Title November 2020

(Understanding the Biblical Use of Sackcloth in Mourning and Repentance)

In modern times, when we hear the word “sack”  we often think of grain sacks made of synthetic materials like sulphate or sisal fiber. However, the concept of sackcloth in the Bible is entirely different both in material and meaning.

Biblically, sackcloth was a coarse, uncomfortable fabric usually made from goat hair, not from plant-based or synthetic materials. It was not worn for fashion or protection but for spiritual expression a visible sign of mourning, humility, or repentance before God.

Let’s explore these two major uses of sackcloth in Scripture.

1. Sackcloth as a Symbol of Mourning

Sackcloth was commonly worn during times of deep sorrow and national or personal tragedy. Wearing it publicly was a way of expressing grief, vulnerability, and emotional distress.

Biblical Examples:

Rizpah’s Mourning for Her Sons
Rizpah, a concubine of King Saul, mourned the death of her sons by covering a rock with sackcloth and keeping vigil over their bodies:

2 Samuel 21:10 (NIV)
“Rizpah daughter of Aiah took sackcloth and spread it out for herself on a rock. From the beginning of the harvest till the rain poured down from the heavens on the bodies, she did not let the birds touch them by day or the wild animals by night.”

Jeremiah Urging the People to Mourn
The prophet Jeremiah calls the Israelites to wear sackcloth as they face the judgment of God due to their sins:

Jeremiah 4:8 (NIV)
“So put on sackcloth, lament and wail, for the fierce anger of the Lord has not turned away from us.”

Jeremiah 6:26 (NIV)
“Put on sackcloth, my people, and roll in ashes; mourn with bitter wailing as for an only son, for suddenly the destroyer will come upon us.”

• A National Sign of Distress
  Sackcloth was worn not just by individuals, but also by kings and prophets as a national act of mourning (see 2 Kings 6:30, 2 Kings 19:1).

2. Sackcloth as a Sign of Repentance

Beyond mourning, sackcloth was a way of expressing true repentance. It symbolized the recognition of one’s sinfulness, humility before God, and the desperate need for His mercy.

Biblical Examples:

Daniel’s Intercessory Prayer
Daniel, a righteous prophet, interceded for his people by fasting, praying, and wearing sackcloth to show sincere repentance:

Daniel 9:3 (NIV)
“So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes.”

The People of Nineveh
When Jonah warned Nineveh of impending destruction, the people repented in a dramatic way, showing the depth of their humility:

Jonah 3:5–6 (NIV)
“The Ninevites believed God. A fast was proclaimed, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth.”
“When Jonah’s warning reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust.”

National Repentance in Israel
Sackcloth was also used during times of collective national repentance:

Nehemiah 9:1 (NIV) – “On the twenty-fourth day of the same month, the Israelites gathered together, fasting and wearing sackcloth and putting dust on their heads.”

3. What About Christians Today? Should We Still Wear Sackcloth?

The New Testament does not command believers to wear physical sackcloth when mourning or repenting. Instead, the emphasis shifts from outward expressions to inner transformation.

Joel 2:12–13 (NIV) prophetically captures this transition:

“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.”
“Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.”

The message here is clear: God desires genuine repentance from the heart, not just symbolic acts. While sackcloth served its purpose in the Old Testament as a visible sign of mourning or humility, today God looks at the condition of the heart, not the clothing.

As Jesus said:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:3 (NIV)

And again, the Apostle Paul wrote:

“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” – 2 Corinthians 7:10 (NIV)

Conclusion: Have You Torn Your Heart?

Wearing sackcloth was never about the cloth itself it was about the posture of the soul. The real question for us today is not whether we wear sackcloth, but:

Have you torn your heart before God in repentance?

If not, there’s no better time than now to humble yourself before Him, not just outwardly, but inwardly with sincerity, brokenness, and faith.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
 Psalm 34:18 (NIV)

May the Lord bless you and lead you into true repentance and healing.

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Blessed be the name of our Lord Jesus. When you confess Jesus with your mouth or surrender to Him with all your heart, in that very moment, Satan is cast down upon you like lightning, and placed under your feet, and you are given authority over him.

Luke 10:18-19 says:
“He replied, ‘I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.’
19 ‘I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions, and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.'”

There are three areas where we have been given command:

1. To trample on snakes.

2. To trample on scorpions.

3. To trample on all the powers of the enemy.

1. The command to trample on snakes:

A snake is a creature that strikes with its mouth. Its primary weapon is its bite and venom, and without its mouth, it is powerless. When you crush the head of a snake, it can’t harm you. Spiritually, snakes represent people who are used by Satan to harm you through their words, knowingly or unknowingly. In short, their weapon is words.

Psalm 143:3 describes these people as those whose words are like venomous snakes:

“For the enemy has pursued me; he has crushed my life to the ground; he has made me dwell in darkness like those long dead.

And Psalm 140:3 also says:
“They make their tongues as sharp as a serpent’s; the poison of vipers is on their lips.” (NIV)

The Bible gives us the authority to trample on such snakes, not by fighting with them or returning their words, but by ignoring them and not allowing their words to penetrate our hearts. If we allow their words to enter, they become poison to us. So, the best way to deal with such people is to ignore their words and reject them, which weakens their power. This is how we trample on their power.

This doesn’t mean calling people “snakes,” but recognizing the spiritual battle behind their words.

Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that “The tongue has the power of life and death,”

so we must be wise with the words we speak and those we receive from others.

2. The command to trample on scorpions:

A scorpion strikes with its tail, not its mouth like a snake. These represent people who, while appearing good outwardly, secretly harm others behind their backs, just like a scorpion attacks from behind. Satan may use such people those who seem kind but secretly plot against you. We are commanded to trample on them as well. However, we don’t do this by retaliating or seeking revenge.

Romans 12:17-19 reminds us:
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”

If we act in revenge, we become like the scorpions we are trying to trample.

Instead, we are commanded to move forward, not to concern ourselves with their thoughts about us. We keep progressing with our lives and work, just as people ignore the Word of God when they continue with their own lives. By ignoring their schemes, we disempower them, and God will fight for us. Deuteronomy 32:35 says:

“It is mine to avenge; I will repay.”

Eventually, they may repent and believe in God, and you may have helped save their souls.

Romans 12:21 tells us:

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

3. The command to trample on all the powers of the enemy:

This is the most important point and the one Satan doesn’t want you to understand. He wants people to believe he is very powerful and hard to overcome, so they become bound by his power. For example, many people believe that their sickness or problems are so big that only a massive spiritual effort or special anointing can solve them. Satan uses this belief to keep people oppressed.

But the Bible tells us that we have been given authority to trample on all the powers of the enemy. This means we should dismiss any negative thoughts or fears that Satan plants in our minds. If Satan tries to convince you that your sickness is incurable, dismiss that thought. If he tells you your sin is unforgivable, reject it. If he tells you you will die, ignore it. If demons are attacking you at night, stop fearing them. You have the authority to dismiss all of these thoughts and fears. The more you ignore them, the weaker they become, because you are giving space for God to fight for you.

1 Peter 5:8-9 says:
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers thrughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”

James 4:7 also encourages us:
“

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

Trampling means disregarding something, lowering its importance, and rejecting it. It’s not about engaging in long prayers or fasting to fight Satan; it’s about putting those negative thoughts and fears under your feet and moving on with your life. In Matthew 16:19, Jesus says:

“I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

By trampling on Satan’s lies, we bind his influence over our lives.

Hebrews 10:28-29 explains the seriousness of rejecting God’s covenant “

Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.
29 How much more severely do you think someone deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified them, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace?”

When you disregard Satan’s lies, you are trampling on his power. The more you dismiss his thoughts, the more they lose their strength over you.

Remember, our feet are a powerful weapon stronger than the heads of snakes, the tails of scorpions, and the power of the enemy.
Luke 10:18-19 says:

“He replied, ‘I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.’
19 ‘I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions, and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.'”

May the Lord bless you.

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Mark 6:8 – Understanding God’s Provision for His Servants

1. Context of the Passage

In Mark 6:7–8 (NIV), we read:

“Calling the Twelve to him, he began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over impure spirits. These were his instructions: ‘Take nothing for the journey except a staff no bread, no bag, no money in your belts.’”

Jesus was sending His disciples out on a mission for the first time. This was both a practical exercise in ministry and a spiritual lesson in dependence on God.

The term “money in your belts” refers to small pouches or leather bags tied around the waist where people kept their coins. It was a normal means of carrying money, like a wallet or purse today.

2. Why Did Jesus Instruct Them Not to Carry Money or Supplies?

At first glance, it might seem that Jesus was dismissing the importance of financial resources in ministry. But that’s not the case.

Jesus was not rejecting the idea that the gospel requires support Scripture consistently affirms the need for material resources in ministry (1 Corinthians 9:13–14, Philippians 4:15–17). Rather, He was teaching the disciples a foundational truth:

Ministry begins with faith, not resources.

Their mission was not to be hindered by a lack of preparation or wealth. Jesus wanted them to learn that obedience and trust in God’s provision come first.

This is echoed in Luke 22:35 (ESV), when Jesus reflects back on this moment:

“And he said to them, ‘When I sent you out with no moneybag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything?’ They said, ‘Nothing.’”

This shows that God’s provision met them as they went, not before they started.

3. What This Means for Us Today

Many people feel a strong desire to serve God but hesitate because they feel underqualified, underfunded, or unprepared. Jesus’ instruction reminds us that:

• We don’t need to wait until we “have enough” to begin serving.

• God often provides along the journey, not before it starts.

• Our dependence should be on God’s faithfulness, not human preparation alone.

As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV):

“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”

4. A Balanced View: Faith and Wisdom

While Jesus emphasized radical trust, He also endorsed planning and wise stewardship in other settings (Luke 14:28–30). So, His instruction in Mark 6 was not a universal principle for every situation, but a targeted lesson in trust.

The key is this: Faith is the foundation. Provision follows purpose.

Conclusion

Jesus taught His disciples and teaches us that the work of God does not depend on what we have, but on who we trust. When God calls, He provides. Our part is to step out in obedience and faith.

Shalom.

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Praise be to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome to another study of the Bible. We have already covered several books from the beginning. 

Today, we continue our journey by exploring another book, the Book of Job.

THE BOOK OF JOB

The Book of Job is the oldest book in the Bible, written long before the Book of Genesis. While Moses is credited with writing the Book of Genesis, he is also believed to have written the Book of Job.

Moses wrote the Book of Job first, and after that, the other books of the Torah, like Genesis, Exodus, and so on. It’s important to note that Moses did not live during Job’s time. Job lived many years before Moses, and the events of Job’s life were initially recorded by Job himself and those around him, such as his friends and family. Even after Job’s death, his story lived on, though it wasn’t organized into a formal book. When Moses came much later, under divine guidance, he gathered all the details about Job and presented them in an orderly form, resulting in the Book of Job we read today.

The Book of Job starts by introducing Job’s background: where he was born and his devotion to God. Job was from the land of Uz, which today is located in the southern part of Jordan (you can check a map to see where Jordan is).

Job lived before Abraham, meaning he was not an Israelite, but he knew the true God and feared Him, following the faith passed down from his ancestors (like Noah).

The Book of Job is divided into four main sections:

1. Part 1 (Chapters 1–2): This section tells the story of Job’s life and the trials he faced.

2. Part 2 (Chapters 3–38): This section focuses on the dialogues between Job and his three friends.

3. Part 3 (Chapters 39–41): God intervenes in the discussions and brings them to an end.

4. Part 4 (Chapter 42): God passes judgment on Job and his friends for their words.

Let’s begin with Part 1:

Part 1:
This part includes the first two chapters, which are easier to understand than the others that follow. These chapters describe how Job was upright and righteous before God he was a man who feared God and avoided evil (Job 1:1, ESV).

Additionally, these two chapters provide us with a glimpse of the spiritual realities above us. They show that, while we live our lives, there is someone accusing us before God, and this is the cause of the trials we face. It’s just one chapter in the Bible, but it reveals a profound truth: the righteous can go through suffering. If you want to understand more about how these accusations are taking place in heaven, you can explore the topic further here >>> HOW SATAN BLOCKS OUR PRAYERS. But for now, let’s not dive too deep into that.

In Job 1:6-12, we witness Satan presenting himself before God and accusing Job, stating that Job only fears God because of the blessings he enjoys. God permits Satan to test Job’s faith through suffering, but He sets limits on how far Satan can go. This highlights the theological concept of the sovereignty of God even in the midst of trials, God is in control and allows suffering within His divine purpose. Job’s faithfulness is tested, but his response,

“The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21, ESV),

sets a theological example of how believers are called to respond to suffering.

Part 2:
From Chapters 3 to 38, this part focuses on the conversations between Job and his three friends: Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar.

These three friends had known Job for a long time and were filled with wisdom. When they heard about the terrible misfortunes Job was experiencing, they came to comfort him and offer advice (Job 2:11-13). However, they did not realize that their counsel was not in line with God’s will. They believed with certainty that Job must have sinned against God in some way to deserve such suffering. Their advice was based solely on their human reasoning, and they were unaware of the spiritual battle taking place in heaven. They came with the sole purpose of convincing Job to repent for hidden sins, which they assumed caused his calamities. They argued that no one could face such suffering unless they had offended God.

Despite Job’s insistence that he had done nothing wrong, his friends didn’t believe him. They continued to accuse him of sinning. This led to a prolonged back-and-forth of arguments, each of Job’s friends offering their wisdom to explain his suffering. Job, in turn, defended himself, stating he had done nothing wrong. The conversation went on for a long time, and eventually, they all became exhausted. At that point, a younger man named Elihu entered the scene and tried to offer his advice as well.

The theological principle of retributive justice (that suffering is always a direct result of personal sin) is a key concept addressed throughout these dialogues, particularly through Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar’s arguments (Job 4:7-9; 8:4-7; 11:6-7). However, God later rebukes these friends for misrepresenting His character and actions, showing that while suffering can sometimes be a result of sin, it is not always the case (Job 42:7-9). This teaches us that human understanding of suffering is limited, and we must trust in God’s higher wisdom.

Part 3:
After all the debates and arguments, God responds to Job in a mighty way, through a storm a whirlwind. This was something Job had never seen before, and it made him realize the vastness and mystery of God’s wisdom.

In Job 38:1, it says: “

Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the whirlwind and said,”

And then God asks Job a series of questions, the first of which is:

“Who is this that obscures my plans with words without knowledge?” (Job 38:2, ESV)

Essentially, God was saying, “Who are you to question my work with ignorant words?” This question was directed not only at Job but also at his three friends, whose words were accusing God of wrongdoing in how He dealt with Job. God’s response is not to answer Job’s questions directly but to point him to the greatness and majesty of His creation, highlighting Job’s limited understanding of divine sovereignty.

As you read on through to Chapter 41, you’ll see that God continues to question Job about the greatness of His creation and His sovereignty, questions which Job could never answer. One example is found

in Job 38:4:
“Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand.”

This was a question Job had no answer for, and there were many other questions like it. Through these questions, God teaches Job and the reader a profound lesson about humility and the limits of human wisdom (Isaiah 55:8-9).

Part 4:
After God finishes asking Job all these questions, Job realizes he cannot answer them. He humbles himself and repents for questioning God’s ways. Although Job never doubted God’s existence, he recognized that challenging God’s actions was wrong. So, he repented by putting on sackcloth and remaining silent. You can read about this in Job 42:1-6.

In Job 42:1-6, Job says:
“I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted. You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’ Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know.”

Job then admits that he has sinned by questioning God and repents in dust and ashes.

This is an act of repentance and humility, showing that even the most righteous must acknowledge their limitations and trust in God’s greater plan. This repentance echoes throughout Scripture as a model for how believers should approach God, especially when faced with suffering and mystery (Psalm 51:17).

After Job repents, God turns to Job’s three friends Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar—and expresses His anger toward them. Their words had been more destructive than Job’s, and they had falsely accused God’s ways. God tells them to offer a sacrifice and go to Job for prayer, promising to forgive them through Job’s intercession.

In Job 42:7-9, it says:
“After the Lord had said these things to Job, he said to Eliphaz the Temanite, ‘I am angry with you and your two friends, because you have not spoken the truth about me, as my servant Job has.’”

God then commands them to offer a sacrifice and have Job pray for them.

Finally, God restores Job’s fortunes, blessing him with twice as much as he had before (Job 42:10).

Conclusion:

From the Book of Job, we learn several key lessons:

1. Fear God and avoid evil, as Job did (Job 1:1).

2. Patience during trials (James 5:11: “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.”)

3. Living a pure life because our accuser, Satan, accuses us daily (Revelation 12:10). If Satan accused Job because of his righteousness, imagine how he might accuse us if we are living in sin.

4. Avoid religious arguments (Even if you know the truth, it’s unwise to argue with someone who refuses to believe it. Job knew he was right, but engaging in argument was still displeasing to God—Job 40:4-5).

5. The righteous suffer but that does not mean God has abandoned them (1 Peter 4:12-13). Many people today wrongly believe that if a believer faces hardship, God has forsaken them.

6. Pray for our friends and enemies. Despite being wronged by his friends, Job prayed for them and did not curse them. This opened the door to God’s blessing upon him (Matthew 5:44).

As it says in Job 42:10,

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

May this understanding deepen our faith and give us a better perspective on the sovereignty of God over all circumstances.

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In many traditional cultures, there is a belief in the “evil eye” the idea that someone can cause harm, misfortune, or even curses simply by looking at another person with envy or ill intent. This belief has led some to use protective charms, rituals, or spiritual objects to shield themselves. But what does the Bible really say about the “evil eye”? Is this belief supported by Scripture?

Let’s explore this biblically and theologically.

1. Jesus and the Evil Eye – Mark 7:21–23

Mark 7:21–23 (NKJV):
“For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,
thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness.
All these evil things come from within and defile a man.”

In this passage, Jesus confronts the Pharisees’ obsession with external rituals and shows that true defilement comes from the heart, not from external factors. Among the sins He lists is “an evil eye.”

The Greek term used here for “evil eye” is “ophthalmos ponēros,” which refers not to mystical power, but to an attitude of envy, jealousy, greed, or stinginess. Jesus was exposing the inward corruption of a person who views others with resentment or selfish desire.

2. The Parable of the Workers – Matthew 20:15

Matthew 20:15 (NKJV):
“Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good?”

This is part of a parable where a landowner pays all his laborers the same wage, regardless of how long they worked. Some workers grumbled because they thought it was unfair.

Jesus uses the phrase “your eye evil” (Greek: ophthalmos ponēros) to reveal their jealousy and resentment at the generosity shown to others. The theological message here is about God’s grace He gives not based on our effort but on His mercy. To envy God’s kindness to someone else is to have an “evil eye.”

3. Old Testament Example   Deuteronomy 15:9

Deuteronomy 15:9 (NKJV):
“Beware lest there be a wicked thought in your heart, saying, ‘The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand,’ and your eye be evil against your poor brother and you give him nothing, and he cry out to the Lord against you, and it become sin among you.”

Here, the Law warns against withholding generosity near the seventh year, when debts were canceled. If someone refused to help a needy person out of fear of financial loss, they were said to have an “evil eye” a selfish and ungodly attitude.

This reveals a consistent theme: an evil eye is a heart posture, not a magical curse. It means refusing kindness, harboring jealousy, and acting in selfishness.

4. Spiritual Health   Matthew 6:22–23

Matthew 6:22–23 (NKJV):
“The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light.
But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!”

This teaching is part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. A “good eye” is generous, pure, and focused on the Kingdom of God (see Proverbs 22:9). A “bad” or “evil eye” is stingy, greedy, and full of envy. The condition of your inner perspective affects your entire spiritual life.

5. The Root: Envy and Selfishness

Theologically, the “evil eye” in Scripture is consistently tied to envy, jealousy, greed, and selfish motives. It stems from a heart not transformed by God’s love. Paul describes similar sinful attitudes in:

Galatians 5:19–21 (NKJV):
“Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness,
idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions… and the like;
of which I tell you beforehand… that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

6. Practical Application

We are called to guard our hearts against envy and comparison. The cure for the “evil eye” is not a charm, ritual, or religious item it is a renewed heart through faith in Christ.

Titus 3:3–5 (NKJV):
“For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient… living in malice and envy…
But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us…”

Conclusion

The Bible does not support the superstitious idea of the evil eye as a mystical curse. Instead, it teaches that the true “evil eye” is a spirit of envy, jealousy, greed, and selfishness attitudes that defile the soul and grieve God.

Let us ask the Lord to purify our hearts so that we may rejoice in the blessings of others, give generously, and walk in love and light.

Psalm 51:10 (NKJV):
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”

Shalom.

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Introduction

Children are a gift from the Lord (Psalm 127:3), and with that gift comes a divine responsibility. As parents and guardians, we are not only called to provide for their physical needs but also to secure their spiritual foundation. The enemy Satan is not selective by age. He seeks to destroy, starting as early as possible.

In Mark 9:17–29, we encounter a boy possessed by an unclean spirit that had afflicted him since childhood.

This incident reveals a profound spiritual reality: children can be spiritually oppressed, and it’s the duty of parents to stand in the gap.

Let’s explore what this means and what practical steps a godly parent can take.

1. Spiritual Warfare Can Begin in Childhood

Mark 9:21 (ESV)
“And Jesus asked his father, ‘How long has this been happening to him?’ And he said, ‘From childhood.’”

Jesus, knowing all things (John 16:30), asks this to emphasize how early the boy’s suffering began. This is a warning to all of us spiritual battles do not wait for adulthood. The enemy begins early because he knows the foundation is everything.

Proverbs 20:11 (ESV)
“Even a child makes himself known by his acts, by whether his conduct is pure and upright.”

If a child can be known by his actions, it means the battle for character and righteousness begins early and so can demonic influence.

2. The Devil Targets Children to Destroy Futures

John 10:10 (ESV)
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

The demon in Mark 9 tried to throw the boy into fire and water to destroy him (Mark 9:22). This is symbolic of Satan’s mission: destroy destinies before they even begin.

Ephesians 6:12 (ESV) reminds us:
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness…”

As a parent, you’re not just dealing with behavior you’re in a spiritual battle for your child’s soul.

3. The Parent’s Responsibility: Laying a Strong Spiritual Foundation

Proverbs 22:6 (ESV)
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”

If we don’t teach our children the ways of God, the world and worse, the devil will gladly step in to fill that gap.

This training involves:

A. Discipline in Love

Discipline is not abuse; it is correction for righteousness.

Proverbs 23:13–14 (ESV)
“Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you strike him with a rod, he will not die. If you strike him with the rod, you will save his soul from Sheol.”

Discipline done prayerfully and in love teaches children about boundaries, obedience, and consequences all vital in the spiritual life.

B. Teaching the Word of God

Deuteronomy 6:6–7 (ESV)
“And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children…”

Teach your child to:

• Memorize Scripture

• Sing hymns and worship songs

• Pray

• Read the Bible (or listen to stories from it at their level)

Even if they don’t understand fully now, the Word will dwell in their hearts and guide them in the future.

C. Consistent Intercessory Prayer

Job 1:5 (ESV)
“Job would send and consecrate them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings… Thus Job did continually.”

Job regularly prayed for his children. Parents are priests in their homes we must cover our children with prayer daily, pleading the blood of Jesus over them.

D. Guarding Their Eyes, Ears, and Surroundings

Psalm 101:3 (ESV)
“I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless.”

Monitor:

• The shows and videos they watch

• The music they listen to

• The games they play

• The clothes they wear

• The friends they keep

Not everything that entertains is spiritually safe. Teach your child discernment and model it through your own lifestyle.

4. The Enemy Will Strike If You Don’t Build the Hedge

1 Peter 5:8 (ESV)
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”

If you don’t lay the spiritual foundation for your child, the devil will gladly lay his. The boy in Mark 9 was afflicted from childhood. How many children today are carrying invisible battles because no one ever prayed for them, corrected them, or led them to Jesus?

Final Word: Build Their Future Today

Every godly parent has the privilege and the command of standing as watchmen over their children’s souls.

• Discipline with love

• Teach the truth

• Pray without ceasing

• Guard their minds and hearts

When we do this, our children will be like trees planted by streams of living water (Psalm 1:3), and they will not be easily shaken when trials come.

Isaiah 54:13 (ESV)
“All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children.”

And the Lord will bless you.

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Blessed be the name of our Lord Jesus. Welcome, let’s learn together from the Bible.

In the Bible, God did not change people’s names based on the meanings of their names. It is crucial to understand this, as failing to do so may lead the enemy to cause you distress over the meaning of your name. If you don’t understand how God works, you may be swayed by various teachings and ideologies that only bind people rather than set them free, burden them instead of relieving them.

John 8:36 says, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

Let’s now examine a few individuals in the Bible whose names were changed and look at the meanings of their names before and after the change. This will help us understand God’s character more clearly.

1. Abraham

Abraham’s original name was Abram, which means “Exalted Father.” His new name, Abraham, means “Father of many nations.”

Genesis 17:5 says, “No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations.”

God didn’t change Abraham’s name because the first name had a bad meaning no! The original name was actually good. Being called “Exalted Father” is not a bad name at all. However, when God made His covenant with Abraham, promising that he would be the father of many nations, God changed his name to Abraham. The name change was a result of the purpose and calling God had for his life.

2. Sarah

Sarah was Abraham’s wife and was initially called Sarai, meaning “Princess.” Her name was changed to Sarah, which means “Mother of Nations.”

Genesis 17:15 states, “God also said to Abraham, ‘As for Sarai your wife, you are no longer to call her Sarai; her name will be Sarah.’”
Her name wasn’t changed because it had a bad meaning, but because of God’s promise. God promised that Abraham would be the father of many nations, and Sarah would be the mother of many nations and kings. Just as a child matures into a parent, her name change reflected her new role as the mother of nations.

3. Jacob

Jacob, the son of Isaac, had his name changed from Jacob to Israel. The name “Jacob” means “Supplanter” or “Heel holder,” because when he was born, he was holding onto his brother’s heel (Genesis 25:26). The name Israel means “Struggles with God” or “Prevails with God.”

Genesis 32:28 says, “Then the man said, ‘Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.’”
Jacob’s name wasn’t changed because the meaning of his name was bad. It was changed after he wrestled with God and overcame. The change in his name reflected the new purpose and promise God had for him. If the meaning of the name was the issue, then the Apostle James (who was also called Jacob) would also have had his name changed. But his name remained the same, and he continued faithfully serving as an apostle of Jesus.

4. Peter

Peter was originally called Simon.

In John 1:42, it says, “And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, ‘You are Simon, the son of John; you will be called Cephas’ (which, when translated, is Peter).”

The meaning of the name Simon is “He has heard,” while the meaning of Cephas/Peter is “a small stone to throw,” not “rock.”

Matthew 16:18 records Jesus saying, “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”

Jesus didn’t change Simon’s name because it had a bad meaning. The name change was linked to the purpose and role Simon would play in the work ahead, where he would be used by God as a foundational part of the church. Jesus chose to call him “Peter,” which signifies the role Peter would play in the establishment of the church.

5. Saul (Paul)

Finally, let’s look at the Apostle Paul, who was originally called Saul. The meaning of “Saul” is “Asked for” or “Prayed for.” His name was changed to Paul, which means “Small.”

Acts 13:9 states, “Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straight at Elymas and said…”

God didn’t change Saul’s name because the meaning was bad. In fact, in a worldly sense, “Saul” might sound like a better name than “Paul.” But the name change reflected the work God had planned for him, which would require Paul to humble himself and become small in his own eyes for the service ahead.

In Ephesians 3:7-8, Paul says, “I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.”

The Importance of Our Names

The Bible clearly shows that God changed people’s names based on their purpose, calling, or the covenant God made with them, not because their original names were inherently bad. The name change often signified a new role or a promise from God. However, it’s important to note that the meaning of your name isn’t what determines your relationship with God. It is your faith and obedience that matter.

Revelation 20:12 says, “And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.”

This passage reminds us that our actions, not the meaning of our names, are what matter in the end. God judges based on our deeds, faith, and obedience to His will, not on the names we carry.

In conclusion, changing your name after getting saved is not necessary. If you feel led by God to change your name, that’s fine, but remember that God does not look at the meaning of your name to decide your destiny. What matters is your relationship with Him and how you live out His calling in your life.

May we focus on living according to God’s will, just as those in the Bible did, and trust that He is with us in every step, regardless of our names.

Maranatha!

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