The Bible references four significant seas, each with its own theological and historical importance. Let’s explore them and their deeper meanings: The Red Sea (Sea of Shur) The Red Sea is one of the most pivotal locations in the Old Testament, marking the miraculous escape of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. God parted its waters to allow the Israelites to escape from the pursuing Egyptian army. The event signifies God’s power to deliver His people from bondage and His faithfulness to His covenant promises. After the Israelites crossed, the waters returned, swallowing up Pharaoh’s army, showing God’s protection over His people. Exodus 14:21-22 “Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night and made the sea into dry land, and the waters were divided. So the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea on the dry ground, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.” Exodus 15:22 “Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea, and they went into the Wilderness of Shur. They traveled for three days in the wilderness but found no water.” This event foreshadows salvation through faith, as Israel’s crossing of the sea symbolizes baptism and deliverance. Theologically, the Red Sea represents the victory of God’s people over their enemies and the beginning of their journey toward the Promised Land, symbolizing both redemption and the new life offered through faith. The Great Sea (Sea of the Philistines) The Great Sea, now known as the Mediterranean Sea, was located to the west of Israel. It was the largest body of water mentioned in the Bible. This sea not only served as a geographical boundary but also symbolized the challenges and opportunities that Israel would encounter as they interacted with the surrounding nations. In the Old Testament, Israel’s borders were defined in relation to the Great Sea, emphasizing God’s sovereign control over the land He gave to His people. Numbers 34:6 “Your western boundary will be the Great Sea with its coastline; this will be your western border.” Theologically, the Mediterranean Sea represents the boundary between Israel and the nations around them. It serves as a metaphor for the Church’s mission to reach out to the world, as Jesus’ Great Commission extended to all nations (Matthew 28:19). The Sea of Galilee (Lake Gennesaret, Sea of Tiberias, Sea of Kinnereth) The Sea of Galilee is not just a physical location but also a key site in the ministry of Jesus Christ. This body of water is where Jesus performed many miracles, including walking on water (Matthew 14:25-33) and calming the storm (Mark 4:39). These events highlight Jesus’ divine authority over nature, showcasing His power as the Son of God. Luke 5:1 “As the crowd pressed around Him and listened to the word of God, He was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret.” This moment underscores how Jesus used the Sea of Galilee as a backdrop for teaching and performing miracles. Matthew 4:18 “As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon (called Peter) and Andrew, casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.” Jesus calling His disciples by the Sea of Galilee signifies the beginning of the Kingdom of God on earth, where ordinary people are invited into extraordinary missions. Theologically, the Sea of Galilee represents Jesus’ authority over creation and His ability to transform the lives of those who follow Him. It symbolizes the peace and transformation He brings into the lives of believers, just as He calmed the storm and called the disciples to follow Him. The Salt Sea (Dead Sea) The Salt Sea, or Dead Sea, is the lowest point on Earth and is known for its high salinity, which makes it uninhabitable for most life forms. Biblically, the Salt Sea is associated with desolation and judgment. It is also closely linked with the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, which were destroyed due to their wickedness. Genesis 19:24-26 “Then the Lord rained brimstone and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah…But Lot’s wife looked back behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.” The destruction of these cities near the Dead Sea is a powerful reminder of God’s judgment on sin and His call to righteousness. Numbers 34:3 “Your southern border will start at the wilderness of Zin, along the side of Edom, and will end at the shore of the Salt Sea, eastward.” This verse marks the Salt Sea as part of Israel’s territorial boundaries, yet its uninhabitable nature points to the consequences of sin and disobedience. Theologically, the Dead Sea symbolizes spiritual barrenness and the consequences of living apart from God’s will. It serves as a cautionary symbol of judgment and the importance of repentance. At the same time, it is also a reminder of God’s mercy, as He offers redemption and new life through Christ. These seas are not just geographical features but carry significant theological implications. They reflect God’s power, His judgment, His mercy, and His plan for the redemption of humanity through Jesus Christ. Each sea carries with it lessons about God’s sovereignty and the spiritual journey of His people.
The word “Sharon” in Hebrew (שָׁרוֹן, Sharon) means “a level plain” or “flat land.” In biblical times, Sharon referred to a fertile, coastal region in ancient Israel, located between the Mediterranean Sea and the central hill country. Though the Bible does not provide exhaustive details about it, Sharon was widely recognized for its natural beauty, lush vegetation, and rich pastures. It symbolized fruitfulness, peace, and blessing—a stark contrast to the wilderness or desolate places that often represented judgment or spiritual dryness. Biblical Mentions of Sharon 1 Chronicles 5:16 (NIV)“The people of Gad lived in Gilead, in Bashan and its outlying villages, and in all the pasturelands of Sharon as far as they extended.” This verse shows Sharon as a region with extensive pasturelands, suitable for livestock. It was part of the inherited territory for some of the Israelite tribes, suggesting God’s provision of fertile land. 1 Chronicles 27:29 (NIV) “Shitrai the Sharonite was in charge of the herds grazing in Sharon, and Shaphat son of Adlai was in charge of the herds in the valleys.” Sharon was agriculturally productive, sustaining large herds. Specific officials were appointed to manage resources there, pointing to its economic and strategic value in Israel. Isaiah 33:9 (NIV)“The land mourns and wastes away, Lebanon is ashamed and withers; Sharon is like the Arabah, and Bashan and Carmel drop their leaves.” Here, Sharon is used symbolically. Its once fertile land becomes barren due to divine judgment, representing how even the most prosperous places are not exempt from God’s wrath when people turn from Him. Isaiah 65:10 (NIV)“Sharon will become a pasture for flocks, and the Valley of Achor a resting place for herds, for my people who seek me.” This prophecy points to restoration. For those who seek the Lord, He promises peace and provision. Sharon, once desolate, becomes a place of renewed blessing. Acts 9:35 (NIV)“All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.” In the New Testament, Sharon is still a recognizable region. It becomes a place of spiritual revival, as people witness the miraculous healing of Aeneas and turn to Christ. Sharon thus becomes a symbol of the transformative power of the gospel. The Rose of Sharon: A Picture of Christ One of the most beautiful references to Sharon comes in a poetic and symbolic form in the Song of Songs, a book traditionally attributed to Solomon. The speaker, likely the bride (or representing Israel or the Church), compares herself to a flower of the plain: Song of Songs 2:1–2 (NIV) “I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys.Like a lily among thorns is my darling among the young women.” While the phrase “Rose of Sharon” has often been interpreted devotionally as referring to Jesus Christ, the text itself is poetic and romantic. Yet, in Christian tradition, Jesus is seen as the true Rose of Sharon—humble, yet beautiful; common, yet unique; flourishing in a broken world. Just as a flower blossoms in the plain, Christ came into a spiritually barren world, full of grace and truth (John 1:14). His beauty is not outward but redemptive. Isaiah prophesied: Isaiah 53:2 (NIV) “He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him…” Yet, it is this unassuming servant who became our Savior, radiating divine beauty through His sacrificial love. Personal Reflection Have you encountered this “Rose of Sharon”? Have you received Jesus Christ into your heart as Lord and Savior? John 14:6 (NIV) – “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” There is no other way to God but through Christ. Human effort, morality, or religion cannot earn God’s favor. Only Jesus, who came down into the plains of this broken world, lived a sinless life, and died for our sins, can bring us near to God. Mark 8:36 (NIV) – “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” If you have everything this world offers but lack Christ, you’ve lost everything. But if you have Christ, even if you have nothing else, you possess everything that truly matters.
Ezekiel 44:1–2 (ESV):“Then he brought me back to the outer gate of the sanctuary, which faces east. And it was shut. And the Lord said to me, ‘This gate shall remain shut; it shall not be opened, and no one shall enter by it, for the Lord, the God of Israel, has entered by it. Therefore it shall remain shut.’” Introduction:As time progresses, the world around us changes—and unfortunately, much of that change is not for the better. What was once considered evil is now normalized, and morality continues to decline. Each day that passes makes salvation more difficult to find in people’s hearts. What was once common conviction is now rare. As evil multiplies, the grace that brings salvation becomes harder to access—not because God has changed, but because humanity has wandered further from Him. The passage in Ezekiel 44 speaks of a prophetic gate on the east side of the temple—sealed because the Lord Himself entered through it. While this was a literal gate in the vision given to Ezekiel, it also holds symbolic meaning. It represents an access point to the presence of God—a gate that once was open, but is now shut permanently. This gate signifies God’s grace—initially wide open, but eventually closed. From a Gate to a Narrow Door In the New Testament, Jesus references this same spiritual access—but He no longer refers to it as a large gate. Instead, He describes it as a narrow door. Luke 13:24–25 (ESV):“Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. When once the master of the house has risen and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, open to us,’ then he will answer you, ‘I do not know where you come from.’” Did you notice the change?In the Old Testament, it was a “gate”—large, grand, symbolic of wide grace available to all. But in Jesus’ words, it becomes a “narrow door”—harder to find, harder to enter. Why? Because the times have changed. Originally, God’s plan was for everyone—Jew and Gentile alike—to have easy access to salvation. The gospel was to be proclaimed freely, and the invitation to eternal life extended broadly. But as sin increases and the hearts of people grow colder, the way to salvation becomes increasingly narrow—not because God is restrictive, but because people are distracted and deceived by many other “doors” that lead to destruction. Jesus warned of this in Matthew 7:13–14 (ESV):“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” The Door Will Be Shut The time will come when this narrow door will be closed—just like the eastern gate in Ezekiel’s vision. Jesus continues in Luke 13, describing a time when people will try to enter but it will be too late: Luke 13:26–27 (ESV):“Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.’ But he will say, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you come from. Depart from me, all you workers of evil!’” There will be people who were familiar with Jesus in name, who heard His teachings, attended church services, or even participated in religious activities. But if they never truly entered through that narrow door—by faith, repentance, and a life of obedience—they will be turned away. This is not to scare anyone but to awaken us to reality. Salvation is not something to be postponed or taken lightly. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when people realize they ignored the very door that leads to life. Make It Personal This message isn’t about your family, your neighbors, or your church—it’s about you.Will you be inside or outside when the door is shut? What will you say when asked why you ignored so many chances? Jesus is the only door to eternal life. John 10:9 (ESV):“I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.” He is still calling. The door is still open—but it’s narrow, and it requires surrender. It means choosing to follow Jesus even when it’s hard, even when others mock you, even when the world offers easier paths. Today is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2 (ESV):“Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” Final Call Don’t wait until the door is shut. Don’t wait until you hear, “I never knew you.” Surrender your life to Christ. Be baptized (Acts 2:38), be filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13), and live a life worthy of the calling. The gate has changed. The door is now narrow. But it’s still open—for now. May the Lord bless you and give you the courage to enter through the narrow door before it’s too late.
When we hear the word bisi in our local context today, many of us think of popcorn—puffed corn kernels that are roasted until they pop and turn white. However, the biblical term translated as bisi (in Swahili Bibles) actually refers to something quite different. In the Middle East, especially among the Jewish people of the Old Testament, “bisi” referred not to corn (maize), which was unknown in that region at the time, but to roasted grain, typically wheat or barley. These grains would be lightly roasted and eaten, much like a simple snack or meal, especially during harvest seasons. Unlike popcorn, the appearance of roasted grain does not change dramatically—it simply becomes toasted. You can watch how roasted grain is prepared in traditional Jewish customs here:Watch Video on Roasted Grain Preparation Roasted Grain in the Bible Wherever you encounter the word bisi in Swahili Bibles, it is referring to this type of roasted wheat or barley, not to popped corn. Below are key biblical references that highlight the importance of roasted grain in Israelite culture and worship: 1. Leviticus 23:14 (NIV) “You must not eat any bread, or roasted or new grain, until the very day you bring this offering to your God. This is to be a lasting ordinance for the generations to come, wherever you live.” God gave the Israelites a command: when they enter the Promised Land and begin harvesting, they were not to eat any part of the harvest, including roasted grain, until they had first offered a portion to the Lord—the firstfruits. This teaches the principle of honoring God first before enjoying the blessings He provides. 2. Ruth 2:14 (NIV) “At mealtime Boaz said to her, ‘Come over here. Have some bread and dip it in the wine vinegar.’ When she sat down with the harvesters, he offered her some roasted grain. She ate all she wanted and had some left over.” In this verse, we see roasted grain being shared as part of a simple, generous meal during harvest time. It shows the hospitality of Boaz and his kindness toward Ruth. This was a common food—nourishing, easy to prepare, and widely accessible. 3. 1 Samuel 17:17 (NIV) “Now Jesse said to his son David, ‘Take this ephah of roasted grain and these ten loaves of bread for your brothers and hurry to their camp.’” 4. 1 Samuel 25:18 (NIV) “Abigail acted quickly. She took two hundred loaves of bread, two skins of wine, five dressed sheep, five seahs of roasted grain, a hundred cakes of raisins and two hundred cakes of pressed figs, and loaded them on donkeys.” 5. Joshua 5:11 (NIV) “The day after the Passover, that very day, they ate some of the produce of the land: unleavened bread and roasted grain.” These passages reveal that roasted grain was a common provision, a source of sustenance, and sometimes a gift during times of peace or reconciliation. Spiritual Insight Roasted grain was not just food—it carried spiritual symbolism. It was something easy and quick to prepare, representing the immediate temptation to consume what we harvest. But God commanded that even something that simple should not be eaten until His share—the firstfruits—was presented. This teaches us a crucial truth: We should never prioritize our own consumption or comfort over honoring God first. Today, this principle applies to everything God blesses us with—whether it’s income, food, time, or talents. We are called to honor God first, before using it for ourselves. “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing…”— Proverbs 3:9–10 (NIV) Even if it’s something small like airtime, snacks, or salary, the believer is invited to pause and acknowledge the source of all blessings—God. That’s how true worship and dependence on Him are demonstrated. Conclusion Whenever you read about “roasted grain” or bisi in the Bible, remember: It refers to roasted wheat or barley, not maize or popcorn. It was a common, quickly prepared food. It was also a symbol of obedience and honoring God with our first and best. So, let’s learn to apply this biblical principle:Always give to God first, even before you begin to enjoy what He has given you.That’s a heart posture of gratitude and faith. Shalom.
The term “dung heap” (or “refuse heap”, “garbage heap”, “ash heap”, or simply “heap of filth”) appears several times in the Bible. A dung heap is a place where waste is dumped—whether it is animal dung (which could later become fertilizer) or garbage from human activities. In simple terms, it’s a kind of landfill or trash pit. In biblical usage, it often symbolizes degradation, disgrace, or the lowest condition a person can be in. Let’s explore how Scripture uses this term and what it spiritually signifies. Biblical Usage and Symbolism Psalm 113:7 (NKJV):“He raises the poor out of the dust, And lifts the needy out of the ash heap.”This verse shows God’s power to lift a person from the most disgraceful or hopeless place—symbolized by the “ash heap”—and elevate them to honor. Spiritually, it reflects God’s redemptive ability to restore dignity. 1 Samuel 2:8 (NKJV):“He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the beggar from the ash heap, to set them among princes and make them inherit the throne of glory.”Similar to Psalms, this highlights God’s transforming power to promote the humble and oppressed. Ezra 6:11 (NKJV):“Also I issue a decree that whoever alters this edict, let a timber be pulled from his house and erected, and let him be hanged on it; and let his house be made a refuse heap because of this.”Here, a refuse heap (or dung heap) symbolizes destruction, disgrace, and the final result of rebellion against God’s decree. Isaiah 25:10 (NKJV):“For on this mountain the hand of the Lord will rest, and Moab shall be trampled down under Him, as straw is trampled down for the refuse heap.”Moab, a symbol of pride and resistance to God, is said to be trampled in filth, signifying total humiliation and defeat. Lamentations 4:5, Daniel 2:5, and Daniel 3:29 also contain expressions involving heaps or garbage pits, often representing judgment or punishment. The New Testament – A Unique Reference In the New Testament, the word appears only once in this context: Luke 14:34–35 (NKJV):“Salt is good; but if the salt has lost its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is neither fit for the land nor for the dunghill, but men throw it out. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” Jesus teaches a profound spiritual lesson: if believers lose their spiritual effectiveness, they are like salt that has lost its flavor—useless, not even worthy of being thrown onto a dung heap where it might otherwise aid in decomposing waste or fertilizing the ground. It becomes totally unredeemable. This message is also reflected in: Matthew 5:13 (NKJV):“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.” Spiritual Lessons Jesus compares His followers to salt and light. Salt purifies, preserves, and adds flavor—but if it loses its purpose, it becomes worthless. Likewise, if Christians lose their godly character, they fail in their witness and become spiritually unproductive. A dung heap may still serve a purpose—decaying matter may eventually be turned into fertilizer or even used to generate bioenergy. But salt that’s lost its essence has no value at all. Christ is warning believers: don’t lose your spiritual identity, for without it, even the dung heap is too good for you. Final Reflection and Call to Repentance Have you truly received Christ into your life?The Bible warns that Jesus will return like a thief in the night (1 Thessalonians 5:2). That means He will come unexpectedly—when the world least anticipates it. Are you ready if Jesus were to return today?If you’re unsure, that alone is a clear sign that you need to make things right with God. Repent of your sins sincerely, believe in the gospel, and surrender your life to Christ. He will receive you, forgive you, and fill you with His Holy Spirit. “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” —2 Corinthians 6:2 (NKJV) May the Lord bless you and draw you closer to Himself.