Title 2022

Why was the Lord Jesus struck? Why did His sheep scatter? And who is it that strikes Him?

Let’s explore these questions by looking at Scripture.

Matthew 26:31 (ESV)

“Then Jesus said to them, ‘You will all fall away because of me this night. For it is written, “I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.”’”

Here, Jesus predicts that His disciples will abandon Him during His arrest and crucifixion. The phrase “I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered” is a direct quotation from Zechariah 13:7, a prophecy about the coming Messiah.

Theological Significance of Jesus Being Struck

Jesus was “struck” or “pierced,” but not because He sinned He was utterly sinless (see 2 Corinthians 5:21). Rather, this striking was part of God’s divine plan for salvation. Jesus took upon Himself the punishment for our sins, fulfilling the righteous judgment of God.

As Isaiah 53:4-5 (ESV) prophesies:

“Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.”

This passage highlights the substitutionary atonement of Christ He bore the penalty that was rightfully ours. This is essential to Christian theology: Jesus is the Suffering Servant who suffers vicariously for sinners.

Why Did the Sheep Scatter?

The “sheep” (Jesus’ disciples and followers) scattered because their Shepherd was struck down. Without their leader present, they were confused, afraid, and vulnerable. This scattering was temporary and fulfilled Scripture, but it also demonstrated the disciples’ human weakness.

Jesus’ words in John 16:19-20 (ESV) reinforce this:

“I told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Though they would grieve and feel forsaken, their sorrow would turn into joy after His resurrection.

Jesus’ Role in the Divine Plan

Jesus did not come to abolish the penalty of sin arbitrarily He came to fulfill it. The justice of God demanded a penalty for sin, but in His mercy, God provided a substitute in Jesus (see Romans 3:25-26). Jesus bore the curse and punishment meant for humanity so that we could be reconciled to God.

This is illustrated by the metaphor of the stone thrown at us, with Jesus stepping in to take the hit. He did not remove the punishment; He endured it on our behalf.

The Aftermath

Following His crucifixion, the disciples’ scattering was a real event showing human fear and weakness. But Jesus’ resurrection victory over sin and death restored the scattered sheep and established the church.

Matthew 26:31 speaks to this moment of crisis, but the gospel message ultimately points to hope and restoration through Christ.

Maranatha!

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“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

 1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)

Introduction
Blessed be the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. In this study, we’re addressing a spiritual reality that is often ignored or misunderstood the unique spiritual vulnerability of women to deception and demonic influence, and the biblical call to vigilance.

1. The Origin of Deception: Eve in the Garden

1 Timothy 2:13-14 (NIV):

“For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner.”

Paul’s instruction to Timothy connects spiritual authority and vulnerability to the creation order and the events of the Fall. Eve was deceived first, and this was not incidental it reveals something crucial about the human susceptibility to spiritual deception.

Theologically, this does not make women inferior in worth or dignity (see Galatians 3:28), but it does underscore a particular vulnerability in spiritual discernment, especially when outside of God’s order and Word.

2. Saul and the Medium of Endor: A Spiritual Warning

1 Samuel 28:7 (NIV):

“Saul then said to his attendants, ‘Find me a woman who is a medium, so I may go and inquire of her.’”

When King Saul turned away from God’s voice, he sought answers from a medium. Notably, he asked for a woman. While men also practiced sorcery (see Exodus 7:11), women were commonly associated with mediumship in the ancient Near East. Saul’s request reflects this cultural and spiritual reality.

In Scripture, mediums are condemned (see Leviticus 20:6, Deuteronomy 18:10-12), yet the fact that a woman was the one Saul sought out shows a pattern of spiritual susceptibility and involvement that continues to this day.

3. The Slave Girl in Philippi: Possession Through Divination

Acts 16:16-18 (NIV):

“Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a female slave who had a spirit by which she predicted the future…”

Paul and Silas encountered a young girl who was exploited by her owners through a spirit of divination likely a python spirit (Greek pneuma pythōna), associated with false prophecy and occultism. Even though her words sounded affirming (“These men are servants of the Most High God…”), Paul discerned the demonic source and cast it out.

This example shows that demonic spirits can speak religious truths, but they operate from a place of deception and bondage. The girl’s gender is again noted not because men cannot be possessed, but because women were culturally and spiritually more often used by such spirits.

4. The Witch of Endor and the Exodus Law

Exodus 22:18 (KJV):

“Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.” (Note: NIV translates this more broadly as “Do not allow a sorceress to live.”)

While both genders are capable of practicing witchcraft, the Bible specifically identifies sorceresses female practitioners as especially dangerous. This reflects a theological pattern: deception often gains a foothold where discernment is lacking, and in biblical history, women were often entangled in such spiritual roles due to societal marginalization and spiritual exploitation.

5. Why Are Women Still the Primary Target?

In the modern world, many women though not all remain spiritually vulnerable due to an emotional, intuitive nature that, while God-given and valuable, can be exploited by deceptive spirits when not grounded in the Word.

Women may be:Quick to believe spiritual-sounding messages,Drawn to emotional religious experiences without discernment,More easily influenced by trends or popular teachings without testing them.

This is not a condemnation, but a call to rise in spiritual maturity and discipline.

6. The Call to Spiritual Discernment

1 Thessalonians 5:21 (NIV):

“But test them all; hold on to what is good.”

1 John 4:1 (NIV):

“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”

John 6:63 (NIV):

“The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you they are full of the Spirit and life.”

Jesus Himself confirmed that His words are Spirit and life. Therefore, any word we receive, any teaching, and even any dream or vision must be tested against the Word of God.

7. The Word of God: Your Only Safe Filter

Hebrews 4:12 (NIV):

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit…”

If you only rely on sermons or social media teachings without reading the Bible yourself, you’re spiritually unarmed. The Bible is your lens, filter, and spiritual weapon. Without it, you are spiritually blind.

Women who don’t study Scripture for themselves often end up believing lies, getting caught in spiritual confusion, and even being used unknowingly by the enemy.

8. Conclusion and Exhortation

Dear sister in Christ, understand this: the devil sees you as a high value target. He knows that by deceiving one woman, he can influence a household, a church, even a generation.

But you are not powerless. You are not weak in Christ. You are fully capable of growing in wisdom, discernment, and power through the Holy Spirit.

James 1:5 (NIV):

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

Let this be a call to serious discipleship. Study God’s Word. Pray daily. Test every teaching. And walk in the power and authority of Christ.

May the Lord bless you.

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Salvation and the joy that accompanies it are inseparable realities in the Christian life. Scripture teaches that salvation is not merely a legal standing before God but a dynamic, transformative experience filled with joy. Psalm 51:12 reminds us to pray,

“Restore to me the joy of your salvation”

(ESV), implying that this joy can ebb and flow and sometimes needs to be restored.

Where there is true salvation, there should also be joy reflecting the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). If the joy is missing, it signals a spiritual problem, akin to eating food without salt something fundamentally lacking.

Many believers have accepted salvation, but not all experience the ongoing joy that should accompany it. Being saved means more than a one-time event; it is a continual experience of grace and peace (Romans 5:1–2). If joy is absent, something vital is missing in your spiritual walk.

1) Avoid Sin, Especially Sexual Sin

Sin damages our fellowship with God and robs us of the joy of salvation. David’s life is a biblical example. Despite being a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14), David experienced deep sorrow and loss of joy after his willful sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11). His repentance in Psalm 51 demonstrates a longing not just for forgiveness but for restoration of joy and fellowship:

“Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.” (Psalm 51:12, ESV)

Sin, especially persistent sin, hardens the heart and quenches the Spirit (Ephesians 4:30). Joy in salvation is not automatic but cultivated through holiness and obedience (1 Peter 1:15–16).

2) Read God’s Word Regularly

The Word of God is the source of spiritual nourishment and strength. Hebrews 4:12 (ESV) states, “For the word of God is living and active…” It reveals God’s character, reassures our faith, and equips us to endure trials (2 Timothy 3:16–17).

Neglecting Scripture leaves the believer vulnerable to doubt and fear (Romans 10:17). The Bible invites us to meditate on God’s commands and promises to experience life and peace (Psalm 1:2–3).

Proverbs 3:1–4 (ESV) beautifully connects obedience to God’s Word with long life, peace, and favor before God and man. Loving God’s Word is loving life itself.

3) Be a Person of Prayer

Prayer is the believer’s lifeline to God. Jesus taught the necessity of prayer to resist temptation: “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation” (Matthew 26:41, ESV). Without prayer, believers become spiritually weak and vulnerable.

Prayer aligns our hearts with God’s will and invites His power into our lives (Philippians 4:6–7). A vibrant prayer life sustains the joy of salvation and builds resilience against trials.

4) Prioritize Worship and Fellowship

Corporate worship and fellowship are biblically mandated means of grace. Hebrews 10:25 (ESV) exhorts believers

“Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another…”

Worship is both an individual and communal act that nurtures joy and spiritual strength. The fellowship of believers sharpens and strengthens faith (Proverbs 27:17), and through it, God often ministers to our weaknesses.

Worship lifts burdens and fills hearts with peace and joy (Psalm 100). It opens us to the Holy Spirit’s renewing work, which sustains our salvation’s joy (Romans 15:13).

5) Keep Growing Spiritually

Sanctification is a lifelong process. The apostle Paul encourages believers to grow “in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18, ESV). Stagnation leads to spiritual weakness and loss of joy.

Just as a child grows beyond milk to solid food (Hebrews 5:12–14), Christians must mature by deepening faith, quitting sin, and actively sharing the gospel (Matthew 28:19–20).

Daily progress in holiness and witness sustains joy and keeps the believer connected to God’s purposes. Without growth, joy fades, and spiritual vitality diminishes.

Final Thoughts

Evaluate these five areas honestly. Where have you become complacent? Take steps today to restore or deepen your joy in salvation. Spiritual decline is not inevitable; restoration is possible through repentance and renewed commitment.

Remember, salvation itself is secure (John 10:28–29), but the joy of salvation requires ongoing obedience, fellowship, prayer, and growth.

Shalom

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Question: Can the Holy Spirit actually leave a person? What does Psalm 51:11 say about this?

Let’s read the verse:

Psalm 51:11 (ESV):

“Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your Holy Spirit from me.”

The straightforward answer is yes  the Holy Spirit can depart from a person. When this happens, the person remains physically the same but spiritually diminished or vulnerable.

Biblical Example: King Saul

King Saul is a prominent example of someone from whom the Spirit of the Lord departed.

1 Samuel 16:14 (ESV):

“Now the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord tormented him.”

This passage reveals a significant theological truth: The Spirit of God can leave a person due to disobedience, and an evil spirit can then trouble that person. This illustrates the spiritual consequences of rebellion against God.

The Reason for Saul’s Loss of the Spirit
Saul’s loss of the Spirit was a direct result of his rebellion and failure to obey God’s commands.

1 Samuel 15:22-23 (ESV);

“And Samuel said, ‘Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has also rejected you from being king.'”

Here, rebellion is equated with sinfulness akin to witchcraft and idolatry, showing the severity of Saul’s disobedience.

The Consequences of Losing the Holy Spirit

When the Holy Spirit departs, a person loses God’s favor, including peace, joy, and spiritual strength.

2 Samuel 7:14-15 (ESV):

“I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. When he commits iniquity, I will discipline him with the rod of men and with the stripes of the sons of men, but my steadfast love will not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away from before you.”

God’s steadfast love (or favor) can depart when one rejects His Spirit, as happened with Saul.

The loss of the Spirit leads to inner turmoil, spiritual vulnerability, and susceptibility to evil influences, as demonstrated by Saul’s increasing jealousy and cruelty.

1 Samuel 22:11 (ESV):

“Then the king sent to summon Ahimelek the priest, the son of Ahitub, and all his father’s household, the priests who were at Nob; and they came to the king.”

Saul’s evil actions culminated in the killing of God’s priests, showing the deep spiritual decline resulting from losing the Spirit.

Distinguishing the Fruit of the Spirit from Spiritual Gifts

It is important to understand that losing the Holy Spirit does not mean a person stops performing supernatural acts such as speaking in tongues or prophesying.

Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV):

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”

The fruit of the Spirit reflects a person’s character and holiness   the inward evidence of the Spirit’s presence. In contrast, spiritual gifts (such as prophecy, speaking in tongues, or miracles) are manifestations of the Spirit that can, according to scripture and church history, sometimes occur apart from genuine spiritual fruit (cf. Matthew 7:22-23).

1 Samuel 18:10 (ESV):

“The next day an evil spirit from God rushed upon Saul, and he raved inside the house. David was playing the lyre, as he did day by day. Saul had a spear in his hand.”

Even after the Spirit of the Lord departed, Saul continued to prophesy under the influence of a different spirit, proving that the presence of spiritual gifts alone is not evidence of the Holy Spirit’s abiding presence.

Jesus’ Warning

Jesus warned that many would claim spiritual works but be rejected because they lack true relationship and holiness.

Matthew 7:22-23 (ESV):

“On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'”

This highlights the essential nature of the fruit of the Spirit true holiness and obedience over mere spiritual activity.

How Does the Holy Spirit Leave or Depart?

The Holy Spirit can depart when we grieve or quench Him.

Grieving the Spirit:
Ephesians 4:30 (ESV):

“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”

Disobedience and persistent sin grieve the Spirit. Like Saul, when we reject God’s Word and continue in sin, we risk losing the Spirit’s favor.

Quenching the Spirit:
1 Thessalonians 5:19 (ESV);

“Do not quench the Spirit.”

This means suppressing or extinguishing the Spirit’s work by neglecting spiritual disciplines such as prayer, worship, obedience, and holy living. Quenching the Spirit leads to spiritual dryness and ultimately may cause the Spirit to withdraw.

God bless you.

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Romans 1:31 (NKJV)
“…undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful;” (Romans 1:31 NKJV)
(Note: Some Bible versions, such as KJV and NASB, use the phrase “covenant breakers” here.)

Introduction
In Romans 1, the Apostle Paul lists various characteristics of those who have rejected God’s truth and turned to sin. Among these, he includes “covenant breakers.” But who exactly are these people? This phrase does not refer to people breaking “ancestral curses” or engaging in spiritual warfare, as some mistakenly think. Instead, it refers to people who fail to keep sacred commitments, whether to God, to others, or even to themselves. Let’s look at three major categories of covenant breakers, supported by Scripture.

1. Breaking the Covenant of Faith (Apostasy)

When someone receives Christ, they enter into a New Covenant—a spiritual agreement sealed by the blood of Jesus. This is a serious and holy commitment.

Hebrews 9:15 (NKJV):
“And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant…”

Salvation is not just a personal decision; it is a binding covenant between God and the believer. When someone walks away from that relationship and returns to sin, it is considered spiritual treason.

Hebrews 10:28–29 (NKJV):
“Anyone who has rejected Moses’ law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Of how much worse punishment… will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant… a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace?”

Theologically speaking, this is apostasy—the deliberate rejection of the saving truth. Apostasy is not accidental; it is willful rebellion after knowing Christ.

2 Peter 2:21 (NKJV):
“For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them.”

2. Breaking the Covenant of Marriage

Marriage is more than a social contract; it is a covenant before God.

Malachi 2:14 (NKJV):
“Yet you say, ‘For what reason?’ Because the Lord has been witness between you and the wife of your youth… yet she is your companion and your wife by covenant.”

When couples make vows at the altar, they are not just committing to one another—they are entering a divine agreement with God as their witness.

To break this covenant without biblical grounds (such as unrepented adultery or abandonment by an unbeliever—see Matthew 19:9; 1 Corinthians 7:15) is considered sin.

Mark 10:9 (NKJV):
“Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.”

Romans 7:2 (NKJV):
“For the woman who has a husband is bound by the law to her husband as long as he lives…”

Divorce without just cause, followed by remarriage, may even lead to what Jesus calls adultery (Matthew 5:32). God calls us to faithfulness, not convenience.

3. Breaking Personal Covenants (Vows and Promises to God)

God takes vows and commitments very seriously—even those we make voluntarily. Whether it’s a vow to fast, serve, give, or pray—if you say it to God, He expects you to follow through.

Ecclesiastes 5:4–5 (NKJV):
“When you make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it; for He has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you have vowed—Better not to vow than to vow and not pay.”

This applies to spiritual disciplines as well. If you tell yourself or God that you’ll do something for His Kingdom—follow through. Integrity is a fruit of righteousness.

Psalm 15:1, 4 (NKJV):
“LORD, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill?… He who swears to his own hurt and does not change.”

Failing to honor your personal words makes you spiritually unreliable:

James 1:8 (NKJV):
“He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”

Even Jesus taught that your “yes” should be “yes” and your “no,” “no” (Matthew 5:37). Anything beyond that is from the evil one.

Conclusion

Covenant breaking is not a light matter—it cuts across our relationship with God, others, and ourselves. To break a covenant is to despise the sacredness of trust, and the consequences are often spiritual death and separation from God’s blessings.

Let us be people of our word. Let us keep our promises. Let us honor our vows to God and one another. For our God is a covenant-keeping God (Deuteronomy 7:9), and He expects the same from us.

2 Timothy 2:13 (NKJV):
“If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.”

Final Prayer:
Lord, help us to be faithful in every covenant we enter—whether with You, our spouses, or our own souls. Teach us to honor our words and live with integrity, so we may reflect Your character to the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Maranatha! (The Lord is coming.)

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