He Arrived at the Field Jacob Gave to His son Joseph
(John 4:3–8, Genesis 48:21–22 — NIV)
During His earthly ministry, Jesus once undertook a long and physically exhausting journey from Judea to Galilee. Although there were many towns and villages along the way, Scripture tells us He didn’t stop to rest in any of them until He came to Samaria.
Now, Samaria was not a typical resting place for Jews. In fact, due to long-standing cultural and religious tensions, Jews avoided interactions with Samaritans (John 4:9). Yet, something about this location prompted Jesus to stop. He sat beside a well in a Samaritan town called Sychar, not by accident, but because that place held profound historical and spiritual significance.
John writes:
“So He left Judea and went back once more to Galilee. Now He had to go through Samaria. So He came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as He was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon.”
(John 4:3–6, NIV)
This “plot of ground” was no ordinary piece of land. It was the field Jacob gave to Joseph his beloved son born to him in his old age (Genesis 48:22). In Jewish tradition, Joseph symbolized integrity, righteousness, and faithfulness, even under immense pressure and suffering (Genesis 39:2–9). Jacob blessed Joseph with a double portion, as seen in:
“And Israel said to Joseph, ‘I am about to die, but God will be with you and take you back to the land of your fathers. And to you I give one more ridge of land than to your brothers, the ridge I took from the Amorites with my sword and my bow.’”
(Genesis 48:21–22, NIV)
This blessing was both physical and prophetic. The land became a spiritual inheritance. Jesus, who embodies the fulfillment of all patriarchal blessings (Matthew 5:17), may have spiritually recognized the enduring anointing and covenant embedded in that land.
His choice to stop and rest there wasn’t merely due to physical fatigue it was purposeful. There, at Jacob’s well, Jesus initiated one of the most theologically profound encounters in the Gospels: His conversation with the Samaritan woman (John 4:7–26). Through it, He revealed:
- That He is the source of living water (John 4:10),
- That worship would no longer be confined to Jerusalem or a mountain, but would be “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23–24),
- And that He is the promised Messiah (John 4:26).
This meeting led to the salvation of many Samaritans outsiders by Jewish standards showing that God’s grace reaches beyond boundaries (John 4:39–42).
Theological Reflection:
Why did Jesus stop specifically at Joseph’s field? Theologically, it symbolizes how righteousness leaves a legacy. Joseph’s life of integrity (Genesis 50:20) planted a spiritual seed that bore fruit even generations later. Jesus’ presence at that site may indicate that God honors the faithful, even posthumously. As Proverbs 10:7 (NIV) says, “The name of the righteous is used in blessings.”
Likewise, our lives today especially if we live in reverence to God can create spiritual blessings for future generations. If God has blessed your land, your work, or your legacy because of your righteousness, then like Joseph’s field, it may become a place where God Himself chooses to move.
Just as Elisha’s bones brought a dead man back to life (2 Kings 13:21), the righteousness of God’s servants carries spiritual weight even after death.
Final Thought:
What kind of legacy are you leaving? Are your actions today sowing spiritual seeds that will attract God’s presence tomorrow? If you walk in obedience and reverence like Joseph, your “field” whether your family, work, or influence may one day be the very place Christ visits to bring salvation to others.
May the Lord help us to live in such a way that our legacy draws His presence, now and for generations to come.
Shalom
He Found No Place to Rest the Sole of His Foot”
Genesis 8:9, NIV
Blessed be the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Welcome to this Bible study, where we dive into the living Word of God.
In the days following the great flood, Noah sought to understand whether the waters had receded. To do this, he released two birds from the ark a raven and a dove.
Genesis 8:6–9 (NIV) says:
“After forty days Noah opened a window he had made in the ark
and sent out a raven, and it kept flying back and forth until the water had dried up from the earth.
Then he sent out a dove to see if the water had receded from the surface of the ground.
But the dove could find nowhere to perch because there was water over all the surface of the earth; so it returned to Noah in the ark. He reached out his hand and took the dove and brought it back to himself in the ark.”
The raven flew around and did not return, while the dove, finding no clean or stable ground, returned to Noah.
Why did the dove come back, but the raven did not?
This distinction holds deeper theological significance rooted in the Old Testament laws concerning clean and unclean animals.
1. Clean vs. Unclean Animals
Before the flood, God gave Noah specific instructions:
Genesis 7:1–3 (NIV):
“The Lord then said to Noah, ‘Go into the ark, you and your whole family, because I have found you righteous in this generation.
Take with you seven pairs of every kind of clean animal, a male and its mate, and one pair of every kind of unclean animal, a male and its mate,
and also seven pairs of every kind of bird, male and female, to keep their various kinds alive throughout the earth.’”
The raven belongs to the category of unclean birds:
Leviticus 11:13–15 (NIV):
“These are the birds you are to regard as unclean and not eat because they are unclean: the eagle, the vulture, the black vulture,
the red kite, any kind of black kite,
any kind of raven…”
The dove, on the other hand, is a clean bird, often used in sacrificial offerings as a symbol of purity and peace (e.g., Leviticus 1:14).
2. Spiritual Implications
Unclean birds like ravens are scavengers. They feed on anything, including dead flesh. Spiritually, they symbolize the sinful nature those who are comfortable in corrupt, defiled environments. That may explain why the raven did not return: it found decay to feed on.
The dove, however, represents those who are pure in heart those who cannot settle in a defiled world. Seeing that the earth was still unclean (covered in water), it returned to the safety of the ark.
Theologically, this mirrors the distinction between the carnal person (symbolized by the raven) and the spiritual person (symbolized by the dove). Just as the dove returned to the ark (a symbol of Christ as our refuge), so too do the righteous find no rest in a sinful world but seek safety in Christ.
2 Corinthians 6:17 (NIV):
“‘Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.’”
Romans 12:2 (NIV):
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
If you feel at home in a world filled with sin, corruption, and immorality if you delight in unrighteousness and have no conviction then spiritually, you resemble the raven.
But if your heart longs for purity, if you cannot rest in a sinful environment, and you continually return to the presence of God for refuge then you walk the path of the dove.
3. The Ark as a Type of Christ
The ark was a place of safety during judgment. Spiritually, it represents Christ our ultimate refuge from the wrath to come.
John 14:6 (NIV):
“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”
The dove found no place to rest in the judged world, so it returned to the ark. In the same way, believers those washed by the blood of Jesus find no lasting comfort in the pleasures of this world. Their rest is found in Christ alone.
So, which are you a dove or a raven?
If sin still rules your life, it’s time to turn to Jesus. Repent and surrender to Him. He will receive you, cleanse you, and give you the Holy Spirit, who empowers you to live a holy life.
Matthew 15:18–20 (NIV):
“But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them.
For out of the heart come evil thoughts murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.
These are what defile a person…”
Reject the spirit of the raven. Be like the dove pure, discerning, and drawn to the presence of God.
The Lord bless you.
Maranatha—Come, Lord Jesus!
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Is Jesus God or a Prophet?
The Bible clearly shows that Jesus is both God and a Prophet. This might seem confusing at first, but consider this analogy: A country’s leader can be the President to the people, but to his family, he is a father or mother. One person can have multiple roles depending on the context. Similarly, Jesus holds multiple divine roles.
Jesus as God:
When Christ is in heaven, He is fully God eternal, sovereign, and divine. Scripture declares this in many places, affirming His deity. For example,
Titus 2:13 (NIV) says:
“while we wait for the blessed hope the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.”
This verse directly calls Jesus “our great God and Savior,” affirming His divine nature.
John 1:1 (NIV) also states:
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
The “Word” here refers to Jesus, showing His eternal existence and deity.
Jesus as Prophet:
On earth, Jesus was the promised Prophet foretold in the Old Testament.
Deuteronomy 18:15 (NIV) says:
“The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to him.”
Jesus fulfilled this prophecy by teaching God’s truth, performing miracles, and revealing God’s will.
Luke 24:19 (NIV) records:
“The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people.”
Jesus as Son of God:
Jesus also revealed Himself as the Son of God, the unique and eternal Son who shares the Father’s divine nature.
In Matthew 16:15-17 (NIV), Jesus asks His disciples:
“Who do you say I am?”
Simon Peter answers,
“You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
Jesus blesses Peter for this revelation, showing that this truth was revealed by God the Father.
Jesus as Savior and the Only Way to Heaven:
Jesus is not only God and Prophet but also our Savior. He came to save humanity from sin and death.
John 14:6 (NIV) says:
“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”
This confirms that salvation and access to God are possible only through Jesus.Jesus is fully God, fully man, the Prophet who reveals God’s word, the Son of God who reveals God’s nature, and the Savior who provides the only path to eternal life. No one can reach heaven except through faith in Him.
Have you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior? If not, why wait?
May God bless you richly
What does “Kalibu” mean? (Matthew 6:30, ESV)
Matthew 6:30 (ESV) says: “If God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?”
The word “kalibu” refers to a fiery oven a place used for burning dried grass, trash, or refuse. In the cultural context of Jesus’ time, after cleaning fields or homes, cut grass or waste was gathered and burned in such ovens to prevent pestilence and clear the land.
Jesus uses this vivid image to contrast the temporary nature of earthly things with the eternal care God provides. The “grass of the field” represents beauty and life that is transient alive today but destined for destruction tomorrow.
Theologically, this passage emphasizes God’s providence and care for His creation. If God so magnificently clothes something as seemingly insignificant as grass which is here only for a short time He will certainly provide for human beings, who are made in His image (Genesis 1:27) and hold eternal value.
This connects to the broader biblical theme of God’s sovereignty and faithful provision (Philippians 4:19). Jesus challenges His followers to live by faith, trusting that God knows their needs and will supply them, especially when they seek first His kingdom and righteousness (Matthew 6:33).
Luke 12:29-32 (ESV) expands this teaching:
“And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world
after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you. Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”
Here, Jesus encourages believers not to be anxious about daily needs, but to place their trust in God’s good will and provision. The phrase “little flock” reminds us that God’s kingdom people may be few but are dearly loved and cared for by God.
In summary:
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Kalibu = fiery oven used for burning grass and refuse, symbolizing the temporary nature of earthly things.
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God’s care for creation is visible even in the brief life of grass, highlighting His power and love for humanity.
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Believers are called to prioritize God’s kingdom above material concerns, trusting that God will provide all they need.
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This teaches faith, hope, and dependence on God’s promises, which are sure and trustworthy.
Maranatha! — “Come, Lord”
Let Purity Cover Your Gift
Leviticus 19:23-25 (NKJV) says:
“When you come into the land and plant any fruit tree for food, then you shall count its fruit as uncircumcised; three years it shall be as uncircumcised to you: it shall not be eaten. But in the fourth year all its fruit shall be holy, an offering of praise to the Lord. And in the fifth year you may eat its fruit, that its yield may increase to you: I am the Lord your God.”
I greet you in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior. Welcome! Let’s explore God’s Word together and understand His principles for bearing fruit in our lives and ministries.
The Desire to Bear Fruit
Every believer longs to bear much fruit for God to see spiritual gifts blessing others, to witness lives transformed, and to see the Kingdom of God grow. Yet many get discouraged early in ministry because they don’t see immediate results. They may question if their work is truly God’s calling.
This discouragement often comes from not understanding God’s process for growth and fruitfulness. Jesus taught this clearly
in John 15:4-5 (NKJV):
“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”
True fruitfulness requires abiding in Christ and walking in His ways this is a process.
The Biblical Model of Fruitfulness: Three Stages
God instructed the Israelites on how to treat fruit trees when entering the Promised Land. This model is rich in spiritual meaning about how God’s gifts and ministries grow in us.
Stage 1: The First Three Years – Uncircumcised Fruit
The fruit produced in the first three years was “uncircumcised” (Lev. 19:23), meaning it was not yet suitable for eating or use. In agriculture, early fruit often lacks maturity, taste, or value, and is removed so the tree can grow stronger.
Spiritually, when you begin your walk with God or start a ministry, your early efforts may seem unproductive or weak. This period involves growth, testing, and perseverance. You may feel your work is fruitless or insignificant, but this is normal and necessary.
This stage represents sanctification in progress a believer is growing but not yet fully mature. Paul talks about the process of growth
in 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NKJV):
“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.”
You must remain faithful in this stage, even if results aren’t visible.
Stage 2: The Fourth Year – Holy Fruit
In the fourth year, the fruit is declared holy and must be dedicated to the Lord (Lev. 19:24). The Israelites were commanded not to consume this fruit but to give it as an offering of praise.
Spiritually, this means that your ministry or spiritual gift must be fully dedicated to God not for personal gain or comfort, but as a sacrifice. It involves self-denial, investment of time, resources, and energy.
This stage reflects the call to wholehearted devotion and stewardship. Paul exhorts believers
in Romans 12:1 (NKJV):
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”
Giving to God first is a principle of faith and obedience.
Stage 3: The Fifth Year – Abundant Harvest
From the fifth year onwards, the fruit could be eaten and enjoyed (Lev. 19:25). This represents the stage where God blesses the faithful servant with abundant fruit.
Spiritually, this is when the believer’s faithfulness and perseverance result in visible, lasting impact souls are saved, lives changed, and ministries prosper.
This corresponds to God’s promised blessing for faithfulness, as seen
in Galatians 6:9 (NKJV):
“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”
This blessing is the reward for persistent faith and obedience.
Summary and Encouragement
- Be patient in the early stages of growth, understanding it’s normal for initial fruit to be small or imperfect.
- Dedicate your gift fully to God, offering your time, talents, and resources as a holy sacrifice.
- Trust God for the increase, knowing that if you remain faithful, your efforts will bear abundant fruit in due time.
Don’t say, “One day I will get there,” without taking action now. Years can pass without fruit if you don’t follow God’s process of growth, dedication, and patience.
Final Thought
The presence of a prompting or passion to serve God is a sign of the gift God has given you. Act on that prompting faithfully, even when results aren’t immediately visible.
May the Lord help us understand these principles and empower us to bear lasting fruit for His glory.
Shalom.
A Woman of Dignity Is Always Respected(Proverbs 11:16, ESV)
This message is part of special teachings about the character and honor of women according to Scripture.
Proverbs 11:16 (ESV)
“A gracious woman gets honor, and violent men get riches.”
This verse highlights that a woman’s dignity and grace lead to lasting respect. It’s not about outward appearance or wealth, but about inner character. This teaching is for you whether you are a daughter or a mother who desires respect from both God and people.
Understanding Respect
Respect is something that must be earned and preserved. It is not automatically granted by beauty, education, wealth, or social status. Instead, respect is rooted in your inner value the qualities God cultivates in you and which others recognize.
- Why is respect hard to gain? Because it costs sacrifice, discipline, and commitment to godly living.
- What is true respect? It is esteem based on moral integrity and reverence for God.
What Truly Brings Respect?
Many young women mistakenly believe that outward beauty or fashion such as makeup, wigs, and revealing clothing gives them honor. But the Bible warns against valuing external appearance over internal character.
- 1 Samuel 16:7 (ESV) says, “The LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.”
This means God values your heart and spirit far more than your physical looks.- Proverbs 31:30 (ESV) reminds us, “Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.”
Trying to gain respect by showing off the body or flashy fashion may attract attention, but it invites judgment and disrespect, not true honor.
Biblical Qualities That Earn Respect
The Bible highlights seven key qualities in women that lead to lasting respect:
- Fear of the Lord
Reverence and trust in God form the foundation of a woman’s character (Proverbs 31:30). - Good Manners (Decency)
Proper behavior reflects self-respect and honors others (1 Timothy 2:9). - Gentleness
Strength under control, showing kindness and humility (1 Peter 3:3-4). - Moderation
Avoiding excess in behavior and appearance (Titus 2:3-5). - Calmness
Maintaining peace and tranquility in spirit (1 Timothy 2:11). - Self-Control
Discipline in thoughts, words, and actions (Galatians 5:22-23). - Obedience
Willingness to submit to God’s authority and wisdom (Ephesians 5:22-24).
Scripture Passages Supporting These Qualities
- 1 Timothy 2:9-11 (ESV)
“Likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness with good works. Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness.”- 1 Peter 3:3-4 (ESV)
“Do not let your adorning be external the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.”
Blessings of a Woman Who Lives by These Principles
When you live by these godly qualities, respect naturally follows. Whatever you ask from God whether a godly husband, a position of leadership, or spiritual gifts He will provide according to His perfect will.
- Like Ruth, who found Boaz (Ruth 2:1-23), God honors faithfulness and humility.
- As Proverbs 31 describes, a virtuous woman’s worth is “far above jewels” (Proverbs 31:10).
Most importantly, you will receive eternal life and be in the company of godly women like Sarah, Hannah, Deborah, and Mary the faithful women of the Bible who trusted God and lived with dignity.
A Warning
Rejecting these principles leads to the opposite outcome. Jezebel, a biblical symbol of ungodliness and rebellion (Revelation 2:20), serves as a warning. Following her example leads to spiritual ruin.
Final Encouragement
Do not lose your respect.
Value yourself as God’s creation and live according to His Word.
References:
- Bible Version: English Standard Version (ESV)
- Proverbs 11:16, 31:30
- 1 Timothy 2:9-11
- 1 Peter 3:3-4
- Ruth 2
- Revelation 2:20
He Will Baptize You with the Holy Spirit and fire
The Bible reveals that during His earthly ministry, Jesus Himself did not baptize anyone with water.
In John 3:22 (NIV) and John 4:1-2 (NIV), it says:
“After these things, Jesus and His disciples went out into the Judean countryside, where He spent some time with them, and baptized. Now Jesus himself did not baptize, but His disciples did.”
This clearly shows that although Jesus’ disciples baptized people, Jesus Himself never personally baptized anyone with water.
Why is this important? It tells us that Jesus intended to perform a different kind of baptism one that only He can administer. Water baptism is a physical act done by humans, but the baptism Jesus offers is a spiritual transformation by the Holy Spirit.
Water baptism symbolizes the believer’s identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. When baptized, a person is immersed in water and raised again, representing dying to the old self and rising to new life in Christ. This is described in Romans 6:3-4 (NIV):
“Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”On the other hand, the baptism in the Holy Spirit is a spiritual act in which the believer’s spirit is immersed and empowered by the Holy Spirit. This baptism is a sovereign act of Jesus, and no human or angel can perform it for another. Jesus promised this baptism in Luke 3:16 (NIV):
“John answered them all, ‘I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.’”
Both baptisms are essential. We must be baptized in water by human ministers and baptized in the Holy Spirit by Jesus Himself.
Some teach that baptism in the Holy Spirit is optional, or that water baptism alone is sufficient. Others claim that once someone receives the Holy Spirit, water baptism is no longer necessary. These views contradict Scripture. Jesus said in John 3:5 (NIV):
“Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.”
Here, “born of water” refers to water baptism, and “born of the Spirit” refers to the baptism in the Holy Spirit. Both are necessary for entrance into God’s kingdom.Additionally, even after receiving the Holy Spirit, water baptism remains important. For example, when Peter visited the Gentile Cornelius and his household, the Holy Spirit came upon them first, but Peter still instructed them to be baptized in water. This is recorded in Acts 10:44-48 (NIV):
“While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, ‘Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.’ So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.”
This shows that receiving the Holy Spirit does not replace water baptism. Both baptisms are vital parts of a believer’s spiritual journey.
Have you been baptized with water? If not, and you have already heard the truth, you are at risk spiritually. If you were baptized as a child or by sprinkling only, consider being baptized again by full immersion, as practiced in the New Testament (see John 3:23 (NIV):
“Now John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were coming to be baptized.”)
Have you also been baptized in the Holy Spirit? If not, ask Jesus He is faithful and will give you His Holy Spirit, because He desires to be with you more than you desire Him. But first, repent sincerely by turning away from all sin, and be baptized with water if you have not already.
Peter answered the people’s question about what to do in Acts 2:37-39 (NIV):
“When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’ Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.’”
May the Lord richly bless you as you seek Him.
Where Can You Encounter the Angel of the Lord?
A Message of Restoration and Divine Encounter
Greetings to you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. All glory, honor, and power belong to Him forever. Amen.
Today, let us take a fresh look at the story of Hagar, Sarai’s maidservant, found in Genesis 16. Her story is not just a historical event but a spiritual lesson about where and how we meet God in our distress.
Hagar’s Wilderness Experience
Hagar found herself in a desperate situation. After becoming pregnant by Abraham, at Sarai’s request, conflict arose. Sarai mistreated her so harshly that Hagar fled into the wilderness.
“Your slave is in your hands,” Abram said. “Do with her whatever you think best.” Then Sarai mistreated Hagar; so she fled from her.”
(Genesis 16:6, NIV)
The wilderness, in biblical terms, is often a symbol of isolation, testing, and divine encounter. Hagar, alone and pregnant, represents many of us who, when overwhelmed, seek to escape. Yet, even in the wilderness, God sees.
The Angel of the Lord Appears at the Spring
Hagar wandered into the desert, but Scripture highlights a significant detail:
“The angel of the Lord found Hagar near a spring in the desert; it was the spring that is beside the road to Shur.”
(Genesis 16:7, NIV)
This “spring” is more than just a physical location it symbolically represents a place of divine refreshment, revelation, and encounter.
Only at the spring did the Angel of the Lord approach her and speak:
“Then the angel of the Lord told her, ‘Go back to your mistress and submit to her.’”
(Genesis 16:9, NIV)
“The angel added, ‘I will increase your descendants so much that they will be too numerous to count.’”
(Genesis 16:10, NIV)
“You shall name him Ishmael, for the Lord has heard of your misery.”
(Genesis 16:11, NIV)
Theologically, many scholars interpret “the Angel of the Lord” here as a Christophany a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ, because He speaks with divine authority and promises blessings only God can give.
Why the Spring Matters Today
This story reveals a pattern: God’s messengers and answers often come when we draw near to “living water” a symbol of Christ Himself.
Jesus declared:
“Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
(John 4:13–14, NIV)
We live in a time when many people cry out to God:
“Lord, help me!”
“Lord, heal me!”
“Lord, bless me!”
But just like Hagar, if we are not spiritually located near the “spring” that is, in Christ we may miss the encounter.
What Is the “Spring” for Us Today?
In practical terms, drawing near to the spring means:
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Spending time in the Word of God (Psalm 1:2–3)
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Living in obedience to Christ’s teachings (John 15:10)
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Maintaining a consistent prayer life (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
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Fellowship with other believers (Hebrews 10:25)
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Worship and sacrificial devotion (Romans 12:1)
We cannot expect angelic visitations, breakthroughs, or divine direction while we dwell far from Christ. The angel met Hagar at the spring not in her comfort zone or rebellion, but in a place of need, humility, and refreshment.
A Wake-Up Call to Believers
Many of us are busy in our careers, social media, entertainment, or weekend parties, but neglect the things of the Spirit. We cry out to God in trouble but fail to dwell near the source of life Jesus, the Living Water.
The Bible warns us about spiritual complacency in the Laodicean church, representing the final church age:
“I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot… So, because you are lukewarm neither hot nor cold I am about to spit you out of my mouth.”
(Revelation 3:15–16, NIV)
We are living in the final days. All prophetic signs concerning the return of Christ have been fulfilled (Matthew 24). The Church of today must return to the spring—Jesus Christ.
Are You Ready?
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Have you given your life to Christ?
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Are you walking in daily fellowship with Him?
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Do you want to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, as done in the book of Acts (Acts 2:38)?
If your answer is yes or if you’re seeking guidance on how to grow spiritually or join a fellowship please feel free to contact us:
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May the Lord bless you richly. Shalom.
THIS IS THE CHARACTER OF THE PEOPLE OF KEILA — DO NOT IMITATE THEM
(1 Samuel 23:1-14, ESV/NIV)
Keila was a small town in Israel (1 Samuel 23:1, ESV) that suffered greatly under repeated attacks by the Philistines (1 Samuel 23:2). The Philistines would raid their grain and oppress the people, leaving them helpless and vulnerable. During this time, David who was hiding and fleeing from King Saul passed through Keila (1 Samuel 23:4). He heard the distress of the townspeople and was deeply moved by their suffering (v.5).
Despite his precarious situation, David showed compassion and courage. He called his small band of men and told them of his intention to defend Keila (v.6). David sought God’s guidance, asking whether he would succeed if he fought for Keila’s people (v.7-8). God assured him of victory (v.10-12). This illustrates the biblical principle of seeking divine direction before taking action (Proverbs 3:5-6).
The people of Keila rejoiced to hear that David their deliverer was coming to their aid (v.11). David defeated the Philistines, liberated the captives, and restored their property (v.13-14). Their response was joyful celebration, showing gratitude for God’s deliverance through David (v.13).
However, the story takes a tragic turn. Saul, intent on killing David, heard of his presence in Keila and sent troops to capture him (v.7-8). David prayed again, asking if the people of Keila would betray him to Saul (v.9-12). God revealed that they would (v.12), demonstrating a sobering reality: even those we help may turn against us (Psalm 41:9).
Faced with this, David left Keila and went into hiding once more (v.13-14). This shows David’s dependence on God’s protection despite human betrayal (Psalm 27:1-3).
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God’s Sovereignty and Guidance:
David’s habit of consulting God before battle (1 Samuel 23:9-12) shows a model for believers today to seek God’s will in all decisions (James 1:5). The certainty of God’s promises (v.11) encourages faith even in difficult situations. -
Human Frailty and Betrayal:
The people of Keila feared the consequences of protecting David (1 Samuel 23:12). This reveals human tendency to prioritize safety over loyalty, paralleling Jesus’ own experience with Judas’ betrayal (John 13:21-27). -
Faithfulness Amid Trials:
David’s faith and courage despite repeated dangers (1 Samuel 23:14) exemplify perseverance in trusting God’s deliverance (Hebrews 12:1-3).
New Testament Parallel:
The reaction of the people of Keila foreshadows the rejection Jesus experienced. Despite his miracles, teachings, and healing power, many Israelites turned against Him when His mission brought danger (John 11:47-50, NIV):
“If we let Him go on like this, everyone will believe in Him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” (John 11:48)
Caiaphas’s grim counsel that “it is better for one man to die for the people” (v.50) led to Jesus’ crucifixion a voluntary sacrifice for the salvation of humanity (John 10:17-18).
Application for Believers Today:
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Like David, we should seek God’s guidance in every decision and trust His protection even in the face of betrayal (Psalm 32:8).
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We must be aware that loyalty is not guaranteed from others, but God remains faithful (2 Timothy 2:13).
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Let us not abandon Jesus when trials come, as some did with David and as many did with Christ (Luke 22:54-62).
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Instead, we should love God with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind (Mark 12:30), holding fast to our faith regardless of opposition.
May the Lord
Is it okay to have sex while fasting?
Understanding Fasting and Its Purpose
Fasting is a spiritual discipline where a believer voluntarily refrains from something often food or drink for a specific period to draw nearer to God (Matthew 6:16-18, NIV). The purpose of fasting is not merely physical abstinence but to foster spiritual intimacy through prayer, repentance, and focused devotion.
People fast from various things depending on their spiritual goals: some avoid eating or drinking, others may abstain from sleep, work, or even communication. The key is to remove distractions so you can deepen your relationship with God.
Sexual Relations During a Fast
The question arises: Is it permissible to engage in sexual relations during a fast?
The Bible does not explicitly forbid sexual intimacy during fasting. Since the traditional fast usually involves refraining from food and drink, engaging in sexual relations is not inherently contradictory to fasting.
However,
1 Corinthians 7:3-5 (ESV) gives important guidance on marital intimacy:
“The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband. For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.”
This passage highlights mutual consent and temporary abstinence for prayerful focus but warns against prolonged withholding, which can lead to temptation.
Application
- If both spouses mutually agree to abstain from sexual relations during a fast to devote more time to prayer and spiritual focus, this is commendable and biblically supported.
- If one partner does not agree, the other should not refuse intimacy because marriage involves mutual authority over each other’s bodies. Refusing without mutual consent is discouraged (1 Corinthians 7:4, NIV).
- Sexual intimacy during fasting, therefore, does not break the fast unless your fast’s specific purpose includes abstaining from sex as part of your spiritual discipline.
Fasting is ultimately about seeking God’s presence and strengthening spiritual discipline (Joel 2:12-13, NIV). Marital intimacy is a God-ordained good (Hebrews 13:4, ESV), designed to strengthen the marital bond and should be handled with love, respect, and mutual agreement.
Engaging in intimacy during a fast is not sinful or a violation of fasting unless your personal or mutual fast explicitly includes it. It’s essential that the fast enriches your walk with God without causing unnecessary conflict in your marriage.
Summary
- Fasting = voluntary abstinence primarily from food/drink for spiritual focus.
- Sex during fasting = permitted unless mutually agreed to abstain.
- Mutual consent and love in marriage are biblical mandates.
- Scripture encourages prayerful abstinence only for limited times.
- Your fast should bring you closer to God and strengthen your marriage, not cause division.
May God richly bless you as you seek Him with all your heart.
