“Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an undeserved curse does not come to rest.” – Proverbs 26:2, NIV
This proverb offers profound wisdom on spiritual and emotional resilience. It teaches that not all words spoken against us carry power—particularly when they are baseless. The verse compares an undeserved curse to birds flitting in the air: constantly moving, seemingly busy, yet never settling or causing harm. Similarly, a curse without cause has no lasting effect on a person who is upright before God.
A curse is a solemn utterance intended to invoke a supernatural power to inflict harm or punishment. In biblical terms, curses are either just (when God allows consequences for sin) or unjust (when people speak harm out of malice or fear).
Proverbs 26:2 reassures us that unjust or baseless curses are ineffective. Just as sparrows and swallows flutter about aimlessly, so do these curses—they don’t land or take effect. God protects His people from words spoken without a righteous cause.
a. Goliath’s Curse on David
“He said to David, ‘Am I a dog, that you come at me with sticks?’ And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.” – 1 Samuel 17:43, NIV
Despite cursing David in the name of his gods, Goliath was defeated. Why? Because David was under God’s covenant protection. Goliath’s curse had no spiritual authority over him.
b. Balaam’s Attempt to Curse Israel
“But how can I curse those whom God has not cursed? How can I denounce those whom the Lord has not denounced?” – Numbers 23:8, NIV
Balaam, a pagan prophet hired to curse Israel, could not curse them because God had blessed them. This is a powerful theological truth: what God blesses, no one can curse (see Numbers 23:20).
There are instances in Scripture where curses took effect—but always for a reason tied to disobedience or mockery of God’s authority.
Elisha and the Mocking Youths:
“He turned around, looked at them and called down a curse on them in the name of the Lord. Then two bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the boys.” – 2 Kings 2:24, NIV
This judgment was not arbitrary. The boys weren’t simply teasing—they were mocking God’s prophet, showing contempt for divine authority.
This illustrates that a curse may have power when there is cause—especially if it aligns with divine justice. But random insults or threats, especially those spoken against God’s children, are powerless unless God permits it.
For those in Christ, we are no longer under the curse of the Law, but under grace.
“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us…” – Galatians 3:13, NIV
This means believers are covered by the finished work of Jesus. No curse—whether from humans, demons, or tradition—can override the blessings and promises of God.
Sadly, many Christians live in fear due to curses pronounced by traditional elders, witch doctors, or even family members. But these should be seen for what they are: baseless threats, like fluttering birds.
“No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord…” – Isaiah 54:17, NIV
As children of God, we are not vulnerable to every spoken word. Our identity and protection come from God, not from superstitions or human intimidation.
If you are saved through Christ, you are secure. You do not need to fear curses without cause. You are:
So stand firm in your faith, reject fear, and live in the peace that comes from knowing who you are in Christ.
Shalom.
As we all know, water serves at least four key purposes:
The same is true of the living water within a believer’s heart. It quenches the thirst for evil (Revelation 21:6; John 4:14), nourishes the soul with the goodness of God, cleanses the heart, and overwhelms the works of the enemy.
That’s why Scripture says that when an unclean spirit leaves a person, it passes through waterless places. Why? Because where spiritual water is present, demons cannot stay—it’s like a flood to them. The “water-filled” place represents the heart of someone who is truly saved.
Luke 11:24–26 (ESV):
“When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and finding none it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds the house swept and put in order. Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there. And the last state of that person is worse than the first.”
What many of us don’t realize is that the water within us often remains like water from a well—it stays in one place. This is the free grace every believer receives at salvation. But for that water to become rivers, flowing outward to bless others, it takes more than just saying “I’m saved.” Something more must happen in your life.
Think about rivers. They flow far and wide, benefiting people who have no idea where the water originally came from. For instance, thousands of people in the Kilimanjaro region rely on water flowing from Mount Kilimanjaro, even though most of them don’t know the exact source. Still, they benefit from it.
Even in Eden, God placed a river that flowed out from the center of the garden—not to stay there, but to water the land beyond the garden and bless the nations (Genesis 2:10–14).
In the same way, the water you received the day you were saved—like a spring from a well—must begin to flow out. But for that to happen, something extra must take place.
That’s why the disciples couldn’t cast out a certain demon and were puzzled. Jesus explained:
Matthew 17:21 (NKJV):
“However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”
What doesn’t come out?
The power of the water within you. For that water to turn into rivers, you must become a person of prayer. Not just casual prayer—but persistent, consistent, never-ceasing prayer.
Anyone who devotes themselves to prayer will attract the presence of God into their life. Prayer is God’s pump—it draws the water out, so it can flow and bless others.
You cannot be a person of spiritual revelation without a habit of prayer. You can’t minister to others effectively, or even intercede powerfully, if you don’t live a life of prayer.
You want your husband to stop drinking? But you’re not praying? You might see change in yourself—but you won’t have the power to change others. You want your family to be saved? Yet you’re not committed to the price of fasting and persistent prayer? Then it may remain just a dream—unless God decides to move by His sovereign will. But it won’t be because of your desires alone.
And this isn’t just about helping others. Even in areas of your own life—where you want to see God intervene—you must draw that water out through prayer so it can heal those parts.
Scripture tells us that we should always pray and not give up:
Luke 18:1 (NIV):
“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.”
That’s the only way answers come.
John 7:38 (NIV):
“Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”
May the Lord bless you.
Luke 14:27 (ESV)
“Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.”
Being a disciple is more than just believing in Jesus or attending church. There are clear marks of true discipleship — without them, you’re not a disciple at all. Here are four key traits every disciple must have:
No student teaches themselves — every student needs a teacher. And to be taught by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, there is one non-negotiable condition:
You must deny yourself.
Without this, you can’t receive the kind of teaching that prepares you for life’s challenges — whether it’s times of lack or abundance.
The Apostle Paul is a perfect example of someone who was well-trained by the Lord. He knew how to live in every situation — whether in need or in plenty.
Philippians 4:12-13 (NIV)
“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
That kind of maturity doesn’t come without submitting yourself to be taught by Christ.
Being willing to learn is the second mark of a true disciple. And when it comes to our faith, we must actively learn the ways of Christ — not casually, but with intention.
But here’s the truth:
You cannot learn from Jesus without first denying yourself and taking up your cross. There is no other way.
Many people today struggle to understand the Bible. Even when they read it, it feels closed off. Why? Because they haven’t surrendered themselves to Christ. They haven’t denied their own desires or picked up their cross.
Instead, they want a comfortable version of Christianity — soft, easy, without spiritual depth or cost. But the Bible doesn’t open up to that kind of follower. It opens to disciples.
Every student must be tested. There’s no such thing as graduation without exams. Likewise, every disciple of Jesus will face seasons of testing — and Jesus Himself allows it.
Why? Because testing builds faith and endurance.
James 1:2–3 (NIV)
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
If you avoid the trials, or fail to endure them, you can’t move forward — and you certainly won’t graduate as a disciple.
A student who has passed all their tests receives a certificate — a mark of completion and honor. In the same way, a disciple of Christ who endures and overcomes every trial will graduate spiritually.
And what is our certificate?
The Crown of Life.
James 1:12 (ESV)
“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”
Many people followed Jesus during His earthly ministry, but very few became His true disciples. Some followed for the miracles, others for the message, and others for the movement — but only a few fully surrendered and joined His “school.”
And the entrance requirement to that school hasn’t changed.
That’s the only way. No shortcuts. No exceptions.
There is no separate category of “Christian” apart from being a disciple. The two are one and the same.
Acts 11:26 (NIV)
“…The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.”
So, if you want to know whether you’re truly a Christian, ask yourself:
Am I really His disciple?
If you haven’t been taught, if you’re not learning, if you’re avoiding the tests, and if you’ve never graduated — you may be a follower, but you’re not yet a disciple. And if you’re not a disciple… you’re not yet truly a Christian.
May the Lord Jesus help us all.
This verse provides wisdom that applies both practically and spiritually. The message is clear: a lifestyle centered around pleasure and indulgence can lead to ruin—financially, emotionally, and spiritually.
In everyday life, loving luxury and pleasure—without discipline—leads to poverty. People who prioritize entertainment, status, or material things over saving, planning, and investing often find themselves struggling.
In biblical times, “wine and oil” symbolized luxury (Psalm 104:15). The mention here isn’t just about food or drink; it reflects a lifestyle of excess. For example, someone earning a modest income yet spending most of it on expensive perfumes or the latest gadgets just to appear fashionable is living beyond their means.
Theological Insight: Scripture consistently promotes stewardship and contentment. Paul writes,
“But godliness with contentment is great gain.” – 1 Timothy 6:6 (NIV)
Chasing pleasure often reflects discontent and poor stewardship of God-given resources.
From a spiritual perspective, indulgence in worldly pleasures often reflects a deeper issue—spiritual poverty or lack of intimacy with God.
Jesus, in the Parable of the Sower, explains how spiritual growth can be choked out by worldly distractions:
“As for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature.” – Luke 8:14 (ESV)
Pleasure in itself isn’t sinful—God created us with the ability to enjoy good things—but when pleasure becomes our focus, it competes with our devotion to God. Modern examples include excessive entertainment, social media addiction, or weekend partying that takes up the time meant for prayer, service, or Scripture reading.
Theological Insight: The heart of Christian discipleship is self-denial and focus on eternal things:
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” – Colossians 3:2 (NIV) “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:21 (NIV)
A pleasure-driven life can distort our desires, misplace our treasures, and numb us to the things of God.
The book of Ecclesiastes offers additional insight:
“Better what the eye sees than the roving of the appetite. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.” – Ecclesiastes 6:9 (NIV)
This verse teaches that learning to appreciate what you already have is wiser than constantly chasing new pleasures. It’s a call to contentment and focus.
Redeeming the Time: Paul encourages believers to live wisely:
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” – Ephesians 5:15–16 (NIV)
Time, like money, must be stewarded well. A life revolving around pleasure leaves little room for spiritual growth and Kingdom impact.
Proverbs 21:17 warns us: a life centered on pleasure results in poverty—not just materially, but spiritually as well. In contrast, those who live with discipline, gratitude, and focus on God’s purposes find both provision and fulfillment.
Jesus taught:
“Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:33 (NIV)
This verse is often misinterpreted to suggest that getting married automatically brings someone into closer favor with God. However, while marriage is indeed a blessing and approved by God, divine favor is not dependent on marital status. Instead, God’s favor is primarily connected to a life of obedience and righteousness.
Genesis 4:7 (NKJV) shows this principle clearly when God tells Cain:“If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.”
The Hebrew word translated as “favor” (ratzon) in various parts of Scripture often refers to God’s gracious approval of someone’s life or actions—especially when aligned with His will (cf. Psalm 5:12).
The verse states that the man who finds a wife finds “a good thing.” The Hebrew word for “good” (ṭôb) implies moral and beneficial goodness, which shows that marriage is a good design of God (see also Genesis 2:18).
Genesis 2:18 (NKJV):“And the Lord God said, ‘It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.’”
This aligns with the creation account, where marriage is instituted by God as a covenantal union for companionship, support, and fruitfulness. However, marriage is not the sole path to God’s blessing or favor.
The apostle Paul makes it clear that singleness can provide a unique opportunity for undivided service to God.
1 Corinthians 7:32–33 (NKJV):“But I want you to be without care. He who is unmarried cares for the things of the Lord—how he may please the Lord. But he who is married cares about the things of the world—how he may please his wife.”
This does not mean that married people cannot please God, but it acknowledges the practical realities and responsibilities that come with marriage.
Paul himself remained unmarried, as did Barnabas (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:5–6), and of course, Jesus Christ—the perfect Son of God—was unmarried. These examples show that intimacy with God is not dependent on marital status.
The latter part of Proverbs 18:22 says the man “obtains favor from the Lord.” This refers to the fact that when someone enters marriage rightly—within God’s design and purpose—it brings divine approval and blessing on that union. Marriage reflects God’s covenant love, and when it is pursued righteously, it aligns with His will.
Hebrews 13:4 (NKJV):“Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.”
Therefore, entering into marriage in a godly manner is met with God’s favor—not because it earns righteousness, but because it honors God’s established order.
While marriage can be a source of divine favor, it’s important not to idolize it. God’s ultimate concern is one’s heart and obedience to His Word.
Micah 6:8 (NKJV):“He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?”
Whether married or single, what pleases God most is a life surrendered to His will.
Proverbs 18:22 should be understood as a celebration of marriage as a good gift from God and a relationship that, when entered into in righteousness, brings favor and blessing. But it should not be taken to mean that marriage is the only—or even the best—way to gain favor with God. Favor comes through faith, obedience, and a heart aligned with God’s purposes.
Marriage is honorable and blessed—but so is singleness when lived for the glory of God. Both are valuable callings in the Kingdom of God.
May the Lord grant you wisdom and grace in every season of your life.
This verse highlights a principle that’s both practical and spiritual: wise people recognize and act within the right season. Failing to do so brings loss, not just to oneself but often to others who depend on them.
In an agricultural society like ancient Israel’s, summer was harvest time. Crops had matured, the rains had ceased, and farmers needed to work diligently to bring in the grain before it spoiled.
Anyone who failed to act during this crucial time caused not only personal loss but brought shame to the family. It wasn’t just laziness—it was negligence. Jesus referred to similar imagery in His parables (e.g., Matthew 13:24–30), showing that seasons of harvest are tied to responsibility and judgment.
This proverb is also deeply spiritual. The Bible often uses agricultural metaphors to describe God’s work in the world and in our lives. Theological themes of seasons, harvest, readiness, and responsibility appear frequently throughout Scripture.
Let’s explore two major applications of this proverb in the life of a believer:
Jesus taught that the world is a field, and people’s hearts are like soil. He declared that the harvest is now, not something we can put off:
“Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!” — John 4:35 (NKJV)
Theologically, this affirms the urgency of evangelism and discipleship. The fields are ready—people are seeking truth, hope, and salvation. Jesus continues:
“And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together.” — John 4:36
Here, the reward is both present and eternal. God calls each of us into the labor of His harvest—even if others have sown before us. As Paul says:
“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.” — 1 Corinthians 3:6 (NKJV)
Neglecting this call, especially when opportunities are abundant, is spiritual irresponsibility. As believers, we’re entrusted with the Great Commission:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…” —
To ignore that mission is to “sleep during harvest”—the very behavior Proverbs calls shameful.
Scripture also teaches that life has seasons (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Youth, in particular, is seen as a strategic season—a time of energy, vision, and capacity to serve God fully.
“Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, before the difficult days come…” — Ecclesiastes 12:1 (NKJV)
Delaying spiritual commitment is spiritually risky. Many say, “I’ll serve God later,” but the future is not guaranteed.
John addresses young people directly:
“…You are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the wicked one.” — 1 John 2:14 (NKJV)
Strength—physical, mental, and spiritual—should be used to serve God now, not later. Wasting youthful energy on pleasure and comfort without eternal purpose mirrors the laziness of a son who lets the harvest rot.
The Bible warns against spiritual procrastination. Hebrews reminds us:
“Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts…” — Hebrews 4:7 (NKJV)
Proverbs 10:5 calls us to recognize spiritual timing and act. Whether it’s:
This is the time.
God has appointed you to live and serve in this generation. Don’t wait until the season passes. Be the wise son who gathers when it’s time. If you’re already late, God’s grace can redeem time—but it starts with obedience now.
“Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” — Ephesians 5:16 (NKJV)
Be diligent, be faithful, and be fruitful.
May the Lord bless you as you serve in season.
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This verse captures a universal human experience: the deep refreshment that comes when a weary or thirsty soul receives unexpected good news. The image of someone parched and finally receiving cold water conveys both urgency and relief. In spiritual terms, this parallels the human condition—our souls thirst for meaning, hope, and reconciliation with God.
The “good news” mentioned here is not just any good news. While there are many types of good news in life—success in business, academic achievement, childbirth, promotions—these are temporary joys rooted in earthly life.
But Proverbs 25:25 emphasizes “good news from a distant land.” In biblical theology, that distant land symbolizes Heaven, the eternal realm of God. The ultimate “good news” from Heaven is the Gospel of Jesus Christ—the message of salvation, redemption, and eternal life through Him.
In John 6:33–35, Jesus Himself identifies as the divine sustenance that quenches the deepest thirst of humanity:
[33] “For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” [34] “Sir,” they said, “always give us this bread.” [35] Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” (NIV)
This passage aligns perfectly with Proverbs 25:25. Jesus is the “good news from a distant land.” He came down from Heaven to offer eternal life, peace with God, and freedom from sin. Through His death and resurrection, He satisfied the justice of God and opened the way for us to be reconciled with the Father (2 Corinthians 5:18–21).
Many around us are spiritually dehydrated. They chase after temporary comforts but are left empty. Jesus said in John 7:37–38:
“Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” (NIV)
As recipients of this divine refreshment, we are called to be messengers of the good news—to tell others about Jesus and offer them the same hope that changed us.
Let us not keep this life-giving news to ourselves. As Jesus commissioned us in
Mark 16:15, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”
This good news from Heaven is desperately needed in our world today.
So, let’s rise up, empowered by the Spirit, and share the Gospel—living water for thirsty souls.
Answer: To understand the significance of Tyrannus and his lecture hall, let’s read the key passage in context, using the **New King James Version (NKJV):
“And he went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God. But when some were hardened and did not believe, but spoke evil of the Way before the multitude, he departed from them and withdrew the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus. And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks. Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul…” — Acts 19:8–11, NKJV
After arriving in Ephesus, Paul began his ministry by preaching in a local Jewish synagogue. His central message was about “the kingdom of God” (v. 8), which refers to the reign of God established through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (cf. Luke 4:43; Matthew 6:33). Paul remained there for three months, teaching and reasoning from the Scriptures (cf. Acts 17:2), trying to show that Jesus was the promised Messiah.
However, despite his efforts, many of the Jews hardened their hearts and began publicly maligning “the Way” — an early name for the Christian faith (cf. Acts 9:2; 22:4). As a result, Paul withdrew the disciples (i.e., the believers) and relocated his teaching ministry to the school (or lecture hall) of Tyrannus.
The Bible does not offer extensive detail about Tyrannus. His name is of Greek origin, and it is possible he was a Gentile teacher or philosopher, possibly a former rhetorician or professor. Many scholars believe that Paul used the lecture hall during the off-hours, perhaps in the heat of the day, when Greek philosophers typically paused their public teachings.
According to some early manuscripts (such as the Western Text), Paul taught from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., hours typically reserved for rest in Greco-Roman culture. This implies Paul was both strategic and tireless, possibly supporting himself through tentmaking in the mornings (cf. Acts 20:34; 1 Thessalonians 2:9), then teaching the gospel in the afternoon.
Tyrannus himself may have been a believer who allowed Paul to use his hall, much like Simon the tanner who hosted Peter in Acts 9:43. Whether he was a convert or simply sympathetic to Paul’s mission, his facility became a central hub for gospel expansion.
Paul’s transition from the synagogue to the hall of Tyrannus marks an important theological and missional shift. The Jewish synagogue, meant to be a place of learning and revelation, became a place of resistance. Their rejection of truth echoes Jesus’ own experience among His people (cf. John 1:11; Matthew 23:37).
By contrast, the lecture hall of a Gentile becomes the site of revival and massive gospel outreach. Over the next two years, Paul’s consistent teaching led to all who lived in Asia Minor (modern-day western Turkey) hearing the word of the Lord — both Jews and Greeks. The gospel was no longer limited to ethnic or religious boundaries. This is a powerful example of the universal scope of Christ’s mission (cf. Romans 1:16; Galatians 3:28).
This passage highlights a few key theological principles:
Even in modern churches or religious systems, tradition and pride can sometimes hinder the move of the Holy Spirit. People may resist the truth even when it is clearly presented. Leaders might uphold human customs over Scripture. Just like in Paul’s time, the gospel often bears more fruit outside the traditional walls—in homes, workplaces, universities, or online spaces.
Therefore, we are called to:
May God help us walk humbly in His truth and be vessels for the spread of His Word. Maran atha—Come, Lord Jesus!
“Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites…”
— 1 Corinthians 6:9 (NKJV)
In the above passage, the Apostle Paul lists behaviors that are inconsistent with the kingdom of God. Two terms of interest here are:
Together, these words describe both participants in male-to-male sexual acts. This reflects a clear biblical stance that such behavior is sinful and contrary to God’s created order (see also Romans 1:26–27 and Leviticus 18:22).
God’s design for sexual intimacy is clearly outlined in Scripture: it is to be between one man and one woman within the covenant of marriage, expressing love, unity, and fruitfulness. Any deviation from this—whether homosexual or unnatural heterosexual acts—is a distortion of His intention and a spiritual danger (Romans 1:24–27).
It’s also important to understand that the biblical warnings are not meant to shame, but to lead to repentance. Paul himself goes on to say in 1 Corinthians 6:11 (NKJV):
“And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.”
This shows that transformation is possible through Jesus Christ.
If you are married and your spouse pressures you into acts that violate your conscience or biblical values (such as anal intercourse), you are not obligated to comply. Mutual consent and honor are essential in marriage (1 Corinthians 7:3–5). If disagreement on such issues causes separation, Scripture allows for peace and even the freedom to remarry under specific conditions (1 Corinthians 7:15).
Sexual purity is not just about avoiding certain acts; it’s about honoring God with your body, which is His temple (1 Corinthians 6:18–20). Whether single or married, let every believer pursue holiness and walk in obedience to God’s Word.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” — Matthew 5:8 (NKJV)
Maranatha – Come, Lord Jesus!
Many of us have heard that Jesus will return. But for someone to say that He will return means that He must have come before. And as we know, our Lord Jesus Christ came once—nearly two thousand years ago. He lived, died, was buried, rose again, and ascended into heaven. While He was here on earth, however, He promised His disciples that He would come again.
This teaching is therefore very important. It helps us understand how Jesus said He would return, so that we are not lacking in knowledge. Many people misunderstand His words and miss their true meaning. I encourage you to read this teaching carefully and calmly to the end.
When Jesus spoke about His return to the world, He described it at different times in two distinct ways:
Let us examine these two ways closely, with special emphasis on the second.
Jesus said the following to His apostles:
John 14:18–20 (NIV)
“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.”
He repeats this same message in John 16:16.
The disciples initially thought that once Jesus left, they would never see Him again. But on the day He ascended into heaven, ten days later, the Bible tells us that they were all gathered together in one place. The Holy Spirit came upon them, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit.
From that moment onward, each believer knew that Jesus was living in their heart. No one asked anymore, “Where is Jesus?” Their sense of being abandoned disappeared completely. Only then did they fully understand what Jesus had meant.
This shows us that His first return after the ascension was through the Holy Spirit. Even today, Christ lives in the hearts of all who believe in Him and have received the Holy Spirit.
Jesus also spoke of His return in another way:
Matthew 24:43–44 (NIV)
“But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”
Notice this carefully: Jesus did not say He would return like a soldier or a merchant—but like a thief.
To understand this properly, we must look at how the Bible describes a thief.
John 10:10 (NIV)
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
The “thief” described here is not a petty pickpocket, but a violent robber—one who comes armed, ready to kill, destroy, and seize what is valuable.
In the same way, Jesus’ return in the last days will reflect these three characteristics:
First, He will come at an unexpected hour and take what is most precious to Him on the earth—His saints. This is what the Bible refers to as the rapture.
Matthew 24:40–41 (NIV)
“Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.”
If the rapture passes someone by, the world will then move into the period of God’s wrath. These events will culminate in Jesus appearing openly and physically to destroy the nations that gather to fight against Him in the great battle of Armageddon.
Revelation 19:11–16 (NIV)
“I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war