Jerusalem is a Hebrew word meaning “City of Peace” or “Foundation of Peace.” Before this city earned the honor and reputation we recognize today, it was originally a city inhabited by the Canaanites, known as the Jebusites, during a time when the Israelites had not yet claimed their land. When the children of Israel conquered the land of Canaan, the region where Jerusalem was located was assigned to the tribe of Judah. However, the Jebusites were not immediately expelled from the city, and Jerusalem remained under their control for a time. It was only later, when King David captured the city and drove out the Jebusites, that Jerusalem became known as “The City of David” (2 Samuel 5:6-10). David then brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, making the city the religious and spiritual center of Israel (2 Samuel 6:1-19). He also intended to build a temple for God there, but because of the bloodshed during his reign, God did not permit him to build it. Instead, his son Solomon built the temple (1 Kings 5-8), and from that point on, all the tribes of Israel recognized Jerusalem as the focal point of worship. God blessed Jerusalem, setting it apart as His holy city above all others, where His name would be glorified and known among all nations. Jerusalem in Future Prophecy Though Jerusalem has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times throughout history, it is prophesied to be the place where our King Jesus Christ will reign over all the earth for a thousand years—His millennial kingdom—as the King of kings and Lord of lords when He returns (Revelation 20:4-6). The New Jerusalem – The Heavenly City The Bible also reveals the existence of a New Jerusalem—a heavenly city that God has prepared for His people. This New Jerusalem: Will descend from heaven, coming directly from God, beautifully prepared like a bride adorned for her husband (Revelation 21:2). Will be a place where nothing impure or weak will enter—only those who are sanctified, the bride of Christ, will dwell there (Revelation 21:27). The degree of faithfulness and service one shows on earth will determine their place in the eternal kingdom; not all believers will have the same status, though all will be holy (1 Corinthians 3:12-15). This city will be God’s eternal dwelling with His people, where sorrow, pain, death, and tears will be wiped away, and all things will be made new (Revelation 21:3-4; 1 Corinthians 2:9). Abraham’s Vision of the City of God Abraham, the father of faith, lived as a sojourner on earth despite his wealth, because his eyes were fixed on a better city—one with eternal foundations, designed and built by God Himself (Hebrews 11:9-10). Reflect on These Scriptures: Revelation 21:1-8 (ESV)“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband… And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore… Behold, I am making all things new.’” The passage continues with a warning about the eternal destiny of those who reject God’s salvation. Final Question Will you have a place in that holy city? Maranatha! (Come, Lord Jesus!)
Question:In 1 Corinthians 7:36, the Apostle Paul teaches that if a man sees that he is not treating his virgin daughter properly, he should allow her to marry. What exactly does this mean? What is the overall message of this passage? Answer:To understand this well, let’s look at the passage starting a bit earlier, from verse 34: “There is a difference, however, between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman cares for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and spirit. But she who is married cares about worldly things, how to please her husband. This is what I mean, brothers: the appointed time has grown very short. From now on, let those who have wives live as though they had none, and those who mourn as though they were not mourning, and those who rejoice as though they were not rejoicing, and those who buy as though they had no goods, and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away.”(1 Corinthians 7:34-31, ESV) Paul is giving pastoral advice about marriage and singleness. He encourages believers that while marriage is honorable and not sinful, singleness allows for undivided devotion to God’s work without the worldly distractions that marriage can bring. Paul is not issuing a command that everyone must remain unmarried but rather presenting a practical wisdom: singleness can be a spiritual advantage for those called to serve the Lord fully (1 Corinthians 7:32-35). He then addresses parents, particularly fathers, who have virgin daughters at home. The Apostle advises that if the father wishes for his daughters to remain single to serve the Lord without distraction—and if he himself can control his own desires (i.e., he is not pressuring them to marry for worldly reasons)—this is commendable and spiritually beneficial. “But if anyone thinks that he is not behaving properly toward his virgin daughter, if she is past her youth, and if he is giving her in marriage, he does well. Let him who gives his virgin in marriage do so with the consent of the virgin, and let him not be at peace with himself who has no such practice.”(1 Corinthians 7:36-38, ESV, paraphrased) This passage teaches us that: Parents, especially fathers, may encourage their daughters to remain unmarried to serve God wholeheartedly if that is the calling and if they are able to master their own desires. However, if the father perceives that he is not treating his daughter well by holding her back from marriage—perhaps because she has passed the age of youthful innocence or she desires to marry—he should not force her to remain single but should allow her to marry without guilt. Doing so is not sinful. The emphasis here is on loving leadership and spiritual wisdom, not legalistic control. Theological Insights: Paul’s teaching is grounded in the understanding that marriage and singleness are both gifts from God, each with its own purpose in the economy of God’s kingdom (1 Corinthians 7:7). Singleness, when chosen or maintained by God’s grace, is a calling to undistracted devotion to Christ (cf. Matthew 19:12; 1 Corinthians 7:32-35). Marriage, likewise, is honorable and serves God’s purposes in companionship, procreation, and mutual sanctification (Ephesians 5:22-33). Paul’s counsel about virgin daughters reflects the cultural context of his time, where family honor and parental authority were significant. However, the spiritual principle transcends culture: believers are called to discern God’s will for their lives, whether in marriage or singleness, and to respect individual freedom and God’s leading. The “man who guards his virgin daughter” is thus one who lovingly shepherds her spiritual well-being, guiding her to live a holy life in body and spirit (cf. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5), while also respecting her personal calling and readiness for marriage. If she is ready and willing, the father’s love will release her to marry without guilt or shame. Practical Application: For parents: Encourage your children’s spiritual growth and respect their God-given calling, whether that leads to marriage or singleness. For young believers: Seek God’s will earnestly for your life’s path, and live in holiness and devotion to Him, regardless of marital status. For the church community: Support both married and single believers, recognizing the diversity of gifts and callings within the body of Christ (Romans 12:4-8). Conclusion: Paul’s counsel in 1 Corinthians 7:36 is a balanced and compassionate approach to the tension between parental responsibility, individual freedom, and spiritual calling. The father who “guards his virgin daughter” well is one who, empowered by the Spirit, lovingly guides her toward a life of holiness, whether that means remaining single to serve the Lord or entering into a godly marriage. May the Lord bless you richly as you seek to live wisely according to His Word.
In Matthew 13:34 Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd in parables; he did not say anything to them without using a parable.” Matthew 13:35 goes on to say, *” So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet: ‘I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter things hidden since the creation of the world.'” Jesus frequently taught using parables. But what exactly is the significance of these parables, and why did He use them? A parable is a simple story used to illustrate a deeper spiritual truth. Theologically, parables serve to make the mysteries of the Kingdom of God more accessible to those willing to learn, while also concealing these truths from those who are unwilling to seek them (Matthew 13:11). Jesus used parables to describe the Kingdom of God, the heart of His message. Most of His teachings were communicated through parables, showing their central role in His ministry. They are not just stories but vehicles for profound theological teaching that unveils divine truth in layers. Parables as Revelations of the Kingdom of God Parables reveal the nature of God’s Kingdom. In Matthew 13:24-30, Jesus tells the parable of the wheat and the weeds, illustrating the coexistence of good and evil in this world until the final judgment. This parable emphasizes that God’s judgment will come at the end of time, separating the righteous from the wicked. Jesus also explains in Matthew 13:31-32, using the parable of the mustard seed, that the Kingdom of God starts small but grows into something expansive and mighty, much like a mustard seed grows into a large tree. In Matthew 13:34-35,it’s made clear that Jesus spoke in parables to fulfill the prophecy of Psalm 78:2: “I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter things hidden since the creation of the world .” This verse speaks to how Jesus’ parables were not merely creative storytelling but were divine revelations that pointed to mysteries hidden throughout history—truths about God’s Kingdom that were revealed only through Jesus, the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 5:17). Parables as Spiritual Testing In Matthew 13:10-17, the disciples asked Jesus why He spoke to the crowds in parables. He responded that He used parables both to reveal and to conceal. To those whose hearts were open and seeking, the parables clarified the truths of the Kingdom of God. But for those who were hardened, like the religious leaders (Pharisees, Sadducees) and those with hardened hearts, the parables concealed deeper truths from them. Jesus quoted Isaiah 6:9-10, saying, “You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.” This refers to how the Gospel of Jesus, although plainly offered, would be rejected by many. Theologically, this demonstrates the concept of divine revelation, where spiritual truths are made clear only to those whom God has chosen to reveal them (Matthew 11:25-27). It reflects God’s sovereignty in revealing His will. Example of the Parable of Unforgiveness Consider the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant in Matthew 18:21-35. Jesus uses the story of a servant who owes his master a massive debt (10,000 talents) and is forgiven by the master, but refuses to forgive a fellow servant who owes him a small amount (100 denarii). This parable highlights the divine principle of forgiveness. Theologically, it shows that God forgives the immense debt of sin that we owe to Him (Matthew 6:12, Luke 7:47), and as recipients of this grace, we are expected to forgive others (Ephesians 4:32, Colossians 3:13). The unforgiving servant’s fate serves as a stark warning: those who do not forgive will face judgment (Matthew 18:35). Parables and the Hidden Mysteries of the Kingdom The parables Jesus told were not simply moral lessons; they were revelations of God’s mysterious plan of salvation. For example, in the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:1-9), Jesus illustrates how the message of the Gospel is received differently by various people. Some hear the Word but reject it immediately (the hard ground), some receive it with joy but fall away in times of trouble (the rocky ground), and some are distracted by worldly cares and wealth (the thorny ground). Only those who hear the Word, understand it, and bear fruit are likened to good soil. This teaches the theological principle of the different responses to God’s Word and the necessity of true discipleship. The Purpose of Parables: Revealing and Concealing Truth Jesus used parables for two main purposes: To Reveal Truth: Parables reveal deep spiritual truths about God’s Kingdom to those with a heart to understand. To those who were open, the parables provided clear insights into God’s will. For example, the Parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:3-7) demonstrates God’s love for the lost and His desire to seek and save sinners, illustrating the heart of God’s mission through Jesus. To Conceal Truth from the Hardened Heart: To those whose hearts were closed, such as the religious leaders who rejected Jesus, parables served as a form of judgment. They concealed truths because the listeners’ hearts were not open to God’s revelation. As Matthew 13:12 states, “Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.” This speaks to the idea that those who are open to God’s teachings will receive more, but those who reject Him will find themselves further alienated. The Parable Method Continues Today Even today, Jesus continues to teach through His Holy Spirit, and He still uses parables to reveal God’s will to those who are truly seeking Him. If a person has a genuine desire to know God, He will teach them through both the written Word and real-life examples, helping them understand His will more clearly. However, if a person is not open to hearing the truth, they will remain in darkness, unable to grasp the deeper meaning of the Scriptures. Jesus’ teachings are not for intellectual curiosity but for those who seek spiritual understanding and relationship with God (John 14:6, John 16:13). Conclusion Parables are a divine method of teaching that simultaneously reveal and conceal the mysteries of the Kingdom of God. They help us understand spiritual truths through simple stories while also challenging us to examine our hearts. As believers, we must approach the teachings of Jesus with a humble, seeking heart, ready to understand His truth. If we do, we will receive the full revelation of God’s will, leading us into a deeper relationship with Him. Let us pray for a sincere desire to know God, as He reveals Himself only to those who seek Him in truth. The Bible is not meant to be understood by everyone, but by those who earnestly seek God, the “poor in spirit” (Matthew 5:3). Shalom.
Isaiah 4:1 – What Does It Mean? Verse (ESV):“And seven women shall take hold of one man in that day, saying, ‘We will eat our own bread and wear our own clothes, only let us be called by your name; take away our reproach.'”(Isaiah 4:1) Theological Interpretation and Meaning: 1. Who Are the “Seven Women”? In prophetic symbolism, a woman often represents a church or a religious system. For example: The pure woman in Revelation 12 symbolizes the true church of Christ. The harlot in Revelation 17 represents a corrupt, apostate religious system. Here in Isaiah 4:1, the seven women symbolically represent the seven historical church periods described in Revelation chapters 2 and 3—from the church in Ephesus to the church in Laodicea. These seven churches represent the spiritual conditions of God’s people throughout history leading up to Christ’s return. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”(Revelation 2–3) 2. Who Is the “One Man”? The “one man” they take hold of is a prophetic representation of Jesus Christ, the Bridegroom of the Church. “For I feel a divine jealousy for you, since I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ.”(2 Corinthians 11:2) These churches, or “women,” are seeking association with Christ, not out of pure devotion, but to gain legitimacy and remove their “reproach.” 3. “We will eat our own bread…” – Seeking Spiritual Independence Bread often symbolizes the Word of God (Matthew 4:4). Saying “we will eat our own bread” suggests that these churches prefer to follow their own doctrines, ideologies, and traditions rather than feeding on the pure, unadulterated Word of God. “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”(Matthew 4:4) This represents a spirit of religious self-sufficiency—churches that reject divine instruction in favor of human teachings and cultural accommodation. 4. “…And wear our own clothes” – Rejecting Christ’s Righteousness Clothing in Scripture often symbolizes one’s spiritual condition or righteousness. To say “we will wear our own clothes” means rejecting the righteous covering of Christ and choosing self-righteousness instead. “It was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure—for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.”(Revelation 19:8) “All our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment.”(Isaiah 64:6) These churches want to appear outwardly religious while living by their own standards of morality and holiness. 5. “…Only let us be called by your name; take away our reproach” – Wanting the Benefits Without the Relationship Though they reject Christ’s Word and righteousness, they still want to be called by His name—that is, to be recognized as Christian and avoid the “reproach” or judgment of being seen as lost or apostate. This reveals a superficial connection to Christ—a desire for identity without submission, privilege without obedience. This is a portrait of nominal Christianity, where churches or believers want to be identified with Jesus but do not live in true spiritual union with Him. The Final Church: Laodicea (Our Time Today) The seventh and final church in Revelation, Laodicea, parallels Isaiah 4:1 perfectly. It is lukewarm, self-deceived, and spiritually naked, yet still thinks it is rich and needs nothing. “I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm… I will spit you out of my mouth.”(Revelation 3:15–16) “For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.”(Revelation 3:17) Christ’s counsel to Laodicea is the same cure for the condition described in Isaiah 4:1: “I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire… and white garments so that you may clothe yourself… and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see.”(Revelation 3:18) Conclusion: Are You the Bride or Just a Companion? Isaiah 4:1 challenges us to ask: Do we truly belong to Christ, or are we just seeking His name to cover our spiritual nakedness? In Revelation 19, only the bride who has made herself ready participates in the wedding feast of the Lamb. “Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready.”(Revelation 19:7) The true Bride of Christ is not content with just the name—she receives His Word, wears His righteousness, and walks in His ways. Final Call: Are You Ready? Have you received the Holy Spirit? Are you clothed in Christ’s righteousness or your own? Is your life aligned with the Word of God, or with your own version of truth? “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him…”(Revelation 3:20) Shalom.