The calling of God is open to many. In the ministry of Jesus, we see that He initially called a large group of disciples. According to Luke 10:1, Jesus appointed seventy others besides the twelve and sent them out in pairs:
“After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go.” (Luke 10:1, NKJV)
This shows that Jesus had a wider group of disciples beyond the twelve. People from various backgrounds—fishermen, tax collectors, ordinary men—were called to follow Him. They responded by leaving their old lives behind, embracing the first step of discipleship.
This reflects God’s general call to humanity to repent and follow Him.
“For many are called, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:14, NKJV)
Later, from among the larger group, Jesus selected twelve apostles for a special role. This wasn’t because they were more qualified, more righteous, or more spiritual than the rest. It was a sovereign choice made in prayerful dependence on God:
“Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles.” (Luke 6:12-13, NKJV)
These men were chosen by grace, not merit. Theologically, this reflects the concept of divine election—God’s sovereign choice rooted in His purpose and mercy.
“So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy.” (Romans 9:16, NKJV)
Grace is unearned favor. Unlike “luck,” which may imply randomness, grace chooses the unworthy for God’s purposes.
Being chosen doesn’t guarantee that one will finish well. Among the twelve chosen apostles was Judas Iscariot—who later betrayed Jesus. His story is a sobering warning that election requires perseverance.
“Have I not chosen you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil?” (John 6:70, NKJV)
“Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.” (Acts 1:25, NKJV)
Despite being called and empowered, Judas allowed sin to creep in. He began stealing (John 12:6), became greedy, and eventually betrayed Jesus. Yet Jesus didn’t expel him—He let him continue until the end, emphasizing how subtle spiritual decline can be.
Jesus warned that in the last days, even those chosen could be deceived if they are not watchful.
“For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” (Matthew 24:24, NKJV)
This means that even the elect must remain vigilant. Salvation is not a one-time event, but a journey that requires steadfastness.
Jesus often spoke to the crowds in parables, but to His disciples, He revealed the deeper truths.
“It has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.” (Matthew 13:11, NKJV)
If you are receiving and understanding the deeper things of God’s Word, it is a sign of God’s grace upon your life. But with this grace comes great responsibility—to remain faithful, discerning, and obedient.
Peter gives us the formula for enduring in our calling:
“Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble.” (2 Peter 1:10, NKJV)
Practical steps to make your calling and election sure:
You may have responded to the call of God with sincerity. Perhaps you’ve even walked closely with Jesus. But like Judas, it’s possible to grow too familiar with the Word, to let the world’s desires in, and to end up spiritually lost.
God won’t force you to stay. He will walk with you in grace, but your choices will determine your end.
“It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.” (Matthew 26:24, NKJV – about Judas)
This is not to instill fear, but urgency. You are called. You may even be chosen. But will you remain faithful to the end?
Let us strive to finish well—holding fast to grace, resisting temptation, and growing in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
“He who endures to the end shall be saved.” (Matthew 24:13, NKJV)
Shalom
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” — James 1:22
The name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ be glorified forever. We live in prophetic times. The signs of the end are not only evident in the world’s events but also in the hearts of believers. Jesus clearly warned in Matthew 24:12,
“Because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.”
This is not only about human affection but also the diminishing love for God. Many believers who once walked closely with God are slowly drifting, losing their spiritual fire. The danger here is subtle—it begins unnoticed and ends in spiritual death.
Forgetting God doesn’t always mean open rebellion. It often begins with slow spiritual neglect:
A believer may start off well: praying fervently, seeking the Lord, living modestly, serving in church, evangelizing. But as the cares of this life grow, and the temptations of modern culture increase—entertainment, social media, peer pressure, secular ideologies—these things can slowly pull one away from intimacy with God.
Paul speaks to this in Galatians 5:7:
“You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth?”
The book of Job 8:11–13 uses an illustration of water plants to describe the spiritual life:
“Can papyrus grow where there is no marsh? Can reeds flourish without water? While still growing and uncut, they wither more quickly than grass. Such is the destiny of all who forget God.”
Papyrus and reeds depend completely on water. Remove them from that environment, and they wither—even if they still appear green for a while. This is a striking metaphor. When we disconnect from God—our source—we may seem fine temporarily, but spiritual death follows.
Jesus echoed this in John 15:5-6:
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit… If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers.”
The phrase doesn’t refer to atheists or unbelievers—it applies to those who once knew Him but have grown cold. You can’t forget someone you never knew. These are Christians who once walked in truth, but now:
2 Peter 2:20-21 warns: “If after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled… it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness.”
Hebrews 2:1– “We must pay the most careful attention… so that we do not drift away.”.
“Consider this, you who forget God, or I will tear you to pieces, with no one to rescue you.” — Psalm 50:22
God has provided practical and spiritual means to help us remain steadfast.
Not just reading, but deeply reflecting and applying Scripture.
Joshua 1:8: “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth… then you will make your way prosperous.”
James 1:25: “The one who looks into the perfect law… and perseveres… will be blessed in what he does.”
Surround yourself with those who encourage your faith.
Hebrews 10:25: “Not neglecting to meet together… but encouraging one another.”
Proverbs 27:17: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Prayer keeps us aligned with God’s heart. Worship draws us close to His presence.
1 Thessalonians 5:17: “Pray without ceasing.”
Ephesians 5:18-20: “Be filled with the Spirit… singing psalms and hymns… giving thanks to God.”
In a digital age, distractions are constant. We must intentionally redeem our time.
Ephesians 5:15-17: “Be very careful, then, how you live… making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil.”
These are the days spoken of in Scripture—times of great deception, lukewarmness, and spiritual distraction. Let us not fall asleep spiritually or take God for granted. If you’ve drifted, return today. God’s grace is still available. But don’t delay.
Revelation 2:4-5: “Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first.”
Final encouragement: Be vigilant. Be in the Word. Stay in fellowship. Keep praying. Don’t forget God—because He has not forgotten you.
May the Lord bless you and keep you faithful until the very end.
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Matthew 23:35 (NKJV): “That on you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah, son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar.”
In this verse, Jesus issues one of His strongest warnings to the scribes and Pharisees. By referencing Abel and Zechariah, He encapsulates the entire Old Testament history of violence against God’s messengers—from Genesis (Abel) to Chronicles (Zechariah), which was the last book in the Jewish Hebrew Bible at the time.
These men represent not only individual martyrs but also a pattern of systemic rejection of truth—a warning to every generation.
Genesis 4:8 (NKJV): “Now Cain talked with Abel his brother; and… Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him.”
Hebrews 11:4 (NKJV): “By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain… and through it he being dead still speaks.”
Abel’s blood cried out for justice (Genesis 4:10). Though he was the first martyr, his voice still symbolically speaks for all the righteous who suffer unjustly. Theologically, Abel’s death is the prototype of innocent bloodshed, and a foreshadow of Christ’s own death.
While Jesus refers to “Zechariah son of Berechiah,” biblical scholars largely agree He was referring to Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest, recorded in:
2 Chronicles 24:20–21 (NKJV): “Then the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest… So they conspired against him, and at the command of the king they stoned him with stones in the court of the house of the Lord.”
Why the different name? In Jewish tradition, genealogical references often skip generations. “Son of Berechiah” could be an alternate family name or even refer to a grandfather or ancestor. What matters theologically is the act—Zechariah, a righteous priest, was murdered in the sanctuary, desecrating the very heart of Israel’s worship.
Matthew 23:31–32 (NKJV): “Therefore you are witnesses against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers’ guilt.”
Jesus identifies a generational pattern of rejecting God’s prophets. This isn’t merely historical—it reflects spiritual hardness that transcends time. Jesus declares that the blood of the martyrs will come upon that generation—fulfilled in the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70.
Revelation 6:9–10 (NKJV): “…I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God… and they cried with a loud voice, saying, ‘How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge…?’”
These martyrs are not forgotten. In God’s justice system, blood has a voice. The altar in heaven is a direct theological parallel to the altar in the temple—the very place where Zechariah was slain.
Revelation 16:5–6 (NKJV): “You are righteous, O Lord… For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and You have given them blood to drink. For it is their just due.”
The Bible teaches that God is just (Deuteronomy 32:4) and will avenge the righteous (Romans 12:19). When human courts fail, divine justice remains. God’s judgment is not vengeful in human terms; it is a response to unrepentant sin.
Hebrews 12:24 (NKJV): “…to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel.”
While Abel’s blood calls for justice, Jesus’ blood calls for mercy. The cross is the ultimate answer to the cries of righteous blood—it is God’s offer of forgiveness to even those who killed His prophets.
Hebrews 2:3 (NKJV): “How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation…?”
Today, many still reject God’s messengers, though not by stoning—but by indifference, false doctrine, or institutional compromise. Refusing salvation through Christ aligns one with those who resisted God in ages past.
Salvation demands that we:
All through Scripture, two types of blood cry out:
To escape divine judgment, one must be covered by the blood of Christ—the only blood that reconciles us to God (Colossians 1:20).
Psalm 23:4 (NKJV): “…Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”
Let His shepherding rod lead you into truth—and away from judgment.
May the Lord bless you, give you discernment, and draw you fully into the covering of the blood that saves.
The story of Aaron’s rod is more than an Old Testament miracle—it’s a powerful prophetic image of God’s authority, His chosen leadership, and ultimately, of Christ’s high priesthood and shepherding over His people. Understanding this symbol reveals God’s ways of affirming His servants and reminding us that true authority comes from Him alone.
Aaron was Moses’ older brother by three years (Exodus 7:7). Both were born to Amram and Jochebed of the tribe of Levi. Though Aaron was the elder, God chose Moses to lead Israel out of Egypt. Because Moses was “slow of speech,” God appointed Aaron as his spokesperson.
“So the Lord said to Moses: ‘See, I have made you as God to Pharaoh, and Aaron your brother shall be your prophet.’”—Exodus 7:1 (NKJV)
Aaron, along with their sister Miriam (Exodus 15:20), played a critical role in the Exodus. Later, God chose Aaron and his descendants to serve as priests, initiating the Levitical priesthood (Exodus 28:1). This was a covenantal appointment—an office of mediation between God and Israel.
Moses’ staff, once used to shepherd sheep, became a divine instrument during the plagues of Egypt and the Red Sea crossing (Exodus 4:2–4; 14:16). But as Moses resisted God’s call to speak, God shifted the role of performing signs to Aaron.
“And you shall take this rod in your hand, with which you shall do the signs.”—Exodus 4:17 (NKJV)
Aaron’s rod was used before Pharaoh to demonstrate God’s power—it turned into a serpent, consumed the magicians’ rods, and triggered several plagues (Exodus 7:10–20).
In biblical imagery, a rod (Heb. matteh) signifies authority, discipline, and protection (Psalm 23:4, Proverbs 13:24). For shepherds, it guided sheep and struck predators. Spiritually, God’s rod represented His sovereign power. For Aaron, the rod symbolized the delegated authority to lead and mediate.
In Numbers 16, Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and others rebelled against Moses and Aaron, claiming all Israelites were equally holy. They questioned why Moses and Aaron held leadership over the community. God’s response was swift—He judged the rebels by causing the earth to swallow them.
Yet, the murmuring continued.
To silence future rebellion, God instructed Moses to gather twelve staffs—one from each tribal leader—and place them in the Tabernacle.
“And it shall be that the rod of the man whom I choose will blossom; thus I will rid Myself of the complaints of the children of Israel, which they make against you.”—Numbers 17:5 (NKJV)
The next day, only Aaron’s rod had supernaturally budded, blossomed, and produced ripe almonds.
“Now it came to pass on the next day that Moses went into the tabernacle of witness, and behold, the rod of Aaron… had sprouted and put forth buds, had produced blossoms and yielded ripe almonds.”—Numbers 17:8 (NKJV)
This miracle served as undeniable proof that Aaron was God’s chosen priest. It also showed that spiritual fruitfulness comes from God’s calling, not human ambition.
The almond tree takes years to mature and fruit—sometimes over a decade—and requires deep roots. Yet Aaron’s dead, rootless staff bore fruit overnight.
This was a sign that:
This points forward to how Christ would rise from the dead and be declared the Son of God with power (Romans 1:4).
Aaron’s rod prefigures Jesus Christ, our eternal High Priest (Hebrews 4:14–16). Just as Aaron’s rod was chosen among many, Christ was chosen above all to mediate between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5).
“You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.”—Hebrews 7:17 (NKJV)
Christ now holds “the rod of iron” to rule the nations (Revelation 19:15) and shepherd His people with love and authority (John 10:11). His rod does not bring condemnation to His sheep but comfort and protection.
“Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”—Psalm 23:4 (NKJV)
To come under the shepherding care of Christ, you must become His sheep. The New Testament pattern includes:
When you take these steps, you become part of His flock—under His divine rod and staff, and a recipient of His provision, protection, and purpose.
Other “rods” (human authority, self-help, religion without power) cannot produce life or protect in times of crisis. Only the Rod of Jesus Christ has divine power to:
Let us choose today to trust in the Shepherd who laid down His life for us and now reigns as our High Priest and King.
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”—Psalm 23:1 (NKJV)
May you walk under the Shepherd’s Rod and know the peace, power, and provision that comes from being truly led by Christ.
Be blessed.
Many of us desire to walk in God’s purpose, but what happens when we resist it—intentionally or unintentionally? In the calling of the Apostle Paul, we find a powerful metaphor that reveals the pain and futility of fighting against God’s will.
“We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ Then I asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ the Lord replied.” — Acts 26:14-15 (NIV)
Let’s explore what this phrase means and how it applies to us today.
Before his conversion, Saul (later Paul) was a Pharisee (Philippians 3:5), zealous for the Law and fiercely opposed to the early church. Yet, Paul wasn’t ignorant of who Jesus was. He lived during Jesus’ time, heard the gospel from Christians, and witnessed Stephen’s death—one of the first powerful gospel sermons.
“And Saul approved of their killing him.” — Acts 8:1a (NIV) “When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him… But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.” — Acts 7:54-55 (NIV)
The phrase “they were cut to the heart” (Acts 7:54) suggests conviction—proof that they recognized the truth but rejected it out of pride and anger. Saul was deeply impacted by this event, even if he didn’t admit it.
A goad was a long, sharp stick used by farmers to prod oxen into movement. If an ox kicked against the goad, it would only hurt itself more. Jesus uses this image to show Paul that resisting divine truth causes self-inflicted harm.
The goad represents God’s persistent attempts to guide and correct us—through His Spirit, His Word, and sometimes through suffering. Paul had been resisting these prompts.
“Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle.” — Psalm 32:9 (NIV)
Just like stubborn animals need painful tools to obey, humans who resist God often experience unnecessary suffering.
Paul’s journey mirrors that of Balaam (Numbers 22). Though God told Balaam not to go and curse Israel, he insisted. On the road, an angel prepared to kill him, but his donkey—enabled by God—saved his life.
“The angel of the Lord stood in a narrow path… with a drawn sword in his hand… The Lord opened the donkey’s mouth, and it said to Balaam, ‘What have I done to you to make you beat me these three times?’” — Numbers 22:23-28 (NIV)
Like Paul, Balaam’s story is a warning: continued rebellion against God leads to destruction—unless grace intervenes.
There are always two responses when God convicts the heart:
At Pentecost, those who heard Peter’s message responded with repentance.
“When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said… ‘What shall we do?’ Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized…’” — Acts 2:37-38 (NIV)
But those at Stephen’s stoning responded with rage instead of repentance.
“They covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him…” — Acts 7:57 (NIV)
Despite Paul’s stubbornness, God intervened. Jesus met him personally, not to destroy him, but to redeem him. Paul went from a persecutor to an apostle—the greatest missionary of the early church.
“But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience…” — 1 Timothy 1:16 (NIV)
You may not be persecuting the church like Paul, but many resist God’s will in subtle ways—ignoring conviction, rejecting correction, or hindering the spread of the gospel.
“Whoever is not with me is against me…” — Matthew 12:30 (NIV)
Opposing God’s work—whether through pride, fear, jealousy, or indifference—is like kicking against the goad. You may not see the pain immediately, but over time, it takes a toll on your spiritual, emotional, and even physical life.
The message is simple but urgent: Don’t fight God’s purpose. If the Holy Spirit is convicting you—through Scripture, through people, or through your circumstances—listen and obey.
“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts…” — Hebrews 3:15 (NIV)
Paul and Balaam were shown grace in their resistance. But we’re not guaranteed that same delay in judgment. Let’s respond now—while mercy is still available.
To fight against God is to harm yourself. To surrender to Him is to find true life. Don’t kick against the goad.
Stay alert. Stay humble. Stay aligned with God’s will.
God bless you.
The term “Aba” first appears in the Bible in the words of Jesus. It is an Aramaic term that is translated as “Father”, but it carries a much more intimate and affectionate meaning than the formal term “Father” in many languages, including English. Aramaic was a language that Jesus frequently spoke, as it was the common language of the people in His time, alongside Hebrew and Greek.
Other famous Aramaic words and phrases from Jesus recorded in the Bible include “
Talitha kumi” (Mark 5:41), “Ephphatha” (Mark 7:34), and “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani” (Matthew 27:46).
The language of Aramaic, though closely related to Hebrew, had also absorbed influences from other ancient languages, including Babylonian, which makes it somewhat different from the more sacred Hebrew language.
The word “Aba” is deeply significant. It does indeed mean “Father”, but in a context that conveys deep intimacy and closeness—similar to how a child would call their father “Daddy” or “Papa”. In contrast, the word “Father” in English can feel more formal, distant, and authoritative. A child who calls their father “Daddy” shares a more affectionate, trust-based relationship, where they feel safe, loved, and able to approach their father freely with their needs, thoughts, and feelings.
Jesus’ use of “Aba” reflects the nature of the relationship between Him and God the Father. In the Old Testament, God is often referred to as Father (see, for example, Malachi 2:10 and Isaiah 63:16), but the personal, intimate use of “Aba” was revolutionary. It indicates an unparalleled closeness and familiarity. No other Jewish person in Jesus’ time had referred to God in such a personal way.
When Jesus uses the term “Aba”, He is not just acknowledging God as His Father; He is also inviting us into this intimate relationship. This is a key element of the Gospel—through Jesus, we too can call God “Aba” as His children.
Jesus’ relationship with God the Father, as expressed through the term “Aba”, is foundational to understanding the doctrine of the Trinity and the concept of adoption in Christian theology. The Bible teaches that Jesus is the Son of God, and He shares a unique, eternal relationship with God the Father (John 1:1-14). However, through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Jesus makes it possible for us to be adopted into God’s family as His sons and daughters.
John 1:12–13 (NIV) “Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.”
This adoption is not something we can claim on our own. It is a gift from God, given to those who receive Jesus Christ by faith and accept His work of salvation. As believers, we are brought into the intimate family relationship with God, and we can call Him “Aba” because of the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Romans 8:15-17 (NIV) “The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by Him we cry, ‘Aba, Father.’ The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory.”
This passage highlights the profound theological truth that, through the Holy Spirit, believers are adopted into God’s family. We are no longer slaves to fear but sons and daughters who can cry out “Aba, Father.” This is a privilege that believers in Christ have, which was made possible only through Jesus’ atoning work.
The idea of calling God “Aba” was so radical that it upset the religious leaders of Jesus’ day. For them, it was a form of blasphemy because they could not fathom God being that close to humans. To them, God was to be revered in His transcendence and holiness, not approached with the familiarity that “Aba” implies. That’s one reason they accused Jesus of blasphemy and plotted His death (John 5:18).
Even today, some religions struggle with the idea of calling God “Father” or “Aba”. For instance, in Islam, the belief is that God (Allah) is transcendent and does not have a son or any familial relationships with His creation. Calling God “Father” or “Aba” would be considered blasphemous in such a worldview.
However, Christianity teaches that this intimate relationship with God is made possible through Jesus Christ. In Christ, God has drawn near to humanity in a way that was unimaginable before. Jesus reveals that God is not just a distant deity but a Father who longs for His children to know Him deeply and personally.
Galatians 4:6–7 (NIV) “Because you are His sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, ‘Aba, Father.’ So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are His child, God has made you also an heir.”
Through the sacrifice of Jesus, believers are not only forgiven but also adopted into God’s family. This adoption grants us the full rights and privileges of children. We become heirs of God, co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17). This adoption is an unearned grace, a divine act of love and mercy. As children of God, we have access to Him in a way that is profoundly personal and intimate. The Spirit within us confirms our status as His children, and we are empowered to call God “Aba.”
Being a child of God means we have confidence in our relationship with Him. When we cry out “Aba, Father”, we are expressing not only our dependence on God but also our trust in His goodness, love, and faithfulness. This relationship is foundational to Christian living, and it should shape the way we approach God in prayer, in worship, and in everyday life.
Ephesians 1:5-6 (NIV) “He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will—to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the One He loves.”
Through Jesus, we have been adopted into God’s family. This adoption is an act of grace—something we don’t deserve, but that God freely gives to all who believe in Jesus Christ.
If you are a Christian, you have the incredible privilege of calling God “Aba.” This relationship isn’t just about having a distant, formal Father; it’s about having a personal, intimate relationship with the Creator of the universe. Jesus made this possible through His life, death, and resurrection. If you haven’t yet experienced this closeness with God, now is the time to repent, believe in Jesus, and accept the Holy Spirit’s work in your life.
1 John 1:12 (NIV) “Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.”
If you haven’t yet received Jesus, take this step today. Be baptized in water in the name of Jesus Christ, and receive the Holy Spirit. Once you do, you will be able to call God “Aba” with the confidence of a beloved child.
May the Lord bless you.
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” — Revelation 3:20, NKJV
Blessed be the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Welcome to this time of reflection on God’s Word.
The Bible teaches that salvation is found in no one else but Jesus Christ. He is not one of many ways to God—He is the only way.
“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” — Acts 4:12, NKJV
As the Apostle Paul reminds us:
“For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.” — Romans 5:19, NKJV
Through Adam came sin and death; through Christ comes righteousness and life. Jesus Himself declared:
“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” — John 14:6, NKJV
Any path outside of Christ—no matter how morally appealing or widely accepted—is a path of deception and eternal loss.
Throughout His ministry, Jesus used everyday imagery—trees, seeds, farmers, merchants, kings—to teach profound spiritual truths:
“All these things Jesus spoke to the multitude in parables… that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: ‘I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things kept secret from the foundation of the world.’” — Matthew 13:34–35, NKJV
John concludes his Gospel by reminding us that much of what Jesus did was never recorded:
“And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books…” — John 21:25, NKJV
One of the most intimate images He gives is that of knocking at the door of our hearts in Revelation 3:20, addressing the lukewarm church of Laodicea.
When Jesus says “I stand at the door and knock,” He is expressing a personal and persistent call. This is not the Second Coming, which will be sudden and unannounced, like a thief in the night (Matthew 24:43–44). Rather, this is His daily approach to our individual hearts, desiring fellowship.
The language implies evening time—a spiritual metaphor for the last hour, the final opportunity before night falls:
“The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness…” — Romans 13:12, NKJV
The supper He refers to (Revelation 3:20) echoes the Lord’s Supper, a symbol of communion and shared life. He brings spiritual nourishment—His Word, His Spirit, His peace. We, in return, offer Him our surrendered lives.
“Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching. Assuredly, I say to you that he will gird himself and have them sit down to eat, and will come and serve them.” — Luke 12:37, NKJV
Christ does not force entry. He knocks. He waits. He speaks. But the door must be opened from the inside. This illustrates free will and personal responsibility in salvation:
“Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts…” — Hebrews 3:15, NKJV
Some will not hear because they are spiritually asleep, distracted by the noise of the world (1 Thessalonians 5:6). Others hear but deliberately ignore Him.
Jesus warns that if we reject Him knowingly and repeatedly, He may eventually stop knocking. This echoes His rebuke to Jerusalem:
“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem… How often I wanted to gather your children together… but you were not willing! See! Your house is left to you desolate; for I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’” — Matthew 23:37–39, NKJV
This is one of the most sobering statements in Scripture: “You shall see Me no more.” The finality of divine rejection is terrifying.
Many assume they’ll respond to God “later”—in old age, or after they’ve enjoyed the pleasures of the world. But Scripture warns that we do not control tomorrow:
“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.” — Proverbs 27:1, NKJV
The longer we delay, the more hardened our hearts can become (Hebrews 3:13). The very ability to hear His voice is grace—and that grace doesn’t last forever.
If today you feel a stirring in your heart, that’s not coincidence—it’s the Spirit of God knocking. Don’t ignore it. Repent, believe, and surrender your life to Jesus.
“Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near.” — Isaiah 55:6, NKJV
Open the door. He will not condemn you for taking long. He will come in, dine with you, restore you, and fill you with peace and purpose. He brings blessings for both body and soul, and a new hope for this life and eternity.
But if you continue to ignore Him, the next time He comes may be not as a guest—but as a thief in the night, to take His own and leave the rest to face judgment.
“Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.” — Matthew 24:42, NKJV
Jesus is at the door. He is knocking. Not with force, but with love. With patience, but also urgency. Will you open your heart today?
“Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” — 2 Corinthians 6:2, NKJV
Respond now. Invite Him in. Let Him change your life. FIND SALVATION TODAY.
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Today, by God’s grace, we have another opportunity to reflect on His Word and the blessings He has prepared for us.
Let us begin by reading from Zechariah 12:9-14, where the prophet speaks of a future time:
“On that day I will set out to destroy all the nations that attack Jerusalem. And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child…”
This prophecy speaks about the Jewish people—the Israelites. Israel is a small nation, barely the size of a regional county, and doesn’t seem remarkable in terms of natural wonders or resources. Yet, it remains the center of global attention—why?
Despite being spiritually distant from God today, the Jewish people are intellectually gifted and extraordinarily successful worldwide. Now imagine: if they are already achieving so much while disconnected from God, what will happen when they return to Him?
The Bible promises that one day, God’s Spirit of grace will be poured out upon Israel. On that day, they will finally recognize Jesus—the one they rejected and pierced over 2,000 years ago—as their true Messiah. They will weep deeply in repentance, realizing that the very one they crucified is the Savior they had long awaited.
This moment marks a turning point, and it fulfills the prophecy written by Apostle Paul in Romans 11:25-27:
“I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in, and in this way all Israel will be saved. As it is written: ‘The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob. And this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins.’”
In other words, Israel’s spiritual blindness was allowed for a purpose—so that salvation could come to the Gentiles. We, the nations, have been living in this period of grace. But this season won’t last forever.
Once the time for the Gentiles is fulfilled, grace will return to Israel. And with that transition, the Rapture—the great catching away of believers—will follow.
Currently, Jews are still crying out at the Western Wall (the Wailing Wall) in Jerusalem, praying to the God of their fathers to send the Messiah and save them from their enemies. The day is coming when those prayers will be answered—when their spiritual eyes are opened and they finally see Jesus for who He truly is.
It’s important to understand: God deliberately allowed Israel to be spiritually blinded so that the Gospel could reach us, the Gentiles. Without that, we might still be bound in idol worship, witchcraft, and spiritual darkness. But through Christ, we were shown mercy.
When the disciples asked Jesus if He would restore the kingdom to Israel after His resurrection, He responded that it wasn’t for them to know the time or season (Acts 1:6-7). This meant that a time will come when God will restore Israel fully—and that time is drawing near.
When it happens, the world will witness God’s mighty defense of Israel once again. Nations will unite against Jerusalem in the final battle—the Battle of Armageddon—but God will rise and fight for His people.
Zechariah 14 describes that day vividly:
“Then the LORD will go out and fight against those nations, as he fights on a day of battle. On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, forming a great valley, with half of the mountain moving north and half moving south. You will flee by my mountain valley, for it will extend to Azel. You will flee as you fled from the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Then the LORD my God will come, and all the holy ones with him.”
So while it’s easy to be amazed at Israel’s progress today, the real message is this: Time is short. Grace is shifting.
Look at the state of Christianity worldwide. Nations that once sent missionaries are now turning away from faith. This is a sign: the age of grace for the Gentiles is closing, and God’s attention is turning back to Israel.
Eventually, all nations—including ours—will oppose Israel and align with the Antichrist. As Zechariah 12:3 warns:
“On that day, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all the nations. All who try to move it will injure themselves…”
That’s not a time to wish for. Why wait until those terrible days come upon us suddenly?
Now is the time to act. The grace of God is still available—especially here in Africa. Don’t let it pass you by. Accept Jesus into your life and let Him cleanse and prepare you for His return.
May the Lord bless you and keep you ready.
In Scripture, Jesus uses the term “yeast” (or leaven) symbolically to warn about hidden spiritual dangers. To understand the weight of His warning, let’s first define what yeast is.
In simple terms, yeast (also called leaven) is a substance made of living microorganisms (scientifically known as Saccharomyces cerevisiae). When added to flour and water, it ferments the dough, producing gas that causes the dough to rise. Though small in quantity, yeast spreads throughout the dough and changes its nature completely.
This physical process serves as a powerful spiritual metaphor: small, hidden influences can transform an entire life, community, or belief system.
Jesus gives a direct warning to His disciples:
“And he cautioned them, saying, ‘Watch out; beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.’” – Mark 8:15, ESV
At first, the disciples misunderstood, thinking Jesus was referring to physical bread. But Jesus was talking about spiritual influence:
“Then they understood that he did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” – Matthew 16:12, ESV
Luke’s Gospel clarifies further:
“Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.” – Luke 12:1b, ESV
Jesus identifies two kinds of “yeast”:
The Pharisees were known for their strict religious rules and public displays of righteousness. However, Jesus exposed their spiritual inconsistency:
This yeast represents legalism, pride, and false spirituality—a subtle but deadly form of hypocrisy that spreads through religious communities.
Herod and his followers (Herodians) represented political power and secular influence. They aligned with Roman authority and were more interested in preserving power than truth.
Herod:
Jesus referred to Herod as a “fox” (Luke 13:32), a symbol of cunning and deceit.
Herod’s yeast represents corruption, moral compromise, and manipulation—spiritual dangers that come from seeking political favor or mixing the gospel with worldly power.
Jesus’ warning is still relevant. Many believers today are influenced by:
When we allow either influence into our spiritual life, our nature begins to change—just like dough transformed by yeast. We risk becoming hypocritical, divided, and spiritually ineffective.
Paul also used the yeast metaphor:
“Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.” – 1 Corinthians 5:6–7, ESV
“Let us therefore celebrate the festival, not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” – 1 Corinthians 5:8, ESV
If you are a follower of Christ—especially a servant of God—be careful what influences you entertain. Whether you’re a preacher, teacher, worship leader, or lay believer, you are called to holiness, not compromise.
This doesn’t mean avoiding politicians or religious leaders completely, but it means we must not adopt their “yeast”:
Serve God in purity and power, avoiding the yeast of hypocrisy or compromise.
We are called to be spiritually unleavened—free from hidden sin, manipulation, and false teaching.
“Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come.” – Hebrews 13:13–14, ESV
Let us live with sincerity and truth, free from the corruption of religious performance or political power. May we be faithful disciples who reflect Christ—not the culture around us.
Be vigilant. Be discerning. Be holy. Stay away from the yeast that corrupts. Cling to the truth that saves.
Blessings to you in Christ.
Shalom, child of God! Welcome. Let’s dive into Scripture today and, by God’s grace, learn how to save souls.
Jesus said, “I did not come to destroy people’s lives but to save them” (Luke 9:56, NIV).
He said this after His disciples asked Him to call down fire to consume some Samaritans who refused to receive Him. But why did Jesus say He came to save, not destroy? Because He had the power to destroy, but chose not to. Instead, He sought a way to bring salvation, not death.
Sometimes, we might have weapons whether in our hands or on our tongues that God has legitimately given us to confront those opposing us. But without the wisdom Jesus had, we risk destroying souls instead of saving them.
Think about Moses. When the Israelites sinned against God in the wilderness, God told Moses to separate himself from the people so He could destroy them and He promised to make Moses into a great nation, giving him offspring to inherit the land. If we were Moses, we might have thanked God for defending us against those who opposed us. But Moses pleaded for his people, asking God for forgiveness on their behalf, seeking reconciliation. God listened and relented.
Imagine if Moses had obeyed and separated himself. Would that have been wrong? No. God truly would have destroyed them and fulfilled His promise to Moses. But Moses showed wisdom. Had he not interceded, he wouldn’t have been the leader God exalted.
Here’s the passage from Exodus 32:9–14 (NIV):
9 “I have seen these people,” the LORD said to Moses, “and they are a stiff-necked people. 10 Now leave me alone so my anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them. Then I will make you into a great nation.” 11 But Moses sought the favor of the LORD his God. “LORD,” he said, “why should your anger burn against your people, whom you brought out of Egypt with great power and a mighty hand? 12 Why should the Egyptians say, ‘It was with evil intent that he brought them out, to kill them in the mountains and to wipe them off the face of the earth’? Turn from your fierce anger; relent and do not bring disaster on your people. 13 Remember your servants Abraham, Isaac and Israel, to whom you swore by your own self: ‘I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and I will give your descendants all this land I promised them, and it will be their inheritance forever.’” 14 Then the LORD relented and did not bring on his people the disaster he had threatened.
This teaches us that not every opportunity or authority God gives us should be used impulsively. God didn’t create us as robots who just obey without thinking. That would be slavery. We are His children, meant to speak with Him, to consult with Him. God wants us to talk to Him, reason with Him, and exchange counsel.
Isaiah 1:18 says it beautifully:
“Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” (ESV)
That’s why Moses reasoned with God and his people’s sins, as scarlet as they were, became as white as snow. Hallelujah!
God can put someone in your hands who hates you or has wronged you deeply. It might seem that God gave you the power to finish them off. Think of how David had Saul in his hands but refused to harm him. That moment wasn’t for destruction, but for mercy and salvation.
Likewise, when you’re given such an opportunity, don’t use it to destroy but to save. Turn that moment over to Christ. Pray for forgiveness and mercy. When you do, God’s anger turns to love, and He will exalt you more than ever.
You might say, “That’s Old Testament stuff. What about the New Testament?” The same principles apply.
Take Paul and Silas in prison (Acts 16). After casting out a spirit, they were beaten and jailed. But God sent an earthquake that opened the prison doors and loosened their chains. The angel’s purpose was clear: they were free to leave.
Yet Paul and Silas stayed, thinking carefully. If they left, the jailer, who would have been executed for their escape, would die. Instead, they stayed and shared the gospel with him and his household — all were saved and baptized.
Here’s the account from Acts 16:22-36 (NIV):
22 The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten with rods. 23 After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. 24 When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. 25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. 26 Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. 27 The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!” 29 The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” 32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. 33 At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized. 34 The jailer brought them into his home and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household. 35 When it was daylight, the magistrates sent the police with the order to let Paul and Silas go. 36 The jailer told Paul, “The magistrates have ordered that you and Silas be released. Now you can leave. Go in peace.”
If Paul and Silas had left immediately, they would have lost the jailer and his family, which was the whole purpose of their mission. They chose to save rather than just escape.
So, brothers and sisters, not every chance to strike your enemy is God’s will. Not every door God opens should be used without wisdom. The person who insulted, humiliated, hurt, or stole from you—if God puts them in your hands, that’s not the time to destroy. Use that opportunity to save a soul, not to destroy. That’s what God wants to see in us.
There’s a story of a preacher who was also a prophet. Once, while preaching, an angel told him to look at the back of the church. He saw a man and a woman committing a sinful act in the middle of the service. Angry, the preacher was about to confront them, but the angel said, “Say a word and I will execute it immediately.” Meaning he could have called for their instant judgment.
But something changed in his heart—compassion rose up and he said, “I forgive you.” After the service, he heard an inner voice say, “That’s what I wanted to hear from you.” Because of that forgiveness, those people later repented and turned to God sincerely.
See? Avoid preaching a gospel of vengeance and destruction. If you refuse to forgive, one day you might offend God, and He won’t forgive you.