Title Ester yusufu

Question:

Shalom, beloved brothers and sisters! Why did Jesus forbid His disciples—like Peter—from telling others that He was the Christ, as we read in Matthew 16:20?

Answer:
This is a wise and insightful question that touches on an important part of Christ’s earthly mission. Let’s unpack it step by step, starting with the passage itself.

1. The Passage in Context – Matthew 16:13–20

“When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say the Son of Man is?’”
They replied, ‘Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’
‘But what about you?’ he asked. ‘Who do you say I am?’
Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.’
Jesus replied, ‘Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven…’
Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.” (Matthew 16:13–17, 20

Peter had just made a powerful declaration that Jesus is the Messiah (Christ) and the Son of God. But surprisingly, Jesus tells them not to share this revelation with others—yet.

Why would Jesus command silence about something so important?

2. Why Jesus Forbade Public Proclamation of His Messiah ship

A. His Mission Was Not Yet Complete

Jesus was progressively revealing His identity and mission. At that point in His ministry, He had not yet suffered, died, and resurrected—which were essential elements of His role as the true Messiah.

• The Jews at the time expected a political or military savior, not a suffering servant (Isaiah 53:3–5).
• If the disciples had declared Jesus as “the Christ” prematurely, it could have caused political uprisings or misunderstood expectations of who He was.

Jesus Himself explained that He “must suffer many things… and be killed and on the third day be raised to life” (Matthew 16:21). Without this part of the mission fulfilled, the message of who He truly is would have been incomplete and misleading.

B. Jesus Was Avoiding Misguided Fame

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus often tells people not to spread news about His miracles or identity.

• Matthew 8:4 – “Then Jesus said to him, ‘See that you don’t tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest…’”
• Mark 3:11–12– “Whenever the impure spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, ‘You are the Son of God.’ But he gave them strict orders not to tell others about him.”

This wasn’t fear or secrecy. It was strategic timing. His goal was not to attract attention for fame, miracles, or popular acclaim, but to fulfill the Father’s will—leading to the cross.

3. The Pattern of Divine Timing in Jesus’ Ministry

One of the clearest moments comes during the Transfiguration. After Peter, James, and John saw Jesus glorified, He said:

“Don’t tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”
(Matthew 17:9

This shows the consistent pattern: Revelation must follow resurrection.

4. Fulfillment in the Resurrection and Great Commission

After Jesus rose from the dead, the command to keep silent was lifted. That’s when we see:

• Matthew 28:18–19 – “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…”
• Acts 1:8– “You will be my witnesses… to the ends of the earth.”

Jesus’ identity could now be proclaimed openly and boldly because the full gospel—the life, death, and resurrection of Christ—had been revealed.

5. A Lesson in God’s Timing

This pattern teaches us an important spiritual principle: not every truth is meant to be revealed immediately. Even in our lives and ministries, God sometimes calls us to wait for the right time before stepping out or speaking up.

Just like Jesus waited until the mission was complete, we must also follow the Spirit’s guidance in revealing and sharing what He entrusts to us.

Jesus told His disciples not to reveal that He was the Christ because His mission was not yet complete. He needed to suffer, die, and rise again—only then could the full truth about who He is be shared. After the resurrection, the command changed. Now, we are instructed to boldly proclaim Jesus to all nations.

“What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the rooftops.”
(Matthew 10:27

Let us now fulfill this calling joyfully and without hesitation.

May the Lord bless you as you grow in His Word and truth.

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To understand this, let’s look at Isaiah 41:7

“So the craftsman encouraged the goldsmith; He who smooths with the hammer inspired him who strikes the anvil, saying, ‘It is ready for the soldering’; Then he fastened it with pegs, that it might not totter.”

The term anvil—used by metalworkers to hammer and shape metals such as gold, silver, or bronze. After melting the metal in fire to soften it, artisans would place it on the anvil and pound it into the desired form. This was an essential step in crafting images or idols.

In Isaiah 41, this process is described in the context of idol-making. The craftsman carves a wooden image, the goldsmith overlays it with metal, and then another strikes the anvil to give it its final form.

The Folly of Idolatry

This verse is part of a larger prophetic critique of idolatry. God, through the prophet Isaiah, exposes the vain efforts of people making lifeless idols—objects that cannot speak, see, hear, save, or protect. Despite all the effort and cooperation between workers, the final product is something that must be nailed down so it won’t fall over (Isaiah 41:7). That in itself shows its powerlessness.

This theme is repeated throughout Isaiah:

“The workman molds an image, The goldsmith over spreads it with gold, And the silversmith casts silver chains.”
— Isaiah 40:19 

Yet these images, however refined, cannot respond, move, or help—they are utterly powerless.

God’s Contrast: Real Help Comes from Him

Immediately after describing the idol-makers, God turns to speak to His people, Israel, with words of comfort and assurance. He reminds them that He alone is their Creator, Redeemer, and Protector:

“But you, Israel, are My servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, The descendants of Abraham My friend. You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, And called from its farthest regions… Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God.”
— Isaiah 41:8–10

God makes it clear: unlike idols, He is living, present, and faithful to His people. He promises to give them strength, uphold them, and defend them.

God’s call is for His people to turn away from man-made, powerless substitutes and instead place their full trust in Him alone.

“I am the LORD, that is My name; And My glory I will not give to another, Nor My praise to carved images.”
— Isaiah 42:8

Our Response Today

Just as God challenged Israel to abandon idols, He is calling us today to examine our hearts. Are there “Anvil moments” in our lives—places where we invest time, money, or effort into things that ultimately cannot save or satisfy?

The promise is this: If we let go of spiritual and physical idolatry, and turn to the living God, He will be with us, strengthen us, and uphold us with His righteous right hand.

“Fear not… I will help you,” says the LORD and your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.
— Isaiah 41:14

May the Lord bless you as you put your trust in Him .

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QUESTION:

Is it a sin for a born-again Christian to shave his beard?

REFERENCE VERSE:

Leviticus 19:26-29 
“Do not eat any meat with the blood still in it. Do not practice divination or seek omens.

Do not cut the hair at the sides of your head or clip off the edges of your beard.
Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD.”

ANSWER:

This passage was part of God’s law to the Israelites in the Old Testament. The instruction not to trim the sides of the head or beard wasn’t arbitrary—it had cultural and spiritual significance. In ancient times, surrounding nations like the Egyptians, Moabites, and other pagan tribes practiced specific shaving patterns as acts of worship to their gods or as part of occult rituals (see Isaiah 15:2 and Jeremiah 48:37).

For example, some would shave the entire head and leave a circular patch on top or shape their beards in particular ways to express devotion to idols. These grooming habits were deeply tied to religious identity, not just style.

To separate His people from these practices, God commanded the Israelites not to imitate those customs. Holiness meant being visibly different. God’s people were to reflect His character and not the customs of idol worshippers.

This is the key theological principle: God calls His people to be set apart—distinct in both character and conduct. As seen in Leviticus 20:26

“You are to be holy to me because I, the Lord, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be my own.”

What does this mean for Christians today?

We are no longer under the Mosaic Law (see Romans 6:14, Galatians 3:24–25), but the principle of separation from worldly practices still applies. As Christians, our goal is not legalistic conformity but spiritual distinctiveness. In the New Testament, Paul appeals to believers in Romans 12:1–2 

“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.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

So, while shaving a beard itself is not a sin, the motive and style may matter. If a particular haircut or beard style is adopted just to follow secular celebrities or trends with roots in rebellion, immorality, or idolatry—even unknowingly—it may contradict the call to holiness.

For example, if a Christian intentionally shapes his beard to mimic an artist known for promoting ungodliness or uses fashion to imitate worldly rebellion, it may cause others to question his spiritual message. Paul teaches in 1 Corinthians 10:31

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

Our Witness Matters

We may not always realize it, but our appearance can send a message. Paul reminds the church in 2 Corinthians 3:2 

“You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone.”

That means people read our lives—including how we dress, speak, and present ourselves—as a testimony. So, ask yourself:

• What message does my appearance send?
• Is it pointing people toward Christ or blending in with worldly culture?

Even styles that seem neutral (like a beard with a goat-like shape) can unintentionally carry meanings. And even if they don’t anymore, we must consider how they affect our witness.

It’s not about legalism, but about spiritual awareness and purpose. Shaving your beard or cutting your hair is not a sin in itself. However, as believers, we are called to be intentional about how we live—including our appearance.

1 Peter 1:14-16 

“As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’”

So if a certain style ties you to worldly culture or distracts from your Christian identity, it may be wise to let it go—not because of the law, but out of love for Christ and a desire to honor Him with every part of your life.

May the Lord bless you and guide you in living a life that reflects His holiness.

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To understand the meaning of Jesus’ words in Matthew 24:20, we need to examine the same prophecy in three different Gospels to get a full understanding. We’ll begin with Matthew 24:15-22, where Jesus foretells the fall of Jerusalem:

Matthew 24:15-22:
“Therefore, when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place, (whoever reads, let him understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath. For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.”

Jesus emphasizes the severity of the coming tribulation, describing it as a time of unparalleled suffering. In the context of God’s judgment, this serves as a reminder of the importance of heeding Christ’s warnings and staying faithful to God.

In Luke 19:41-44, we find a similar warning, where Jesus weeps over Jerusalem:

Luke 19:41-44:

“Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it, saying, ‘If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. For days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment around you, surround you and close you in on every side, and level you, and your children within you, to the ground; and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not know the time of your visitation.’

Luke 21:20-24:

“But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those who are in the midst of her depart, and let not those who are in the country enter her. For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! For there will be great distress in the land and wrath upon this people. And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.”

Why Winter or the Sabbath?

In Matthew 24:20, Jesus urges His followers to pray that their flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath. This part of the passage reveals the difficulties the people would face if they tried to flee Jerusalem during certain times.

Matthew 24:20:
“And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath.”

Why Winter?

During winter in Jerusalem, temperatures can be very low, and there are even occasional freezes. Traveling in such harsh conditions would be incredibly difficult, particularly for those fleeing from an invading army. Theologians often point out that Jesus was acknowledging the natural difficulties that would arise in fleeing the city, emphasizing that they should pray for favorable conditions for their escape.

Why the Sabbath?

On the Sabbath, Jewish law prohibited long journeys or work (Exodus 16:29). The “Sabbath day’s journey” was limited to just a few hundred meters (Acts 1:12). This restriction would make it almost impossible for people to escape Jerusalem on the Sabbath if it were surrounded by armies. In light of this, Jesus’ warning was practical: they needed to pray that these catastrophic events would not occur on the Sabbath because it would severely limit their ability to flee and survive.

Acts 1:12:

“Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey.”

The Prophecy Fulfilled

Jesus’ prophecy was fulfilled in AD 70 when the Roman army, under General Titus, surrounded and destroyed Jerusalem. The people, particularly the Christians, who heeded Jesus’ warning and fled the city survived. Those who stayed behind, however, were caught in the destruction. This event serves as a reminder that Jesus’ words are always true and must be taken seriously.

A Warning for the Future

This event is also a picture of the greater tribulation that will occur in the future. In the Book of Revelation, we read about the coming Great Tribulation, a time of unparalleled suffering that will begin suddenly, just like the siege of Jerusalem.

Revelation 7:14 :

“And I said to him, ‘Sir, you know.’ So he said to me, ‘These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.’”

After the rapture of the Church, those who are left behind will face persecution and suffering unlike anything the world has seen before. Theologically, this passage teaches the inevitability of judgment for those who reject Christ, but it also offers hope for those who remain faithful and endure.

Mark 13:31:

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.”

Have you received Christ?

The rapture will happen at an unexpected time, and Jesus’ warnings will come to pass. If you are not sure that you are ready for the rapture, it is important to make your life right with God today. Jesus’ words will be fulfilled, and His offer of salvation is available to all who accept Him.

God bless you.

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Introduction:

The statement that human beings were created “in the image and likeness of God” is one of the most profound truths in Scripture. It sets humans apart from the rest of creation and defines our identity, purpose, and potential. But what exactly does this mean? To understand this, we need to look at both Scripture and sound theology.

1. Biblical Foundation:

Genesis 1:26–27 :

“Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion…’
So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”

2. The Image of God – Our Inner Being (Imago Dei)

Definition:
Imago Dei refers to the unique spiritual, moral, intellectual, and relational nature that reflects aspects of God’s character.

Core attributes include:

• Moral reasoning and conscience (Romans 2:14–15)
• Love and compassion (1 John 4:7–8)
• Creativity and dominion (Genesis 2:15)
• Free will and responsibility (Deuteronomy 30:19)
• Desire for relationship—with God and others (Genesis 2:18; Matthew 22:37–39)

Example from Scripture:
Ephesians 4:24 :

“And that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.”

This shows that righteousness and holiness are aspects of God’s image that can be restored through spiritual rebirth.

3. The Likeness of God – Our Outer Form

While God is Spirit (John 4:24), the likeness aspect is often understood to refer to the fact that God chose to give humans a form that mirrors His own divine presence in some way.

Theophanies (God appearing in human-like form) in the Old Testament (e.g., Genesis 18:1–3, Exodus 33:11) suggest that God’s heavenly form may have human-like qualities—eyes, hands, voice, etc.

Philippians 2:6–7:

“[Jesus], being in the form of God… took the form of a bondservant, and came in the likeness of men.”

This implies a divine form before incarnation that shares resemblance with humanity, reinforcing the concept of likeness.

4. We Were Created to Reflect God’s Character

Matthew 5:48 :

“Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.”

This is not a call to sinless perfection, but to spiritual maturity and godliness—becoming like God in character. God commands this because He knows it’s possible through the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 8:29:

“For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son…”

The image of God is fully revealed in Christ, and as believers, we are being shaped to become like Him.

5. How the Image Was Affected by Sin – and How It Is Restored

After the Fall (Genesis 3), humanity’s ability to reflect God’s image was corrupted—not destroyed. We still have the image, but it is marred.

Colossians 3:10:

“And have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him.”

2 Corinthians 3:18 :

“But we all… are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory…”

This transformation happens through faith in Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit.

6. Animals and Creation Do Not Share This Image

Only humans were created in God’s image. Animals, while part of God’s good creation, do not bear moral responsibility or spiritual capacity.

Psalm 8:5–6:

“You have made him [man] a little lower than the angels… You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands.”

This dominion is part of our God-given role that reflects His own sovereign rule.

7. Living Out the Image of God

We reflect God’s image not by outward claims but by inward transformation that leads to righteous living.

Practical Example:

Before salvation, one may harbor hatred; but when filled with the Holy Spirit, love replaces hatred, and we begin to hate sin instead—just like God does.

Galatians 5:22–23:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…”

These fruits are the living expression of God’s image in us.

Being made in God’s image and likeness means we were designed to reflect His character, steward His creation, and enjoy a relationship with Him. This is our highest calling. Though sin distorted that image, Christ came to restore it. Through Him, and by the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to live as true image-bearers.

May the Lord continue to transform us into His likeness as we walk with Him daily.

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As followers of Christ, we must come to terms with a profound truth: God does not intend for us to stay in the same spiritual stage forever. He is always at work, shaping us to become more like Christ (Romans 8:29), and that means He will take us through different seasons—some comforting, others stretching.

The Story of Elijah: A Shift in Provision

Let’s look at the prophet Elijah during the drought in Israel (1 Kings 17). When God shut the heavens so that it wouldn’t rain, He led Elijah to the Brook Kerith and commanded ravens to feed him.

1 Kings 17:4–6 
“You will drink from the brook, and I have directed the ravens to supply you with food there.”
“The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook.”

This was a miraculous season of divine provision—a symbol of God’s grace and care. But that season ended:

1 Kings 17:7 
“Some time later the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land.”

Elijah didn’t do anything wrong—the brook dried up as part of God’s greater plan. If Elijah had stayed there, waiting for the water to return, he would have missed what came next.

Instead, God gave him new instructions:

1 Kings 17:8–9 
“Then the word of the Lord came to him: ‘Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.’”

The same God who fed him through ravens now fed him through a widow. The method changed, but the faithfulness of God remained.

1: God Trains Through Seasons

Sanctification—the process of becoming holy—is often done through stages. Just as students graduate from one class to the next, God trains His children through different “spiritual classrooms” (Philippians 1:6).

You may feel like God was closer when you were first saved. In the beginning, His grace may have felt almost tangible, like Elijah’s daily bread from ravens. But then comes a time when that ease fades. The “brook” dries up.

This does not mean God has abandoned you. It means He’s calling you to maturity.

Hebrews 5:14 
“But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”

2: God’s Silence Can Signal Movement, Not Abandonment

Sometimes when we no longer feel the same emotional highs or clear answers, we assume God has left. But just as a teacher is often silent during a test, God’s silence may be a sign that it’s time to walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).

3: God Calls You to Be a Giver, Not Just a Receiver

In earlier stages, God may feed you directly. But in maturity, He may call you to feed others. Like Elijah, you may move from being provided for to being part of someone else’s miracle.

Hebrews 6:1 
“Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity…”

This might mean being relocated, facing new challenges, or having to create fresh spiritual routines. It may feel uncomfortable, but it’s not abandonment—it’s God equipping you for more.

How to Respond When the Brook Dries Up

1. Don’t panic. Recognize it as a shift, not a punishment.
2. Stay prayerful. Wait for the next instruction, just like Elijah did.
3. Be obedient. When God opens a new door, walk through it.
4. Don’t cling to the past. The grace for that season has served its purpose.
5. Trust His presence. The same God who was with you before is with you now.

Isaiah 43:19 
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?”

Final Encouragement

If you’re in a season where things feel different—where spiritual nourishment doesn’t come as easily, or you’re in a new place of responsibility—don’t be discouraged. God is not taking away your blessings; He’s changing the form through which they come.

Elijah still received God’s provision, just in a new way. The same God who walked with you in the early days of your faith is walking with you now—just teaching you new lessons.

Philippians 1:6 
“…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

So walk boldly. Embrace the season. Grow in grace. God is with you.

May the Lord bless and sustain you.

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Many people assume that the  wise men, were astrologers or star-gazers, but this is a misconception. The truth is that the Magi were neither astrologers, sorcerers, nor practitioners of any occult arts.

The wise men were not Israelites (Jews). The Bible tells us that they came from the East. In biblical times, the term “East” referred to areas like Babylon, and sometimes even as far as regions like India. Thus, the wise men were not Jewish; they were people from distant Eastern lands.

Despite not being Israelites, the wise men had a deep longing to know the God of Israel. This is similar to the Queen of Sheba, who traveled from afar (from Cush, in Africa) to hear the wisdom of Solomon (Matthew 12:42). It also parallels the story of the Ethiopian eunuch, who traveled to Jerusalem to worship the God of Israel, despite not being a Jew himself (Acts 8:26-40).

The wise men were similar in that they were not Israelites but traveled a great distance to seek the God of Israel.

Theological Insight:
God’s revelation is not limited to Israel alone. From the beginning, God’s plan was always for the salvation of all nations (Genesis 12:3; Isaiah 49:6). The Magi’s search for the Messiah and God’s answer to their search demonstrates that God is open to revealing Himself to those who seek Him, no matter their background.

It’s part of God’s nature to give signs and wonders to those who earnestly seek Him, especially those who are not part of the nation of Israel. For example, the Ethiopian eunuch, a Gentile, traveled from Africa to Jerusalem. He knew the Torah and some of the prophetic books of the Israelites. But as he was reading the book of Isaiah, he didn’t fully understand the prophecy about the Messiah (Isaiah 53). So, God sent Philip to explain it to him. To confirm God’s word, He gave the eunuch a special sign—the sudden disappearance of Philip.

Let’s read the story in

Acts 8:26-40:

“Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, ‘Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.’ So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of the Kandake (which means ‘queen of the Ethiopians’). This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the book of Isaiah the prophet. The Spirit told Philip, ‘Go to that chariot and stay near it.’ Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. ‘Do you understand what you are reading?’ Philip asked. ‘How can I,’ he said, ‘unless someone explains it to me?’ So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. This is the passage of Scripture the eunuch was reading: ‘He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he did not open his mouth. In his humiliation he was deprived of justice. Who can speak of his descendants? For his life was taken from the earth.’ ‘Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?’ Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, ‘Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?’ And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing.”
— Acts 8:26-40 

This event illustrates how God reaches out to those outside of Israel to reveal Himself. The eunuch, a Gentile, was reading the scriptures but needed guidance to understand the prophecy about Jesus. God didn’t leave him in confusion—He sent Philip to explain and confirm the truth. The miracle of Philip’s disappearance was God’s way of affirming the message.

Theological Insight:
God’s plan of salvation is for all people. In the New Testament, we see that God’s message of salvation is extended to both Jews and Gentiles,

(Ephesians 2:11-22). The Ethiopian eunuch’s conversion symbolizes the breaking down of barriers, emphasizing that the gospel is for all who believe (Romans 1:16).

The wise men story follows a similar theme. They weren’t Israelites, but they earnestly sought the God of Israel. Their journey was a search for truth, and God responded by giving them a sign—the star that led them to the newborn King, Jesus. This sign, the star, was a divine revelation that confirmed the arrival of the Messiah.

Matthew 2:1-2 says:

“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.’”

Theological Insight:
The star that guided the Magi was a sign from God, just as He used other signs throughout history to guide His people,

(Numbers 24:17).

God used a natural phenomenon, a star, to lead these Gentiles to the Messiah, showing that His plan of salvation was not limited to Israel but extended to the Gentiles as well (Luke 2:32; John 4:42).

God can use anything to communicate His message.

He used a staff in Moses’ time (Exodus 4:3), a donkey in Balaam’s time (Numbers 22:28-30), and even the sun and the moon in the time of Joshua (Joshua 10:12-14). The signs God uses are always purposeful, and there are no limits to how He can reveal His truth to us.

The Bible affirms that God’s revelation is universal. As

Psalm 97:6 states:

“The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all peoples see his glory.”

Thus, the wise men were not sorcerers or astrologers, as some might believe. They were earnest seekers of truth, and God revealed Himself to them through a unique sign, the star. This demonstrates God’s desire to make Himself known to all people, regardless of their background.

Theological Insight:
The purpose of divine signs is always to bring people to Christ. While God can use any means to communicate with people, the end goal is always to point them to Jesus.

As John 14:6 says,

“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” Therefore, any sign that leads us to someone or something other than Jesus is not from God but from the enemy.

It’s also important to be aware that there are teachings today that promote astrology, claiming it’s justified by the story of the wise men. These are teachings from the enemy and should be rejected. Astrology and other occult practices are contrary to God’s Word (Deuteronomy 18:10-12), and they open the door to deception. The Bible warns against such practices (Isaiah 47:13-15).

Conclusion:
The wise men were not astrologers or sorcerers. They were wise men who sought the God of Israel, and God responded by giving them a sign that led them to Jesus. In the same way, today God can use any sign He chooses to communicate with us, but those signs must always lead us to Jesus Christ.

May God continue to give us the discernment to recognize His truth and avoid the deceptions of the enemy.

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Shalom, beloved.

Let’s take a moment to reflect on a deep spiritual truth that every believer must face: How do we see and respond when we find ourselves in the middle of life’s trials?

1. Jesus Understands Our Suffering

The Bible teaches that Jesus is not a distant Savior—He walked where we walk. He experienced temptation, pain, and rejection just like us.

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.”
— Hebrews 4:15

This means that Jesus understands the full weight of human suffering. But He also overcame it, giving us hope that we, too, can endure.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
— John 16:33

2. Trials Are a Normal Part of the Christian Life

Contrary to the popular belief that faith guarantees a pain-free life, Scripture teaches that trials are part of the Christian journey. Ecclesiastes reminds us that life comes in seasons:

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
— Ecclesiastes 3:1

You may experience seasons of abundance, loss, loneliness, sickness, or joy—but none of these are outside of God’s awareness. The key is learning how to respond when you enter the “wilderness” seasons.

3. Jesus Faced Danger, Yet Was Not Alone

After His baptism, Jesus was led into the wilderness to be tested:

“At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.”
— Mark 1:12–13

Here we see a dual reality: Jesus faced external threats (“wild animals”) and spiritual warfare (“tempted by Satan”). Yet at the same time, Heaven was actively present—“angels attended Him.” Theological implication: God never leaves us alone in our trials. He surrounds us with divine help, even when it’s unseen.

4. In Trials, Don’t Just See the Enemy—See God’s Presence

Sometimes trials bring people or circumstances that feel like enemies—harsh critics, betrayals, sickness, financial hardship, or rejection from loved ones. But these “wild beasts” should not blind us to the greater reality: God is with us.

This is what Elisha understood when he and his servant were surrounded by enemy armies. His servant panicked—but Elisha prayed:

“‘Don’t be afraid,’ the prophet answered. ‘Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’”
— 2 Kings 6:16

“And Elisha prayed, ‘Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.’ Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”
— 2 Kings 6:17

Theology of angelic ministry

(Hebrews 1:14) teaches that angels are “ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation.” That means there is divine assistance working invisibly on our behalf, especially in moments of weakness and fear.

5. Daniel’s Faith Shows Us How to Trust in the Trial

When Daniel was thrown into the lions’ den, he did not fear. He focused on God’s power—not the lions. His testimony was:

“My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight.”
— Daniel 6:22

Daniel’s experience reveals this theological truth: Faith doesn’t always remove the trial, but it reveals God’s power within it.

6. Application: Keep Your Spiritual Eyes Open

Just because we can’t see angels or divine intervention doesn’t mean God is absent. He often works behind the scenes to preserve, strengthen, and deliver us.

“For we live by faith, not by sight.”
— 2 Corinthians 5:7

In moments of trial, don’t focus only on what your physical eyes see. Ask God to open your spiritual eyes so you can see His power, presence, and provision.

Final Encouragement:

You may be going through a season of deep struggle, but know this: God has not abandoned you. His angels surround you. His Spirit strengthens you. His promises remain true.

So, be still. Let go of fear. Look beyond the struggle and fix your eyes on God. In due time, you will see His hand at work and experience His divine intervention.

“Be still, and know that I am God.”
— Psalm 46:10

Shalom.

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