What does the prophecy of the dry bones mean for us today, both spiritually and practically?
The prophet Ezekiel, who lived during the Babylonian exile (6th century BC), was shown a vision by God that profoundly illustrated Israel’s spiritual condition and God’s promise of national and spiritual restoration (Ezekiel 37:1-14). The dry bones represent the people of Israel, who had been “dead” in captivity, feeling hopeless and cut off from their homeland and from God’s presence.
This vision is not only a literal promise of physical restoration God bringing Israel back from exile but also a powerful metaphor for spiritual revival. The bones “very dry” (Ezekiel 37:2, NIV) symbolize utter hopelessness and death, both physical and spiritual. The question God poses, “Can these bones live?” (v. 3, NIV), invites Ezekiel and through him, all believers to trust in God’s power to restore life.
Ezekiel 37:1-14 (NIV)
“The hand of the Lord was on me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the Lord and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry.”
God commands Ezekiel to prophesy to the bones, symbolizing the Spirit’s power to bring life to what is dead (v. 4-6). When Ezekiel obeys, the bones come together, sinews and flesh appear, and breath (the Hebrew ruach, meaning breath, wind, or spirit) enters them, bringing them to life (v. 7-10). This reveals a profound truth: life is impossible without the Spirit of God (cf. John 6:63; Ezekiel 37:14).
God explicitly identifies the bones as “the whole house of Israel,” who feel hopeless, “Our bones are dried up, and our hope is gone; we are cut off” (v. 11, NIV). But He promises restoration, resurrection, and a renewed relationship: “I will put my Spirit in you, and you will live… Then you will know that I am the Lord” (v. 14).
This passage beautifully connects with several biblical themes:
The message of hope through faith is echoed in Hebrews 11, where Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac demonstrates trust in God’s power to give life (Hebrews 11:17-19, NIV):
“By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had received the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son… Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death.”
This links perfectly with the dry bones vision, emphasizing faith in God’s life giving power.
Many people may feel like dry bones today hopeless, broken in health, faith, or circumstance. Whether facing chronic illness, depression, loss, or spiritual dryness, God’s promise remains: He can restore, revive, and breathe new life.
If you feel this way, the call is to trust God’s Spirit and His Word. God’s power transcends death and despair.
Kneel or sit quietly, raise your hand, and pray sincerely:
Prayer:
Father God, I acknowledge that You alone are the Almighty God, full of power and mercy. I believe that through Jesus Christ, You can bring life to what seems dead in my life whether body, mind, or spirit. Please forgive my sins, both known and unknown. Cleanse me through the blood of Jesus Christ, and renew me with Your Holy Spirit. (Here, name your specific need or struggle.) Revive me, strengthen me, and help me walk in Your will all the days of my life. Thank You for Your forgiveness, Your help, and Your freedom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Repeat this prayer until you feel peace in your heart and trust that God is at work in your life.
May God bless you richly as you trust in His power to restore and renew!
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Praise the Lord Jesus! Welcome back to this series exploring the different rewards God has promised and the criteria He will use to give them. We’ve already looked at several key principles in the past parts, and today we continue with Part Five.
God has promised to give great authority to those who serve Him faithfully while here on earth.
Let’s look at a parable Jesus shared to understand this better:
Luke 19:12–26 (NIV) 12 “He said: ‘A man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return. 13 So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. “Put this money to work,” he said, “until I come back.” 14 “But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, ‘We don’t want this man to be our king.’ 15 “He was made king, however, and returned home. Then he sent for the servants to whom he had given the money, in order to find out what they had gained with it. 16 “The first one came and said, ‘Sir, your mina has earned ten more.’ 17 “‘Well done, my good servant!’ his master replied. ‘Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.’ 18 “The second came and said, ‘Sir, your mina has earned five more.’ 19 “His master answered, ‘You take charge of five cities.’ 20 “Then another servant came and said, ‘Sir, here is your mina; I have kept it laid away in a piece of cloth. 21 I was afraid of you, because you are a hard man. You take out what you did not put in and reap what you did not sow.’ 22 “His master replied, ‘I will judge you by your own words, you wicked servant! You knew, did you, that I am a hard man, taking out what I did not put in, and reaping what I did not sow? 23 Why then didn’t you put my money on deposit, so that when I came back, I could have collected it with interest?’ 24 “Then he said to those standing by, ‘Take his mina away from him and give it to the one who has ten minas.’ 25 “‘Sir,’ they said, ‘he already has ten!’ 26 “‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what they have will be taken away.’”
This parable speaks clearly for itself. When the Lord gives you a measure of grace or responsibility here on earth, He expects you to use it and multiply it faithfully.
For example, if He’s given you the grace to clean the church compound, He expects you to go above and beyond making sure the toilets are clean, the windows are spotless, and the chairs are always in order.
Why? Because when He returns, He’ll evaluate what He entrusted you with and how well you managed it. If you viewed your task as unimportant and neglected it, He may ask, “If sweeping felt too beneath you, couldn’t you have hired someone to do it, rather than leave My house untidy and overgrown?”
Just like He said to the servant who hid the money, “Why didn’t you at least put it in the bank so I could get interest when I returned?”
That’s how He will evaluate each of us.
But if we’re faithful with what He’s given us—even if it seems small—and we put in the effort to do even more, then know this: your faithfulness today will determine your authority in God’s Kingdom tomorrow. If God rewards with cities, your rulership over those cities will match the level of your faithfulness now.
This should encourage us to serve the Lord wholeheartedly without making excuses, without looking down on any task, and striving to go above and beyond wherever we can. It’s those “little things” that will ultimately measure the riches of our reward.
May the Lord bless you as you serve Him faithfully.
This is an important question that every Christian should understand clearly, especially in the context of spiritual warfare and our relationship with God.
The Bible does not teach anywhere that Satan has the power to read human thoughts. That ability belongs only to God.
1 Kings 8:39 (NIV) says: “Forgive and act; deal with everyone according to all they do, since you know their hearts (for you alone know every human heart).”
Only God knows the secrets of the heart. Even angels, despite their power and presence in the spiritual realm, are not described in Scripture as having the ability to access human thoughts.
Satan, though a powerful fallen angel, is not omniscient (all-knowing). He is a created being with limitations. He cannot “hack” into your mind or perceive your inner thoughts unless you express them through words or actions.
Though Satan cannot read our minds, he is an expert observer. He has studied human behavior for thousands of years—since the time of Adam and Eve.
1 Peter 5:8 (ESV) warns: “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
Like a skilled hunter, he watches for patterns, weaknesses, and tendencies. Just as you might guess what someone is thinking based on their body language or past behavior, Satan makes calculated assumptions. He sees our reactions to situations, hears our words, and draws conclusions. This is not mind-reading—it’s strategic manipulation.
Here’s the good news: Satan cannot easily read or predict the actions of someone who is truly born again through the Holy Spirit.
Jesus said in John 3:8 (NIV): “The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”
This means that a person led by the Holy Spirit doesn’t follow a predictable path based on human patterns. The Holy Spirit brings transformation, wisdom, and discernment that baffle Satan’s strategies. What the enemy thinks will defeat you may actually strengthen you.
Isaiah 54:17 (KJV) promises: “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn…”
In contrast, someone who has not been born again is more susceptible to fear, manipulation, and spiritual attacks. Satan can plant lies and fuel fear through circumstances, dreams, or even through other people.
2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV) reminds us: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
A person without the Holy Spirit lacks this divine anchor, and therefore is more easily moved by threats, temptations, or discouragement.
This leads to the most crucial question: Have you been born again by the Spirit of God?
Jesus said clearly in John 3:3 (NIV): “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”
Being born again means turning away from sin, believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, and receiving the Holy Spirit. It’s not just a church affiliation or outward behavior—it is a supernatural change of heart and spirit.
Satan is real, and he is active—but his power is limited, especially over those who belong to Christ.
James 4:7 (ESV) tells us: “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
When we walk in the Spirit, Satan’s strategies lose their grip. He may try to attack, but he will fail. The more we yield to God, the more unpredictable—and victorious—our lives become in the spiritual realm.
Maranatha—Come, Lord Jesus!
Please share this message with others. These are truths every believer should know.
Greetings to you in the most powerful name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Welcome once again as we continue our study of God’s Word. We’re still exploring the topic of God’s various rewards and the standards He uses to give them. This is Part 4.
Jesus spoke to a Pharisee who had invited Him to a banquet and shared this powerful teaching:
Luke 14:12–14 (NIV) Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
Luke 14:15 (NIV) When one of those at the table with him heard this, he said to Jesus, “Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God.”
If you’re a believer who has been saved, don’t forget to care for those in need. Use what God has blessed you with to help the poor and vulnerable. Why? Because there is a great reward in heaven waiting for those who remember the needy—especially on that day when the Lord raises His chosen ones to give them their eternal rewards.
When you give, or when you host celebrations, don’t only include people who are well-off or who can return the favor. Go out of your way to invite or support those who have nothing to offer in return. Don’t limit your generosity to those who have helped you—extend it to those who can’t. In doing so, you’re storing up real treasure in heaven.
The Apostle Paul was committed to this principle. After meeting with the apostles, this is what he said:
Galatians 2:9–10 (NIV) James, Cephas and John, those esteemed as pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcised. All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I had been eager to do all along.
Do you see it? When we notice those who are struggling—the poor, the orphans, and those who are lacking—we should see that as our opportunity to earn great rewards in heaven. Let’s make every effort to help.
In heaven, our wealth won’t be measured by what we had on earth, but by what we did with it—especially acts of generosity like these. If everything we receive is spent only on ourselves or shared only with those like us, we are actually diminishing our eternal reward.
Giving doesn’t require us to be rich. Even if you have just a little—say 100 shillings—you can give 50 to help someone in need and still have enough for yourself. It’s the heart behind the giving that God rewards.
May the Lord help us see this clearly, and may we start today to remember and care for those in need.
God bless you.
Shalom. This is part three of a series of articles explaining the criteria God will use to reward His people and how He will welcome them into His kingdom. If you missed the earlier parts, please message me, and I’ll send you summaries.
3) The Bible shows that some people will enter God’s kingdom without even realizing why.
It’s remarkable that there’s a group of people who will be granted the grace to enter the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ, without fully understanding the reason until Christ Himself reveals it on that day.
We read about this group in the following passage:
Matthew 25:31-46 (NIV): “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’ They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’ He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’ Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”
This group represents Christ’s servants here on earth who did not realize that by serving others, they were serving Christ Himself. This passage isn’t about the poor or orphans in general, but about the saints those devoted to serving God who endured hardship like lack of food, clothing, illness, and homelessness. Some saw and helped these servants, unaware that in doing so, they were serving Christ.
On that day, these faithful servants will stand before Christ, and He will graciously grant them entry into His kingdom. This is similar to the example of the dishonest manager in Luke 16:1-12.
The Apostle Paul also prayed for mercy on behalf of a brother named Onesiphorus, recognizing how faithfully he cared for and supported him during his ministry:
2 Timothy 1:16-18 (ESV): “May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains, but when he arrived in Rome he searched hard for me until he found me. May the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that day! And you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesus.”
Similarly, there are those who see people seeking God as a burden. They mock, insult, and even drive them away. When these seekers ask for water, they are labeled lazy. True servants of God can be a nuisance to such people and on the final day, Christ will reject them.
What does this teach us? When we say we love Christ, we must also love those who love Him. If you hate the saints, how can you truly love Christ? There are people Christ will welcome because they showed love and kindness to His followers. And there are those He will reject because they refused to welcome Him in the form of others.
Shalom.
We’ve seen that on Judgment Day, some people will be rewarded just like those who have suffered their whole lives serving God. The reasons why God would do this are clear in Scripture. If you haven’t yet received the detailed explanation, send me a message or inbox me.
Now, let’s continue with the second criterion for God’s rewards, which we find in Matthew 24:44-51.
2) Some will be put in charge of all God’s work in heaven.
You might wonder: Does this mean there will be people who won’t be put in charge of God’s work on that day? The answer is yes. Let’s look directly at this passage to see the criteria Christ uses to give such a reward.
“So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” — Matthew 24:44 (NIV)
“Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find doing so when he returns. Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. But suppose that servant is wicked and says to himself, ‘My master is staying away a long time,’ and he then begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards. The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” — Matthew 24:45-51 (NIV)
In this passage, a master leaves his household and entrusts one servant to oversee and care for everyone. If the servant remains faithful—giving the people their food at the right time—he is blessed and will be put in charge of all the master’s possessions.
But if the servant assumes the master’s return will be delayed, he becomes lazy, abuses others, and indulges in selfish pleasures. When the master returns unexpectedly, the servant faces severe punishment.
Today, if you are a servant of God—whether you’re a pastor, prophet, teacher, apostle, worship leader, or anyone involved in building God’s kingdom—know that God wants to find you faithfully at work all the time. Whether He comes suddenly through death or the rapture, He wants to find you serving with integrity and diligence.
If you treat God’s work like a business—only showing up when you get paid, neglecting your congregation, refusing to teach, or avoiding preaching the gospel—you risk missing out on this kind of reward.
God’s work must be part of your life if you are truly called by Him. Don’t let unnecessary distractions or excuses get in the way of fulfilling your purpose.
If you stand firm in your calling, like the faithful servant who feeds the household at the right time, you will be entrusted with greater responsibility in the eternal kingdom to come.
In that glorious kingdom, there will be work and leadership roles. Starting now, God is looking for people who will faithfully lead His precious work in heaven. Those who prove faithful in their service here will be given these special roles.
So let’s wake up, shake off any complacency, and begin serving the Lord with fresh passion and dedication.
May God bless you.
Praise the Lord Jesus! In this series, we’re going to explore the criteria God will use to reward His people once we reach eternity. Understanding these principles can stir up our passion for serving God—just like it did for the Apostle Paul, who wrote:
“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” —Philippians 3:14 (NIV)
We’ll examine a few key passages that paint a picture of how God will distribute rewards.
At first glance, this may seem unfair. But Jesus addressed this directly in Matthew 20:1–16, using a parable to explain the Kingdom of Heaven. Let’s look at it:
Matthew 20:1–16 (NIV) “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard. About nine in the morning he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing. He told them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ So they went. He went out again about noon and about three in the afternoon and did the same thing. About five in the afternoon he went out and found still others standing around. He asked them, ‘Why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing?’ ‘Because no one has hired us,’ they answered. He said to them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard.’ When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first.’ The workers who were hired about five in the afternoon came and each received a denarius. So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius. When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner. ‘These who were hired last worked only one hour,’ they said, ‘and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.’ But he answered one of them, ‘I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you. Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”
Now, who are these people who will receive the same reward as those who’ve labored long and hard in God’s work?
Take a closer look: those who came in last weren’t working anywhere else beforehand. They weren’t lazy—they simply hadn’t been given the opportunity. When the landowner asked why they had been standing around all day, they said, “Because no one has hired us.”
This tells us something profound: there are people who haven’t yet encountered the grace of salvation. Perhaps they’ve lived long lives in ignorance—like someone from a completely unreached people group or another religion. Maybe they’re 80 years old when they finally hear the Gospel for the first time, truly believe, and surrender their life to Christ. From that moment on, they serve God with all their heart, maybe for only one year—then they pass away.
Or maybe someone gets saved at 20 and only lives until 22. They serve faithfully for two years and then die.
Should we be surprised if they receive the same reward as a lifetime missionary or a church leader? Not at all. When grace found them, their opportunity to serve was short—but they were faithful with what they had. Had they known Christ earlier, they would have served longer. God sees the heart and the potential.
If you’ve heard the message of grace today but continue to take it lightly—one day walking with Christ, and the next, back in sin—you are not stable. Don’t expect Christ to reward you if you die in such a spiritual condition.
Some of us were born into Christian homes. We know the truth. We understand that without salvation, there is no eternal life. So if someone like that refuses to live faithfully, don’t expect the same reward as the pagan who just got saved and died shortly after.
Jesus said clearly:
“So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” —Matthew 20:16 (NIV)
We are living in the last days. Don’t waste the grace God has extended to you. If you’ve been given more time, use it well. Serve Him with all your heart, because you’ll be held accountable for how you used your time and opportunities.
Stay faithful. Be watchful. And be encouraged—God is fair, and He is good.
Be blessed.
Many people ask: If Jesus is truly God, why did He weep at Lazarus’ tomb?
Let’s first look carefully at the event as recorded in the Bible.
John 11:32–37 (NKJV):
32 Then, when Mary came where Jesus was, and saw Him, she fell down at His feet, saying to Him, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” 33 Therefore, when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her weeping, He groaned in the spirit and was troubled. 34 And He said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to Him, “Lord, come and see.” 35 Jesus wept. 36 Then the Jews said, “See how He loved him!” 37 And some of them said, “Could not this Man, who opened the eyes of the blind, also have kept this man from dying?”
At first glance, it might seem Jesus was mourning Lazarus. However, Jesus knew He would soon raise Lazarus back to life (John 11:25 – “I am the resurrection and the life…”).
Thus, His weeping was not driven by helpless grief like the others, but out of compassion for human sorrow and frustration at their unbelief. Jesus wept because of the deep spiritual blindness and the pain that sin and death had caused humanity.
Theologically: Jesus’ tears reveal His full humanity (Hebrews 4:15) — He fully entered into human suffering — and at the same time, His divinity, as He prepared to conquer death itself.
Though they had witnessed His miracles, many still doubted that Jesus had power even over death. Their despair reflected a failure to believe in His true identity as the Son of God.
John 11:40 (NKJV):
Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?”
Faith was (and still is) key to experiencing the glory of God. Without faith, it is impossible to please Him. (Hebrews 11:6)
Again in John 11:38 (NKJV):
Then Jesus, again groaning in Himself, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it.
This phrase “groaning in Himself” (Greek: embrimaomai) suggests a strong inward agitation, possibly anger against the tyranny of death and unbelief.
Jesus stands not as a distant deity but as Emmanuel — “God with us” (Matthew 1:23), who deeply feels our pain.
This was not the first time Jesus was grieved by human stubbornness:
Mark 3:5 (NKJV):
And when He had looked around at them with anger, being grieved by the hardness of their hearts, He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored as whole as the other.
Jesus’ emotional responses reveal God’s holy sorrow over humanity’s persistent rejection of His truth.
Today, whenever we doubt God’s promises, or when we trust more in what we see than in what He says, we continue to grieve His heart. Faith is not optional — it is essential.
Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV):
But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
The Call: Let us live lives of unwavering faith, pleasing the heart of God, trusting completely in His power, even when situations seem hopeless.
Maranatha! (The Lord is coming!)
Please share these good news with others!
You might wonder: Can Satan really prevent people from preaching the Gospel?
The answer is yes. Scripture clearly shows this reality.
1 Thessalonians 2:17–18 (NIV) says: “But, brothers and sisters, when we were separated from you for a short time not in person, but in heart we were eager with great longing to see you again. We wanted to come to you certainly I, Paul, did, more than once but Satan blocked our way.”
Here, Paul explicitly reveals that Satan actively obstructed his mission to preach the Gospel. This underscores a key theological truth: Satan is the adversary of God’s redemptive plan, specifically targeting the spread of the Gospel (the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ).
Satan, often called the accuser or enemy (see John 8:44, Revelation 12:10), works tirelessly to stop the message of salvation from reaching people. He knows the Gospel carries the power to save sinners
(Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes…” NIV)
and so he fights against its proclamation.
His ultimate goal is to keep people in sin, separated from God, so they perish (John 10:10). He wants to prevent anyone from hearing the life changing message of Jesus and being reconciled with God.
Satan hinders Gospel work by causing obstacles and hardships that derail those who go to preach. These obstacles can be natural, logistical, physical, or spiritual.
For example, Paul and his companions’ journey to Thessalonica was blocked by circumstances beyond their control such as lack of transport, storms, sickness, or theft (see Acts 17 for the Thessalonica mission).Paul describes these kinds of trials vividly in 2 Corinthians 11:25–27 (ESV)
“Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure.”
These sufferings show the reality of spiritual warfare behind missionary work. The shipwrecks and beatings were not just physical hardships but attacks from Satan seeking to thwart God’s mission.
Similarly, when Jesus’ disciples crossed the sea to the region of the Gadarenes, Satan tried to prevent their mission by sending a violent storm (Matthew 8:23–27, NIV):
“Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples woke him and said, ‘Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!’ He replied, ‘You of little faith, why are you so afraid?’ Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.”
This story illustrates Satan’s attempts to stop the advance of God’s kingdom, especially when deliverance and salvation are imminent as with the two demon possessed men living among the tombs who were about to be set free (Matthew 8:28–34).
Prayer is the primary weapon Jesus gave us to overcome Satan’s hindrances. Jesus commanded His disciples to pray to avoid falling into temptation (Luke 22:40, 46). Prayer weakens Satan’s power and clears the way for the Gospel.
Jesus Himself, though fully God, often withdrew to pray (Mark 1:35, Luke 6:12), modeling the vital importance of prayer in spiritual warfare.
Prayer for the Gospel is not just the responsibility of preachers, pastors, or missionaries. It’s the calling of every believer (Ephesians 6:18):
“Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” (NIV)
Your prayers support and protect those who go out to preach. When you pray and fast for Gospel workers, you help dismantle Satan’s plans whether sickness, theft, or other attacks and become an active part of advancing God’s kingdom.
If you say, “I’m not a preacher or evangelist; this isn’t my role,” and neglect prayer and support for the Gospel, you inadvertently strengthen the forces of darkness.
Paul knew this well. After explaining how Satan hindered his journey, he urged the Thessalonians:
1 Thessalonians 5:25 (NIV): “Brothers and sisters, pray for us.”
And in his second letter:
2 Thessalonians 3:1 (NIV): “Finally, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you.”
Satan actively works to block the preaching of the Gospel through various means natural obstacles, persecution, and spiritual attacks. But God has given us prayer as a powerful weapon to overcome these barriers.
Will you join in prayer for the Gospel to advance?
May the Lord bless and strengthen us all as we labor together in His mission.
Carnelian, known in ancient texts as Sardius, is a reddish gemstone resembling a ruby. It was highly valued in the ancient Near East for its deep red, almost blood like hue, symbolizing passion, power, and sometimes sacrifice.
Jasper is another type of gemstone, often appearing in brown, green, or red tones. In Scripture, it’s frequently associated with clarity and strength. Both stones were commonly used in priestly garments (Exodus 28) and are rich in biblical symbolism.
In modern gemology:
Carnelian Sardius
Jasper retains the same name.
These stones appear multiple times in Scripture, often used symbolically to describe the glory, majesty, and holiness of God and His dwelling place.
In Revelation 4:2–3 (NIV), the Apostle John describes a heavenly vision:
“At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian. A rainbow, resembling an emerald, encircled the throne.”
This description doesn’t claim God is made of these stones, but rather uses metaphor (“the appearance of…”) to convey His splendor in terms that human beings can grasp. The jasper here may symbolize purity, brilliance, and divine perfection, while carnelian (sardius) may represent God’s righteous judgment, power, and sacrifice.
The emerald like rainbow surrounding the throne adds to the imagery, often interpreted as a symbol of God’s mercy and covenant faithfulness (cf. Genesis 9:16).
In John’s vision of the New Jerusalem, these stones are again prominent:
Revelation 21:18–20 (ESV):“The wall was built of jasper, while the city was pure gold, like clear glass.The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with every kind of jewel.The first was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald,the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite…”
This vivid picture reveals that the heavenly city is not just functional but glorious a place adorned with divine craftsmanship and beauty. The use of these stones shows that God values beauty, order, and holiness, and that the environment He creates for His people is resplendent.
The jasper foundation may suggest stability and eternal light, while carnelian again points to the redemptive work of Christ and the righteous foundation of His kingdom.
The prophet Ezekiel describes the pre-fall splendor of Lucifer (often interpreted as a symbolic description of the king of Tyre or Satan):
Ezekiel 28:13 (NIV):“You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone adorned you: carnelian, chrysolite and emerald, topaz, onyx and jasper, lapis lazuli, turquoise and beryl. Your settings and mountings were made of gold; on the day you were created they were prepared.”
This passage reflects the heavenly origin and glory of Lucifer before iniquity was found in him (Ezek. 28:15). The inclusion of carnelian and jasper among his adornments reinforces their symbolic association with divine beauty and privilege.
Yet, despite being adorned with such glory, pride led to his downfall reminding us that external beauty does not equate to righteousness.
The consistent use of jasper and carnelian throughout Scripture points us to several important truths:
God’s glory is indescribable. Earthly materials even the most precious ones are mere shadows used to help us understand heavenly realities (cf. 1 Corinthians 13:12).
Heaven is real and beautiful, not metaphorically but tangibly a city prepared by God (Hebrews 11:16).
God adorns His people and His place with beauty, because He Himself is beautiful in holiness (Psalm 96:9).
These stones also point to the ministry of Christ His sacrifice (symbolized in carnelian’s red) and His eternal reign (reflected in jasper’s brilliance).
Heave is described with such splendor not just for poetic effect, but to awaken in us a deep longing for eternity with God. As 1 Corinthians 2:9 (NIV) reminds us:
“What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived the things God has prepared for those who love Him.”
We may lose many things in this life, but we must not lose heaven. These stones jasper and carnelian serve as reminders that what God has planned is far more beautiful, eternal, and satisfying than anything this world can offer.
May the Lord bless and guide us as we set our hearts on eternal things.