Title November 2022

What Are the Modern Cities of Tyre and Sidon?

Answer: Tyre and Sidon are ancient cities located in what is now the Republic of Lebanon, a Middle Eastern country on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. Remarkably, unlike many ancient nations whose names and boundaries have changed, Lebanon has retained its biblical name throughout history.

In biblical times, Tyre and Sidon were prominent Phoenician port cities, renowned for their wealth, trade, and influence. They were centers of commerce but also steeped in idolatry and immorality. Tyre, in particular, was known for its pride and luxurious lifestyle (Isaiah 23; Ezekiel 27–28).

Today, Lebanon’s four major cities are Beirut (the capital), Tripoli, Sidon, and Tyre. Sidon is the larger of the two ancient cities, and both lie in the southern region of Lebanon, near the border with northern Israel. Interestingly, Tarshish, the destination to which Jonah attempted to flee from God’s calling (Jonah 1:3), is often associated with Phoenician trade routes that may have included ports like Tyre.

Historical and Theological Significance of Tyre and Sidon

1. Judgment and Prophecy

Jesus Himself referenced Tyre and Sidon to condemn the unrepentant cities of His own time:

Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.

Matthew 11:21 (ESV)

This reveals that despite Tyre and Sidon’s moral failures, Jesus recognized the hardness of heart in Israel’s cities as even worse. It underscores the idea that greater revelation brings greater accountability.

2. Divine Judgment Pronounced

The Old Testament contains detailed prophecies of God’s judgment against Tyre and Sidon for their pride and opposition to Israel. One of the most detailed is found in Ezekiel 26–28, where God declares:

Because Tyre said concerning Jerusalem, ‘Aha, the gate of the peoples is broken; it has swung open to me. I shall be replenished, now that she is laid waste,’ therefore thus says the Lord God: Behold, I am against you, O Tyre…

 Ezekiel 26:2–3 (ESV)

The prophecy even foretells the city’s eventual destruction and ruin — a fate historically fulfilled by the conquest of Alexander the Great, who built a causeway to besiege and conquer the island fortress of Tyre in 332 BC.

3. Spiritual Symbolism of Tyre’s King

One of the most profound passages concerning Tyre appears in Ezekiel 28, where the “king of Tyre” is portrayed in language that goes far beyond any earthly ruler. Bible scholars interpret this passage as a dual reference — both to the human king of Tyre and to Satan, the spiritual power behind him:

“You were in Eden, the garden of God…

You were an anointed guardian cherub. I placed you; you were on the holy mountain of God…

You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created, till unrighteousness was found in you.

Ezekiel 28:13–15 (ESV)

This reveals that behind the visible structures of worldly kingdoms lies a deeper spiritual conflict. The king’s arrogance mirrors Satan’s pride — the very pride that led to his fall (cf. Isaiah 14:12–15; Luke 10:18).

4. Satan: The God of This World

The New Testament affirms Satan’s influence over worldly systems:

In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ…

2 Corinthians 4:4 (ESV)

Thus, Tyre becomes not only a symbol of pride and judgment but also a portrait of Satan’s influence in corrupting nations and opposing God’s kingdom.

5. End Times Prophecy and Lebanon’s Role

In the eschatological visions of Ezekiel 38–39, nations from the north (like Gog, Magog, and allies) form a coalition to attack Israel. While Lebanon is not named explicitly, some theologians believe modern geopolitical alignments, including Lebanon’s enmity with Israel and its alliances (e.g., with powers like Russia or Iran), may place it within this prophetic framework.

You will come from your place out of the uttermost parts of the north… You will come up against my people Israel, like a cloud covering the land.

Ezekiel 38:15–16 (ESV)

Yet, God’s intervention in these end-times events highlights His sovereign protection over Israel.

Conclusion: A Call to Reflect and Respond

Tyre and Sidon are more than ancient ruins — they are warnings and symbols. They teach us about the dangers of pride, the seduction of wealth, and the reality of spiritual warfare. They also point us to the urgency of repentance.

The question remains:

Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?

The signs of the times are clear. We are living in the final days, and Christ is at the door.

Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

Matthew 24:44 (ESV)

Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!

 

 

 

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What Is the Difference Between Faith and Courage?

Question:
Praise the Lord Jesus! I would like to understand the difference between faith and courage.

Answer:

Courage is the ability to face a problem, difficulty, or challenge—it is the strength to overcome fear. Courage can be observed in any living creature. For example, you can see courage in a person, a lion, a dog, or even a snake. It is a natural quality that one can be born with. Courage does not necessarily depend on belief; it can exist independently of faith.

Faith, on the other hand, comes from the word “to believe.” Faith is not something that exists by itself; rather, it is born out of trusting or relying on something else. It is through faith that one gains the power to do what was previously impossible. For instance, why do you calmly pass by a chicken on the road without fear, but when you encounter a snake, you jump and run away or prepare to defend yourself? It’s because your eyes have taught you that the chicken is harmless while the snake is dangerous. Your courageous response comes from your faith in the truth your senses have revealed. If you did not believe this, your actions would not follow. Therefore, courage is a product of faith—but faith is never a product of courage.

This truth also applies to us spiritually. To have perfect faith, we must have a sure foundation to rely on. That foundation is none other than the Word of God. This is where everything ends—this is the “eye of our soul” that must be revived, for it gives us the courage to do all things and accomplish the impossible by human standards.

Faith does not come by any other means than hearing the Word of God. The Bible says in

Romans 10:17 (ESV):
“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”

When you read God’s Word and see the mighty deeds He performed, that is when your faith is born—the faith to act and move forward. For example, if you are barren, when you read the story of Sarah and Abraham, who received a child in their old age, you gain the strength to believe that if God did it for Sarah, He can do it for you too—because He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). But if you do not know this truth or do not meditate on it regularly, your faith will not arise; you will remain resigned to your situation.

When David faced Goliath, he reflected on how God had helped him defeat lions and bears while tending sheep in the wilderness (1 Samuel 17). He trusted God could help him defeat this giant, and indeed He did. Likewise, to do great things and unlock the impossible, you need faith—not faith in people or possessions, but faith in God and His Word.

Make it your habit to love and feast on the Word of God every morning, noon, and night.

The Bible also says in Hebrews 11 (ESV), often called the “Faith Hall of Fame,” about the great examples of faith:

  • By faith Moses, when grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter (Hebrews 11:24).

  • By faith, he chose to suffer with God’s people rather than enjoy sin’s fleeting pleasures (v. 25).

  • By faith, he led the Israelites out of Egypt, unafraid of the king’s anger (v. 27).

  • By faith, the walls of Jericho fell after they were encircled for seven days (v. 30).

  • And many others who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised (vv. 33–34).

These examples show that faith is what empowers believers to face trials, endure suffering, and accomplish God’s purposes.

Summary: Faith vs. Courage

  • Courage is the natural ability to face danger or difficulty and can exist without faith.

  • Faith is trust and reliance on God and His Word, which produces genuine courage to do the impossible.

May the Lord bless you as you grow in faith and courage through His Word!

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Are the names Eve and Hawa the same?

Question: In Genesis 3:20 and Genesis 4:1, Adam’s wife is called Hawa. However, I have often heard that Adam’s wife is also called Eve. Are the names Eve and Hawa the same?

Answer: Yes, Eve and Hawa refer to the same person, but the names come from two different languages—just as “Jesus” and “Yesu” are the same name rendered in English and Swahili, respectively.

Likewise, “Eve” is the English form of the name, while “Hawa” is its Swahili equivalent.

So why do the translations appear different, from Eve to Hawa, and not just translated as “Eva” in Swahili? Why is it not a direct phonetic translation but instead a different name?

The reason lies in how Swahili adapts certain letters in names and words. Often, the letter “V” in English names is rendered as “W” in Swahili. For example, the name “Levi” becomes “Lawi,” and “Nineveh,” the ancient city, is “Ninawi” in Swahili.

Therefore, even “Eva” must be adapted to “Hawa” in Swahili, following this pattern of letter substitution.

This is similar to how names starting with “J” in English often start with “Y” in Swahili:
Jesus → Yesu
Jonah → Yona
Joshua → Yoshua
Jezebel → Yezebeli

In the same way, names containing the letter “V” transform into “W” when translated into Swahili.

In conclusion, whether you say Hawa or Eve, both names correctly refer to the same person—Adam’s wife, the mother of all living (Genesis 3:20, ESV).

Theological reflection:
Eve (Hawa) holds a foundational place in the biblical narrative as the first woman, created by God as a suitable helper for Adam (Genesis 2:18, ESV). Her name, meaning “life” or “living,” reflects her role as the mother of all humanity (Genesis 3:20). The subtle differences in her name’s pronunciation and spelling across languages remind us of the richness and diversity of God’s Word as it reaches all nations and tongues.

Moreover, Eve’s story is not just about origins but also about grace and redemption. Though she and Adam fell into sin, God’s promise of redemption (Genesis 3:15) sets the stage for Christ’s victory over sin and death, connecting the very beginning of humanity’s story to its ultimate restoration through Jesus Christ.

Have you accepted Jesus? Have you been baptized? Have you received the Holy Spirit? If not, why wait? These are the last days, and Christ stands at the door ready to return.

Maranatha! (The Lord is coming!)

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What Is a “Kipaku” According to the Bible?

A “kipaku” is a small skin lesion or rash that appears on the skin of a human or animal. This rash can be caused by environmental changes, allergies, or various diseases.

In the Bible, this term appears frequently, especially in connection with the disease known as leprosy. Before leprosy fully manifests on the body, it begins as a small bright spot on the skin — this initial mark is what the Bible refers to as a “kipaku.” At this early stage, it is difficult to distinguish whether the lesion is from leprosy or a more common skin condition. To prevent further infection and protect the community, the person affected was quarantined for seven days.

After this period, a priest would examine the lesion again. If the lesion had spread and sunk deeper into the skin, it was confirmed as leprosy, and the person would be declared ceremonially unclean and isolated permanently unless cleansed.

Leviticus 13:1-6 (ESV) describes this examination process:

1 The Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying,
2 “When a person has a swelling or a rash or bright spot on the skin that may be a sign of leprosy, they shall be brought to Aaron the priest or one of his sons,
3 and the priest shall examine the affected area. If the hair in the affected area has turned white and the lesion appears deeper than the skin, it is leprosy, and the priest shall pronounce the person unclean.
4 But if the bright spot is white on the skin and does not appear to penetrate deeper than the skin and the hair has not turned white, the priest shall isolate the person for seven days.
5 On the seventh day, the priest shall reexamine the lesion; if it has not spread, the person shall be isolated for another seven days.
6 After this second examination, if the lesion has faded and not spread, the priest shall pronounce the person clean; they shall wash their clothes and be clean.”

The Spiritual Meaning Behind Leprosy’s “Kipaku”

In the Old Testament, leprosy symbolized a divine judgment or punishment from God. God often sends warnings before executing His judgment — the “kipaku,” a small mark or sign, serves as this initial warning. However, if no repentance follows within the given time (the seven days), the disease spreads, symbolizing the spread of sin and separation from God.

Jesus Christ, during His earthly ministry, called people to repentance, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17 ESV). He warned that before the final judgment, there would be signs and tribulations — what He called “the beginning of birth pains” (Matthew 24:8 ESV). These include natural disasters, wars, plagues, and rumors of wars — the spiritual equivalent of the “kipaku” in our souls, early signs of the deeper spiritual decay and judgment to come.

God has granted humanity a period of grace — symbolized by these “seven days” or “seven times” — allowing people to repent before final judgment falls. This grace period corresponds to the church age, roughly 2,000 years, represented by the seven churches described in Revelation chapters 2 and 3. We are currently in the final church era, Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22 ESV), which is marked by spiritual lukewarmness and warning.

Thus, these early “kipaku” signs are God’s merciful warnings. After the grace period ends, judgment will come decisively. Soon, the rapture will remove God’s people from the earth, and thereafter, the final wrath of God described in Revelation 16 will be poured out on the world.

Ask yourself: if you have experienced this spiritual “kipaku” — a warning sign of sin or spiritual disease — have you sought the cure? The only true remedy is Jesus Christ. Do not wait for the rapture or judgment to pass you by. Turn to Him now for cleansing and salvation.

In the days of the prophet Elisha, many lepers lived in Israel, but only Naaman, a foreigner, was healed because he obeyed God’s instructions and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan River (2 Kings 5; Luke 4:27 ESV). This teaches us the importance of obedience and faith in God’s provision for healing.

Today, many shy away from reading the Book of Revelation with its clear warnings to the churches and the signs of the times. Yet understanding these messages helps us avoid the spiritual leprosy that God is warning about today. Instead, many prefer only to hear messages about health and prosperity, which is dangerous because it may leave them unprepared for God’s judgment or the coming rapture.

May the Lord help us love His Word and respond to His call to repentance.

Maranatha!

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God Is Not Tested by Evil, But by Good

James 1:13 (ESV):
“Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God,’ for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.”

This verse clearly teaches that God cannot be tested or tempted by evil. In fact, the opposite is true: God is tested by good. What does this mean? When we do good — acts of righteousness and obedience to God’s Word — we are in a sense putting God to the test, expecting Him to bless us for our faithfulness. God, in His covenant faithfulness, must then release His blessings upon us.

However, if we rebel against God’s Word and seek blessings while engaging in evil, then we are testing God by evil. A prime example is the children of Israel in the wilderness. They demanded miraculous provision from the Lord while simultaneously turning away from Him in their hearts. They became proud, complaining, disrespectful, and shameless before God — all of which led them into judgment (Hebrews 3:7–11, NIV):

“Today, if you hear his voice,
do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion,
on the day of testing in the wilderness,
where your ancestors tested and tried me,
though for forty years they saw what I did…
As I swore in my wrath, ‘They shall never enter my rest.’”

God is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). The warnings He gave thousands of years ago still stand. He cannot be tempted by evil, but He is tested by good — meaning, when we offer Him perfect sacrifices according to His Word and with sincere hearts, we are essentially putting God to the test to bless us. This is a righteous testing rooted in faith.

For example, when you bring God a sacrifice without blemish — that is, an offering that aligns perfectly with His Word and done with a pure heart — you are testing God to bless you. Malachi 3:8–11 (NIV) says:

“Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me.
But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’
‘In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me.
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house.
Test me in this,’ says the Lord Almighty,
‘and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven
and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.’”

Any good deeds we perform that align with God’s Word become a “trap” for Him in the sense that He cannot withhold His blessings from us. These righteous acts draw down His favor and speak to us with His voice of grace.

But if in your heart you have forsaken the Lord and yet seek His voice through prophets or other means to find out what He says about you, you are testing God in a way that displeases Him, leading to judgment rather than blessing. Ezekiel 14:4–8 (NIV) explains:

“Say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says:
When anyone of the house of Israel sets up idols in their heart and puts a wicked stumbling block before their face and then comes to the prophet, I the Lord will answer them myself according to their many idols,
so that I may seize the house of Israel by their hearts because they have strayed from me…
Therefore say to the house of Israel, “This is what the Sovereign Lord says:
Repent! Turn away from your idols and renounce all your detestable practices!”’
…
If a person is unfaithful and rebels against me by setting up idols in their heart, putting wicked stumbling blocks before their faces, and then comes to a prophet, I the Lord will answer them myself.”

In summary, God is not tempted or tested by evil; He is tested by our good works — our faithful obedience and sincere worship according to His Word. When we offer Him genuine sacrifices and righteous living, we place Him in a position to fulfill His promises of blessing. But if we turn away from Him and seek Him with unfaithful hearts or by wrongful means, we bring judgment upon ourselves.

May the Lord Jesus help us to walk in faithfulness and receive His abundant blessings.

Maranatha!

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What is a Sacrifice of the Heart? (Leviticus 22:21)

Answer: Let’s read together…

Leviticus 22:21 (ESV) says:
“And whoever offers a sacrifice of well-being to the Lord to fulfill a vow or as a freewill offering, that person must offer a perfect sacrifice to the Lord.”

A sacrifice of the heart refers to an offering that the people of Israel gave to God voluntarily and with genuine affection—without being commanded or obligated by any law or condition.

There were sacrifices given for specific reasons, such as thanksgiving offerings, which were presented in gratitude for God’s blessings or deliverance. These had a clear purpose tied to God’s intervention or favor.

However, a sacrifice of the heart has no external reason or obligation behind it. It is simply offered because the giver desires to please God out of love and devotion—not because God commanded it.

Biblical Example:

During the construction of the Tabernacle, God did not command the Israelites to contribute materials or money for the work. Yet, many were moved in their hearts to give generously out of their own free will.

Exodus 35:29 (NIV) tells us:
“All the men and women who were willing-hearted brought brooches, earrings, rings and ornaments, all kinds of gold objects, to make a sin offering for the Lord.”

Similarly,

Exodus 35:21 says:
“Everyone who was willing and whose heart moved them came and brought an offering to the Lord for the work on the tent of meeting, for all its service, and for the sacred garments.”

These people gave freely because their hearts compelled them, not because they were forced or commanded.

(See also Exodus 25:2 and 2 Chronicles 29:31 for more on freewill offerings.)

Do We Still Have These Kinds of Offerings in the New Testament?

Absolutely! Such offerings are still relevant and pleasing to God, and we are encouraged to give them.

Where do we read about this in the New Testament?

2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV) says:
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

This verse highlights that God values the attitude of the giver more than the amount. Giving must come from a willing, joyful heart—a true sacrifice of the heart.

Reflection:

Do you have a habit of giving to God out of genuine love and devotion? Or do you give simply because you feel pressured or obligated?

Never stop giving to God, but always ensure that your giving flows from the heart. This kind of offering is the best and most pleasing sacrifice you can bring to the Lord.

May the Lord bless you as you learn to give with a joyful and willing heart.

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How People Create Their Own Golden Calf Idols in Their Hearts

The same things that the Israelites did in the wilderness are still being done today by God’s people. It is important to understand the origin of what is formed inside the heart so we can grasp deeply how such idols are made even now in people’s hearts.

The Scriptures reveal that the Israelites had no material resources to craft an idol, nor the conveniences to prepare a proper feast. They were in a desert with no access to good food or wine to celebrate their worship. Yet, amazingly, despite these difficulties, everything was provided—golden calves were made, food and wine appeared, music played, and celebrations followed.

Exodus 32:2-6 (ESV) records:

“And Aaron said to them, ‘Take off the rings of gold that are in the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me.’ So all the people took off the rings of gold that were in their ears and brought them to Aaron. He took the gold from them, formed it in a mold, and made a golden calf. And they said, ‘These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!’ When Aaron saw this, he built an altar before it. And Aaron made a proclamation and said, ‘Tomorrow shall be a feast to the Lord.’ And they rose up early the next day and offered burnt offerings and brought peace offerings. And the people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.”

You might wonder, how did they manage all this?

This proves that when a person’s soul is determined to pursue something, no matter the circumstances, they will find a way. The Israelites remembered the gold they had worn as jewelry—earrings, necklaces—and they collected and melted them down to create a shining golden calf.

The Bible does not specify where they got the food and wine, but clearly, they must have arranged to buy or obtain them somehow—perhaps from nearby towns or through people like Korah who had influence. Whatever the means, the feast was ready, the people ate and drank, and a glorious idol was fashioned.

However, what is striking is that while they put great effort into making this golden calf and organizing a feast, they never thought of offering God, who had miraculously delivered them from Egypt at great cost, such a gift of genuine worship or gratitude. They did not even consider building a simple shelter for the LORD to dwell, unlike Moses who climbed Mount Sinai and communed with God for a long time.

Instead, they quickly turned to crafting idols of gold that could never help them, forgetting the true God who had done great things for them. Do you think such behavior would not provoke God’s jealousy?

This pattern continues among Christians today.

When a wedding is being planned, we eagerly organize every detail, often spending lavishly and forming committees to make it perfect. We give generously and offer many suggestions, and the event succeeds—even on a modest budget. But for the God who redeemed us, died on the cross for us, fights for us day and night, and gives us breath freely, we often have no time. We neglect His house and His work, passing by in spiritual blindness, saying, “God will take care of it.”

We invest more time, money, and energy into worldly celebrations than into God’s kingdom. Brothers and sisters, when we do this, we create many golden calves in our hearts and worship them unknowingly. This deeply provokes God’s jealousy.

We respond quickly to parties, birthdays, and entertainment, but for God, we need constant reminders to pray or serve. This is very sad.

Let us break this golden calf—the false idols in our hearts. Let us remove these worthless gods and turn our hearts fully to God. Let Him have first place, because He alone deserves it. We should not see others as foolish for their idolatry; many of us who have seen examples still repeat the same sins.

Theological Reflection:

This passage reminds us that idolatry is not just about physical statues but about what occupies the throne of our hearts (Ezekiel 14:3). The golden calf incident is a vivid picture of how people can replace the true God with created things—even good things like gold, celebrations, or traditions—when faith is weak.

Paul warns us in Romans 1:25 (ESV) that people “exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator.” The golden calf is a type and warning for believers today to examine what they truly worship in their daily lives.

Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:21 (ESV), “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” This calls us to evaluate what treasures or priorities consume our time, resources, and energy—are they God-centered or self-centered?

True worship requires giving God the “firstfruits” of our lives (Proverbs 3:9), not leftovers or distracted devotion. When we prioritize God above all else, our hearts are free from idols, and His presence can dwell richly within us (1 Corinthians 3:16).

Let us love God, value His salvation, and honor His work in our lives.

Efatha.

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THE LAMP OF GOD HAD NOT YET GONE OUT

Praise the name of the Lord and Savior, the Author of Life, Jesus Christ! Welcome as we delve into God’s Word together.

There will come a time when the lamp of God will be extinguished. Let us respond to God’s call before that moment arrives.

1 Samuel 3:2-4 (ESV)

“At that time Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his place. The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the house of the Lord, where the ark of God was. Then the Lord called Samuel, and he said, ‘Here I am!’”

To understand the significance of the “lamp of God” and the timing of it going out, we must consider the Tabernacle Moses was commanded to build (Exodus 25–27). The Tabernacle consisted of three sections: the Outer Court, the Holy Place, and the Most Holy Place.

Within the Holy Place were three sacred items:

  • The altar of incense,

  • The table of showbread, and

  • The golden lampstand (Menorah) with seven branches.

The lampstand’s purpose was to provide continual light inside the Tabernacle during the night hours. God commanded that the lamp be kept burning without fail—“from evening until morning” (Exodus 27:20-21; Leviticus 24:1-3).

This perpetual light symbolized God’s presence, guidance, and covenant faithfulness to His people. When morning came, the natural light of the sun replaced the lamp’s glow, and it was then extinguished.

In 1 Samuel, the “lamp of God had not yet gone out” means it was still night—darkness had not given way to dawn. It was in this spiritual and literal darkness that God called Samuel.

This moment is deeply symbolic:

  • The darkness represents the spiritual condition of the people or an individual’s soul—times of uncertainty, waiting, or even crisis.

  • The lamp represents God’s grace and revelation shining in the midst of that darkness.

  • The call of God is an invitation to respond to His voice, which may initially sound like an ordinary or human voice.

Samuel’s initial confusion—thinking Eli was calling—reminds us that God’s call can come in subtle or unexpected ways. Often, what sounds like a human voice may actually be God’s voice calling us to Himself.

Furthermore, God’s call is urgent. If Samuel had ignored the call while the lamp was still burning, he might not have heard from God again until much later.

This teaches us that God’s grace and opportunity to respond have limits. The “lamp of God” is grace, and there will be a time when it is withdrawn—when God’s patient invitation ceases.

This truth calls us to examine our own hearts:

  • Have you received Jesus Christ as your Savior?

  • Have you been baptized and entered into a personal relationship with Him?

  • Are you living in obedience to God’s call?

If not, now is the time to respond—before the lamp goes out.

Ecclesiastes 12:1 (ESV)

“Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, ‘I have no pleasure in them.’”

May this word encourage you to heed God’s call today—while the lamp of His grace still burns.

Maranatha—Come, Lord Jesus!

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Who Are the “Thenashara”? (Mark 3:16)

The term Thenashara is derived from the Hebrew language and simply means “twelve.” Rather than just saying “twelve people,” the Bible sometimes refers to this number with distinction, especially when it comes to people or groups of spiritual significance. For instance, instead of saying twelve tribes, Scripture often says, “The twelve tribes” (cf. James 1:1), or instead of twelve months, it might be rendered “the twelve months” (1 Kings 4:7).

However, the most theologically significant use of the term Thenashara is when it refers to the twelve disciples that Jesus personally selected and appointed. These men became known as “The Twelve”—a unique title that signified both their number and their divinely appointed role.

The Appointment of the Twelve

Mark 3:16–19 (ESV) tells us:

“He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder); Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.”

These men were not just casual followers. Jesus called them by name, appointed them, and later sent them as apostles—messengers with authority to preach, heal, and cast out demons (Mark 3:14–15; Matthew 10:1–8).

Why Are They Called “The Twelve”?

The title Thenashara distinguishes these men from the broader group of disciples Jesus had. According to Luke 10:1, Jesus also appointed seventy (or seventy-two, depending on the manuscript) other disciples and sent them out two by two:

“After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go.”

This means that while many followed Jesus, only twelve were chosen for this special role—to be trained closely by Him, to witness His miracles and teachings firsthand, and to be the foundation of the Church (Ephesians 2:20).

A Unique Role in Redemptive History

These twelve disciples symbolize more than just a number. In Scripture, the number twelve often represents God’s people. There were twelve tribes of Israel in the Old Testament, and in the New Testament, the twelve apostles become the spiritual counterpart—representing the new people of God, the Church.

Jesus promised them a unique role in the coming Kingdom:

“Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Matthew 19:28, ESV).

Thus, their calling was not only historical—it was eschatological, pointing toward the coming Kingdom of God.

You’ll find references to the Twelve in many New Testament passages, such as:

  • Matthew 26:14–16 (Judas agrees to betray Jesus)

  • Mark 4:10 (Jesus explains parables to “those around him with the Twelve”)

  • Mark 9:35 (Jesus teaches the Twelve about servanthood)

  • John 20:24 (Thomas, “one of the Twelve,” doubts the resurrection)

Are You a Disciple of Jesus?

Being a disciple isn’t just about following Jesus in name—it means repenting from sin, surrendering your life, and bearing your cross daily.

Jesus said:

“Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:27, ESV).

To be a disciple is to live under the Lordship of Christ, to obey His commands, and to walk in His footsteps—even when the path is difficult.

Final Exhortation

So, the question for you today is: Are you truly a disciple of Jesus? Have you repented, believed, and taken up your cross?

Maranatha—The Lord is coming!

 

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DO NOT CRAVE ANOTHER KIND OF FOOD

Numbers 11:6 – “But now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at.” (ESV)

Greetings in the powerful name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Today is another gift of grace from the Lord, and I invite you to reflect with me on His Word.

When the Israelites entered the wilderness, they had no idea that their diet would consist of only one kind of food—manna. At first, they were amazed by it. The manna was sweet, fresh, and miraculously provided every morning by the hand of God. But as time passed, their excitement faded. They began to grow tired of it. Seeing the same food every day—morning, noon, and night—they started longing for something else. They asked themselves, “How long will this go on?” They craved variety—meat, fish, cucumbers, garlic, and perhaps if they lived in our time, pizza and burgers.

Numbers 11:4–6 (ESV) tells us:
“Now the rabble that was among them had a strong craving. And the people of Israel also wept again and said, ‘Oh that we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we ate in Egypt that cost nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic. But now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at.’”

They had forgotten that the foods of Egypt, though appealing, came with bondage, disease, and suffering. They longed for the delicacies of slavery rather than the simplicity of freedom. The manna, though repetitive, was life-giving. It kept them healthy and sustained. As Moses later reminded them:

Deuteronomy 8:3–4 (ESV):
“And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna… that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. Your clothing did not wear out on you and your foot did not swell these forty years.”

Theologically, manna is a symbol of the Word of God. It represents Christ Himself, who is the true bread from heaven (John 6:31–35). When we come to faith in Christ, we must understand that our nourishment comes from one source alone: the Word of God. This is the spiritual food for our souls. We wake up with it, walk with it, go to bed with it. It is our life, our strength, and our daily bread. We were not given Scripture plus self-help books or entertainment to comfort us. We were not given the Word alongside worldly distractions like sports or pop culture to keep us occupied. The Word is sufficient on its own.

But how easily our hearts drift. Like the Israelites, many believers today grow tired of the Word. At the beginning of our faith journey, we eagerly listened to sermons, devoured Scripture, and meditated on it with joy. We valued the Word above all else. But over time, many begin to find it repetitive, boring, or too demanding. We want “something more”—new forms of stimulation, emotional excitement, or cultural relevance.

Soon, believers start mixing the Word with worldly music, entertainment, and philosophies. The Word no longer becomes the main course, but just one of many “dishes” in their spiritual diet. Like the Israelites, we begin to despise the manna—the very thing that sustains our lives.

The consequences are serious. When the Israelites rejected manna and craved meat, God gave them what they wanted—but it came with judgment.

Numbers 11:33 (ESV):
“While the meat was yet between their teeth, before it was consumed, the anger of the Lord was kindled against the people, and the Lord struck down the people with a very great plague.”

This should sober us. When we choose other “foods” over God’s Word, we risk spiritual weakness, confusion, and even judgment. God’s Word is not optional—it is vital. As Jesus said to Satan in the wilderness:

Matthew 4:4 (ESV):
“It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

Beloved, let us not be like the Israelites who rejected the food that gave them life. Let us learn to love the Word again. Even if the world calls it outdated or unappealing, we know that it is the only food that truly satisfies the soul. It strengthens, purifies, and prepares us for eternity.

We must stop wandering in search of flavor. Obey the Word. Trust the Word. Depend on the Word. Leave worldly cravings to the world.

May God help us to find daily joy in His Word alone. If we feed on it faithfully, we will not weaken, but be strengthened, blessed, and made ready for His Kingdom.

Be encouraged. Be nourished. Be steadfast.
And may the Lord richly bless you.

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