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Who Are the “Thenashara”? (Mark 3:16)

The term Thenashara is derived from the Hebrew language and simply means “twelve.” Rather than just saying “twelve people,” the Bible sometimes refers to this number with distinction, especially when it comes to people or groups of spiritual significance. For instance, instead of saying twelve tribes, Scripture often says, “The twelve tribes” (cf. James 1:1), or instead of twelve months, it might be rendered “the twelve months” (1 Kings 4:7).

However, the most theologically significant use of the term Thenashara is when it refers to the twelve disciples that Jesus personally selected and appointed. These men became known as “The Twelve”—a unique title that signified both their number and their divinely appointed role.

The Appointment of the Twelve

Mark 3:16–19 (ESV) tells us:

“He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder); Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.”

These men were not just casual followers. Jesus called them by name, appointed them, and later sent them as apostles—messengers with authority to preach, heal, and cast out demons (Mark 3:14–15; Matthew 10:1–8).

Why Are They Called “The Twelve”?

The title Thenashara distinguishes these men from the broader group of disciples Jesus had. According to Luke 10:1, Jesus also appointed seventy (or seventy-two, depending on the manuscript) other disciples and sent them out two by two:

“After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go.”

This means that while many followed Jesus, only twelve were chosen for this special role—to be trained closely by Him, to witness His miracles and teachings firsthand, and to be the foundation of the Church (Ephesians 2:20).

A Unique Role in Redemptive History

These twelve disciples symbolize more than just a number. In Scripture, the number twelve often represents God’s people. There were twelve tribes of Israel in the Old Testament, and in the New Testament, the twelve apostles become the spiritual counterpart—representing the new people of God, the Church.

Jesus promised them a unique role in the coming Kingdom:

“Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Matthew 19:28, ESV).

Thus, their calling was not only historical—it was eschatological, pointing toward the coming Kingdom of God.

You’ll find references to the Twelve in many New Testament passages, such as:

  • Matthew 26:14–16 (Judas agrees to betray Jesus)

  • Mark 4:10 (Jesus explains parables to “those around him with the Twelve”)

  • Mark 9:35 (Jesus teaches the Twelve about servanthood)

  • John 20:24 (Thomas, “one of the Twelve,” doubts the resurrection)

Are You a Disciple of Jesus?

Being a disciple isn’t just about following Jesus in name—it means repenting from sin, surrendering your life, and bearing your cross daily.

Jesus said:

“Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:27, ESV).

To be a disciple is to live under the Lordship of Christ, to obey His commands, and to walk in His footsteps—even when the path is difficult.

Final Exhortation

So, the question for you today is: Are you truly a disciple of Jesus? Have you repented, believed, and taken up your cross?

Maranatha—The Lord is coming!

 

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What Was the Mercy Seat Like?(Exodus 40:20)

“He took the tablets of the covenant law and placed them in the ark, attached the poles to the ark, and put the atonement cover over it.” — Exodus 40:20, NIV

The Mercy Seat that was placed on top of the Ark of the Covenant was not a seat in the way we commonly understand—like a chair with legs for sitting. The Hebrew term translated as “seat” (Hebrew: kapporet) refers not to a literal throne, but to a place of atonement—a symbolic space where God’s presence would dwell and where reconciliation between God and His people would take place.

It was part of the golden lid that covered the Ark of the Covenant. Above this lid stood two cherubim of hammered gold, facing each other, with their wings stretched out upward and overshadowing the cover (Exodus 25:18–20). The space between the cherubim was called the Mercy Seat, and it represented the very throne of God on earth—a holy place where God’s glory would appear.

“There I will meet with you, and from above the mercy seat… I will speak with you about all that I will give you in commandment for the people of Israel.”
— Exodus 25:22, ESV

The lid (including the cherubim and the Mercy Seat) formed a single piece and was crafted from pure gold. It served as the covering for the Ark, which contained the stone tablets inscribed with the Ten Commandments, a pot of manna, and Aaron’s rod that had budded (Hebrews 9:4).

Once a year, on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), the High Priest would enter the Most Holy Place and sprinkle the blood of a sacrificial bull on the Mercy Seat seven times. This blood offering served as a temporary covering for the sins of the people.

“He shall take some of the blood of the bull and sprinkle it with his finger on the front of the mercy seat on the east side, and in front of the mercy seat he shall sprinkle some of the blood with his finger seven times.”
— Leviticus 16:14, ESV

Under the Old Covenant, the Mercy Seat symbolized God’s provision for forgiveness through the sacrificial system. But it was ultimately incomplete. The blood of bulls and goats could never truly remove sin, only cover it temporarily (Hebrews 10:1–4). Moreover, the priests who served were themselves sinful and needed atonement.

Because of these limitations, a greater reality was needed:

  • A Heavenly Mercy Seat, not made by human hands.

  • A Perfect High Priest, sinless and eternal.

  • A Spotless Sacrifice, able to cleanse sin once for all.

All of this is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. He is our Great High Priest, who entered not into an earthly tabernacle but into Heaven itself, offering not the blood of animals, but His own sinless blood for our eternal redemption.

“But when Christ came as High Priest of the good things that are now already here, He went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands… He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.”
— Hebrews 9:11–12, NIV

Today, the true Mercy Seat is found in Christ Himself. Through Him, we have direct access to the Father, and full forgiveness of sins. The invitation to receive this mercy is open now—but it will not remain open forever. One day, the door of grace will close when Christ returns.

So the question remains: Have you placed your faith in Jesus? Have your sins been washed away by His blood?

The true Mercy Seat is open to all who will come in repentance and faith. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
— Hebrews 4:16, NIV

Maranatha!
(The Lord is coming)

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What Did Paul Mean by “Whitewashed Wall”?

Contextual Reading – Acts 23:1–3

“Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, ‘My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day.’ At this, the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth. Then Paul said to him, ‘God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit there to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck!’”
— Acts 23:1–3,

Paul, facing the Jewish council (Sanhedrin), boldly declared that his conscience was clear before God. Yet instead of a fair hearing, he was struck on the mouth by order of the high priest—an act contrary to the law (Deuteronomy 25:1–2). In righteous indignation, Paul responded with a sharp rebuke: “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall!”

Symbolism of the “Whitewashed Wall”

The term “whitewashed wall” is rich in biblical symbolism. It echoes imagery from Ezekiel 13:10–12, where false prophets are condemned for misleading God’s people with shallow, deceptive peace, likened to whitewashing flimsy walls. They create a façade of safety and righteousness, but it’s all for show.

In Paul’s usage, the phrase exposes religious hypocrisy—appearing just outwardly while being corrupt inwardly. The wall may look clean, but beneath the surface, it is unstable and rotten. This fits perfectly with Jesus’ words about the Pharisees:

“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean.”
— Matthew 23:27

This is not just a moral critique—it is a theological indictment. God demands holiness from the inside out, not just external religious performance (1 Samuel 16:7; Psalm 51:6). Jesus consistently warned that mere outward appearance of righteousness is spiritually dangerous because it deceives both the person and others.

The Modern Relevance of Paul’s Rebuke

Paul’s words are still relevant today. Many Christians and leaders may appear holy—preaching, singing, serving—but harbor bitterness, pride, deceit, or lust internally. This form of modern-day hypocrisy grieves the Holy Spirit and undermines the witness of the Church.

Jesus warned us not to be content with an outer display of righteousness. True sanctification is a work of the Holy Spirit that begins in the heart:

“Woe to you… You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence… First clean the inside… and then the outside also will be clean.”
— Matthew 23:25–26

A Call to Inner Holiness

Paul’s concern was not simply personal—it was spiritual. Religious leaders should uphold justice and reflect God’s character, not distort it. That is why Scripture calls every believer to pursue complete holiness:

“Reject every kind of evil. May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:22–23

Paul’s phrase “whitewashed wall” isn’t just a rebuke—it’s a mirror. It invites each of us to examine whether we’re living with integrity before God. The gospel doesn’t just clean us outwardly; it transforms us inwardly through Christ’s righteousness and the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5; Hebrews 10:10).

Let us not settle for spiritual cosmetics. May our hearts, minds, and actions reflect the holiness of the One we follow.

Shalom.

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Understanding the Difference Between “Time” and “Season” in the Bible

In biblical language, the words “time” and “season” carry distinct meanings. Recognizing the difference helps us better understand God’s workings in our lives and the world.

1. Time: A Specific Appointed Moment

“Time” in the Bible often refers to a specific, appointed moment designated for a particular purpose. It marks a set point in the flow of events.

Example:
If you decide to go to the market tomorrow at 1:00 PM, that hour—1:00 PM—is a set time for an action. Biblically, this could be referred to as an appointed time or a due time.

Ecclesiastes 3:1

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”

This shows that God has arranged life in such a way that everything unfolds at the right time, even if we do not always understand His timing (see also Romans 5:6).

2. Season: A Broader Period with Divine Purpose

“Season” refers to a divinely orchestrated period in which certain events or patterns occur. It is not just about nature—it reflects God’s timing in His redemptive plan.

Examples of seasons:

  • The rainy season (long rains)
  • Fruit-bearing seasons, like mango season
  • The cold season or dry season

In Scripture, the term “season” implies a God-ordained window of opportunity or process.

Genesis 8:22

“As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease.”

Here, “season” is part of the ongoing rhythm that God established for creation. It implies consistency and divine structure.

3. Seasons and Times in God’s Redemptive Plan

“Times” and “Seasons” are not just natural—they are spiritual markers that reflect the movement of God’s will.

Ecclesiastes 3:1–4

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens…
a time to be born and a time to die…
a time to weep and a time to laugh…
a time to mourn and a time to dance.”

This passage reveals that God is sovereign over both chronos (chronological time) and kairos (divine opportunity or season).

4. The Season of Christ’s Return

One of the most important spiritual seasons in Scripture is the season of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

Jesus made it clear that no one knows the exact time (chronos) of His return:

Mark 13:32-33

“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.”

However, Jesus did give us signs to help us recognize the season of His return.

Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 outline these signs:

  • Widespread disease and plagues (like pandemics)
  • Earthquakes and natural disasters
  • Wars and rumors of wars
  • False prophets deceiving many
  • The increase of wickedness
  • The love of many growing cold

These signs signal the SEASON—not the exact time—of His coming.

5. Watching the Season, Not the Clock

Just like we know it’s the rainy season even if we don’t know when it will rain, Jesus taught us to recognize spiritual seasons even if we don’t know the exact day or hour.

Luke 12:54–56

“He said to the crowd: ‘When you see a cloud rising in the west, immediately you say, “It’s going to rain,” and it does…
You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky.
How is it that you don’t know how to interpret this present time?’”

This rebuke was not just for the people of His day—it applies to anyone who ignores spiritual signs today.

6. How Should Believers Respond?

Jesus calls His followers to live with urgency, readiness, and spiritual alertness.

Romans 13:11

“The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.”

1 Thessalonians 5:6

“So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.”

We are now living in the season of His return. That means He could come at any moment.

Dear friend, the signs are all around us. The spiritual season of Christ’s return is here. Though we do not know the exact time, we are not in darkness—we have the seasonal signs to prepare ourselves.

Let us live with expectancy, holiness, and faith, keeping our lamps burning like the wise virgins (Matthew 25:1–13). Don’t ignore the season—we are closer to His return than ever before.

May the Lord bless you and give you wisdom to discern the times and seasons (Daniel 2:21), and grace to be ready for His return.

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“What Are the Locusts in Joel 2:25?”

Key Scripture: Joel 2:25

“So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten,
The crawling locust,
The consuming locust,
And the chewing locust,
My great army which I sent among you.”

In Joel 2:25, God speaks through the prophet Joel and mentions four types of locusts that caused destruction in Israel. While these insects were literal, they also symbolize spiritual and national decay, divine judgment, and ultimately, God’s promise of restoration.

Let’s examine who these locusts are—both naturally and spiritually—and what theological truths we can draw from them.

1. The Swarming Locust

  • Natural Meaning: This refers to the large, visible locusts that come in massive swarms, devouring everything in their path. They move without a leader (see Proverbs 30:27), yet act with frightening coordination.
  • Spiritual Meaning: These locusts symbolize sudden, overwhelming loss—financial crisis, political collapse, or spiritual decline that comes without warning.

2. The Crawling Locust

  • Natural Meaning: Smaller than the swarming locusts, these feed on the leftovers. Though individually less destructive, they collectively continue the damage.
  • Spiritual Meaning: They represent ongoing consequences of sin, the kind that follows initial loss—such as emotional wounds, bitterness, or relational breakdowns.

3. The Consuming Locust

  • Natural Meaning: The tiniest grass-dwelling locusts, feeding on what remains—blades, stalks, and tender shoots.
  • Spiritual Meaning: These reflect the loss of small but vital areas in life—peace of mind, joy, purpose, and spiritual vitality.

4. The Chewing Locust 

  • Natural Meaning: These are worm-like larvae, the immature form of locusts—almost invisible, yet very destructive.
  • Spiritual Meaning: They symbolize hidden spiritual decay—pride, unbelief, secret sin. These work in the soul long before visible collapse.

A Pattern of Judgment

Joel 1:4 describes a cycle of destruction:

“What the chewing locust left, the swarming locust has eaten;
What the swarming locust left, the crawling locust has eaten;
And what the crawling locust left, the consuming locust has eaten.”

  • This shows a progressive judgment: one wave after another, each worse than the last.
  • It reveals God’s warning: if we continue in disobedience, we will experience deeper loss (Deuteronomy 28:15–24).

God’s Mercy and Restoration

But Joel 2 is not just about judgment—it is also about hope.

Joel 2:13 :

“Rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and merciful…”

Joel 2:25

“So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten…”

  • God is not only a righteous judge but also a gracious Redeemer.
  • He doesn’t just stop the damage—He restores what was lost, even lost years.
  • This restoration includes spiritual renewal, peace, provision, and relationship with God.

The New Testament Fulfillment

In Christ, this restoration is fully realized. Through repentance and faith, we receive:

  • Forgiveness of sin (Acts 3:19)
  • New life in the Spirit (2 Corinthians 5:17)
  • Restored joy and purpose (John 10:10)

Just as God promised to send “the former and latter rain” (Joel 2:23), He has poured out the Holy Spirit in this age (see Acts 2:16–21). What was lost through sin is regained through Christ.

Are you seeing the signs of locusts in your life—spiritually, emotionally, or materially?

  • Do you feel like you work hard, yet have little to show for it?
    (See Haggai 1:6–7)
  • Are you suffering loss without clear reason?
  • Do you long for peace, purpose, and restoration?

Return to God through Jesus Christ. Repent. Believe. Let Him heal what’s been broken and restore what’s been eaten away.

Prayer of Response:
Lord, I recognize the locusts in my life. I repent for going my own way. Restore the years that have been lost. Heal my heart and my land. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit. I surrender to You, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

May the Lord bless you richly, and may your years of loss be turned into seasons of abundance and purpose.

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Do Not Conform to the Pattern of This World

To God be the glory through Christ Jesus our Lord.

Welcome, beloved, as we once again reflect on the life-giving Word of God. Today, we focus on a vital message for every believer: rejecting the standards of this fallen world in order to embrace our true identity in Christ.

1. The World Has a Pattern — But It’s Not God’s

Let’s begin with Ephesians 2:1–2

“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.”

This passage reveals a spiritual reality: the world operates under a corrupt system influenced by Satan, the “ruler of the kingdom of the air.” Before salvation, we naturally followed this system. But when we came to Christ, we were rescued from that dominion (Colossians 1:13).

2. Culture Isn’t Always Innocent — It’s Often a Carrier of Sin

Many behaviors normalized around the world directly oppose God’s will. For example, in some countries, co-ed public restrooms are common. In others, marijuana use is legal and socially accepted. These may be “normal” by cultural standards, but cultural acceptance does not equal spiritual righteousness.

The Apostle Paul reminds us that we must evaluate practices not by social norms but by God’s Word. The Kingdom of God has its own standards — standards that do not shift with culture.

3. Christians Will Be Viewed as “Strange”

When you choose holiness, the world won’t always understand. This is not a sign that you’re wrong, but that you are on the narrow path:

1 Peter 4:3–4

“For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do… They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you.”

The early church faced mockery for their moral values, just like we do today. But being “strange” in the world’s eyes means you’re aligned with the Kingdom of Heaven.

4. Peer Pressure Is Real — But You Don’t Have to Bow to It

Someone once told me, “If a man doesn’t enjoy football, women, or alcohol, he’s not a real man.” This is the world’s definition of masculinity — one shaped by lust, pride, and temporary pleasures.

Likewise, women are pressured to look a certain way, to act “modern,” and to lower their moral standards just to fit in. But Christian identity is not rooted in cultural trends — it’s rooted in Christ.

Galatians 2:20

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.”

5. Heaven’s Standard Is Holiness

God does not call His children to live according to worldly expectations. He calls us to holiness — not legalism, but Spirit-led purity in thought, word, and deed.

Romans 12:2

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

This transformation isn’t just about avoiding sin; it’s about learning to love what God loves and hate what God hates. It’s about living as citizens of heaven even while walking on the earth (Philippians 3:20).

6. You Can’t Love Both the World and God

God doesn’t accept divided hearts. If you’re trying to walk the line between faith and worldliness, Scripture says you’re in danger.

1 John 2:15–17

“Do not love the world or anything in the world… The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.”

God demands total devotion. He wants your heart, not just your behavior. If you try to mix God’s truth with worldly lifestyles, you risk spiritual lukewarmness.

Revelation 3:16

“So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.”

7. Choose Your Pattern: Heaven or Earth?

So the choice lies before you today — whose pattern will you follow?

Will you be shaped by heaven or by the world? You cannot stand in both. Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters” (Matthew 6:24).

The way of the world is wide, easy, and popular — but it leads to destruction (Matthew 7:13). The way of Christ is narrow, sometimes lonely, but it leads to eternal life and joy.

Live for the Kingdom

Dear believer, be courageous. Don’t compromise to please people and lose your intimacy with God. Don’t seek acceptance from a world that rejected your Savior. Instead, embrace the beautiful, holy life God calls you to.

Let your life reflect the pattern of heaven, not the customs of a passing world.

May the Lord bless you and strengthen you to live set apart.

Shalom.

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DO NOT SHARE IN THE SINS OF OTHERS

1 Timothy 5:22 (NKJV) – “Do not lay hands on anyone hastily, nor share in other people’s sins; keep yourself pure.”

In this verse, the Apostle Paul gives Timothy, a young church leader, a series of weighty instructions on how to govern and lead God’s people wisely and righteously. Paul’s concern is not just for Timothy’s ministry, but also for his personal holiness and spiritual discernment.

1. The Context of 1 Timothy 5

In 1 Timothy 5, Paul lays out practical guidelines for church order, particularly concerning the treatment of widows (vv. 3–16), the appointment and support of elders (vv. 17–25), and the handling of accusations against them. Paul emphasizes that leadership in the church should be marked by integrity, maturity, and a godly testimony.

He warns against hasty decisions, especially in laying hands on someone referring to the act of ordaining or affirming someone publicly for spiritual leadership. Ordination is a sacred act. It is not merely ceremonial; it is a public affirmation of someone’s spiritual maturity and calling by God. Paul knew the dangers of placing immature or disqualified individuals into spiritual leadership positions.

Titus 1:6–9 and 1 Timothy 3:1–7 offer detailed qualifications for church leaders. These include being above reproach, faithful in marriage, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, and not violent or greedy.

Theological Note: Laying hands on someone who later falls into sin can indirectly implicate the one who affirmed them too quickly, hence the warning not to share in their sins.

2. Sharing in the Sins of Others

Paul’s instruction, “nor share in other people’s sins”, carries deep spiritual significance. Sharing in sin doesn’t only happen by direct participation it can also occur through complicity, silence, imitation, endorsement, or even neglecting to correct a brother or sister in sin.

a) Imitating Sinful Behavior

Believers are called to be set apart from the world, even from fellow Christians who may act carnally.

Romans 12:2 (NKJV)  “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”

Ephesians 5:11 (NKJV) – “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.”

If you observe a fellow believer engaging in sin whether it’s immodesty, gossip, dishonesty, or any other ungodly behavior and you imitate it, you are no longer just an observer. You’ve become a participant.

b) Tolerating Sinful Leadership

Paul warns Timothy that even leaders can fall into sin. When this happens, the church must not be silent. However, accusations against elders must be handled with great care and confirmed by multiple witnesses.

1 Timothy 5:19–20 (NKJV) – “Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses. Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear.”

Turning a blind eye to the unrepentant sin of a church leader such as financial misconduct, sexual immorality, or spiritual abuse is a form of endorsement. In this way, the congregation shares in that sin.

c) Being Silent When Correction is Needed

James 5:19–20 (NKJV)  “Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.”

Correcting a brother or sister who is in sin is not judgmental it is biblical love. Refusing to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) allows sin to fester and harm others, including yourself.

3. Consequences of Sharing in Sin

Sharing in another’s sin makes one accountable for the consequences. God holds each person responsible not only for their actions but also for what they condone or enable.

Proverbs 17:15 (NKJV)  “He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just, both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord.”

When we excuse, enable, or replicate sin, we open ourselves to the same judgment and discipline that God intends for the original offender.

Galatians 6:7–8 (NKJV)  “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.”

Whether the sin is committed regularly or occasionally, if it is willful and unrepented, the consequences are severe. Both the persistent sinner and the occasional imitator may find themselves under the same divine judgment.

4. The Call to Personal Purity

Paul’s final exhortation to Timothy is: “Keep yourself pure.” This purity is not only moral but spiritual a call to consecration and holiness in lifestyle and ministry.

2 Timothy 2:21 (NKJV)   “Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.”

Every believer especially those in leadership must strive to live a life that is undefiled by compromise or the sins of others.

Paul’s instructions to Timothy remain crucial for today’s church. We are called to be watchful, discerning, and holy. Whether you are a leader or a layperson, do not be hasty to affirm others, do not join in their sin, and always guard your own soul.

Let us take this warning to heart and commit to live in a way that pleases the Lord free from guilt by association and walking in the light of Christ.

Maranatha – Come, Lord Jesus!

 

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Was Mose’s Wife Black?

Was Moses’ wife black? More specifically, was Zipporah, Moses’ wife, a Kushite—a dark-skinned woman—as indicated in Numbers 12:1? And why did Miriam and Aaron become upset with Moses for marrying a Kushite woman? If Zipporah was Kushite, why does the Bible say her father, Jethro, was a Midianite—a people from the Middle East generally identified with lighter skin? Or did Moses have another wife besides Zipporah?

Scriptural Clarity on Moses’ Wife

Answer: No. The Scriptures give no indication that Moses married anyone other than Zipporah.

To better understand Zipporah’s ethnicity, let’s examine the passage:

Numbers 12:1–3 (ESV):

Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married, for he had married a Cushite woman. And they said, ‘Has the LORD spoken only through Moses? Has he not spoken through us also?’ And the LORD heard it. Now the man Moses was very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth.

Who Were the Kushites?

Kush is generally identified with the ancient kingdom located in what is now Ethiopia and parts of Sudan. It was known biblically for its dark-skinned people:

Jeremiah 13:23 (ESV):

Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard his spots? Then also you can do good who are accustomed to doing evil.

This rhetorical question underscores the permanence of the Kushite’s skin color, implying that Zipporah’s skin was likely dark, consistent with Kushite ethnicity.

The Puzzle: Midianite or Kushite?

Why then does the Bible say Zipporah’s father, Jethro, was a Midianite? The Midianites were a nomadic people in the Arabian Peninsula, generally considered lighter-skinned.

The key to this apparent contradiction lies in understanding ethnicity versus nationality. Jethro was Midianite by nationality but Kushite by ethnicity. This is comparable to a person born and raised in a foreign land adopting its nationality but retaining ethnic roots:

For example, a person of Chinese descent born and raised in Tanzania is Tanzanian by nationality but ethnically Chinese.

Similarly, Jethro was a Kushite who settled in Midian, making him a Midianite by residence and citizenship, but Kushite by birth.

Moses’ Identity and the Egyptian Connection

When Moses fled Egypt, he ended up in Midian and met Jethro’s daughters. They described Moses as “an Egyptian” because of his upbringing and appearance, although ethnically he was Hebrew.

Exodus 2:15–22 (ESV):

When Pharaoh heard of it, he sought to kill Moses, but Moses fled from Pharaoh and stayed in the land of Midian. … The priest of Midian had seven daughters, and they came and drew water and filled the troughs to water their father’s flock. … When they came to Reuel their father, he said, ‘Why have you come back so early today?’ They said, ‘An Egyptian delivered us out of the hand of the shepherds and also drew water for us and watered the flock.’ … Moses was content to dwell with the man, and he gave Moses his daughter Zipporah.

This passage clarifies that Moses married Zipporah in Midian and lived there before God called him to lead Israel.

Why Were Miriam and Aaron Angry?

Miriam and Aaron’s complaint in Numbers 12 was not about skin color per se but about Moses marrying a foreign woman—a woman outside Israel’s ethnic and religious community.

Jewish law and tradition strongly discouraged intermarriage with foreigners, especially pagans, because of the danger of idolatry and spiritual compromise. The opposition to Moses’ marriage reflected this concern.

Theological Insight: God’s Perspective

Interestingly, God rebuked Miriam and Aaron, affirming Moses’ unique prophetic role and indicating that their complaint was unjustified.

Numbers 12:6–8 (ESV):

Hear my words: When there is a prophet among you, I the LORD make myself known to him in a vision; I speak with him in a dream. Not so with my servant Moses. He is faithful in all my house. With him I speak mouth to mouth, clearly, and not in riddles.

This emphasizes Moses’ special relationship with God, and that personal circumstances like marriage should not detract from his divine calling.

The Law and Intermarriage

Later, the Law given through Moses forbade Israelites from marrying foreigners:

Deuteronomy 7:3–4 (ESV):

You shall not intermarry with them, giving your daughters to their sons or taking their daughters for your sons, for they would turn away your sons from following me to serve other gods.

However, Moses’ marriage to Zipporah predates this law. Thus, he was not violating the covenant because the law was not yet given.

What Does This Teach Us Today?

Biblical Consistency: The Bible does not contradict itself but requires careful interpretation of ethnicity, nationality, and culture.

Marriage and Faith: The New Testament teaches believers not to divorce unbelieving spouses who are willing to live with them, emphasizing the sanctifying power of a believing partner.

1 Corinthians 7:12–14 (ESV):

To the rest I say (I, not the Lord) that if any brother has a wife who is an unbeliever, and she consents to live with him, he should not divorce her. … For the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy because of her husband.

Marriage Within the Faith: While believers are not to abandon unbelieving spouses, the Bible also encourages believers to marry “only in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 7:39), meaning marriage between two Christians sharing faith, baptism, and spiritual unity.

Spiritual Unity:

2 Corinthians 6:14 (ESV):

Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?

This warns believers against forming binding relationships that can lead to spiritual compromise.

Final Thoughts

Moses’ marriage to Zipporah, a Kushite woman, reflects God’s providence and grace beyond ethnic and national boundaries. It challenges believers today to look beyond superficial divisions and to prioritize faith and obedience to God.

If you have not accepted Jesus Christ, no matter how much knowledge or wisdom you possess, without salvation you will perish. Salvation through Jesus is essential for eternal life.

Maranatha!

 

 

 

 

 

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OBEDIENCE IS BETTER THAN SACRIFICE

 

 

Introduction
Blessed be the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Today, let us take time to reflect deeply on a foundational principle of Christian faith: obedience to God’s Word is more pleasing to Him than any external offering we can give.

In a culture where acts of generosity, religious ritual, and financial giving are often emphasized, we must not forget what God truly desires from us a heart surrendered in obedience.

1. The Heart of God: Obedience over Ritual

In 1 Samuel 15, the prophet Samuel rebukes King Saul for disobeying God’s command. Saul had been instructed to completely destroy the Amalekites and all their possessions, but instead he spared King Agag and kept the best livestock intending, he claimed, to offer them as sacrifices to God.

Samuel responds:

1 Samuel 15:22–23 (NIV)
“But Samuel replied:
Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord?
To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.
For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry.
Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He has rejected you as king.”

Theology Insight: God is not impressed with outward religious displays when they are disconnected from inward obedience. Obedience stems from faith (Romans 1:5) and reflects a transformed heart (Ezekiel 36:26–27). Sacrifices, while commanded under the Old Covenant, were always meant to be symbolic expressions of a heart aligned with God’s will (Psalm 51:16–17).

2. God Lacks Nothing   So What Can We Really Give Him?

The Bible reminds us that God is the Creator and Owner of all things.

Psalm 50:10–12 (NIV)
“For every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills…
If I were hungry I would not tell you, for the world is mine, and all that is in it.”

Theology Insight: God does not need our material possessions. Offerings and tithes support ministry work and demonstrate our trust in His provision but they do not substitute for personal holiness or obedience.

3. God Desires a Broken and Contrite Spirit

Isaiah 66:1–2 (NIV)
“This is what the Lord says:
Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool.
Where is the house you will build for me?
Where will my resting place be?
Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?
These are the ones I look on with favor:
those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.”

God’s presence doesn’t dwell in temples made by human hands (Acts 17:24), but in hearts that are surrendered to Him in reverence and repentance.

4. A Warning Against Religious Hypocrisy

Proverbs 15:8 (NIV)
“The Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him.”

Matthew 9:13 (NIV)
“But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Jesus quotes Hosea 6:6, revealing that God values mercy covenant faithfulness, repentance, and compassion above religious ritual.

Theology Insight: Jesus confronted the Pharisees for their religious hypocrisy. Though they gave tithes, fasted, and prayed publicly, their hearts were far from God (Matthew 23:23–28). Faith without transformation is empty religion (James 2:17).

5. Repentance Must Precede Giving

Before offering anything to God, we must examine our lives. Are we living in sexual immorality, dishonesty, or bitterness? Then our offerings, no matter how large, are unacceptable until we repent.

Proverbs 28:13 (NIV)
“Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”

Deuteronomy 23:18 (NIV)
“You must not bring the earnings of a female prostitute or of a male prostitute into the house of the Lord your God to pay any vow, because the Lord your God detests them both.”

God detests offerings that come from unrepentant hearts or unrighteous gain.

6. Let God’s Word Be the Light to Your Path

Psalm 119:105 (NIV)
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”

Obedience to God’s Word is the foundation of the Christian walk. It is how we demonstrate love for Christ.

John 14:15 (NIV)
“If you love me, keep my commands.”

1 John 2:3–4 (NIV)
“We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. Whoever says, ‘I know him,’ but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person.”

May the Lord bless you.

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