Title December 2020

Each year, as the final hours of December draw to a close, we stand at a spiritual threshold. This moment New Year’s Eve is not simply a cultural tradition or a festive pause; it is, for the believer, a sacred opportunity. It is a time to reflect, to realign, and to respond to God with gratitude and reverence. Sadly, this opportunity is too often ignored, treated as an ordinary night, or filled with distractions and indulgences.

Yet the Bible reminds us: God works powerfully in the watches of the night. He meets His people not just in the brightness of day, but also in the stillness of midnight.

1. The Night of Deliverance: A Pattern of Preparation

When God delivered the Israelites from Egypt, it wasn’t in broad daylight it was at midnight. The moment of liberation from oppression came in the dark, while the faithful were watching and obeying.

“In this manner you shall eat it: with your belt fastened, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand. And you shall eat it in haste. It is the Lord’s Passover.”
(Exodus 12:11, ESV)

“For I will pass through the land of Egypt that night, and I will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and on all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am the Lord.”
(Exodus 12:12, ESV)

That night, they were not lounging or sleeping. They were alert. They were dressed, not in leisure, but for movement. They were eating in haste, ready to move into freedom. Spiritually, this moment represented transition from bondage to deliverance, from an old system to a new covenant identity.

What if they had ignored that night? What if they had treated it as common? They would have missed the miracle.

2. Midnight as a Spiritual Turning Point

The “midnight hour” in Scripture is often symbolic of transition, divine intervention, and deliverance. Consider Paul and Silas in prison:

“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake… and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were unfastened.”
(Acts 16:25–26, ESV)

It was not during the day, but at midnight, when worship broke open prison doors. Midnight signifies more than just a time on the clock it marks a spiritual shift, a divine moment where God acts in response to the faithfulness of His people.

3. A Call to Watchfulness and Thanksgiving

As we approach the new year, the call is clear: do not sleep through the threshold of change. Be spiritually awake. Jesus warned His disciples:

“Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.”
(Matthew 24:42, ESV)

“Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
(Matthew 26:41, ESV)

New Year’s Eve is a time to thank God for His sustaining grace, to surrender your plans to Him, and to declare His lordship over the days to come. The changing of the calendar should not find you idle, distracted, or distant from God but present in His presence.

4. A Night to Remember His Faithfulness

Consider the trials and uncertainties of the past year. You are not standing at this threshold by accident. You are here because of grace.

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
(Lamentations 3:22–23, ESV)

God has preserved you not by your own strength, wisdom, or wealth but by His mercy. To begin a new year without acknowledging His hand is to miss the point entirely.

5. A Sacred Invitation

Whether you gather in a church or in your home, this night is sacred. Turn off the noise. Set aside the distractions. Gather your household just as the Israelites did and seek God together. Worship. Pray. Reflect. Consecrate the year ahead.

Even if you are in a place where public worship is restricted, your home can become a holy place. The Spirit of God is not confined by buildings.

“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
(Matthew 18:20, ESV)

6. Share and Encourage Others

This is not a message to keep to yourself. Remind others of the importance of this night. Encourage them to return to the Lord with grateful hearts and watchful spirits

May your new year be marked by spiritual renewal, divine favor, and deep intimacy with the Lord. May you walk in freedom, bear fruit in every good work, and live with eyes fixed on Christ the Author and Perfecter of your faith (Hebrews 12:2).

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Shalom, and welcome again to this sacred moment of reflection on the Word of our Lord Jesus Christ. Scripture tells us that many prophets and wise men, longing to see the fulfillment of God’s promises, desired to hear and experience what we now have in the Gospel. Yet, they were not granted this privilege. As it is written in 1 Peter 1:10-12 (NIV):

“Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.”

But by God’s grace, you and I are now recipients of the grace of hearing and understanding the Gospel message. This is a treasure of unspeakable worth and an immense privilege. What joy we should feel for this gift!

Jesus, who created the world by His Word (see John 1:1-3, NIV), now draws near to us through His Word to teach and transform us. How could we, as His followers, neglect to meditate on this living Word that holds eternal life? As

Psalm119:105 reminds us, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” With His help, we will continue to treasure and ponder His Word daily.

Let us now reflect once again on a parable shared by Jesus that captures the heart of God’s grace: the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin. These are found in Luke 15:3-10 (NIV):

Luke 15:3-7 (The Parable of the Lost Sheep):
“Then Jesus told them this parable: ‘Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, “Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.” I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.’”

Luke 15:8-10 (The Parable of the Lost Coin):

“Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

In these parables, the joy does not come from acquiring something new, but from recovering something that was once lost. The shepherd does not find a new sheep, nor does the woman gain a new coin. Instead, they rejoice because what was valuable and lost is now found and restored to its rightful place.

This is the kind of joy that the Lord describes in Luke 15:7 and Luke 15:10 a joy that arises not from the accumulation of new things but from the restoration of that which was precious and lost. Heaven rejoices over one sinner who repents and this joy is not just a human joy but one that is shared by the angels themselves.

This spiritual truth teaches us that God’s joy is not based on novelty or the acquisition of something new, but on the restoration and reconciliation of lost souls to Himself. This is the essence of the Gospel: God seeks and saves the lost (Luke 19:10, NIV). Just as the shepherd goes after the lost sheep and the woman searches for the lost coin, so too does God pursue each person with relentless love.

In theological terms, this joy is rooted in the doctrine of redemption. The Bible teaches that humanity was lost due to sin, separated from God and destined for eternal separation. But through Christ’s death and resurrection, God offers restoration. The atonement of Christ is what makes this reconciliation possible, as

Romans 5:8 (NIV) says:”But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

The joy of heaven is the direct result of the atoning work of Christ, and it finds its full expression when one sinner repents and turns back to God.

A Personal Reflection:

Consider a scenario from everyday life to understand this spiritual reality more fully. Imagine you lose your phone, something valuable to you. You feel upset, perhaps even angry. Then, a week later, you receive a call from the police your phone has been recovered. The joy you feel is not because it’s a new phone, but because it is your phone, the one that was once lost. In this small but personal experience, you can begin to understand the joy of the angels when one soul returns to God.

It’s the same with God’s joy. He rejoices over the restoration of a lost soul, not because something new has been gained, but because His creation, made in His image, has returned to Him. 

2 Corinthians 5:18 (NIV) says, “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.”

This is the heart of the Gospel reconciliation.

The Eternal Sorrow and Joy in Heaven:

For those who have strayed from God, Heaven watches with great sorrow. As

Ezekiel 18:32 (NIV) warns, “For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live!”

But when someone turns back, repenting of their sin and trusting in Christ, there is unparalleled joy not just in the hearts of the redeemed, but in the hearts of the angels and the very presence of God Himself.

Jesus does not desire that anyone should perish.

2 Peter 3:9 (NIV) says, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

Luke 15:10 shows that when a sinner repents, “there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God.”

This signifies not only God’s personal joy but also the communal joy of the heavenly host. The heavenly joy over one sinner’s repentance is not casual; it’s a deep, celebratory, communal experience in heaven.

A Call to Repentance:

If you are reading this and you realize that you, like the lost sheep or the lost coin, have wandered away from God whether you have fallen into sin or drifted from Him there is good news for you todays.

1 John 1:9 (NIV) assures us:
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

This is the grace extended to all who repent and return to Him.

The time is short. Life is fragile.

James 4:14 (NIV) says, “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”

Eternity is forever, and today is the day to make things right with God.

If you have walked away from God, know that He is waiting for you to return. As the prodigal son was welcomed back with open arms, so too does God welcome you.

Romans 10:13 (NIV) assures us:
“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

God’s heart is for you. Heaven’s joy awaits your return. Do not delay. Repent, return to Christ, and receive the forgiveness that only He can offer.

May the Lord bless you 

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 The Call to Intimacy with Christ

The Christian life is not merely about believing in Jesus, attending church, or identifying with a religious label. It is about entering into a covenantal relationship with Jesus Christ, the Bridegroom of the Church. In

John 3:29 (ESV),

John the Baptist says:

“The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete.”

This imagery of the Bride and Bridegroom is used throughout Scripture to describe the deep, intimate union God desires with His people culminating in the marriage between Christ and the Church (cf. Ephesians 5:25–27).

1. Not All Who Profess Faith Are the Bride

Many assume that being a Christian is synonymous with being the Bride of Christ. However, the parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1–13 (ESV) presents a sobering truth. All ten were waiting for the Bridegroom, but only five entered the wedding feast:

“And the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’” (vv. 10b–12)

Here, Jesus makes a distinction not between believers and unbelievers, but between the prepared and the unprepared  those filled with the Holy Spirit (oil) and those who were not.

Theologically, we can say that this parable distinguishes between nominal Christianity (faith in name only) and regenerate Christianity (faith expressed through obedience and transformation).

2. The Difference Between the Bride and the Concubine

In biblical times, a bride entered into a legal covenant with her husband and had full rights, including inheritance. A concubine, though perhaps loved, had no lasting claim or covenantal standing. This serves as a metaphor for two types of people in the Church:

• The Bride represents those fully surrendered to Christ transformed, purified, and living in covenant (see 2 Corinthians 11:2).

• The concubine represents those who are content with outward religion but have no deep communion or obedience to Christ.

God does not desire a casual, distant relationship with His people. He desires a bride who knows His heart, walks in holiness, and is ready for His return.

3. The Bride is Entrusted with the Mysteries of Christ

Christ promises to share the secrets of the kingdom with those who are His. In

Revelation 10:4 (ESV), John writes:

“And when the seven thunders had sounded, I was about to write, but I heard a voice from heaven saying, ‘Seal up what the seven thunders have said, and do not write it down.’”

This sealed message reminds us that not all revelation is public some truths are reserved for those walking closely with God (cf. Deuteronomy 29:29: “The secret things belong to the Lord…”). The Bride is the one to whom Christ discloses the “hidden manna” (cf. Revelation 2:17).

This aligns with

John 15:15 (ESV),

where Jesus says:

“No longer do I call you servants…but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.”

The Bride of Christ walks in that level of intimacy and trust.

4. The Bride Is Known by Her Righteousness (Holiness)

The mark of the true Bride is holiness not perfection in the flesh, but a life continually surrendered, sanctified, and bearing the fruit of righteousness. As Paul writes in

2 Timothy 2:19 (ESV):

“But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: ‘The Lord knows those who are his,’ and, ‘Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.’”

And in Revelation 19:7–8 (ESV), the final union is depicted:

“Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.”

This righteousness isn’t self-made. It is the result of the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit (cf. Romans 8:13–14).

5. Urgency in the Last Days

We are living in a time when spiritual deception is increasing, and the line between the world and the Church is becoming blurred. Jesus warned of lukewarm faith in

Revelation 3:16 (ESV):

“Because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.”

Now more than ever, we must be vigilant not merely religious, but truly transformed. The Bride must keep her lamp full (cf. Matthew 25:4), her garments clean (cf. Revelation 3:4), and her eyes fixed on the Bridegroom (cf. Hebrews 12:2).

 Prepare Your Heart

If you examine your life and see a lack of holiness, intimacy, or oil in your lamp, the time to repent and seek Christ fully is now. There is still grace available, but the time is short. Christ is at the door.

Pursue Him with all your heart. Not for the rewards. Not for recognition. But because you long to be His not just a guest at the wedding, but the Bride at His side.

Maranatha – Come, Lord Jesus.

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Question: What exactly is the “Book of the Wars of the Lord” mentioned in Numbers 21:14?

Biblical Reference

The phrase appears in Numbers 21:14 (NIV):

“That is why the Book of the Wars of the Lord says: ‘…Waheb in Suphah and the ravines of the Arnon…’”

This is the only place in the Bible where this mysterious book is mentioned. It is cited during the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness as they approached the land of Moab, highlighting a historical moment when God fought on their behalf.

What Was the Book?

The Book of the Wars of the Lord is believed to have been an ancient historical record or songbook, possibly written by the Israelites, documenting the battles where God intervened directly for His people. It may have contained war songs, poetic recounting of divine victories, and testimonies of God’s power and justice during Israel’s conquests.

Though it’s not preserved in the biblical canon, the fact that it’s cited implies that it was well-known and respected among the Israelites at the time. This book, along with others that have not survived, such as:

• The Book of Jasher (2 Samuel 1:18; Joshua 10:13)

• The Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel and Judah (1 Kings 14:19, 14:29)

• The Records of Nathan the Prophet, Gad the Seer, and Samuel the Seer (1 Chronicles 29:29)

…shows that the biblical writers often referenced broader written histories as authoritative and trustworthy.

Why Is It Not in the Bible Today?

Some may wonder why God allowed such books to disappear. Theologically, the Bible itself answers this question in principle. The Apostle John writes:

“Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book.”
(John 20:30, NIV)

And again:

“Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.”
(John 21:25, NIV)

In other words, God, in His sovereignty, chose to preserve only what is essential for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16). The Bible is not a comprehensive record of every divine action, but it contains all that is necessary for salvation and spiritual life.

What’s the Relevance Today?

The mention of books like the Book of the Wars of the Lord reminds us that God’s work in history is vast and expansive far beyond what is recorded. Still, we have been given exactly what we need.

Unfortunately, many today neglect even this preserved Word. Consider this: You may have read millions of words in newspapers, social media posts, textbooks, and novels but have you read the whole Bible even once?

“Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.”
(1 Timothy 4:13, NIV)

Paul’s words to Timothy apply to us all. Studying God’s Word is a spiritual discipline and a divine command. It doesn’t require perfection just consistency and hunger for God.

Conclusion

Though the Book of the Wars of the Lord no longer exists, its mention reminds us of God’s active role in history and His commitment to His people. The Bible remains the divinely preserved, sufficient Word of God pointing us to Christ, who is the fulfillment of all God’s promises.

Let us commit ourselves to reading it diligently.

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As followers of Christ, we must come to terms with a profound truth: God does not intend for us to stay in the same spiritual stage forever. He is always at work, shaping us to become more like Christ (Romans 8:29), and that means He will take us through different seasons—some comforting, others stretching.

The Story of Elijah: A Shift in Provision

Let’s look at the prophet Elijah during the drought in Israel (1 Kings 17). When God shut the heavens so that it wouldn’t rain, He led Elijah to the Brook Kerith and commanded ravens to feed him.

1 Kings 17:4–6 
“You will drink from the brook, and I have directed the ravens to supply you with food there.”
“The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook.”

This was a miraculous season of divine provision—a symbol of God’s grace and care. But that season ended:

1 Kings 17:7 
“Some time later the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land.”

Elijah didn’t do anything wrong—the brook dried up as part of God’s greater plan. If Elijah had stayed there, waiting for the water to return, he would have missed what came next.

Instead, God gave him new instructions:

1 Kings 17:8–9 
“Then the word of the Lord came to him: ‘Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.’”

The same God who fed him through ravens now fed him through a widow. The method changed, but the faithfulness of God remained.

1: God Trains Through Seasons

Sanctification—the process of becoming holy—is often done through stages. Just as students graduate from one class to the next, God trains His children through different “spiritual classrooms” (Philippians 1:6).

You may feel like God was closer when you were first saved. In the beginning, His grace may have felt almost tangible, like Elijah’s daily bread from ravens. But then comes a time when that ease fades. The “brook” dries up.

This does not mean God has abandoned you. It means He’s calling you to maturity.

Hebrews 5:14 
“But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”

2: God’s Silence Can Signal Movement, Not Abandonment

Sometimes when we no longer feel the same emotional highs or clear answers, we assume God has left. But just as a teacher is often silent during a test, God’s silence may be a sign that it’s time to walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).

3: God Calls You to Be a Giver, Not Just a Receiver

In earlier stages, God may feed you directly. But in maturity, He may call you to feed others. Like Elijah, you may move from being provided for to being part of someone else’s miracle.

Hebrews 6:1 
“Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity…”

This might mean being relocated, facing new challenges, or having to create fresh spiritual routines. It may feel uncomfortable, but it’s not abandonment—it’s God equipping you for more.

How to Respond When the Brook Dries Up

1. Don’t panic. Recognize it as a shift, not a punishment.
2. Stay prayerful. Wait for the next instruction, just like Elijah did.
3. Be obedient. When God opens a new door, walk through it.
4. Don’t cling to the past. The grace for that season has served its purpose.
5. Trust His presence. The same God who was with you before is with you now.

Isaiah 43:19 
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?”

Final Encouragement

If you’re in a season where things feel different—where spiritual nourishment doesn’t come as easily, or you’re in a new place of responsibility—don’t be discouraged. God is not taking away your blessings; He’s changing the form through which they come.

Elijah still received God’s provision, just in a new way. The same God who walked with you in the early days of your faith is walking with you now—just teaching you new lessons.

Philippians 1:6 
“…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

So walk boldly. Embrace the season. Grow in grace. God is with you.

May the Lord bless and sustain you.

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Many people assume that the  wise men, were astrologers or star-gazers, but this is a misconception. The truth is that the Magi were neither astrologers, sorcerers, nor practitioners of any occult arts.

The wise men were not Israelites (Jews). The Bible tells us that they came from the East. In biblical times, the term “East” referred to areas like Babylon, and sometimes even as far as regions like India. Thus, the wise men were not Jewish; they were people from distant Eastern lands.

Despite not being Israelites, the wise men had a deep longing to know the God of Israel. This is similar to the Queen of Sheba, who traveled from afar (from Cush, in Africa) to hear the wisdom of Solomon (Matthew 12:42). It also parallels the story of the Ethiopian eunuch, who traveled to Jerusalem to worship the God of Israel, despite not being a Jew himself (Acts 8:26-40).

The wise men were similar in that they were not Israelites but traveled a great distance to seek the God of Israel.

Theological Insight:
God’s revelation is not limited to Israel alone. From the beginning, God’s plan was always for the salvation of all nations (Genesis 12:3; Isaiah 49:6). The Magi’s search for the Messiah and God’s answer to their search demonstrates that God is open to revealing Himself to those who seek Him, no matter their background.

It’s part of God’s nature to give signs and wonders to those who earnestly seek Him, especially those who are not part of the nation of Israel. For example, the Ethiopian eunuch, a Gentile, traveled from Africa to Jerusalem. He knew the Torah and some of the prophetic books of the Israelites. But as he was reading the book of Isaiah, he didn’t fully understand the prophecy about the Messiah (Isaiah 53). So, God sent Philip to explain it to him. To confirm God’s word, He gave the eunuch a special sign—the sudden disappearance of Philip.

Let’s read the story in

Acts 8:26-40:

“Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, ‘Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.’ So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of the Kandake (which means ‘queen of the Ethiopians’). This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the book of Isaiah the prophet. The Spirit told Philip, ‘Go to that chariot and stay near it.’ Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. ‘Do you understand what you are reading?’ Philip asked. ‘How can I,’ he said, ‘unless someone explains it to me?’ So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. This is the passage of Scripture the eunuch was reading: ‘He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he did not open his mouth. In his humiliation he was deprived of justice. Who can speak of his descendants? For his life was taken from the earth.’ ‘Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?’ Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, ‘Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?’ And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing.”
— Acts 8:26-40 

This event illustrates how God reaches out to those outside of Israel to reveal Himself. The eunuch, a Gentile, was reading the scriptures but needed guidance to understand the prophecy about Jesus. God didn’t leave him in confusion—He sent Philip to explain and confirm the truth. The miracle of Philip’s disappearance was God’s way of affirming the message.

Theological Insight:
God’s plan of salvation is for all people. In the New Testament, we see that God’s message of salvation is extended to both Jews and Gentiles,

(Ephesians 2:11-22). The Ethiopian eunuch’s conversion symbolizes the breaking down of barriers, emphasizing that the gospel is for all who believe (Romans 1:16).

The wise men story follows a similar theme. They weren’t Israelites, but they earnestly sought the God of Israel. Their journey was a search for truth, and God responded by giving them a sign—the star that led them to the newborn King, Jesus. This sign, the star, was a divine revelation that confirmed the arrival of the Messiah.

Matthew 2:1-2 says:

“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.’”

Theological Insight:
The star that guided the Magi was a sign from God, just as He used other signs throughout history to guide His people,

(Numbers 24:17).

God used a natural phenomenon, a star, to lead these Gentiles to the Messiah, showing that His plan of salvation was not limited to Israel but extended to the Gentiles as well (Luke 2:32; John 4:42).

God can use anything to communicate His message.

He used a staff in Moses’ time (Exodus 4:3), a donkey in Balaam’s time (Numbers 22:28-30), and even the sun and the moon in the time of Joshua (Joshua 10:12-14). The signs God uses are always purposeful, and there are no limits to how He can reveal His truth to us.

The Bible affirms that God’s revelation is universal. As

Psalm 97:6 states:

“The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all peoples see his glory.”

Thus, the wise men were not sorcerers or astrologers, as some might believe. They were earnest seekers of truth, and God revealed Himself to them through a unique sign, the star. This demonstrates God’s desire to make Himself known to all people, regardless of their background.

Theological Insight:
The purpose of divine signs is always to bring people to Christ. While God can use any means to communicate with people, the end goal is always to point them to Jesus.

As John 14:6 says,

“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” Therefore, any sign that leads us to someone or something other than Jesus is not from God but from the enemy.

It’s also important to be aware that there are teachings today that promote astrology, claiming it’s justified by the story of the wise men. These are teachings from the enemy and should be rejected. Astrology and other occult practices are contrary to God’s Word (Deuteronomy 18:10-12), and they open the door to deception. The Bible warns against such practices (Isaiah 47:13-15).

Conclusion:
The wise men were not astrologers or sorcerers. They were wise men who sought the God of Israel, and God responded by giving them a sign that led them to Jesus. In the same way, today God can use any sign He chooses to communicate with us, but those signs must always lead us to Jesus Christ.

May God continue to give us the discernment to recognize His truth and avoid the deceptions of the enemy.

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Shalom, beloved.

Let’s take a moment to reflect on a deep spiritual truth that every believer must face: How do we see and respond when we find ourselves in the middle of life’s trials?

1. Jesus Understands Our Suffering

The Bible teaches that Jesus is not a distant Savior—He walked where we walk. He experienced temptation, pain, and rejection just like us.

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.”
— Hebrews 4:15

This means that Jesus understands the full weight of human suffering. But He also overcame it, giving us hope that we, too, can endure.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
— John 16:33

2. Trials Are a Normal Part of the Christian Life

Contrary to the popular belief that faith guarantees a pain-free life, Scripture teaches that trials are part of the Christian journey. Ecclesiastes reminds us that life comes in seasons:

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
— Ecclesiastes 3:1

You may experience seasons of abundance, loss, loneliness, sickness, or joy—but none of these are outside of God’s awareness. The key is learning how to respond when you enter the “wilderness” seasons.

3. Jesus Faced Danger, Yet Was Not Alone

After His baptism, Jesus was led into the wilderness to be tested:

“At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.”
— Mark 1:12–13

Here we see a dual reality: Jesus faced external threats (“wild animals”) and spiritual warfare (“tempted by Satan”). Yet at the same time, Heaven was actively present—“angels attended Him.” Theological implication: God never leaves us alone in our trials. He surrounds us with divine help, even when it’s unseen.

4. In Trials, Don’t Just See the Enemy—See God’s Presence

Sometimes trials bring people or circumstances that feel like enemies—harsh critics, betrayals, sickness, financial hardship, or rejection from loved ones. But these “wild beasts” should not blind us to the greater reality: God is with us.

This is what Elisha understood when he and his servant were surrounded by enemy armies. His servant panicked—but Elisha prayed:

“‘Don’t be afraid,’ the prophet answered. ‘Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’”
— 2 Kings 6:16

“And Elisha prayed, ‘Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.’ Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”
— 2 Kings 6:17

Theology of angelic ministry

(Hebrews 1:14) teaches that angels are “ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation.” That means there is divine assistance working invisibly on our behalf, especially in moments of weakness and fear.

5. Daniel’s Faith Shows Us How to Trust in the Trial

When Daniel was thrown into the lions’ den, he did not fear. He focused on God’s power—not the lions. His testimony was:

“My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight.”
— Daniel 6:22

Daniel’s experience reveals this theological truth: Faith doesn’t always remove the trial, but it reveals God’s power within it.

6. Application: Keep Your Spiritual Eyes Open

Just because we can’t see angels or divine intervention doesn’t mean God is absent. He often works behind the scenes to preserve, strengthen, and deliver us.

“For we live by faith, not by sight.”
— 2 Corinthians 5:7

In moments of trial, don’t focus only on what your physical eyes see. Ask God to open your spiritual eyes so you can see His power, presence, and provision.

Final Encouragement:

You may be going through a season of deep struggle, but know this: God has not abandoned you. His angels surround you. His Spirit strengthens you. His promises remain true.

So, be still. Let go of fear. Look beyond the struggle and fix your eyes on God. In due time, you will see His hand at work and experience His divine intervention.

“Be still, and know that I am God.”
— Psalm 46:10

Shalom.

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In the Bible, embark often appears in the context of missionary travel, especially during the journeys of the Apostle Paul. Theologically, it signifies more than just travel; it reflects the movement of the gospel, the calling of believers to go into the world, and sometimes even suffering in obedience to God’s mission.

Let’s explore several key passages where this concept is used,

1. Acts 20:13

“We went on ahead to the ship and sailed for Assos, where we were going to take Paul aboard. He had made this arrangement because he was going there on foot.”

Here, embark refers to Paul’s companions boarding a ship to meet him at Assos, while Paul chose to walk. Theologically, this moment reveals Paul’s intentional leadership—he sometimes separated himself for reflection or prayer, even while staying fully engaged in the mission.

2. Acts 21:1
“After we had torn ourselves away from them, we put out to sea and sailed straight to Cos. The next day we went to Rhodes and from there to Patara.”

Here, “put out to sea” shows embark as the beginning of another stage of Paul’s journey. These continual departures symbolize how the early church was never stagnant—mission work was dynamic, always moving outward (cf. Matthew 28:19).

3. Acts 27:1–2
“When it was decided that we would sail for Italy, Paul and some other prisoners were handed over to a centurion named Julius, who belonged to the Imperial Regiment. We boarded a ship from Adramyttium about to sail for ports along the coast of the province of Asia, and we put out to sea.”

Here, Paul embarks as a prisoner on his way to Rome. Theologically, this journey reminds us that God’s purpose is not hindered by suffering. Even as a prisoner, Paul remained a witness, fulfilling God’s plan to testify in Rome (cf. Acts 23:11).

4. Acts 28:10–11
“They honored us in many ways; and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed. After three months we put out to sea in a ship that had wintered in the island—it was an Alexandrian ship with the figurehead of the twin gods Castor and Pollux.”

Here, embark again involves preparation and support from others as Paul continues his journey. Theologically, it shows how God often provides through the kindness of others, even in unfamiliar places (cf. Philippians 4:19).

Theological Summary:
In the Bible, embark is more than just a travel word. It represents:

• Obedience to God’s calling (Acts 13:2–3)
• Endurance in hardship for the sake of the gospel (Acts 27)
• Faith in God’s providence during uncertain journeys (Acts 28)
• The unstoppable advance of the Kingdom of God through faithful witnesses

Just as Paul embarked again and again, believers today are also called to “embark” on God’s mission—sometimes in comfort, sometimes in chains, but always with purpose.

Shalom.

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