Title Prisca

Glory be to our Lord Jesus Christ forever. Welcome as we dive into an inspiring biblical story that highlights faith, justice, and God’s unfolding revelation in His covenant people.

Introduction: Context and Significance

In the Old Testament, we encounter the story of Zelophehad’s five daughters (Numbers 27:1-11), a narrative that challenges cultural norms and reveals God’s justice and mercy. These women from the tribe of Manasseh courageously stepped forward to claim their inheritance an act that ultimately led to a significant legal reform in Israel.

The story takes place during the Israelites’ wilderness journey from Egypt to Canaan. God, through Moses, was preparing to distribute the Promised Land according to tribal allotments (Numbers 26:52-56). Each tribe’s share was proportional to its size, with Judah being the largest and Manasseh among the smaller tribes (Numbers 26:62).

Inheritance laws in ancient Israel were patriarchal: property passed through male heirs to maintain tribal land holdings and family lineage (Deuteronomy 21:15-17). Women traditionally did not inherit land, which made Zelophehad’s daughters’ case unprecedented.

The Story: A Bold Petition for Justice

Zelophehad died without sons, and according to custom, his inheritance was at risk of being lost to his family line (Numbers 27:3 NIV):

“Our father died in the wilderness. He was not among Korah’s followers who banded together against the Lord, but he died for his own sin and left no sons.”

His daughters Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milkah, and Tirzah came forward with a bold plea (Numbers 27:4-5 NIV):

“Why should our father’s name disappear from his clan because he had no son? Give us property among our father’s relatives.”

Moses brought their case before God, who affirmed their claim, establishing a new legal precedent (Numbers 27:7-11 ESV):

“The daughters of Zelophehad speak rightly. You shall surely give them a possession of an inheritance among their father’s brothers, and cause the inheritance of their father to pass to them… If a man dies and has no son, then you shall cause his inheritance to pass to his daughter.”

1. God’s Justice and Inclusiveness
   This narrative reveals God’s concern for justice and the inclusion of women within His covenant community. Though patriarchal customs prevailed, God’s response showed that His justice transcends human traditions and recognizes the dignity and rights of all His people (Psalm 89:14). The daughters’ faith and persistence reflect God’s heart for equity and the protection of family legacy.
2. Faith that Transforms Culture
   The daughters’ approach was courageous and rooted in faith. They did not resort to rebellion or social upheaval but respectfully appealed to Moses and, ultimately, to God’s justice. Their example reminds us that faithful petitions grounded in God’s truth can bring about transformation within society (Hebrews 11:1).
3. Inheritance and Covenant Identity
   Inheritance in Israel was not just material but deeply tied to covenant identity and belonging. To deny these daughters their inheritance was to erase their place in God’s covenant community. Their claim, therefore, upheld their rightful identity as God’s people.

Application for Today: Jesus as Our Advocate

Moses served as mediator in the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 18:15-18), bringing the people’s petitions before God. Today, Jesus Christ is our perfect Mediator (1 Timothy 2:5), the one to whom we bring our requests for justice and provision.

Approach Him with boldness and faith, armed with God’s Word as your foundation:

Isaiah 41:21 (NIV)
“Present your case,” says the Lord. “Set forth your arguments,” says Jacob’s King.

Isaiah 43:26 (ESV)
“Put me in remembrance; let us argue together; set forth your case, that you may be proved right.”

The Power of Unity

The five daughters’ strength lay in their unity. Not one daughter, but all five together made their case. Jesus teaches that where two or more believers agree in prayer, their requests are powerful before God:

Matthew 18:19 (NIV)
“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.”

Unity amplifies our faith and petitions, helping us stand firm in God’s promises.

May the Lord grant us faith like the daughters of Zelophehad bold, respectful, and united so that we can open the doors that seem closed in our lives.

Maranatha! The Lord is coming!

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When we think of discipline, order, and protection, our minds often turn to soldiers. We admire the structure of a military parade or the courage of police officers risking their lives to uphold justice. Their training, sacrifice, and sense of duty inspire many.

But no one celebrates a thief. Thieves are despised because they invade the lives of others, taking what doesn’t belong to them  often in secrecy and violence. Their actions violate trust and destroy peace.

And yet, Scripture tells us that Jesus will return not like a soldier on parade, but like a thief in the night  swift, unexpected, and silent.

1 Thessalonians 5:2 (ESV)

“For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.”

Jesus Himself used this imagery:

Matthew 24:43-44 (NKJV)

“But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into.
Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”

Why a Thief? Because He Comes for What Is Valuable

A thief doesn’t come to steal trash. He targets what is precious.

In the same way, Jesus is returning to take those who are valuable in His sight  His faithful ones, those who have been redeemed by His blood, purified by repentance, and made holy by the Spirit.

Malachi 3:17 (NKJV)

“They shall be Mine,” says the Lord of hosts,
“On the day that I make them My jewels.
And I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him.”

The world is like a large house  some inside are faithful and others are not. The ruler of this fallen world is Satan (John 14:30), and his kingdom is full of deception and wickedness. But Jesus is coming to claim His jewels  the saints  and He will do it in a moment, without warning.

The Rapture: A Holy Extraction

When the Lord comes like a thief, it will be the rapture  the sudden taking away of believers who are walking in righteousness.

Luke 17:34–36 (NKJV)

“I tell you, in that night there will be two men in one bed: the one will be taken and the other will be left.
Two women will be grinding together: the one will be taken and the other left.
Two men will be in the field: the one will be taken and the other left.”

It will happen in the twinkling of an eye  a divine disappearance that will confound the world.

1 Corinthians 15:51–52 (ESV)

“Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.”

Who Are the Valuable Vessels?

In Scripture, vessels are often used to describe people  some for honorable use, others for dishonorable.

2 Timothy 2:20–21 (ESV)

“Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable.
Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.”

Valuable vessels are those who:

• Have believed in the Lord Jesus Christ (John 3:16)
• Have repented of their sins (Acts 3:19)
• Have been baptized in water in the name of Jesus (Acts 2:38)
• Have received the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38, Romans 8:9)

They live lives of holiness and obedience, remaining in the light while the rest of the world walks in darkness.

Psalm 16:3 (NKJV)

“As for the saints who are on the earth,
‘They are the excellent ones, in whom is all My delight.’”

The Aftermath of the Rapture

Once the saints are taken, those left behind will face the wrath of the Antichrist during the Great Tribulation  a time of unparalleled suffering.

Matthew 24:21 (ESV)

“For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be.”

The enemy will rage, realizing he has lost what is most precious. And like a man who awakens to find his treasures stolen, he will unleash destruction in frustration and fury.

Are You a Vessel of Value?

This is the critical question.

Jesus isn’t returning for churchgoers by name, but for true believers  those who are living in righteousness and walking in the Spirit.

Are you ready? Or will you be among those left behind?

Now is the time to repent, to surrender your life fully to Christ, to walk in holiness, and be filled with His Spirit.

Maranatha  The Lord is Coming!

The early church greeted one another with the word Maranatha, meaning:
“Our Lord is coming.”

So let us live with that urgency, and strive to be vessels of gold  holy, ready, and set apart for the Master’s use.

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“So Abraham called the name of that place, ‘The Lord will provide’; as it is said to this day, ‘On the mount of the Lord it shall be provided.’” Genesis 22:14 (ESV)

Blessed be the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome, beloved, as we reflect on one of the most profound moments in biblical history: the near-sacrifice of Isaac by his father Abraham, and what it reveals about God’s provision, obedience, worship, and the ultimate sacrifice fulfilled in Christ.

I: The Test of Faith and Obedience

In Genesis 22, God tests Abraham by asking him to sacrifice his only son, Isaac the child of promise.

Genesis 22:6–8 (NIV)
“Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together, Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, ‘Father?’
‘Yes, my son?’ Abraham replied.
‘The fire and wood are here,’ Isaac said, ‘but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?’
Abraham answered, ‘God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.’ And the two of them went on together.”

Abraham’s statement was both prophetic and faithful. Though he did not know how God would provide, he trusted that Yahweh Yireh “The Lord will provide” would make a way.

This moment was not only a test but a foreshadowing of Christ, the Lamb of God, whom the Father would later offer on behalf of humanity. Isaac carrying the wood symbolizes Christ carrying the cross (John 19:17), while the substitution of the ram signifies the gospel’s core: a sacrifice in our place.

II: God’s Provision on the Mountain

Genesis 22:13–14 (ESV)
“And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him was a ram, caught in a thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son.
So Abraham called the name of that place, ‘The Lord will provide’; as it is said to this day, ‘On the mount of the Lord it shall be provided.’”

The phrase “on the mount of the Lord it shall be provided” (Hebrew: YHWH Yireh) expresses the certainty of divine provision when obedience and worship meet God’s appointed place.

Where the Lord calls us, He also provides. Abraham’s experience reminds us that provision doesn’t always appear before the test but in the midst of obedience, our eyes are opened to see it.

Interestingly, Jewish tradition links this location Mount Moriah with Jerusalem, and specifically with the Temple Mount, where Solomon later built the temple (2 Chronicles 3:1). Thus, this place becomes central not only in Jewish worship but also in messianic prophecy.

III: The True Mountain of Worship

In the New Covenant, worship is no longer confined to physical locations like Mount Moriah or Mount Gerizim. Jesus redefined worship as spiritual and relational.

John 4:20–24 (NIV)
“Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.”
“Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem.
… Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.”

In the New Testament era, the “mountain of the Lord” is a spiritual place the presence of God through the Holy Spirit. To be “on the mountain” today means to live in surrender, truth, and communion with God through Christ.

IV: The Call to Sacrifice

We are still called to sacrifice not animals, but our very lives. Just as Abraham laid Isaac on the altar, God calls us to lay down all that we hold dear.

Romans 12:1 (ESV)
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”

Matthew 10:37–39 (ESV)
“Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me… and whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”

What is your “Isaac” today?
Is it your career? Education? Wealth? Relationships? Reputation? The Lord may ask you to surrender it just as He asked Abraham. But in doing so, He promises a greater return not in worldly terms, but in kingdom significance and eternal reward.

V: Climbing the Mountain Today

To ascend the spiritual mountain, one must follow Christ fully:

Matthew 16:24–26 (NIV)
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.
For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.”

This is the path of the cross, a journey of faith, self denial, obedience, and intimate fellowship with God.

Invitation to Respond

If you have not yet surrendered your life to Jesus, the invitation is open today. You can begin your journey to the mountain of the Lord by:

1. Repenting of your sins (Acts 3:19)
2. Believing in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Savior (John 3:16)
3. Being baptized in water, in the name of Jesus (Acts 2:38)
4. Receiving the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13–14)
5. Walking daily in the truth of God’s Word (John 17:17)

The sacrifices God desires are a broken spirit, a humble heart, and a life surrendered to Him (Psalm 51:17).

“On the mountain of the Lord it shall be provided.”
Provision, blessing, peace, and purpose are found not in the lowlands of compromise, but on the heights of obedience and worship.

The mountain is not about location it’s about position: a heart aligned with God, walking in the Spirit and in truth.

So today, ask yourself:
Am I living at the foot of the mountain or have I gone up to where God provides?

May the Lord draw you higher, strengthen your steps, and meet you there just as He did with Abraham.

Grace and peace to you in Christ Jesus. Amen.

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When I was a child, I attempted a dangerous experiment. I believed all a lightbulb needed was “electricity” any kind without understanding the voltage or proper setup. So, I plugged two bare wires directly into a power socket and touched them to a bulb, expecting it to light up. Instead, the bulb exploded. Thankfully, by God’s mercy, the shards missed my eyes. That day, I learned that a lack of understanding can be dangerous even deadly.

The problem? I thought that the presence of electricity alone was enough. I completely ignored the process and design intended for safely using it. That mistake mirrors a common spiritual issue today: people try to worship God in ways He has not authorized.

The Danger of Unauthorized Worship

In Leviticus 10:1–2 (ESV), we see the tragic story of Aaron’s sons:

“Now Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it and laid incense on it and offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, which he had not commanded them. And fire came out from before the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord.”

Their error? Offering “unauthorized fire” also called “strange fire” in other translations. This was a fire not taken from the altar of burnt offering, where God Himself had ignited the flame (Leviticus 9:24), and which was to burn perpetually (Leviticus 6:12–13). God had given clear instructions that any fire used in the tabernacle must come from His altar, symbolizing worship that originates from divine instruction, not human innovation.

“Holy Fire” vs. “Strange Fire”

The altar fire represented God’s holiness, His wrath against sin, and His provision for atonement through sacrifice. That fire was not just symbolic; it was sacred. To use a different fire was to treat the holy as common something God repeatedly warns against:

“You are to distinguish between the holy and the common, and between the unclean and the clean.”
Leviticus 10:10 (NIV)

In other words, Nadab and Abihu treated divine worship casually. They likely thought, “Fire is fire as long as it burns, it works.” But God doesn’t accept just any offering. He requires obedience, reverence, and holiness.

New Covenant Worship: In Spirit and in Truth

Jesus echoed this principle in John 4:23–24 (NIV):

“Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and His worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”

Worship under the New Covenant is not based on rituals alone, but it must still follow God’s guidelines: it must be sincere (“in spirit”) and doctrinally correct (“in truth”). Offering worship with unrepentant hearts, false doctrine, or self-centered motives is equivalent to offering “strange fire.”

Who May Offer Worship That Pleases God?

In Revelation 8:3–4 (NIV), we read about incense being offered with the prayers of the saints:

“Another angel… was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all God’s people… The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of God’s people, went up before God…”

Only the prayers of the saints those who have been made holy through faith in Christ (1 Corinthians 1:2) are accepted on God’s altar. God does not receive worship from those who live in unrepentant sin.

“The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright pleases him.”
Proverbs 15:8 (NIV)

“If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.”
Psalm 66:18 (NIV)

Beware of Lukewarm Christianity

God abhors half-hearted commitment. In Revelation 3:15–16 (NIV), Jesus speaks to the church in Laodicea:

“I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm neither hot nor cold I am about to spit you out of my mouth.”

Claiming to be a Christian while living in open sin (drunkenness, immorality, pride, rebellion, vanity, etc.) is not just hypocritical it is spiritually dangerous. Just like Nadab and Abihu, such people risk provoking God’s holy anger.

True Worship Requires True Conversion

If you have not been born again if your life hasn’t changed, your desires haven’t been transformed, and you’re still walking in darkness then you haven’t truly come to Christ. The first step toward acceptable worship is repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out…”
Acts 3:19 (NIV)

After repentance comes baptism, as Jesus commanded in Mark 16:16 and as practiced in Acts 2:38.

A Call to Examine Ourselves

Before we offer anything to God whether it’s a song, a prayer, an offering, or a ministry we must examine ourselves:

• Are we truly born again?
• Are we walking in holiness?
• Are we following His Word or our own traditions?
• Are we worshiping in spirit and truth or offering strange fire?

Let us not take God’s holiness lightly. Let us not bring Him what we think is acceptable, but what He has commanded. Just like with electricity, the wrong connection in worship can be fatal. But when we walk in obedience, our worship becomes a pleasing aroma before His throne.

“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.”
Romans 12:1 (NIV)

May God open our eyes and teach us to worship Him in Spirit and in Truth.

Be blessed.

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Understanding the work of the Holy Spirit today is challenging for many Christians just as it was for the Jews to grasp the full ministry of Jesus Christ in His time. The Jews anticipated the Messiah primarily as a political king, focusing on passages like

Isaiah 9:6 (ESV)”For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder…

“while overlooking other important prophecies. When Jesus arrived as the suffering Servant the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world (Isaiah 53) they missed the deeper purpose and rejected Him as the Messiah (see John 1:11).

As believers today, we understand the Messiah will ultimately reign in glory like King David (cf. 2 Samuel 7:12-16), bringing salvation and deliverance from spiritual enemies.

In a similar fashion, many Christians today equate the Holy Spirit primarily with speaking in tongues (glossolalia), often neglecting the breadth of His work in the church and His unfolding purpose for this age. The Holy Spirit is not limited to one manifestation; He is actively working in multiple ways, especially in the end times.

Today, we explore the multifaceted ministry of the Holy Spirit, particularly His activity during the last church age.

The Seven Spirits of God

In Revelation 1:4 (NIV) John writes:
“John, To the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne…”

The “seven spirits” mentioned here are often misunderstood. God is Spirit (John 4:24) and has one Holy Spirit, but this passage symbolizes sevenfold aspects or ministries of the Holy Spirit a fullness and completeness of His work (cf. Isaiah 11:2, where the Spirit of the Lord is described as having seven qualities: wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, fear of the Lord, and delight in the fear of the Lord).

These seven spirits correspond to the seven churches described in Revelation chapters 2 and 3, representing different stages of church history. Biblically, we understand we are now in the seventh and final church age Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22), which began approximately in 1906, coinciding with the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements.

This seventh spirit signifies the final outpouring of the Holy Spirit before Christ’s return.

The First and the Last: Strength and Significance

In Scripture, the first and last stages of a process are often the most significant and powerful whether it’s the foundation and finishing of a building or the start and finish of a race (Hebrews 12:1-2). Similarly, the Holy Spirit’s activity was powerful at Pentecost (the first church) and will be powerful again in the Laodicean church age, but in a unique and intensified way.

The early church experienced great signs and wonders (Acts 2:1-4; Acts 19:11-12 (ESV)). However, after the apostolic age, many of these miraculous gifts diminished as the Spirit worked differently through the ages (1 Corinthians 13:8-10), and many gifts seemed to disappear from view in subsequent church history.

The Restoration of the Gifts

In Laodicea, starting around 1906, we see a restoration of apostolic gifts and power, marking the return of the sevenfold Spirit’s manifestations. This includes gifts like prophecy, healing, tongues, and miracles, confirming that the Holy Spirit is preparing the church for the final phase of His work (cf. Ephesians 4:11-13).

Yet, this revival also brought confusion, false prophets, and exploitation of spiritual gifts for personal gain (2 Peter 2:1-3), reminding us to discern carefully.

The Special Outpouring on Faithful Servants

A crucial distinction is made in Joel 2:28-32 (ESV):

“And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit. And I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and columns of smoke.”

Here, God promises a general outpouring of the Spirit on all believers, empowering them with prophecy, dreams, and visions. This outpouring is universal for all who believe.

However, the greater, more extraordinary outpouring is reserved for God’s faithful servants both men and women who will perform wonders and miracles as signs to prepare the world for the coming of the Lord. This second outpouring is characterized by supernatural phenomena unprecedented since the times of Moses and Elijah (cf. Exodus 7-11; 2 Kings 2).

The Purpose of These Signs

These signs will not be for show, fame, or profit as is often the case with false prophets (Matthew 7:15-20; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15). Instead, they will serve to:

• Confirm God’s presence with His faithful servants
• Draw back the genuine remnant of believers who have been confused by false teachings
• Prepare the way for Christ’s imminent return

Are you saved? Are you one of God’s faithful servants, ready to receive this special outpouring of the Spirit?

The time is near. Serve the Lord with faithfulness today, so when this final outpouring arrives, if you are alive, you will be part of this powerful work. We are called to serve God according to the gifts He has given us (1 Peter 4:10-11).

Let us seek the Holy Spirit earnestly and align our lives with His plans, living according to God’s will here on earth.

Shalom.

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Let’s begin by reading a little earlier in the passage to get context:

2 Corinthians 12:2-4 (NIV)
“I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know God knows. And I know that this man whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows was caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell.”

Paul is clearly referring to a mystical, supernatural experience either a vision or a spiritual journey where he was caught up beyond the earthly realm to the “third heaven,” a Jewish term for God’s dwelling place (cf. 2 Corinthians 12:2). The “third heaven” is distinguished from the first heaven (sky) and the second heaven (space or realm of celestial bodies). Here, Paul describes hearing “inexpressible things” (Greek: alogēta, meaning “unspeakable” or “indescribable”) that he was forbidden to reveal to others. The phrase “no one is permitted” (Greek: ouk exestin) underscores the holiness and mystery of these revelations some divine truths are so sacred they cannot be shared.

The concept of things being “not permitted” or “forbidden” appears elsewhere in Scripture, emphasizing moral and covenantal boundaries:

Genesis 34:7 (NIV)
“When Jacob’s sons heard what had happened, they were deeply distressed and very angry because their sister had been treated in a way that was forbidden among the Israelites.”

In this case, “forbidden” (Hebrew: lo yezul) relates to God’s moral law and the sanctity of the family covenant. The violation angered Jacob’s sons because it broke God’s ethical standards for His people.

The idea of “not permitted” has both doctrinal and ethical dimensions in the Christian life. Spiritually, certain divine mysteries and heavenly revelations are guarded by God’s sovereignty and holiness, as Paul experienced. Ethically, believers are called to live lives separated from sin and worldly passions. The New Testament calls Christians to holiness because God is holy (1 Peter 1:15-16).

For the believer who is “born again,” it is not permitted (i.e., contrary to God’s will and moral order) to:

• Love the world in a way that rejects God (1 John 2:15-17)
• Continue living in habitual sin and indulgence (Romans 6:1-2)
• Engage in blasphemy, theft, deceit, sexual immorality, drunkenness, or idolatry (Galatians 5:19-21)
• Associate closely with unbelievers in ways that compromise faith (2 Corinthians 6:14-17)

Instead, believers are called to pursue holiness actively:

Hebrews 12:14 (NIV)
“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.”

Holiness is not optional it is essential to seeing and experiencing God. This means a daily commitment to purity, obedience, and faithfulness, taking up one’s cross to follow Jesus (Luke 9:23).

• Paul’s “not permitted” words reflect sacred divine mysteries reserved by God.
• Scripture consistently emphasizes boundaries that protect God’s people morally and spiritually.
• Christians must live lives set apart, reflecting God’s holiness in thought, word, and deed.

May the Lord bless and strengthen us in our walk of holiness.

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The word “slavery” may sound harsh, but in the biblical context, it can also carry a positive meaning. Just as people in this world may be slaves to others, Jesus Christ also has His servants those who willingly submit their lives to Him. This is why Jesus said:

Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV):
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

This passage shows that coming to Jesus means more than just rest  it means entering into a new kind of submission or “yoke.” A yoke is a wooden frame placed on the necks of oxen to guide and harness their strength for a task (see Genesis 49:10 for Old Testament imagery). Jesus invites us to take His yoke a symbol of submission to His lordship. Unlike the heavy burdens of sin or legalism, His yoke is gentle and His burden light, reflecting His grace.

Notice Jesus doesn’t say, “I will put my yoke on you.” Instead, He says, “Take my yoke,” emphasizing that accepting Christ’s lordship is a voluntary choice (cf. Deuteronomy 30:19-20 the call to choose life). This reflects free will and personal responsibility in responding to God’s call.

The Biblical Meaning of Being a “Servant” or “Prisoner” of Christ

In the New Testament, Paul often refers to himself as a “prisoner” or “bondservant” of Christ, expressing his total commitment and surrender to Jesus for the sake of the Gospel:

Philemon 1:1 (NIV):
“Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker”

Ephesians 3:1 (NIV):
“For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles”

2 Timothy 1:8 (NIV):
“So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God”

Colossians 4:3-4 (NIV):
“…that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains,
so that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.”

Paul’s self identification as a prisoner shows that serving Christ involves sacrifice, hardship, and sometimes literal imprisonment, but also spiritual freedom and fulfillment in proclaiming the Gospel (see Philippians 1:12-14).

Characteristics of Servants of Christ

1. Total Commitment to God’s Work
   Servants of Christ dedicate their time and energy fully to the work of God, often forsaking worldly pursuits (cf. Philippians 3:7-8). Paul describes worldly things as “rubbish” compared to knowing Christ.
2. Unashamed of the Gospel
   Believers who serve Christ boldly share the Gospel, regardless of persecution or suffering (2 Timothy 1:8).
3. Renunciation of Self and Worldly Freedoms
   True servants understand they have given up personal freedoms for God’s work. Like a slave or servant, their life revolves around serving the Master faithfully.
4. Work Ethic and Discipline
   Servants do not waste time on worldly pleasures. Their focus is on completing God’s mission, and preaching the Gospel is not optional but essential (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:16-17).

Are You Yoked to Jesus or to the Enemy?

The “yoke” of Satan is described metaphorically as slavery to sin and its various forms addiction, lust, idolatry, and other sinful patterns. The Bible warns about slavery to sin in John 8:34 (“Everyone who sins is a slave to sin”).

Examples of Satan’s yoke include:

• Addiction to alcohol or drugs
• Sexual immorality or prostitution
• Fanaticism over worldly entertainment or distractions
• Lustful desires and sinful habits

You cannot break these chains on your own because Satan does not want you free. Only Jesus can break the power of sin and set you free.

Jesus Offers Freedom and a New Yoke

Jesus said in John 8:36 (NIV):
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

This freedom, however, involves voluntarily submitting to Jesus’ lordship taking His yoke on yourself and committing to serve Him.

The Cost and Reward of Discipleship

In Mark 10:28-30 (NIV), Peter says, “We have left everything to follow you!” Jesus replies:
“Truly I tell you, no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel
will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields along with persecutions and in the age to come eternal life.”

Serving Christ may cost earthly things, but the eternal reward is priceless.

How to Become a Servant of Christ

1. Repent from Sin: Turn away from all your sins, both secret and open (cf. Acts 3:19).
2. Accept Jesus as Lord and Savior: Believe in His death and resurrection for your forgiveness and salvation.
3. Be Baptized: Seek proper baptism “in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins” (Acts 2:38). Baptism symbolizes dying to your old self and rising to new life in Christ.
4. Commit to Serving Christ: Take His yoke willingly and serve Him faithfully in the Gospel work.

Are you a servant of Jesus Christ? Have you taken His yoke, submitting to His lordship? Or are you still under the heavy yoke of sin and the enemy?

Jesus calls you today to freedom, but that freedom comes through humble submission to Him. If you accept His invitation, He will make you His servant, and your reward will be abundant both now and forevermore.

May the Lord bless you richly as you choose to serve Him.

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Shalom Peace be with you. May the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, be praised forever. Today, let us take a moment to reflect on a powerful and often overlooked passage of Scripture that speaks deeply about God’s grace and the security of those who walk in His ways.

Isaiah 35:8 (ESV)

“And a highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Way of Holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it. It shall belong to those who walk on the way; even if they are fools, they shall not go astray.”

This prophetic verse from Isaiah speaks about the redeemed returning to Zion  a vision of the Messianic age and the future restoration of God’s people. The “Way of Holiness” is a metaphor for the spiritual path that God has prepared for the redeemed a path of righteousness, sanctification, and ultimate salvation through Christ.

Even If They Are Fools, They Will Not Go Astray

The phrase “even if they are fools, they shall not go astray” is striking. It implies that those who walk this path  even if they lack full understanding, wisdom, or spiritual maturity will not be lost. This is not a license for ignorance, but rather a picture of God’s preserving grace for those who sincerely follow Him.

1 Corinthians 1:27 (NIV)

“But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise…”

John 10:27–28 (ESV)

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.”

This reflects a powerful biblical doctrine: the security of the believer. Salvation is not based on our intellect, eloquence, or strength, but on the redemptive work of Christ and the faithfulness of God to keep His people.

The Danger of Misjudging Others in the Faith

Today, many mock or look down upon believers, especially those who seem poor, uneducated, or overly devout. Some say, “If that’s what being saved looks like, I’d rather live my life.” Others claim Christians are backward, unattractive, or unnecessarily self-denying.

Yet the Bible reminds us that appearance and worldly success are not the markers of righteousness. God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). Those who appear foolish or weak by worldly standards may be walking on the very road that leads to eternal life.

Worldly Wisdom vs. God’s Way

Proverbs 14:12 (NIV)

“There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.”

Many are attracted to the pleasures and philosophies of this world success, indulgence, personal freedom without accountability. But Scripture warns that the broad road leads to destruction (Matthew 7:13–14).

Romans 12:2 (NIV)

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

Even if someone appears wise in the eyes of the world, if they reject Christ, they are on a path that leads away from God. What good is it to gain the whole world and lose your soul? (Mark 8:36).

The “Vehicle” of Salvation: Christ Alone

Think of salvation as a moving vehicle and Christ is the driver. Even if some passengers don’t understand the route perfectly, as long as they are in Christ, they are heading in the right direction.

Romans 8:1 (ESV)

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

Those who mock Christians, calling them “fools” or “fanatics,” fail to see that these very people are often held by the grace and power of God. Their “foolishness” may simply be childlike faith which Jesus highly commended.

Matthew 18:3 (NIV)

“Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

Enter the Way of Holiness

Life is short. The future is uncertain. Today you are alive and breathing, but tomorrow is not promised. You may laugh at Christians now, but the moment you face eternity, the only thing that will matter is whether you were in Christ.

2 Corinthians 6:2 (NIV)

“I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.”

Friend, give your life to Jesus today. Get into the vehicle of salvation while there’s still time. Even if you feel weak or unworthy, even if you don’t know the Bible well if you surrender to Christ and walk in His way, you will not be lost.

Let us examine ourselves daily:
Are we still on the highway of holiness, or have we stepped off long ago?

May the Lord help us all. Amen.

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