Question: What does it mean that the offspring of the woman will crush the serpent’s head, and the serpent will bruise the heel of the woman’s offspring?
Answer: To understand this, we must go back to the first prophecy in the Bible, given immediately after the fall of mankind.
Genesis 3:14–15 (NKJV)
So the LORD God said to the serpent: “Because you have done this, you are cursed more than all cattle, and more than every beast of the field; on your belly you shall go, and you shall eat dust all the days of your life. And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.”
This is often called the Protoevangelium (the “first gospel”), because it is the very first announcement of the coming Redeemer. It reveals two parallel realities—physical and spiritual—that have echoed throughout human history.
From the earliest times, the serpent has been one of mankind’s most feared creatures—more feared than lions or crocodiles. Instinctively, when a person encounters a snake, they aim for its head to kill it. This universal reaction reflects the ancient word of God: “He shall bruise your head.”
Likewise, the snake instinctively aims for the foot or heel when it strikes. Crawling on its belly, it can easily reach the lowest part of the body, but rarely the upper body.
This physical reality serves as a living reminder of the deeper, spiritual truth God embedded in creation.
Spiritually, the “Seed of the woman” refers to Jesus Christ. Unlike every other human being, Jesus was conceived without the seed of a man—born of a virgin by the power of the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 7:14; Luke 1:34–35). He had a human mother, Mary, but no human father.
This miraculous birth fulfills the prophecy that the Deliverer would come through a woman alone, making Him uniquely “the Seed of the woman.”
Galatians 4:4–5 (ESV)
But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.
The “seed of the serpent” refers to all who reject God’s truth and align themselves with Satan’s rebellion. Scripture directly identifies the serpent as Satan himself:
Revelation 12:9 (NKJV)
So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
Jesus confronted the Pharisees with this truth:
John 8:44 (NKJV)
You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him.
John the Baptist called the religious hypocrites “brood of vipers” (Matthew 3:7, ESV), linking them spiritually to the serpent’s lineage.
When Genesis 3:15 says the Seed of the woman will bruise (crush) the serpent’s head, it speaks of total victory over the authority and power of Satan. Crushing the head signifies destroying leadership and dominion.
The serpent bruising the heel of the woman’s Seed speaks of suffering and opposition—real harm, but not fatal to the Messiah’s mission.
At the Cross, Jesus delivered the crushing blow to Satan’s authority:
Colossians 2:15 (ESV)
He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in Him.
Yet in doing so, His own heel was bruised—His body pierced, His feet nailed—fulfilling the prophecy.
Believers, as those united to Christ, share in this authority over the works of darkness.
Luke 10:19 (NKJV)
Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
However, just as the serpent strikes at the heel, Satan still seeks to wound God’s people through persecution, temptation, and trials (1 Peter 5:8). These are real attacks, but in Christ, they cannot ultimately defeat us.
The promise of Genesis 3:15 will reach its ultimate fulfillment at the end of the age. Paul assured believers:
Romans 16:20 (NKJV)
And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
What began in Eden will conclude when Satan is cast into the lake of fire forever (Revelation 20:10).
Every person is either part of the seed of the woman (through faith in Christ) or part of the seed of the serpent (remaining in rebellion against God). There is no neutral ground.
If you are not born again, you remain in the serpent’s lineage and under the judgment of being “crushed.” But by receiving Christ as Savior, your nature changes, and you are brought into His victorious family.
1 Samuel 2:10 (ESV)
The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; against them He will thunder in heaven. The LORD will judge the ends of the earth; He will give strength to His king and exalt the horn of His anointed.
The prophecy of Genesis 3:15 is both a warning and a promise. To those outside of Christ, it warns of certain defeat. To those in Christ, it promises certain victory.
The question is—which side are you on?
Today is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2). Receive Jesus Christ, be born again, and share in His authority to trample the serpent underfoot.
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THE BODY BELONGS TO THE LORD, AND THE LORD BELONGS TO THE BODY
Does God care about our physical bodies? Does He desire to have a relationship with them? Absolutely yes! The Scriptures affirm this truth clearly and repeatedly.
1 Corinthians 6:13 (ESV) says:“Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food—but God will destroy both. The body, however, is not meant for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.”
This verse emphasizes that although our bodies require food and physical sustenance, their purpose transcends mere biological needs. The body is created to be a dwelling place for the Lord, and in return, the Lord is intimately connected with our bodies. This sacred relationship underscores why God responds to our physical needs as faithfully as He does our spiritual needs (Psalm 34:15–18).
When we experience suffering or illness, God does not take pleasure in our pain (Isaiah 53:3), because our bodies are precious to Him. Indeed, the incarnation itself—God becoming flesh in the person of Jesus Christ (John 1:14)—demonstrates God’s profound respect for the physical body. To be fully human is to be embodied, and God honors that reality.
The notion that “God only cares about the spirit and not the body” is a deception, most certainly from the enemy (Genesis 3:15). The Bible teaches otherwise:
1 Corinthians 6:19–20 (NIV) says:“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”
This passage reveals a profound theological truth: our bodies are not merely biological vessels; they are sanctified temples where God’s Spirit dwells. Because of Christ’s sacrificial death and resurrection, believers belong entirely to God—not only in spirit but also in body.
This union between Christ and the believer is so deep that Paul states our physical members are united with Christ’s body:
1 Corinthians 6:15 (ESV):“Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never!”
In other words, the believer’s body is no longer their own; it belongs to Christ. This has immense implications for how we live: our actions, choices, and even how we care for our bodies matter spiritually. Engaging in sexual immorality is not merely a personal failing but a misuse of Christ’s own body.
Jesus Himself affirmed this intimate connection between His followers and Himself:
Luke 10:16 (NIV):“Whoever listens to you listens to me; whoever rejects you rejects me; but whoever rejects me rejects him who sent me.”
A genuine believer is “Christ walking on earth.” This reality is reinforced in Jesus’ teaching on the final judgment, where acts of compassion towards “the least of these” are considered as done unto Him (Matthew 25:31–46). The hungry stomachs, the tired feet, and the suffering bodies of God’s servants are truly His.
Therefore, our physical bodies are holy and should be honored accordingly. This means taking care of how we dress, behave, and treat our bodies. Dressing inappropriately, engaging in sexual sin, tattooing our bodies, or abusing them with alcohol and cigarettes dishonors the temple of the Holy Spirit and misrepresents Christ.
God’s call is serious:
Romans 12:1 (NIV):“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
Salvation does not give us liberty to sin; rather, it calls us to holiness in body, soul, and spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:23).
Moreover, on the resurrection day, it is not only our spirits that will be raised but our bodies transformed:
1 Corinthians 15:42–44 (ESV):“So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body.”
Christ’s own resurrection body—His flesh, bones, and blood—is our pattern and guarantee of eternal bodily life (Luke 24:39). This further affirms the sanctity and eternal significance of the body.
Finally, as
Hebrews 10:5 (ESV) declares:“Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said, ‘Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body have you prepared for me.’”
Jesus offered His body as the perfect sacrifice for our salvation. Therefore, our response is to present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, reflecting His mercy and grace.
May the Lord richly bless you as you honor Him with your body and life.
Can a woman give birth without experiencing labor pains? That would be a strange and unnatural thing. Why? Because labor pains are part of the divine design for bringing forth life.
Even the Bible acknowledges this divine pattern:
“Before she was in labor, she gave birth; Before her pain came, She delivered a male child. Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things? Shall the earth be made to give birth in one day? Or shall a nation be born at once? For as soon as Zion was in labor, She gave birth to her children.”
This prophetic imagery refers not only to Israel’s restoration but also illustrates a spiritual principle: for new life to be born whether physical or spiritual there must be pain, labor, and sacrifice. No one comes into this world without someone else suffering for them. And the same is true in the spiritual realm.
This principle is mirrored in salvation history. Christ Himself labored in Gethsemane, sweating drops of blood (Luke 22:44), and suffered on the cross to give birth to the Church (Acts 20:28). So, it follows that anyone brought into Christ must also come through spiritual labor someone paying a price in prayer, tears, and discipleship.
The Apostle Paul understood this deeply:
“My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you.”
The Greek word used here for “labor in birth” is ōdinō (ὠδίνω), which literally means to feel the pains of childbirth. Paul is not just expressing emotion he’s pointing to the spiritual agony and intercession required to disciple others into maturity in Christ (cf. Colossians 1:28-29).
These Galatian believers had received the gospel but were turning back to the Law. Paul, like a spiritual mother, says he must go through the pain again to see them restored to the image of Christ. This is not just evangelism this is spiritual formation.
Just like in natural childbirth, spiritual travail has defining traits:
Spiritual birthing always begins with tears. Before revival or repentance comes to a person, a family, or a nation, there must be deep intercession.
“Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.”
This wasn’t mere preaching. It was preaching with weeping the fruit of burdened prayer. Paul’s tears were an extension of Christ’s heart for the lost (cf. Matthew 9:36). Today, many want to see transformation in their homes or churches but are not willing to pray through the night, fast, and weep over lost souls.
Natural childbirth carries risks pain, bleeding, even death. Likewise, spiritual travail draws the attention of the enemy. Satan resists the birth of new life because every soul delivered from sin is a soul snatched from his dominion (Colossians 1:13).
“…The woman, clothed with the sun… Then being with child, she cried out in labor and in pain to give birth… And the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to give birth, to devour her Child as soon as it was born.”
This imagery shows the constant battle between the Church (the woman) and the devil (the dragon). Whenever you intercede for someone’s salvation, don’t be surprised if opposition comes emotional discouragement, strange delays, health challenges, or relational conflicts. These are often strategic distractions from the enemy.
But the power within you is greater:
“He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”
Don’t be discouraged when the person you’re praying for seems unresponsive. Don’t stop just because they start resisting. Spiritual birth is a battle, and perseverance is part of the process.
Labor is painful but the result is pure joy.
“A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world.”
This is what happens when someone truly comes to Christ not just emotionally moved, but spiritually reborn. That’s when every tear, every prayer, and every sacrifice feels worth it. The burden is replaced by rejoicing, and even heaven celebrates:
“There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
So I ask: Where is your labor?
Can you look at anyone today and say, “This is my spiritual child. I travailed for them in prayer. I discipled them in Christ”? Or have you simply passed by, said “Jesus loves you,” and led them in a short prayer then left them to figure it out?
Too many claim to have “accepted Christ,” but show no evidence of new life. Why? Because they were never spiritually born, only emotionally influenced.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
True conversion produces transformation a new life, a new heart, a new direction.
Spiritual parenting is not casual it is costly. It means teaching, praying, following up, fasting, and loving consistently. It means refusing to give up until Christ is formed in them.
This is what Jesus did for us. This is what Paul modeled for the Church. And this is what we are called to do for others.
May the Lord give you gracefully.
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At first glance, the phrase “abiding in Jesus” might sound like simply receiving Him or living a saved life. And while that’s partially correct, the Bible reveals a much deeper and more intimate spiritual reality. Today, let’s explore what it truly means to abide in Christ not just theologically, but relationally and practically.
Jesus said:
John 15:7 (NKJV)
“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.”
To “abide” (Greek: menō) means to remain, stay, or continue. This is not a one-time event like conversion, but an ongoing relationship of fellowship, obedience, and spiritual union with Christ.
Abiding in Jesus is much deeper than saying a prayer or joining a church. It’s living in such close communion with Him that His life flows through us, and our lives reflect His presence.
We’ve all experienced holding someone in our hearts because of something meaningful they did or distancing someone due to betrayal or hurt.
In the same way, we can either draw closer to Jesus through our actions, or remain distant, even if we profess to believe in Him.
John 15:4 (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.”
This speaks to mutual relationship. Not only do we dwell in Him, but He also dwells in us. However, many believers have Jesus in them (by the Spirit) but they themselves are not living in Him that is, they are not walking in constant fellowship, obedience, and surrender.
There are two primary ways the Bible teaches us to abide in Christ:
Jesus taught that Communion is not just a symbol, but a real point of spiritual connection:
John 6:56–57 (NKJV)
“He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him. As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who feeds on Me will live because of Me.”
In context, Jesus was speaking metaphorically of receiving Him fully through faith, union, and what would later be expressed through the Lord’s Supper (see Luke 22:19–20).
When we partake of Communion worthily (1 Corinthians 11:27–30), we engage in a spiritual reality that draws us into the heart of Christ. We declare His death, fellowship with His suffering, and celebrate His life within us.
Obedience is not legalism; it’s the evidence of a living relationship with Jesus.
1 John 3:24 (NKJV)
“Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.”
And Jesus’ central commandment is love:
2 John 1:5–6 (NKJV)
“And now I plead with you, lady… that we love one another. This is love, that we walk according to His commandments.”
Walking in love means more than affection it includes forgiveness, patience, sacrifice, and humility. When we love others, especially within the Body of Christ, we touch the very heart of God (1 John 4:7 12).
Jesus gives us a powerful promise:
This is not a blank check for selfish prayers. It means that as we remain in Christ, our desires are transformed to align with His will so our prayers become powerful, because they are rooted in His Word and Spirit.
As 1 John 5:14–15 confirms:
“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.”
Abiding in Christ begins with being born again receiving Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior.
John 1:12 (NKJV)
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.”
You cannot abide in someone you have not yet received. Salvation is the doorway. From there, we grow in deeper intimacy by daily surrender, fellowship, and obedience.
Have you truly received Jesus Christ—not just in name, but in heart and life?
If not, today is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2). Receive Him, be washed from your sins, and begin to live as a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Then, through love and Communion, continue walking closely with Him day by day abiding in His presence, and allowing His life to be formed in you.
“He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 (NKJV)
May the Lord bless you and keep you close to His heart.
Did Solomon Keep Monkeys? (2 Chronicles 9:21)
2 Chronicles 9:21 (ESV). “For the king had a fleet of ships that sailed to Tarshish with the servants of Huram; once every three years the fleet of ships of Tarshish would come bringing gold, silver, ivory, monkeys, and peacocks.”
2 Chronicles 9:21 (ESV).
“For the king had a fleet of ships that sailed to Tarshish with the servants of Huram; once every three years the fleet of ships of Tarshish would come bringing gold, silver, ivory, monkeys, and peacocks.”
2 Chronicles 9:22 (ESV) “So King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom.”
2 Chronicles 9:22 (ESV)
“So King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom.”
Now, the question: Did Solomon keep monkeys?
The answer is yes, Solomon had monkeys, but he was not keeping them as food. According to Mosaic law, monkeys were considered unclean animals:
— Leviticus 11:42 (ESV) “Whatever crawls on its belly, whatever walks on all fours, or whatever has many legs, in the waters, these you shall regard as unclean.”
— Leviticus 11:42 (ESV)
“Whatever crawls on its belly, whatever walks on all fours, or whatever has many legs, in the waters, these you shall regard as unclean.”
Leviticus 11:29-30 (ESV) “These are the animals you shall regard as unclean among those that crawl: the weasel, the mouse, the great lizard, the gecko, the monitor lizard, the wall lizard, the skink, and the chameleon.”
Leviticus 11:29-30 (ESV)
“These are the animals you shall regard as unclean among those that crawl: the weasel, the mouse, the great lizard, the gecko, the monitor lizard, the wall lizard, the skink, and the chameleon.”
While monkeys are not explicitly named here, they fall under unclean creeping animals (Leviticus 11:27). Therefore, Solomon would not have used them as food or sacrifice.
If he did not keep them as food, what was their purpose? The likely answer is for display or entertainment. Though the Bible does not explicitly state this, it is widely understood that monkeys and peacocks were used in royal displays or court entertainments.
Even today, it is not unusual to find monkeys, peacocks, or other exotic animals in official residences such as presidential palaces—not for food, but for exhibition. Solomon, who received many gifts from other nations, would have been gifted such animals or involved in trading them.
Are Christians Allowed to Keep Wild Animals Like Monkeys?
“Deuteronomy 18:9 (ESV) When you enter the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there.”
“Deuteronomy 18:9 (ESV)
When you enter the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there.”
Christians are allowed to keep wild animals as long as they respect the laws and avoid any occult or idolatrous practices. If government permission is obtained to keep such animals, the Bible does not prohibit it, provided the intent is lawful—such as display or education—not worship or sorcery.
Theological Reflection:
Proverbs 9:10 (ESV) “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.”
Proverbs 9:10 (ESV)
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.”
Solomon’s possession of exotic animals illustrates God’s blessings and kingdom prosperity. But believers are reminded to seek true wisdom and not to be captivated by material wealth or worldly displays.
Have You Received Jesus?
— 1 Thessalonians 4:16 (ESV) “For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of the archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.”
— 1 Thessalonians 4:16 (ESV)
“For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of the archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.”
— Romans 10:9 (ESV) If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
— Romans 10:9 (ESV)
If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
We live in the season of Christ’s second coming. The trumpet blast is near. Believe in Jesus and repent now.
May the Lord bless you.
Ecclesiastes 4:13-16 — Understanding “For Out of Prison He Came to Be King”
Ecclesiastes 4:13 (NIV)
“Better a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer knows how to heed a warning.” Verse 14: “[For] he came out of prison to become king; even though he was born poor in his kingdom.” Verse 15: “I saw all the living who walk under the sun, how they were held fast by the young man, the second who stood in his place.”
“Better a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer knows how to heed a warning.”
Verse 14: “[For] he came out of prison to become king; even though he was born poor in his kingdom.”
Verse 15: “I saw all the living who walk under the sun, how they were held fast by the young man, the second who stood in his place.”
Verse 16: “Those who come after will not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and a striving after wind.”
Verse 13 emphasizes the supreme value of wisdom over human titles, age, or status. In biblical theology, wisdom is not just intellectual knowledge but the ability to live rightly before God and others. The verse contrasts a poor but wise youth with an old and foolish king who refuses to accept correction. This rejection of counsel is a serious spiritual flaw (cf. Proverbs 1:7; 9:10), as wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord and a humble heart willing to learn (Proverbs 13:1).
Biblical examples of foolish rulers who ignored divine warnings include Rehoboam (1 Kings 12), Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4, early reign), Belshazzar (Daniel 5), Ahab (1 Kings 16-22), and Herod (Acts 12). Their stubbornness brought judgment and calamity on their nations, showing how vital it is for leaders to remain humble and obedient to God.
Verse 14 highlights the paradox of worldly success and divine sovereignty. The “young man who came out of prison to become king” likely alludes to figures like Joseph (Genesis 41), who was imprisoned unjustly yet raised to Pharaoh’s right hand, and David, a shepherd boy who became king despite humble origins (1 Samuel 16). This illustrates that God’s providence is not limited by human status; He exalts the lowly and humbles the proud (Psalm 75:6-7; Luke 1:52).
This verse warns against assuming success is guaranteed by birth or rank. True elevation comes from God’s sovereign hand, not merely human achievement.
Verse 15 describes the fleeting nature of human allegiance. After one ruler rises and gains loyalty, another soon follows, and people transfer their support. This portrays the transient and unstable nature of earthly power (cf. Psalm 146:3–4). Even the strongest leaders cannot hold favor forever, for all are subject to change and eventual replacement.
Verse 16 concludes with the sobering truth that no human reign brings lasting joy or satisfaction. The preacher calls it “vanity” (Hebrew hevel), a key theme in Ecclesiastes meaning “meaninglessness” or “breath” something fleeting and insubstantial (Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12). The phrase “striving after wind” echoes human efforts to find lasting significance in earthly things, which ultimately fail.
This passage reminds believers that earthly honor, status, and success are temporary and often unpredictable. Human praise is unreliable and fades with time. The ultimate source of true wisdom and lasting security is God (Proverbs 2:6).
The cyclical rise and fall of leaders point to the vanity of placing hope in mortal rulers. Instead, Christians are called to place their hope in Jesus Christñ the eternal King who alone is wise, just, and faithful forever (Revelation 19:16). Unlike earthly kings, Jesus never loses favor, never grows tired, and offers eternal life to all who trust in Him (John 10:27-30; Hebrews 13:8).
If you have not yet accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, this is an invitation to open your heart to Him, receive His wisdom, and find eternal life (John 1:12).
May the Lord bless you richly as you seek true wisdom in Him!
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Song of Solomon 2:10-13 (ESV)
“My beloved spoke and said to me, ‘Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come away. For behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. The fig tree puts forth its figs, and the vines are in blossom; they give forth fragrance. Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come away.’”
Just as creation moves through seasons winter, spring, summer, and fall our relationships and spiritual lives experience different seasons as well. These natural cycles reflect God’s ordained order and timing (Ecclesiastes 3:1), reminding us that change and growth are part of life.
In the Old Testament era, God’s people often faced harsh “winters” in their spiritual walk times marked by struggle, exile, and separation from God due to sin and the enemy’s influence. The presence of Satan brought hardship and confusion (cf. Job 1-2; Zechariah 3:1-2). They were still learning to fully know the character and redemptive plan of God.
Then Jesus Christ came, the promised Messiah (Isaiah 53), who through His death and resurrection fulfilled God’s plan to redeem humanity and defeat sin and death (Hebrews 9:12-15). He proclaimed Himself “Lord of the Sabbath” (Mark 2:28), signifying His authority to bring true rest—not merely physical rest, but rest for the soul (Matthew 11:28-30). This rest is a gift of grace through faith, breaking the bondage of sin and spiritual weariness.
The invitation in Song of Solomon echoes Christ’s call to His bride, the Church (Ephesians 5:25-27), to arise from spiritual dormancy and come into the refreshing and renewing presence of God’s love. “The winter is past” signifies the end of hardship and the beginning of new life, symbolizing resurrection and renewal (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Accepting this invitation means entering into a deep, personal relationship with Jesus—a relationship that brings eternal life, peace, and hope beyond the temporary struggles of this world (John 10:10; Romans 15:13).
These are perilous times, filled with deception and spiritual darkness (2 Timothy 3:1-5). The world’s ways cannot truly save or satisfy the soul. But by turning to the Savior and following Him, we receive the gift of eternal life (John 3:16), and experience the fullness of joy and peace found only in Him (Philippians 4:7).
Shalom—peace and wholeness to you.
Blessed be the name of our Lord Jesus Christ! Let us come together and learn from the Word of our great God the lamp and light for our path (Psalm 119:105, ESV).
There was a profound revelation given to Moses that made him gentler than anyone else on earth at that time, as the Scriptures tell us:
Numbers 12:3 (ESV) — “Now the man Moses was very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth.”
This verse reveals a key spiritual principle: meekness (Greek prautes) is not weakness, but strength under control. Moses’ meekness came from his deep understanding of God’s sovereign will. This revelation can be summarized as “UNDERSTANDING MORE THAN OTHERS DO.”
Before we focus on Moses, let’s first consider our Lord Jesus Christ—the “Stone rejected by men, but chosen by God” (1 Peter 2:7). Scripture tells us He was incredibly meek:
When Jesus was spat upon, insulted, and beaten, He did not retaliate, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy of the suffering servant (Isaiah 53:7). As 1 Peter 2:23 (ESV) says:
“When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.”
What enabled such meekness, so hard for us to emulate? The answer is found in Jesus’ prayer on the cross:
Luke 23:34 (ESV)
“And Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.’ And they cast lots to divide his garments.”
The phrase “for they know not what they do” reveals Jesus’ divine understanding. He knew that those crucifying Him acted ignorantly, fulfilling prophecy, and under the blindness of sin (2 Corinthians 4:4). This is the essence of godly meekness understanding deeper realities beyond immediate circumstances.
Paul elaborates this truth in 1 Corinthians 2:7-8 (ESV):
“But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory, which none of the rulers of this age understood, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.”
Similarly, Judas’ betrayal, though painful, was part of God’s sovereign plan to fulfill Scripture, not a mere act of a foolhardy man (John 13:18; Psalm 41:9). This understanding did not cause Jesus to hate Judas but rather to offer grace.
Returning to Moses, his meekness also stemmed from understanding more than others.
While the Israelites grumbled against Pharaoh, accusing him of cruelty, Moses understood that God had sovereignly hardened Pharaoh’s heart to display His power and proclaim His name (Exodus 9:16; Romans 9:17).
Exodus 4:21 (ESV)
“And the LORD said to Moses, ‘When you return to Egypt, see that you do before Pharaoh all the wonders that I have put in your power; but I will harden his heart, and he will not let the people go.’”
Moses’ meekness was rooted in this divine insight: he knew the bigger picture, that God was in control, so he was not discouraged by Pharaoh’s stubbornness.
This principle applies to us today: true peace comes from understanding God’s sovereign purposes beyond our limited view. Not all adversity is from Satan; some trials are allowed by God for His purposes to refine us, test our faith, or bring glory to Him (James 1:2-4; Romans 8:28).
When rejected or opposed, remember that God may be using the situation to display His power and glory (2 Corinthians 12:9). Even Moses performed signs before Pharaoh that initially bore no fruit, yet God’s plan prevailed.
Before reacting in panic to difficulties, seek God’s wisdom and understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6). Some struggles come from God’s permissive will, not demonic attack, intended for a greater testimony and demonstration of His grace.
Consider if Pharaoh had relented earlier would God’s glory have been fully revealed? If Job had not suffered, would we have such a powerful example of faith and restoration (Job 1-2; Job 42:10-17)?
Therefore, be patient and ask God for deeper understanding of your circumstances.
When you grasp more than others, you will embody greater meekness, courage, and strength regardless of trials.
May the Lord grant us such wisdom and understanding.
Maranatha!
Based on Song of Solomon 8:6-7 (ESV)
“Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm, for love is as strong as death, jealousy is fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, the very flame of the Lord. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it. If a man offered for love all the wealth of his house, it would be utterly scorned.”
Theologically, this sealing points to the Holy Spirit’s role as the seal of salvation (Ephesians 1:13-14; 4:30). The Spirit guarantees our identity as God’s children and secures our inheritance in Christ.
The Seal of the Holy Spirit Receiving Christ’s love means being sealed by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30), which manifests as inward transformation and outward holiness (2 Corinthians 5:17). This seal is God’s mark of ownership and protection until the day of redemption.
Inner and Outer Transformation True faith involves both heart and deed (James 2:17). Some profess faith verbally but deny it by their works (Titus 1:16). Genuine love for Christ changes the whole person.
Security in Christ’s Love Romans 8:35-39 (ESV) assures believers that no trial or power can separate them from the love of God in Christ Jesus:
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
This is the foundation of Christian hope and perseverance.
The covenant love of Christ is powerful, all-consuming, and eternal. It marks believers inwardly and outwardly by the Holy Spirit’s seal and secures them through every trial. Nothing in all creation can overcome this divine love.
May we all embrace this marvelous covenant and walk in the fullness of Christ’s love.
Be blessed!
Song of Solomon 5:2-6 (ESV)
“I was asleep, but my heart was awake. Listen! My beloved is knocking. ‘Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my perfect one, for my head is wet with dew, my locks with the drops of the night.’ I had taken off my robe should I put it on again? I had washed my feet should I soil them again? My beloved thrust his hand through the latch-opening; my heart began to pound for him. I rose to open for my beloved, and my hands dripped with myrrh, my fingers with flowing myrrh, on the handles of the bolt. I opened for my beloved, but my beloved had withdrawn and was gone. My heart sank at his departure. I sought him but did not find him; I called him but he gave no answer.”
This passage from Song of Solomon serves as a powerful allegory of Christ’s pursuit of the believer’s heart. The bride represents the soul longing for communion with Christ, the Beloved. Her sleep symbolizes spiritual slumber or delay in responding to His call, while her heart remaining awake signifies a yearning or sensitivity to His presence (cf. Romans 13:11 “It is high time to wake from sleep”).
The Beloved knocking illustrates Christ’s patient and persistent invitation to fellowship (Revelation 3:20), revealing the grace and mercy of God who continually seeks a relationship with His people despite their hesitation.
The bride’s hesitation questioning whether to put on her robe again or soil her feet represents the conflict between remaining in a state of separation or sin, and the willingness to respond to God’s call (cf. Isaiah 1:18, Psalm 51:7).
When she finally rises to open, her hands dripping with myrrh (a fragrant resin used in worship and anointing) symbolizes preparation, devotion, and the costly effort of true repentance and openness before God.
However, the Beloved’s withdrawal before she opens is a sobering reminder that delays in responding to God’s call can lead to missed opportunities for intimate fellowship (Luke 13:24 “Strive to enter through the narrow door”).
Revelation 3:20 (ESV): “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” This verse emphasizes Christ’s initiative in salvation He patiently knocks, but it requires our willing response to open the door of our hearts.
Many delay due to worldly distractions or false security, waiting for “the right time” to surrender. This is dangerous because Scripture warns that the moment of salvation is urgent and unpredictable.
Luke 12:36-40 (ESV) exhorts believers to be spiritually vigilant and ready at all times, since Christ’s return may come unexpectedly.
The invitation is clear: Open your heart to Christ now. Do not procrastinate. Salvation is a present reality, but grace is not guaranteed forever (cf. Hebrews 3:7-8).
Delaying risks losing the intimate fellowship Christ desires, and the bride’s sorrow reminds us of the pain of missed opportunity.
If you feel the Lord knocking at your heart today, respond immediately. You don’t have to wait until life feels perfect or circumstances change. Jesus calls you now.
If you’re ready to receive Him as your Savior, please contact us for free prayer support and guidance. We are here to help you walk this new path of faith.
May God bless you richly as you respond to His loving call.