Title January 2024

Question: Who are the people called those who apply “Kalafati”?

Answer:
The term “Kalafati” appears only twice in Scripture—in Ezekiel 27:9 and Ezekiel 27:27. It refers to a “thin cotton rope” used by ancient shipbuilders to seal or caulk the seams between wooden planks, preventing water from leaking into the ship.

In other words, “Kalafati” describes skilled workers who made ships watertight by applying caulking material.

Ezekiel 27:9 —
“The elders of Gebal and their skilled workers were within you, applying Kalafati; all the ships of the sea and their sailors came alongside to trade for your merchandise.”

What does this mean in context?

If you read Ezekiel chapter 27, you find a prophecy against the city and king of Tyre. Tyre was a wealthy, powerful trading city famous for its sea commerce. The “Kalafati” here symbolize the skilled workers who maintained the ships, vital for Tyre’s trading power.

This passage illustrates human pride and reliance on worldly riches and power, especially in commerce and political strength, which is ultimately fragile and temporary.

God’s judgment comes on the proud king of Tyre because of his arrogance and sinful ways (see Ezekiel 28 for a direct address to the king). His ships, crewed by sailors, captains, and “caulkers”, will sink — representing the total collapse of his power.

Ezekiel 27:27—
“Your wealth, merchandise, sailors, captains, caulkers, merchants, and all your fighting men on board will sink into the heart of the sea on the day of your shipwreck.”

This shipwreck is symbolic of God’s judgment on human pride and false security apart from Him.

The Broader Picture: Fall of the World System

This prophecy also points forward to the final judgment of worldly powers and false religions in the end times, as described in the book of Revelation.

The fall of Babylon the Great in Revelation symbolizes the ultimate destruction of corrupt worldly systems opposed to God.

Revelation 18:2-3 —
“Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great! She has become a dwelling for demons… For all the nations have drunk the maddening wine of her adulteries. The kings of the earth committed adultery with her, and the merchants of the earth grew rich from her excessive luxuries.”

Revelation 18:9-10 —
“When the kings of the earth who committed adultery with her and shared her luxury see the smoke of her burning, they will weep and mourn… ‘Woe! Woe to you, great city, you mighty city of Babylon! In one hour your doom has come!’”

The lesson here is clear: any human power or wealth built on pride, sin, and rebellion against God will ultimately perish.

Salvation in Christ Alone

The Bible warns that all worldly glory and riches are temporary. The only true security is found in Jesus Christ, who saves us from judgment and gives eternal life.

Mark 16:16 —
“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”

We live in the last days, and Christ’s return is near. Have you placed your faith in Him? Have you responded by baptism, as the Scripture commands?

Blessing

May the Lord bless you and keep you as you trust in Him.

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Question: What does it mean to “row with oars”?

An oar is a tool used to move a boat through the water by rowing. The plural is oars. Oars are long, paddle-like instruments that sailors or rowers use to push against the water and move a vessel forward. They are essential when there is no wind for sailing or when navigating through rough waters.

In Jonah 1:13, we read:

“Instead, the men did their best to row back to land. But they could not, for the sea grew even wilder than before.”

In this verse, the sailors were desperately trying to save themselves and Jonah by rowing back to shore. But no matter how hard they tried, their human effort wasn’t enough—the storm only became more violent. The original Hebrew word translated as “row” literally means “to dig,” suggesting just how strenuous and desperate their efforts were.

Human Effort vs. Divine Will

This moment in the story of Jonah highlights a profound theological truth: human effort is limited when it’s outside of God’s will. The sailors tried everything they could to avoid throwing Jonah overboard, but God had already determined the course of action. Their struggle teaches us that our strength, wisdom, or good intentions cannot override God’s purposes.

This echoes what we find in:

• Proverbs 19:21 – “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
• Psalm 127:1– “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.”

The sailors weren’t wicked men—they were trying to do the right thing. But even righteous effort must be surrendered to God’s sovereign plan.

Other Bible References About Oars and Rowing

• Mark 6:48 – “He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them…”
  → Even Jesus’ disciples experienced struggle when rowing against forces beyond their control—until Jesus showed up and brought peace.
• John 6:19  – “When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water…”
  → Again, we see that human effort takes us only so far—until Jesus meets us in the storm.
• Isaiah 33:21 and Ezekiel 27:6 also reference boats and oars in poetic and prophetic imagery.

Takeaway: Surrender Is Stronger Than Struggle

Jonah’s story reminds us that there are times when letting go and surrendering to God’s will is more powerful than rowing harder. Whether it’s a decision, a hardship, or a storm in life, we must ask ourselves:
Am I rowing against God’s will, or am I trusting His direction?

Take time to read Jonah chapter 1 and reflect on your own storms. Are you relying on your own strength, or are you seeking God’s will above all?

Shalom.

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Question: What are “strong winds” mentioned in the Bible?

Answer: Let’s carefully examine the passage from Matthew 14:23-26.

“After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by strong winds.” (Matthew 14:23-24)

Here, the term “strong winds” (Greekliterally means winds blowing against — winds opposing the boat’s direction. This indicates hardship and opposition.

We find a similar description in Acts 27:4:

“We put out to sea and sailed along the coast of Crete, opposite Salmone. The wind was against us.” (Acts 27:4)

The Meaning of “Strong Winds”

In biblical imagery, winds often represent spiritual forces or influences (John 3:8). When the Bible describes “strong winds” opposing believers, it symbolizes spiritual opposition, trials, and obstacles sent by the enemy (Ephesians 6:12). These are challenges that hinder or delay God’s purposes in our lives.

In the story of Matthew 14, Jesus’ disciples experienced such opposition as they crossed the sea — a symbol of chaos and the unknown (Psalm 107:29). The “strong winds” were obstacles trying to stop them from fulfilling God’s mission.

Yet, when Jesus came to them (Matthew 14:25-27), walking on water and calming the storm, it showed His authority over nature and spiritual powers (Mark 4:39). This reveals a key theological truth:

Jesus has authority over all spiritual opposition and life’s storms.

What Does This Mean for Us?

1. Spiritual Opposition Is Real
   The “strong winds” represent difficulties and attacks from the enemy that seek to discourage or derail our faith journey (1 Peter 5:8).
2. Faith Is the Key to Overcome
   Just as Jesus calmed the storm, we are called to stand firm in faith and rebuke the challenges in His name (Mark 11:23-24).
3. Jesus Is Our Refuge and Power
   In every trial, Jesus is present to calm our fears and guide us through (Psalm 46:1-3)

The “strong winds” in Matthew 14:24 symbolize spiritual opposition and hardships that test our faith. However, Jesus’ presence brings peace and victory over these challenges.

When you face “strong winds” in life—whether spiritual battles, personal struggles, or setbacks—remember to stand firm in faith and call on Jesus’ name. His power will calm your storms.

Blessings to you. Maran

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Question: Where in the Old Testament was it predicted that Jesus would rise from the dead?

Answer: Before examining the prophecy of Jesus’ resurrection, it is important to first understand the prophecies concerning His suffering, burial, and the three days He would spend in the grave. These events are crucial because the resurrection is the fulfillment of God’s plan to save humanity through Jesus’ sacrifice.

1. The Suffering of Jesus

Jesus’ suffering is central to Christian theology because it fulfills the concept of the Suffering Servant described in Isaiah 53. This passage reveals that Jesus would suffer vicariously, bearing the sins and punishment deserved by humanity (substitutionary atonement). This suffering is not random but part of God’s redemptive plan.

Isaiah 53:4-5

“Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.”

2. Burial and Three Days in the Grave

Jesus’ burial and time in the tomb emphasize His true death, affirming that He fully experienced death. The “three days and three nights” prophecy corresponds with Jewish reckoning of time and reflects the completeness of Jesus’ death before His resurrection. The connection to Jonah highlights God’s use of typology—where Old Testament events foreshadow New Testament truths.

Matthew 12:39-40

“He answered, ‘A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.
For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.’”

Jonah’s story foreshadows Jesus’ death and resurrection, illustrating God’s power over death and His mercy in offering salvation.

3. The Resurrection of Jesus

The resurrection is the cornerstone of Christian faith (1 Corinthians 15:14). It confirms Jesus as the Messiah, conquering sin and death. The resurrection fulfills Old Testament prophecy and validates Jesus’ divine nature and victory over the grave.

David’s prophecy in Psalm 16 is understood as messianic, indicating that the Messiah would not undergo decay—a clear hint to bodily resurrection.

Psalm 16:10

“because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay.”

The Apostle Peter connects this prophecy directly to Jesus in his Pentecost sermon:

Acts 2:29-32

“Brothers, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day.
But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne.
Seeing what was to come, he spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, that he was not abandoned to the grave, nor did his body see decay.
God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it.”

This confirms Jesus’ resurrection as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, affirming His victory over death.

Summary of Jesus’ Prophecies in the Old Testament

The Old Testament contains detailed prophecies about Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and future reign, demonstrating God’s sovereign plan of salvation:

• Birth in Bethlehem: Micah 5:2
• Triumphal entry into Jerusalem on a donkey: Zechariah 9:9
• Betrayal by Judas: Psalm 41:9
• Soldiers dividing His clothes: Psalm 22:18
• Jesus’ cry of abandonment: Psalm 22:1
• Given vinegar to drink: Psalm 69:21
• Crucified with criminals: Isaiah 53:12

These fulfilled prophecies validate Jesus as the promised Messiah and God’s chosen Savior.

What About You?

Salvation is available to all who believe in Jesus’ death and resurrection. The New Testament emphasizes repentance, faith, baptism, and receiving the Holy Spirit as the response to Jesus’ redemptive work (Acts 2:38).

The Bible also promises Jesus’ second coming, when He will gather His followers and judge the world (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

If you haven’t accepted Jesus yet, today is the time. Choose to believe, be baptized, and receive the Holy Spirit.

Invitation:
“Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” (Acts 16:31)

May God bless you!

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Question: Where was the nation of Edom located, and what is that place called today?

The Origin of the Name “Edom”

The name “Edom” means “red” in Hebrew. It was first used as a nickname for Esau, the twin brother of Jacob (Israel), the sons of Isaac and Rebekah. According to Genesis 25:25, when Esau was born, “The first to come out was red, and his whole body was like a hairy garment; so they named him Esau” . Later, Esau was also called “Edom” after he traded his birthright for red stew (see Genesis 25:30).

Genesis 25:30 
He said to Jacob, “Quick, let me have some of that red stew! I’m famished!” (That is why he was also called Edom.)

This moment marked the beginning of a spiritual distinction between Esau (Edom) and Jacob (Israel), which would develop into a long-standing rivalry between two nations.

Edom Becomes a Nation

Esau’s descendants settled in the hill country of Seir, a mountainous region south of Canaan. Over time, they became the nation of Edom. Just as Jacob’s descendants became the nation of Israel, Esau’s descendants became known as the Edomites.

Genesis 36:8–9 
So Esau (that is, Edom) settled in the hill country of Seir. This is the account of the family line of Esau the father of the Edomites in the hill country of Seir.

God allowed Esau’s family to prosper and multiply, but despite their shared ancestry with Israel, the Edomites often lived in hostility toward them (see Numbers 20:14–21; Obadiah 1:10–14).

Where Is Edom Today?

The ancient land of Edom was located in the region that now lies in southern Jordan, particularly to the southwest, and extended into the southern part of modern-day Israel. The capital of ancient Edom was likely the rock city of Sela, known today as Petra in Jordan.

While the Edomite nation no longer exists as a people group, their territory is still recognizable. Today, it falls within the borders of southern Jordan and parts of Israel’s Negev desert.

Significance of Edom

Throughout Scripture, Edom represents more than just a geographic location or an ancient people. Edom becomes a symbol of pride, rebellion, and opposition to God’s people. This is especially highlighted in the Book of Obadiah, which contains a prophecy of judgment against Edom for its violence, arrogance, and betrayal of Israel during times of distress.

Obadiah 1:3–4 
“The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rocks… Though you soar like the eagle and make your nest among the stars, from there I will bring you down,” declares the Lord.

Edom serves as a warning in Scripture: nations and individuals who oppose God’s purposes and mistreat His people will ultimately face His judgment.

However, there is also hope. Some prophecies, like those in Amos 9:11–12, speak of a future time when even the remnant of Edom will be brought under God’s rule, showing God’s mercy and the inclusion of Gentiles in His redemptive plan.

Amos 9:11–12 
“In that day I will restore David’s fallen shelter… so that they may possess the remnant of Edom and all the nations that bear my name,” declares the Lord.

Lessons for Today

1. God remembers history and holds nations accountable. Edom’s downfall came because of pride and hostility toward God’s people.
2. Spiritual inheritance matters more than earthly status. Esau lost his blessing for temporary satisfaction (Hebrews 12:16–17), reminding us to value eternal things.
3. God’s justice and mercy work together. While Edom was judged, the door remains open for repentance and inclusion in God’s kingdom.

Though the nation of Edom has vanished, the land it once occupied remains, divided today between Jordan and Israel. More importantly, the spiritual message of Edom endures in Scripture—as a testimony of pride judged, and as a call to humility, righteousness, and reconciliation with God.

May the Lord bless you as you seek to understand His Word and His plans for all nations.

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