020

In everyday language, a “hook” is something we use to hang or secure objects. But in the Bible, hooks were both practical tools and powerful symbols, used to teach deeper spiritual truths—especially about God’s authority and how He deals with disobedience.

1. Hooks as Practical Tools in Worship

In the Old Testament, hooks were used in the construction of the Tabernacle, the sacred dwelling place of God among the Israelites. These hooks were made of precious metals like gold and silver and were used to hold curtains, fabrics, and other items used in worship.

Exodus 26:37 
“Make five posts of acacia wood for the entrance to the tent and overlay them with gold. Make gold hooks for them, and cast five bronze bases for them.”

Exodus 27:10 
“With twenty posts and twenty bronze bases, and with silver hooks and bands on the posts.”

These instructions show God’s concern for order, beauty, and holiness in worship. The use of hooks here was purely functional but served a sacred purpose—supporting the structure that symbolized God’s presence.

2. Hooks as Symbols of God’s Discipline and Sovereignty

God also used the image of a hook symbolically to describe how He deals with pride, rebellion, and arrogance—especially among leaders who set themselves against His will. In 2 Kings 19, God speaks to the arrogant King of Assyria, who mocked and threatened God’s people.

2 Kings 19:27–28 
“But I know where you are and when you come and go and how you rage against me. Because you rage against me and because your insolence has reached my ears, I will put my hook in your nose and my bit in your mouth, and I will make you return by the way you came.”

This metaphor paints a vivid picture. Just as animals are led by hooks in their noses, God declares He will humble the king and drag him back to where he came from—no matter how powerful or proud he thinks he is. This same message appears in Isaiah 37:29, showing God’s consistency:

“I will put my hook in your nose and my bit in your mouth, and I will make you return by the way you came.”

3. God’s Discipline Is Redemptive

From a theological standpoint, these passages reveal key attributes of God:

• God is sovereign (Psalm 115:3): “Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him.”

• God opposes the proud (James 4:6): “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”

• God disciplines those He loves (Hebrews 12:6): “The Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”

Like a farmer putting a hook in an animal’s nose to guide it, God may allow hardship, exile, or defeat to discipline and redirect His people—not to destroy them, but to bring them back to obedience and restoration.

We see this throughout Israel’s history. Kings who rebelled against God were defeated, exiled, or handed over to their enemies (2 Chronicles 36:15–17). Yet even in judgment, God always left a door open for repentance.

4. Application: Living Humbly and Obediently

These truths challenge us today. When we resist God’s will or walk in arrogance, we risk being humbled by the very God who made us. But when we submit to His authority, we find grace, restoration, and peace. As Jesus taught in Matthew 23:12

“For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Conclusion:

Hooks in the Bible may seem like a small detail, but they carry big meaning. They remind us of God’s order in worship, His sovereign power over nations, and His fatherly discipline over His people. May we walk humbly with Him and never force His hand to “put a hook in our nose” to bring us back.

May the Lord help us to remain obedient.
Shalom.

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In Scripture, the word “ashamed” carries deep moral and spiritual weight. It can mean feeling disgrace, guilt, or embarrassment—especially when one’s actions are exposed as unworthy, sinful, or hypocritical. Theologically, shame is often tied to one’s failure to live up to God’s standards, or to the fear of judgment—either by God or others.

Let’s begin with the key verse:

2 Timothy 2:15 

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”

Here, the Apostle Paul urges Timothy—a young pastor—to live and minister in a way that earns God’s approval. The phrase “does not need to be ashamed” implies that a servant of God can indeed find themselves in a position of shame if they misuse the Word, live in sin, or fail to practice what they preach.

Theologically, Paul is emphasizing integrity in ministry. A believer—especially a teacher—must not only speak the truth but also live it. When our lives contradict the gospel, shame becomes inevitable (cf. James 3:1).

Real-Life Application

For example, if Timothy were secretly indulging in drunkenness while preaching self-control, he would feel morally disqualified to speak against sin. However, if his life was blameless in that area, he could minister confidently and boldly. Living righteously removes the cause for shame.

Other Supporting Scriptures

2 Corinthians 7:14 

“I had boasted to him about you, and you have not embarrassed me. But just as everything we said to you was true, so our boasting about you to Titus has proved to be true as well.”

Paul rejoices that his confidence in the Corinthian believers was not misplaced. Theologically, this speaks to Christian testimony and accountability—when believers live faithfully, they bring honor rather than shame to those who lead or disciple them.

2 Thessalonians 3:14 

“Take special note of anyone who does not obey our instruction in this letter. Do not associate with them, in order that they may feel ashamed.”

Here, shame is used correctively. Paul commands the church to distance themselves from disobedient members—not to destroy them—but to bring about conviction and repentance. This aligns with the doctrine of church discipline (cf. Matthew 18:15–17), which aims at restoration, not condemnation.

Job 11:3 

“Will your idle talk reduce others to silence? Will no one rebuke you when you mock?”

In this passage, Zophar challenges Job’s words, suggesting that his speech should provoke correction. The implication is that when someone speaks falsely or arrogantly, they deserve public rebuke—to bring about shame and stop harm.

Isaiah 50:7 

“Because the Sovereign LORD helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.”

Here, the prophet Isaiah expresses unwavering confidence in God’s support. Theologically, this teaches us that trusting in God’s mission removes fear of shame, even in the face of suffering or opposition.

Conclusion: A Theology of Shame and Honor

Biblically, shame is not just an emotion; it’s a spiritual indicator. It reveals either:

1. A failure to live rightly, or
2. A boldness that comes from a life aligned with God’s truth.

Paul teaches that we can avoid shame by handling the Word of God accurately and living lives that reflect the gospel (cf. Titus 2:7-8). The aim is not just to know the truth, but to live the truth—with integrity, humility, and boldness.

As believers, we’re called to a life that stands before God without shame—not by our strength, but by grace through obedience and sincerity of heart.

May the Lord bless you and empower you to live and serve without shame.

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QUESTION: What were the sponge and vinegar that were offered to Jesus during His crucifixion, and why were they used?

ANSWER:

Let’s begin by reading the account from the Gospel of John:

John 19:28–30 
28 Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.”
29 A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips.
30 When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

1. What is a Sponge?

In the Swahili Bible, the word sifongo is used, which is equivalent to the English word sponge — often pronounced locally as sponji or sponchi. Sponges are absorbent materials, typically soft and porous, that can soak up liquids.

In ancient times, natural sea sponges were commonly used. The sponge mentioned in John 19 would likely have been one of these — not synthetic like modern sponges but a biological one that could easily absorb and retain liquid.

2. What is the Vinegar Mentioned Here?

The “vinegar” mentioned in John 19:29 is better understood as sour wine, commonly used by Roman soldiers. It wasn’t vinegar in the harsh, acidic sense we think of today, but more like a cheap, fermented drink — called posca — made from diluted sour wine. It was refreshing to the soldiers but bitter and unrefined.

Theologically, this detail is important for a few reasons:

It fulfills prophecy. Psalm 69:21 says:

“They put gall in my food and gave me vinegar for my thirst.”

Jesus’ request for a drink and the soldiers’ response directly fulfill this Messianic prophecy, affirming His identity and God’s sovereign plan.

It shows His humanity. Jesus saying, “I am thirsty” (John 19:28) is a profound statement. Though He is fully God, He was also fully man, and in that moment, He physically thirsted — a sign of His real suffering and bodily weakness.

It prepares for His final declaration. After receiving the sour wine, Jesus declared, “It is finished” — a powerful theological statement meaning that His redemptive mission was complete. The Greek word used, tetelestai, means “paid in full.” Through His suffering and obedience, He satisfied the requirements of justice for humanity’s sin (Romans 3:25–26).

3. Why Did the Soldiers Offer Him Vinegar on a Sponge?

The act of lifting a vinegar-soaked sponge to Jesus on a hyssop branch might seem cruel or strange, but it holds deep meaning:

Hyssop was used in Old Testament rituals of cleansing and atonement (Exodus 12:22, Psalm 51:7). Using a hyssop branch symbolically connects Jesus’ death with Passover, where hyssop was used to apply the lamb’s blood on doorposts — a picture of salvation from judgment. Here, the true Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7) is about to give His final breath.

The sponge soaked in sour wine may have been meant as a mocking gesture, or perhaps a practical one, but in either case, God used it to fulfill Scripture and reveal Christ’s identity as the Suffering Servant (Isaiah 53:3–5).

Final Thoughts:

This moment at the cross — the sponge, the sour wine, the words “I am thirsty,” and “It is finished” — are not just historical details. They are loaded with theological meaning, showing:

• Jesus’ fulfillment of prophecy

• His true humanity and real suffering

• His role as the sacrificial Lamb

• The completion of God’s redemptive plan

Through this act, the door to salvation was opened for all who believe.

May the Lord bless you with understanding and draw you deeper into the truth of His Word.

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The Suffering, Compassion, and Invitation of Christ

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts.”
— Revelation 21:6 

1. The Uniqueness of Christ as the Only Savior

Scripture teaches clearly that salvation is found in no one else. Jesus Christ is not just a way—He is the Way.

“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 

This foundational truth of the Christian faith (exclusivity of Christ) is affirmed throughout the New Testament. Jesus alone fulfills the prophetic requirements of the Messiah—His death, resurrection, and ascension make Him the only sufficient Savior (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:3–4).

2. The Suffering Servant: Fulfillment of Prophecy

Jesus’ suffering on the cross was not accidental; it was fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. The prophet Isaiah foresaw a servant so marred by suffering that His appearance was shocking.

“Just as many were astonished at you, so His visage was marred more than any man, and His form more than the sons of men.” — Isaiah 52:14 

This suffering Servant is further revealed in Isaiah 53—a passage often called “the gospel in the Old Testament.” Jesus endured brutal humiliation, not for His own sin, but for ours (Isaiah 53:5). The physical, emotional, and spiritual agony He experienced on the way to Golgotha displayed the depth of God’s love and the cost of our redemption.

3. The Paradox: The Source of Living Water Says, “I Thirst”

Jesus boldly declared that He was the giver of living water:

“If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” — John 7:37–38 

And again, at the end of Revelation, He promises to satisfy the thirsty soul:

“I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts.” — Revelation 21:6 

Yet in one of His final statements on the cross, Jesus says:

“After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, ‘I thirst!’” — John 19:28 

Theologically, this moment reflects both Jesus’ true humanity and His identification with our suffering. He was fully God and fully man (hypostatic union). He experienced real physical thirst, fulfilling Psalm 22:15 and Psalm 69:21—Messianic psalms that foreshadowed this very scene.

But there is more than physical thirst here. Jesus wasn’t thirsting for water—He was thirsting to fulfill the Father’s will and pour out the water of life for a dying world.

4. Blood and Water: A Sign of New Birth

When the soldier pierced Jesus’ side, something remarkable happened.

“But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out.” — John 19:34 

This moment shocked the soldier, likely leading to his conversion (cf. Mark 15:39). Theologically, this dual flow of blood and water symbolizes:

• Atonement (blood) – cleansing from sin (Hebrews 9:22)
• Regeneration (water) – new birth through the Holy Spirit (John 3:5)

This echoes the imagery of sacraments—baptism (water) and the Lord’s Supper (blood). Jesus was not just satisfying prophecy—He was birthing the Church from His wounded side, just as Eve came from Adam’s side.

5. The Thirst of Jesus: Not for Water, But for Souls

Christ’s statement, “I thirst,” was not a plea for relief but an expression of longing—for you.

“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise… but is long suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” — 2 Peter 3:9 

Jesus desires to give water, not receive it. His thirst is a metaphor for His deep longing to save, to restore, to satisfy the human heart that is dry and broken.

6. The Invitation: Come and Drink

What does Jesus require of us?

• Repent – Turn away from sin.
• Believe – Trust in Him as Lord and Savior.
• Be Baptized – By full immersion in the name of Jesus (Acts 2:38).
• Receive the Holy Spirit – Who enables you to walk in new life.

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28 

Once you come, you will never thirst again (John 4:14). He doesn’t just satisfy temporarily—He fills you with living water that flows from the inside out.

7. Taste and See

“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” — Psalm 34:8 

Don’t rely on someone else’s story. Come to Jesus yourself. When you drink from Him, you’ll have a testimony of your own.

Final Encouragement:

Jesus is still saying, “I thirst.” Not because He needs water—but because He longs to give you the water of eternal life. Will you receive it?

God bless you.

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Many people are surprised when they read Ecclesiastes 1:18, which says:

“For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief.”

It sounds almost discouraging—doesn’t the Bible also say we should seek wisdom?

To answer that, we need to understand the context and the type of wisdom Solomon is talking about.

1. Context of Ecclesiastes: Wisdom Under the Sun

The book of Ecclesiastes is a reflection by King Solomon, who was given unmatched wisdom by God (1 Kings 4:29–30). But in Ecclesiastes, Solomon sets out to explore life “under the sun”—that is, from a purely human, earthly perspective. He investigates human labor, pleasure, knowledge, and success to find lasting meaning.

In Ecclesiastes 1:13, Solomon writes:

“I applied my mind to study and to explore by wisdom all that is done under the heavens. What a heavy burden God has laid on mankind!”

Here, he is not pursuing divine or heavenly wisdom, but examining the world through human reasoning and observation. That’s why, after all his searching, he says it’s like “chasing after the wind” (v. 14). Nothing satisfies.

So when Solomon says “with much wisdom comes much sorrow”, he’s referring to the burden that comes with deep understanding of earthly matters. The more you know about how the world really works—the injustice, pain, and vanity of life—the more it can weigh you down emotionally and spiritually.

2. Worldly Wisdom vs. Godly Wisdom

The Bible distinguishes between worldly wisdom and godly wisdom.

Worldly wisdom often centers around human achievement, philosophy, or intellectual pursuits, which can leave people feeling empty or burdened

(1 Corinthians 3:19 – “

The wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight.”).

Godly wisdom, on the other hand, begins with a proper relationship with God.
Proverbs 9:10 says:

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”

True wisdom aligns with God’s character and leads to peace, humility, and eternal perspective.

3. Jesus Christ: The Wisdom of God

In the New Testament, we learn that Jesus Christ Himself is the embodiment of God’s wisdom.
1 Corinthians 1:24 says:

“…to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.”

So, unlike worldly knowledge that can bring sorrow, knowing Christ brings life, peace, and rest. Jesus gives us hope that transcends the chaos and vanity of this fallen world.

He invites all who are weary and burdened—like Solomon was after all his searching—to find true rest in Him:

Matthew 11:28–30 :

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

4. Conclusion: Seek Wisdom That Leads to God

Solomon’s conclusion in Ecclesiastes 12:13 is the key to resolving this tension between wisdom and sorrow:

Ecclesiastes 12:13

“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.”

In other words, the only wisdom that truly satisfies is the wisdom that leads us to revere God and follow His ways.

So yes, pursue wisdom—but the kind that leads you to Christ. Worldly wisdom might open your eyes to pain, but godly wisdom opens your soul to peace.

Shalom.

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(Deuteronomy 23:17 )

Perverted one  often used to describe a man who engages in unnatural sexual acts, particularly homosexual behavior. In the Bible, this term corresponds to what is translated in English as a “sodomite”—a male cult prostitute or one practicing sexual acts condemned by God.

1. Biblical Definition and Context

Deuteronomy 23:17 

“There shall be no ritual harlot of the daughters of Israel, or a perverted one of the sons of Israel.”

Here, “perverted one” refers to the Hebrew word “qadesh,” which means a male shrine prostitute, often associated with pagan worship.

These individuals were not just committing immoral acts; they were participating in idolatrous worship that directly opposed the holiness of God (Leviticus 18:22; Romans 1:26–27). Their behavior was considered an abomination—something detestable in God’s sight (see Leviticus 20:13).

2. Historical and Theological Background

In Old Testament Israel, such practices were not merely personal choices—they were tied to idol worship, often in the form of ritual prostitution in pagan temples. God strongly opposed Israel adopting these customs from surrounding nations.

1 Kings 14:24 
“And there were also perverted persons in the land. They did according to all the abominations of the nations which the Lord had cast out before the children of Israel.”

1 Kings 15:12 
“And he (King Asa) banished the perverted persons from the land, and removed all the idols that his fathers had made.”

2 Kings 23:7 
“Then he (King Josiah) tore down the ritual booths of the perverted persons that were in the house of the Lord…”

This verse shows how deeply these acts had infiltrated even the temple of God, defiling it.

Sexual sin in the Bible is not just about personal morality—it represents a spiritual rebellion against God’s design for human relationships. Paul affirms this in the New Testament:

Romans 1:26–27 

“For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men… burned in their lust for one another… and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.”

3. Modern Parallels and Prophetic Insight

Today, similar patterns are repeating. Just as in ancient times, modern societies are embracing and even legalizing behaviors the Bible calls sinful. These behaviors are now being celebrated and normalized globally, including in some religious institutions. The rainbow flag, originally a sign of God’s covenant (Genesis 9:13), is now widely used as a symbol of LGBTQ+ pride.

However, God’s covenant not to destroy the world with water does not mean judgment will never come.

2 Peter 3:6–7 

“…by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. But the heavens and the earth… are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.”

This points to a future judgment—not by flood, but by fire—as God will deal with sin once more, this time permanently.

4. The Call to Readiness

As believers, we are not called to hate or condemn individuals, but to stand for truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) and live in holiness. The rising tide of immorality is a sign of the end times—just as Jesus said it would be “as it was in the days of Lot” (Luke 17:28–30).

We must take this time seriously. The Rapture—the sudden return of Christ for His Church—is near (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17). Now is the time to examine our hearts and ensure we are walking in righteousness.

2 Corinthians 13:5 

“Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves…”

Are we truly prepared for the return of the Lord?
Are we standing firm in God’s truth, or being swayed by the world’s changing values?
This is not a time for compromise—it is a time for faith, holiness, and boldness in Christ.

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WHEN GOD’S PROMISES TEST US

Blessed be the name of our Lord Jesus Christ forever! Today, the Lord has graciously given us another day of life, and I invite you to reflect deeply on His Word as the day of our redemption draws near.

When God gives us a promise, it often comes with a period of testing. His promises are not always fulfilled immediately because God desires our faith and character to grow as we wait. Scripture shows us that God allows trials not to punish us, but to prepare us for the fulfillment of His promises and to demonstrate His sovereignty (James 1:2–4, ESV).

Consider the life of Joseph. When God gave him a vision that his father, mother, and brothers would bow before him (Genesis 37:5–10, ESV), Joseph naturally expected this would happen quickly. But life unfolded in ways he did not expect. First, his brothers sold him into slavery. Then he was falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife and imprisoned in the king’s prison (Genesis 39, ESV).

These trials were not from the devil but were God’s sovereign testing of Joseph. They were part of God’s plan to prepare him to save not only Egypt but his own family from famine (Genesis 45:7–8, ESV). God’s promises are always accompanied by processes that refine our character and teach us trust (Romans 8:28, ESV).

Psalm 105:17–19 (ESV)reminds us:

“He sent a man before them, Joseph, who was sold as a slave. They hurt his feet with fetters; he was laid in irons. Until the time that his word came to pass, the word of the Lord tested him.”

Joseph’s story illustrates a principle central to Christian theology: God’s providence and testing work together. Promises are fulfilled according to His timing, not ours. His testing is an expression of His love, preparing us to receive what He has promised.

Similarly, Abraham’s life demonstrates God’s testing of faith. God promised Abraham that he would be the father of many nations and that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars (Genesis 15:5, ESV). But the promise did not materialize immediately. Many years passed, and Abraham remained childless into old age. Then God tested him by asking him to offer Isaac as a sacrifice (Genesis 22:1–3, ESV).

This test was not a contradiction of God’s promise but a confirmation of Abraham’s faith (Hebrews 11:17–19, ESV). Abraham obeyed, fully trusting that God would fulfill His covenant. This act foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of Christ (Romans 8:32, ESV), showing that God’s plan often involves trials that prepare the faithful for greater glory.

Theological Reflection:
The pattern is clear: God’s promises are real, but they require faithful endurance. Trials are not evidence of failure; they are opportunities to grow in trust, patience, and holiness. The New Testament calls this “perseverance” or “steadfastness” in faith (Romans 5:3–5, ESV). Just as Joseph, Abraham, and Job faced testing, so too do believers today encounter challenges that refine their faith.

As the Church, we have received promises even greater than those given to Abraham or Joseph. We are heirs of the Kingdom of Heaven, called to reign with Christ (Romans 8:16–17, ESV), to be pillars in His spiritual house (Revelation 3:12, ESV), and to inherit eternal glory in the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:1–4, ESV).

Yet, God allows testing to confirm whether we truly desire His Kingdom. Our trials are not obstacles to His promises; they are instruments of divine preparation. Therefore, when opposition comes, do not doubt God’s Word. Keep your eyes fixed on His promises, as Abraham and Joseph did. Even when signs are not yet visible, hold fast to the hope of eternal life and the glory that awaits us.

Isaiah 40:29–31 (ESV) encourages us:
“He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”

Theological Insight:
This passage emphasizes divine empowerment for endurance. God strengthens the weak and sustains those who trust Him. Trials are not signs of abandonment—they are opportunities for His strength to be made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9, ESV).

Ultimately, the stories of Joseph, Abraham, and Job teach us that God’s promises are faithful, even when circumstances seem impossible. Trials serve God’s purpose, refine our character, and prepare us for glory. Just as Christ endured the cross for our salvation (Hebrews 12:2, ESV), we too are called to endure with patience and faith, knowing that the fulfillment of God’s promises is certain.

Maranatha!

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