Title March 2021

For if they do these things in the green wood, what will be done in the dry? (Luke 23:31)

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What  Does “Majesty” Mean in the Bible

In Scripture, the word “majesty” refers to a greatness that is supreme, glorious, and awe-inspiring—a beauty and authority that surpasses all earthly standards. Majesty is one of the communicable attributes of God’s glory—it reflects His divine kingship, holiness, and unmatched splendor.

Ultimately, true majesty belongs to God alone, and is most perfectly revealed in Jesus Christ, who is “the radiance of God’s glory” (Hebrews 1:3).

1. Majesty and God’s Sovereignty

Psalm 93:1–2

“The Lord reigns, He is robed in majesty; the Lord is robed in majesty and armed with strength; indeed, the world is established, firm and secure. Your throne was established long ago; You are from all eternity.”

This passage shows that God’s majesty is linked to His rule and eternal nature. His throne is not temporary—it is eternal, firmly established before time began. In theology, this is part of the doctrine of God’s immutability—God never changes, and His reign is unshakable.

2. Majesty Dwells with God’s Presence

Psalm 96:6

“Splendor and majesty are before Him; strength and glory are in His sanctuary.”

Here we see that wherever God is present, majesty is there too. This reflects—the manifest presence of God among His people. God’s presence is not casual; it is holy and majestic.

3. Creation Reflects His Majestic Nature

Psalm 104:1–2

“Praise the Lord, my soul. Lord my God, You are very great; You are clothed with splendor and majesty. The Lord wraps Himself in light as with a garment; He stretches out the heavens like a tent.”

These verses echo God as Creator, whose majesty is seen in creation itself (Psalm 19:1). His light and glory are not just metaphorical—they represent His purity and transcendence.

4. Jesus Christ: The Embodiment of Divine Majesty

2 Corinthians 4:7

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.”

The “treasure” here refers to the gospel and the indwelling presence of Christ, revealing God’s majestic power working through weak human vessels. This is core to the doctrine of divine grace and human dependency—God displays His majesty even through our limitations.

5. Majesty in Salvation and Worship

Revelation 5:9

“And they sang a new song, saying: ‘You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because You were slain, and with Your blood You purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.’”

Christ’s redemptive work on the cross is the highest display of divine majesty. Through His sacrifice, He is exalted above all, fulfilling Philippians 2:9–11, where every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Supporting Verses That Mention “Majesty”:

  • 1 Chronicles 16:27 – “Splendor and majesty are before Him…”
  • Psalm 21:5 – “Through the victories You gave, his glory is great; You have bestowed on him splendor and majesty.”
  • Psalm 113:3 – “From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.”
  • Psalm 148:13 – “Let them praise the name of the Lord, for His name alone is exalted; His splendor is above the earth and the heavens.”
  • Psalm 29:4 – “The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is majestic.”

Only Jesus Christ is worthy of all majesty, glory, and honor. As believers, we do not possess majesty in ourselves—but we reflect God’s majesty when we live in obedience to Christ and proclaim His greatness.

Come, Lord Jesus!

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What Does It Mean That “With the Lord One Day Is as a Thousand Years, and a Thousand Years as One Day”? (2 Peter 3:8–9)

2 Peter 3:8–9 (ESV)

“But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”

In this passage, the Apostle Peter addresses a concern that many believers had—and still have today: the apparent delay in the return of Jesus Christ. Some were beginning to doubt God’s promises because time had passed and Christ had not yet returned. Peter responds by pointing out a vital truth: God is not bound by time in the way humans are.

Peter writes, “With the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.” This is not meant to be a mathematical formula but a theological statement highlighting the eternal nature of God. Time, as we understand it, does not limit Him. What seems like a long delay to us is not a delay at all from God’s perspective. He exists outside of time—He created time and sees all of history at once.

This concept echoes what is written in

Psalm 90:4 (NIV):
“A thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night.”

So why hasn’t Christ returned yet? Peter gives a clear answer in verse 9: God is not slow as some understand slowness. Instead, He is patient, giving humanity more time to repent. God’s seeming delay is actually a reflection of His mercy and desire for all to be saved.

2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)
“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.”

God’s delay is not due to forgetfulness or failure—it is purposeful and loving. He desires that none should perish but that all would come to repentance. His timing is perfect, even when it doesn’t align with our expectations.

Furthermore, this passage teaches us that God can accomplish great things in what seems to us like a short time. If one day is like a thousand years to Him, then He can fulfill His promises instantly. We should never lose faith simply because things are taking time from our perspective. God’s power is not limited by time, and He is always on time—His time.

This truth should also encourage us in our daily lives. When we feel like we are waiting too long for God’s intervention, we must remember that He can turn everything around in an instant. One day in God’s hands can be more fruitful than a thousand years of human effort.

That’s why Scripture tells us the time to act and respond to God’s grace is now.

2 Corinthians 6:2 (NIV):
“In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.

Conclusion:
This passage in 2 Peter reminds us that God’s timing is not our timing, and His delays are not denials. His patience is part of His loving character, giving everyone an opportunity to turn to Him. It is a call for us to trust, wait patiently, and respond promptly to His grace—because the day of salvation is today, and Christ’s return is nearer than ever.

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“I DO WHAT YOU DO NOT KNOW NOW; BUT YOU WILL UNDERSTAND LATER.”

 

 

(John 13:7, NIV)

When Jesus washed His disciples’ feet—a task typically reserved for the lowest servant—Peter was shocked and hesitant. Peter’s reaction reveals a common human struggle: difficulty accepting God’s ways when they don’t align with our expectations. He said, in effect, “No, Lord, you shall never wash my feet!” (John 13:8, NIV). But Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand” (John 13:7, NIV).

This moment teaches us a profound truth: God’s actions often transcend our immediate understanding. Many things God does in our lives don’t make sense at first. Some lessons and purposes He is working out in us will only be clear in hindsight, or “later,” as Jesus said.

In Christian theology, this reflects the concept of divine providence—God’s sovereign and wise governance of the world and our lives (Romans 8:28, NIV). Even when circumstances seem painful or confusing, God is at work for our ultimate good.

You may face trials as a believer that seem unfair or perplexing. You might ask:

  • Why me, when others who live in sin prosper?

  • Why these hardships, this illness, or rejection because of my faith?

  • Why does God allow these struggles even when I serve Him faithfully?

These are the same kinds of questions that Job wrestled with when confronted by suffering that seemed inexplicable (Job 1–2). His story models how to trust God despite unanswered questions.

If you are going through such a time, know this: God is shaping your character and faith (James 1:2-4, NIV). Your present trials might be preparing a testimony that will encourage others who face similar struggles. Or they might be refining you for a greater purpose.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) reminds us of God’s good intentions:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

This verse assures us of God’s goodwill and benevolent plans for His children, even when the path seems difficult.

There is also the reality of eschatological hope—the confident expectation of God’s final restoration in the last days (Revelation 21:4, NIV). The “hope in the last days” means that ultimately, God will bring justice, healing, and eternal peace. When you look back from that vantage point, you will see the wisdom in the trials you endured.

We are warned not to become bitter or complain endlessly when faced with difficulties (Philippians 2:14, NIV). Instead, we are called to persevere in faith, trusting God’s timing and purposes.

Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 13:12 (NIV):

“For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.”

This verse highlights the partial knowledge we have in this life compared to the perfect understanding we will have in eternity when we see God “face to face.” It encourages patience and faith when answers are not immediate.

Therefore, continue to fix your eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2), love Him, and trust His faithfulness. He will never abandon you (Deuteronomy 31:6, NIV). Praise and honor belong to Him forever.

Amen.

Please share this encouraging message with others.

For prayers, worship schedules, advice, or questions, call: +255693036618 or +255789001312

 

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Have Those Who Died in Christ Really Perished?

(1 Corinthians 15:18 – NIV)

Question:

Praise the Lord Jesus. I seek clarity: What does this verse really mean?

 

1 Corinthians 15:18-19 (NIV):
“Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost.
If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.”

 

Answer:

At first glance, verse 18 might sound as though Paul is saying that believers who died in Christ are lost. But this is a misreading when taken out of context. Paul is not stating a theological conclusion here he’s presenting a logical “what-if” scenario to refute a false belief.

Let’s look at the larger context:

The Issue at Corinth: Denial of Resurrection

In 1 Corinthians 15:12, Paul confronts a doctrinal error within the Corinthian church:

 

“But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?” (1 Corinthians 15:12, NIV)

 

Some Corinthian believers had started to adopt the view that there is no resurrection of the dead—perhaps influenced by Greek philosophical thought or by the Jewish sect of the Sadducees, who also denied resurrection (see Acts 23:8).

Paul then walks through a logical progression in verses 13–19:

  •  

  • “If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised.”

  • “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.”

  • “More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God…”

  • “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.”

  • “Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost.”
    (See 1 Corinthians 15:13–18, NIV)

  •  

These are hypothetical consequences if Christ had not risen. But Paul is not saying these are true he is using them to prove the necessity of the resurrection.

The Theological Foundation: Christ’s Resurrection Guarantees Ours

Paul concludes:

 

“But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”
(1 Corinthians 15:20, NIV)

 

The term “firstfruits” is significant. In Jewish tradition, the first portion of the harvest was given to God as a sign of the full harvest to come (Leviticus 23:10). By calling Christ the firstfruits, Paul is teaching that His resurrection is the guarantee and beginning of the resurrection of all believers.

This is echoed later in the chapter:

 

“For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.”
(1 Corinthians 15:22, NIV)

 

Therefore, the statement “those who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost” is only true if Christ did not rise but He did, and so they are not lost.

Verse 19: Why Believing in Christ Is Not Just for This Life

Paul writes:

 

“If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.”
(1 Corinthians 15:19, NIV) 

 

In other words, if Jesus didn’t rise, and there’s no eternal hope, then Christians have sacrificed worldly comforts for nothing. In many parts of the early church, and still today, believers face persecution, poverty, and rejection because of their faith.

Yet Jesus warned and prepared His followers:

 

“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”
(Mark 8:34, NIV)

 

And He added:

 

“If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”
(Mark 8:38, NIV)

 

So, the Christian life isn’t built on temporary blessings alone it’s grounded in the eternal hope of resurrection and eternal life with Christ.

The Hope of the Overcomer

Jesus offers a final reward to those who remain faithful:

 

“To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne.”
(Revelation 3:21, NIV)

 

This is the destiny of those who die in Christ they are not lost; they are secure in Him, awaiting resurrection glory.

In Summary:

  • 1 Corinthians 15:18 does not teach that believers who died in Christ are lost.

  • It is part of Paul’s logical argument to show how essential belief in the resurrection is.

  • Since Christ has risen, our faith is not in vain and those who “sleep in Christ” will rise too.

  • Our hope as Christians extends far beyond this life.

  • Let us not fear shame, suffering, or loss for Jesus because our future with Him is eternal.

May the Lord strengthen your faith and encourage you with the truth of the resurrection

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Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom

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What Is a Sitara in the Bible?

Definition and Biblical Symbolism of Sitara

The Swahili word Sitara comes from the root “sitiri,” meaning “to cover” or “to conceal.” A Sitara, therefore, refers to anything that hides, shields, or protects something else. This concept of covering appears repeatedly throughout Scripture and has deep theological meaning. In everyday life, examples of Sitara include clothing (which covers our nakedness) and curtains (which shield what is behind them). In biblical theology, the idea of covering relates to themes of holiness, protection, and atonement.

Old Testament Context: The Tabernacle and the Veil

One of the clearest biblical examples of a Sitara is the veil (curtain) used in the Tabernacle the mobile sanctuary God commanded the Israelites to build. This veil separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies), where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. The Ark represented God’s presence and was so sacred that only the High Priest could enter the Most Holy Place and only once a year on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) (see Leviticus 16).

Numbers 4:5 (NIV) – “When the camp is to move, Aaron and his sons are to go in and take down the shielding curtain and cover the Ark of the Testimony with it.”

This veil served as a physical and spiritual Sitara, concealing God’s glory from sinful humans and preventing them from perishing in His holy presence.

Other relevant verses:

  • Exodus 26:33–34 – “Hang the curtain from the clasps and place the Ark of the Covenant law behind the curtain. The curtain will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place.”
  • Exodus 40:21 – “Then he brought the Ark into the tabernacle and hung the shielding curtain and shielded the Ark of the Covenant law, as the Lord commanded him.”

New Testament Fulfillment: Jesus Christ as Our Ultimate Sitara

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ becomes the ultimate Sitara not one that conceals, but one that covers our sin and gives us access to God.

At the moment of Jesus’ death, the veil in the temple was torn in two from top to bottom:

Matthew 27:51 (NIV)  “At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split.”

This act symbolized the removal of the barrier between God and humanity. Through Christ’s sacrifice, we are no longer separated from God’s presence. He now covers us with His righteousness, making us acceptable before a holy God.

Hebrews 10:19–20 (NIV)   “Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, His body…”

Thus, Jesus is our eternal Sitara He not only hides our sin, but replaces our guilt with His holiness. He fulfills the Old Testament imagery of atonement and covering.

Sitara as Divine Protection

In addition to atonement, the Bible uses imagery of God as a hiding place, a refuge from trouble. These are spiritual Sitara metaphors showing that God shields us from danger, judgment, and fear.

Psalm 32:7 (NIV) – “You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.”

Psalm 119:114 (NIV) – “You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.”

The Danger of False Coverings

The Bible warns against placing our trust in human beings or earthly systems for protection or salvation. Trusting in man rather than God is described as a curse:

Jeremiah 17:5–6 (NIV) – “This is what the Lord says: ‘Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord. That person will be like a bush in the wastelands; they will not see prosperity when it comes.’”

In contrast:

Jeremiah 17:7–8 (NIV) – “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream…”

Science, human wisdom, or even religion itself cannot be our true Sitara. Only Christ can cover us completely both for eternity and for the trials of this life.

Conclusion: Make Jesus Your Eternal Sitara

To make the Lord your Sitara is to receive His righteousness, His protection, and His love. It is to trust Him above all else for salvation, for peace, and for your future. Rejecting Him leaves you uncovered, vulnerable, and spiritually exposed.

Let us, therefore, continually seek to dwell under His covering.

Psalm 91:1 (NIV) – “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”

Maranatha – Come, Lord Jesus!

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Guard your steps when you go to the house of God

Question: What is the meaning of the verse Ecclesiastes 5:1?

Ecclesiastes 5:1 – “Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong.” (NIV)

Answer: Amen, may the great name of our Lord Jesus Christ be praised forever.

In this passage, the Preacher (the writer of Ecclesiastes, often attributed to Solomon) offers wisdom on how we are to approach God’s presence, particularly in the context of worship and service. The phrase “guard your steps” carries the idea of approaching God with great reverence and awareness, understanding the seriousness of coming into His presence. The Bible frequently stresses the holiness and majesty of God (Psalm 29:2; Isaiah 6:3), and this passage is a reminder that our approach to God should reflect this truth.

The first part of the verse emphasizes the importance of listening over offering. “Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools” means that God values our attentiveness more than our hasty actions. Sacrifices in the Old Testament were meant to demonstrate devotion and repentance (Leviticus 1-7), but the Bible also warns that not all sacrifices are acceptable to God. As we see in

Isaiah 1:11 (NIV), God says, “The multitude of your sacrifices—what are they to me?”

This suggests that not all religious actions are pleasing to God if they are done without sincerity or true devotion.

The “sacrifice of fools” refers to ritual acts that are done thoughtlessly or without understanding. A fool, according to Scripture, is someone who lacks wisdom and discernment (Psalm 14:1, Proverbs 1:7). A “sacrifice of fools” could refer to someone who rushes to perform religious duties without first examining their heart and life. This is why Ecclesiastes calls us to listen—to receive God’s Word, reflect on it, and apply it in obedience, rather than mindlessly offering empty rituals.

The New Testament further reinforces this idea of careful, thoughtful worship. In Matthew 15:8-9 Jesus rebukes the Pharisees, saying,

Matthew 15:8-9 (NIV), “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.”

This points to the danger of external acts of worship without a corresponding change in heart.

Moreover, when we offer worship or service to God, it must be done in accordance with His will. As Romans 12:1-2 (NIV) teaches, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” True worship involves our whole being, not just outward acts.

Moving on to

Ecclesiastes 5:2 (NIV), i”Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven, and you are on earth; so let your words be few.”

This is a direct warning against speaking hastily or flippantly before God. It emphasizes the need for reverence when addressing God, acknowledging His supreme authority and holiness. This ties in with Jesus’ teaching on prayer in Matthew 6:7,

Matthew 6:7 (NIV), “And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.”

God does not require long, drawn-out prayers for the sake of quantity, but sincere, thoughtful communication with Him.

Theological Context of Vows and Offerings

The second part of the passage in Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 warns about making vows to God and failing to keep them. Ecclesiastes 5:4 (NIV) says,

“When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow.”

In the Old Testament, making vows to God was a serious commitment (Numbers 30:2, Deuteronomy 23:21-23). Failing to keep a vow was considered sinful, as it indicated a lack of integrity and dishonor to God.

The New Testament also addresses the importance of keeping one’s word. In James 5:12 (NIV), we are reminded:

“Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; otherwise, you will be condemned.”

This reflects the idea that God desires sincerity over empty promises.

The Importance of Holiness in Offerings

Another point the passage makes is about the source of the offerings. Ecclesiastes 5 warns against bringing offerings to God that come from sinful or immoral sources. Deuteronomy 23:18 (NIV) clearly states:

“You must not bring the earnings of a female prostitute or of a male prostitute into the house of the Lord your God to pay any vow, because the Lord your God detests them both.”

This teaches that God does not accept offerings that are tainted by sin or unclean practices. Such acts dishonor Him, and they are an abomination in His sight.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Ecclesiastes 5 teaches us to approach God’s presence with great reverence and discernment. If we are unsure of God’s will for our lives, it’s better to do nothing than to offer mindless acts of worship. We must first seek to know His heart and understand His desires, and only then offer ourselves in service. God values holiness and obedience above all else, as we see in

1 Samuel 15:22 (NIV): “To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.”

When we approach God, it should be with a heart full of reverence, a life in alignment with His will, and a sincere desire to honor Him in all that we do. Our worship, prayers, and offerings should reflect our obedience and holiness, not just external acts of service.

Shalom.

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Why Did Jesus Say in Mark 4:12, “So that they may indeed see but not perceive…”?

The Question:
In Mark 4:12, Jesus says:

“…so that ‘they may indeed see but not perceive, and may indeed hear but not understand, lest they should turn and be forgiven.’” (ESV)

This verse seems puzzling. Didn’t Jesus come so that people would repent and be forgiven? Why would He speak in a way that might prevent that?

The Context:

To understand this, we need to look at the context. Earlier in Mark 4, Jesus had just told the Parable of the Sower to a large crowd. However, He didn’t immediately explain its meaning to them. He simply told the story and left it at that. Later, when He was alone, His disciples and a few others came to Him and asked for the meaning of the parable (Mark 4:10).

Jesus then responded:

“To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside everything is in parables,
so that ‘they may indeed see but not perceive, and may indeed hear but not understand, lest they should turn and be forgiven.’” (Mark 4:11–12, ESV)

Jesus was quoting Isaiah 6:9–10, where God tells Isaiah that the people’s hearts are hardened, and though they hear, they won’t understand.

Why Did Jesus Speak in Parables?

At first glance, it seems like Jesus was trying to hide the truth. But His intention wasn’t to deliberately withhold salvation. Rather, He used parables as a filter — to separate those truly seeking God from those who were just curious or entertained by miracles.

The crowds followed Jesus for different reasons. Many were fascinated by His miracles (John 6:2), but few were genuinely seeking the truth. Parables required listeners to reflect, to hunger for deeper understanding, and to approach Jesus privately for clarification — just as the disciples did.

God Reveals Truth to the Hungry

God never forces truth on anyone. He reveals more of Himself to those who genuinely desire Him:

“You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13, ESV)

“For to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” (Luke 19:26, ESV)

The people who didn’t pursue Jesus after hearing the parables essentially demonstrated that they weren’t interested in the truth. As a result, their spiritual blindness remained — not because Jesus wanted them blind, but because they had already chosen to shut their eyes.

Self-Hardened Hearts

The deeper issue lies in the condition of the heart. Consider what Paul says when quoting the same passage from Isaiah:

“…‘You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.’
For this people’s heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.”
(Acts 28:26–27, ESV)

Notice the phrase: “they have closed” their eyes. Their spiritual blindness is not imposed upon them by God arbitrarily — it is self-inflicted. When people consistently reject truth, God may eventually give them over to their own delusions:

“…because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false…”
(2 Thessalonians 2:10–11, ESV)

A Warning to Us Today

This is a sobering warning to all of us: Grace is not to be taken lightly. The opportunity to repent and believe is a gift, not a guarantee. The right time to respond to the gospel is now:

“Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2, ESV)

To delay, to reject, or to treat God’s Word with casualness is spiritually dangerous. There may come a time when the heart becomes too hard to respond.

Conclusion

Jesus didn’t use parables to keep people from salvation — rather, He used them to reveal who truly had ears to hear. Those who humbled themselves and sought Him were given understanding. Those who closed their hearts received no more light, just as they had chosen.

Let us therefore respond to the voice of God with humility, seeking His truth while it may still be found.

“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts…” (Hebrews 3:15, ESV)

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THE GARMENT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR EACH OF US

Understanding the Restoration of Humanity through Christ

1. The Fall and the Awareness of Shame

In Genesis 3, we read the account of humanity’s first disobedience. Adam and Eve ate from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, which God had explicitly forbidden.

Genesis 3:6-7 (NIV)
“When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye… she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband… Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.”

Notice that their first response wasn’t remorse for breaking God’s command—it was the realization of their nakedness. Their focus was on physical exposure, not spiritual rebellion. Shame entered the human experience, and they instinctively tried to cover themselves instead of confessing to God.

This shows us that sin not only separates us from God spiritually but also corrupts our view of ourselves. The human body, once a reflection of innocence, now became a symbol of guilt.

2. Separation from God and Fear

Their sense of shame led to fear and hiding:

Genesis 3:10 (NIV)
“He answered, ‘I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.’”

For the first time, mankind was afraid of God. The intimate fellowship between the Creator and His creation was broken. The fig leaves weren’t enough to remove the shame or restore relationship. Covering the body didn’t deal with the real issue—sin.

3. God’s First Act of Redemption: A Temporary Covering

Although their own attempt at covering failed, God, in His mercy, made garments of animal skin for them:

Genesis 3:21 (NIV)
“The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them.”

This act hinted at a deeper theological truth: atonement requires a sacrifice. Blood had to be shed for them to be properly covered—a foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

4. The Need for a New Nature – A Heavenly Garment

Despite being clothed, the inner problem of sin remained. Paul explains that our earthly bodies are temporary and corrupted by sin, but God has prepared something far greater:

2 Corinthians 5:1-3 (NIV)
“For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God… we long to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked.”

The apostle Paul refers to the “heavenly dwelling” or “garment” that believers will receive—a resurrected, glorified body that is not subject to sin, shame, or death.

5. Why Our Earthly Bodies Can’t Enter God’s Presence

Our current bodies are not fit for God’s holy presence. As Paul explains, the natural body is perishable and must be changed:

1 Corinthians 15:50-53 (NIV)
“I declare to you… that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God… For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality.”

This transformation will take place at the return of Christ—what we call the Rapture. Believers will receive new, immortal bodies that are free from sin and perfectly suited for eternal communion with God.

6. The Return of Christ and the Rapture

Jesus promised He would return for His people:

John 14:2-3 (NIV)
“I am going there to prepare a place for you… I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

Paul gives further detail:

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (NIV)
“For the Lord himself will come down from heaven… and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive… will be caught up together with them… to meet the Lord in the air.”

At this moment, the believers’ transformation will be complete—clothed in glorified bodies, finally free from the curse of sin and shame.

7. A Personal Call to Readiness

The signs of the end times, as described in Matthew 24, are being fulfilled rapidly. The final prophetic event—the Rapture—could happen at any moment. The question is:

Are you ready?

If Jesus were to return tonight, would you be taken up with Him, or would you be left behind to face judgment and the tribulation under the Antichrist?

The time for delay is over. Don’t wait for a perfect sermon or a dramatic sign to turn to Christ. The Bible says:

Hebrews 3:15 (NIV)
“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.”

8. How to Receive the Garment of Salvation

The invitation is simple, but profound:

Romans 10:9 (NIV)
“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Receive Him. Believe. Repent. Begin a relationship with Christ today so that when He returns, you’ll be among those clothed in His righteousness, ready to stand before God without shame.

 Maranatha – The Lord is Coming

God has prepared a heavenly garment for each one of us—a new, glorified body. It’s not found through religion, good deeds, or earthly effort. It’s found through faith in Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

May we live with expectation, urgency, and hope. Share this message. Encourage others. Stay awake and be ready.

Revelation 22:20 (NIV)
“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.”

Maranatha.

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