Glory to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
We give thanks to God for this opportunity and grace to study His Word once again. Today we conclude our study of the Book of Jonah by exploring the fourth and final chapter—a chapter filled with theological depth and a strong prophetic warning for the Church in these last days.
The character of Jonah is not just a historical figure but also a prophetic symbol of a specific group of believers in the end times: lukewarm Christians and compromising preachers. Jesus Christ Himself warned of this spiritual state in His letter to the church of Laodicea:
“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 (ESV)
Jonah, like many believers today, was called by God but resisted His will. He feared not failure, but success—he knew that if Nineveh repented, God would forgive them. Jonah’s disobedience reflected an assumption about God’s mercy, which blinded him to the seriousness of God’s commands.
This mindset is echoed by the foolish virgins in Jesus’ parable (Matthew 25:1–13), who assumed their lamps had enough oil for the Bridegroom’s arrival. But because they lacked extra oil—a symbol of the Holy Spirit (see Zechariah 4:1–6)—they were shut out.
Let us examine the text carefully (all verses quoted from the ESV):
“But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was angry. And he prayed to the LORD and said, ‘O LORD, is not this what I said when I was yet in my country? That is why I made haste to flee to Tarshish; for I knew that You are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster.’” — Jonah 4:1–2 (ESV)
Here, Jonah quotes from Exodus 34:6, where God revealed His character to Moses. Jonah knew the Lord’s nature and used that as a reason to disobey Him.
“Therefore now, O LORD, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live.” — Jonah 4:3 (ESV)
Jonah would rather die than see his enemies forgiven. This exposes his heart and mirrors the ethnocentric pride and spiritual complacency that can still exist in churches today.
God responds to Jonah not with anger, but with a visual lesson:
“You pity the plant, for which you did not labor… and should not I pity Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know their right hand from their left…?” — Jonah 4:10–11 (ESV)
The plant Jonah loved was temporal and self-serving, but God’s compassion for Nineveh was eternal and covenantal—based on His desire that all should come to repentance (see 2 Peter 3:9).
Many preachers today, like Jonah, were once genuinely called by God to proclaim repentance:
“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” — Matthew 3:2, 4:17 (ESV)
This was the first message both John the Baptist and Jesus Christ preached. Yet today, many messages focus on comfort, prosperity, and motivational themes—with repentance barely mentioned.
Their phrases sound like:
These are half-truths that obscure the holiness of God and the need for transformation by the Holy Spirit. In truth:
“Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” — Hebrews 12:14 (ESV)
True salvation is evidenced by repentance, regeneration, and a Spirit-filled life—not just good feelings or church attendance.
The route to Tarshish represents fleeing from God’s will and heading toward spiritual compromise. Symbolically, many Christians are sailing toward “Tarshish” today—following a version of Christianity shaped by the culture rather than the cross.
In Revelation, we read of a beast that rises from the sea:
“And I saw a beast rising out of the sea, with ten horns and seven heads…” — Revelation 13:1 (ESV)
This beast symbolizes a global system of deception that will consume all who are not sealed by God (Revelation 7:3–4). Those who ignore repentance and holiness now may find themselves swallowed by the tribulation later—after the true Bride of Christ has been taken in the rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17).
During the time of Jeremiah, God had decreed that Judah would go into exile in Babylon due to their sin. But a false prophet named Hananiah claimed God had changed His mind, bringing false comfort to the people.
“The LORD has not sent you, and you have made this people trust in a lie.” — Jeremiah 28:15 (ESV)
As a result, Hananiah died two months later (v.17). This shows us that false hope can be fatal when it replaces God’s truth.
Dear brothers and sisters, don’t be deceived by a feel-good gospel. We are living in the last of the last days. Christ’s return is near.
Now is the time to:
This is true spiritual success. Material blessings may follow, but they are not the goal—eternal life is.
For prayer, counseling, worship schedules, or Bible questions, please reach out: 📞 +255 693 036 618 / +255 789 001 312 (WhatsApp or Call)
May the Lord bless you and guide you into all truth. Prepare your heart. Jesus is coming soon.
Print this post
Praise be to our Lord JESUS CHRIST, forever and ever. AMEN.
Welcome! Today, we’ll dive into God’s Word, focusing on Jonah chapter 3. In the previous chapters, we saw how Jonah’s suffering and trials symbolize the spiritual trials Christians will face, especially during the end times—like the foolish virgins in Matthew 25 who miss the rapture. Jonah being swallowed by a great fish and spending three days inside it is a prophetic foreshadowing of the time believers will be under intense tribulation and persecution. This corresponds to the beast with seven heads and ten horns described in Revelation 13 and 17—the Antichrist and his system—who will have dominion for three and a half years (the time of Great Tribulation).
Jonah’s story is a genuine prophetic shadow of the coming end-times events.
The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim the message I give you.” So Jonah obeyed and went to Nineveh. Now Nineveh was a very large city; it took three days to go through it. Jonah began by going a day’s journey into the city, proclaiming, “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overthrown!” The Ninevites believed God. A fast was proclaimed, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth. When Jonah’s warning reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat down in the dust. He issued a proclamation in Nineveh: “By the decree of the king and his nobles: Do not let people or animals, herds or flocks, taste anything; do not let them eat or drink. But let people and animals be covered with sackcloth. Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence. Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish.” When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened. (Jonah 3:1-10, NIV)
In Matthew 12:38-41 (NIV), Jesus refers to Jonah’s sign:
“A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign! But none will be given except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now something greater than Jonah is here.”
This passage highlights Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of the Jonah prophecy and the greatest sign to humanity. While Nineveh repented on a mere warning, many who witnessed Jesus’ miracles rejected Him. This serves as a sober warning about the hardness of heart in the end times.
May God bless you as you reflect on these truths. Repent while there is still time, for the day of judgment is certain.
Blessed be the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Welcome to our continued study of the prophet Jonah’s book. As we enter chapter two, we recall how Jonah initially chose to rebel against God’s will. Instead of obeying God’s command to preach to Nineveh (Jonah 1:1-2), he fled and ended up swallowed by a great fish (Jonah 1:17). This story reveals more than a historical account; it’s rich with spiritual symbolism that resonates deeply with the Church’s condition in the last days.
The church of Laodicea, described in Revelation 3:14-22, represents the last era of the Church—lukewarm, self-satisfied, and spiritually indifferent. The story of Jonah being swallowed by the fish symbolizes the fate of lukewarm believers who are “left behind” after the Rapture. The Rapture, a future event described in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and 1 Corinthians 15:51-52, is when Jesus Christ will return to take His pure Church (the Bride) to heaven before the Great Tribulation begins.
The Great Tribulation, lasting 3½ years (Revelation 11:2-3; 12:6; Daniel 9:27), is a time of intense suffering under the reign of the Antichrist. According to Revelation 13 and 17, this period involves the rise of a global oppressive system symbolized as a “beast,” to which many will submit, while a faithful remnant resists.
After being swallowed by the fish, Jonah prays a profound prayer of repentance from the depths (Jonah 2:1-10 NIV):
“1 Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the fish’s belly. 2 He said: ‘I called to the Lord, out of my distress, and he answered me; from the belly of Sheol I cried, and you heard my voice. 3 For you cast me into the deep, into the heart of the seas, and the flood surrounded me; all your waves and your billows passed over me. 4 Then I said, ‘I am driven away from your sight; yet I shall again look upon your holy temple.’ 5 The waters closed in over me to take my life; the deep surrounded me; weeds were wrapped about my head 6 at the roots of the mountains. I went down to the land whose bars closed upon me forever; yet you brought up my life from the pit, O Lord my God. 7 When my life was fainting away, I remembered the Lord, and my prayer came to you, into your holy temple. 8 Those who pay regard to vain idols forsake their hope of steadfast love. 9 But I with the voice of thanksgiving will sacrifice to you; what I have vowed I will pay. Salvation belongs to the Lord!’ 10 And the Lord spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah out upon the dry land.”
This prayer is rich in theological meaning. Jonah’s “belly of Sheol” (verse 2) represents the realm of death or the grave, emphasizing his near-death experience and spiritual crisis. His recognition that God alone brings salvation (verse 9) highlights the biblical truth that deliverance comes only through repentance and faith in God’s mercy.
Jonah’s three days and nights in the fish’s belly (Jonah 1:17) foreshadow the time of suffering for those left behind after the Rapture. Like Jonah, they will face intense “darkness” and separation from God because of their own choices—spiritual rebellion or lukewarmness (Revelation 3:16).
Jonah’s prayer echoes the experience of believers who repent in the midst of tribulation but face great trials before ultimate deliverance.
The Book of Revelation warns that the lukewarm church will be “spit out” (Revelation 3:16), reflecting Jonah’s being vomited by the fish. This is a sobering reminder that not all who call themselves Christians will be part of the victorious Bride. The lukewarm believers who are left behind will be subjected to the Great Tribulation’s suffering.
Only a faithful few—symbolized by the “five wise virgins” (Matthew 25:1-13)—will be ready and taken at the Rapture. The others will face persecution, economic hardship (no buying or selling without the Mark of the Beast—Revelation 13:16-17), and imprisonment (Revelation 20:4).
Jesus compares the last days to the days of Noah (Matthew 24:37-39). Enoch, who walked faithfully with God and was taken (Genesis 5:24; Hebrews 11:5), symbolizes the raptured Church. Noah and his family represent those who had to endure the flood.
The ark, sealed and tossed in storms, is a vivid picture of the Tribulation, where only a small number will be saved. This typology underscores the urgency of repentance and preparedness.
Dear reader, these prophetic truths call for urgent repentance and spiritual readiness. The lukewarm condition of many believers grieves God deeply (Revelation 3:14-22). True holiness, devotion to God’s Word, and rejection of worldly idolatry are essential.
Hold fast to scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17), avoid superficial “prosperity gospel” teachings, and pursue a life worthy of the Bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:25-27).
May the Lord bless you richly as you seek Him earnestly.
Jonah was a prophet during the reign of King Jeroboam II of Israel. God used Jonah mightily to bring messages of warning and hope to Israel, as recorded in 2 Kings 14:23-25 (NIV). However, God’s plan extended beyond Israel’s borders, and He commanded Jonah to preach repentance to the people of Nineveh, the capital of Assyria.
Theological Note:Assyria was a dominant empire often used by God to discipline His people (Isaiah 10:5). Yet, God’s mercy extended even to these foreign nations. This reflects the universal scope of God’s salvation plan (Jonah 4:2), showing His desire for all people to repent and be saved (2 Peter 3:9).
Nineveh was a city steeped in wickedness, likened to Sodom and Gomorrah (Jonah 3:8-9). God intended to destroy it but first sent Jonah as a prophet to warn them—demonstrating God’s justice tempered by mercy.
Instead of obeying, Jonah fled to Tarshish, possibly modern-day Spain or Lebanon, trying to escape God’s presence (Jonah 1:3 NIV). However, as the psalmist reminds us, “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?” (Psalm 139:7 NIV).
Jonah boarded a ship, but God sent a great storm (Jonah 1:4 NIV). The sailors feared for their lives and prayed to their gods, casting cargo into the sea to lighten the ship (Jonah 1:5 NIV).
Jonah was below deck, asleep—a symbol of spiritual apathy and disobedience. The captain woke him, urging him to pray to God for deliverance (Jonah 1:6 NIV).
They cast lots, and Jonah was identified as the cause of the storm (Jonah 1:7 NIV). When questioned, Jonah confessed his identity and that he was fleeing from God (Jonah 1:8-10 NIV). The sailors were afraid and asked what they should do to calm the sea. Jonah told them to throw him overboard, acknowledging the storm was because of him (Jonah 1:11-12 NIV).
The sailors reluctantly obeyed, and the storm ceased (Jonah 1:15 NIV). They feared the Lord greatly, offering sacrifices and making vows (Jonah 1:16 NIV).
God prepared a great fish to swallow Jonah, where he remained for three days and nights (Jonah 1:17 NIV).
Jonah’s story highlights God’s sovereignty over creation—the wind, the sea, and even the fish obey Him (Psalm 89:9 NIV). It also illustrates human resistance to God’s will and God’s patience in dealing with sinners.
In Scripture, the sea often symbolizes chaos and large multitudes of people or nations. Revelation 13:1-2 (NIV) describes a beast rising out of the sea, symbolizing a powerful kingdom or empire composed of many peoples (see also Daniel 7).
Theological Insight:The beast represents worldly powers opposed to God, empowered by Satan (Revelation 13:2). Jonah’s flight toward the sea can be seen as symbolic of Christians who flee from God’s will into the chaos of the world, thinking it is safe, but unaware of spiritual dangers lurking.
Revelation 17:15 (NIV) confirms the sea represents “peoples, multitudes, nations, and languages,” highlighting the widespread influence of the beast.
Jonah’s wavering faith and disobedience parallel Christians today who are unstable in their walk—turning to worldly pleasures and sin while claiming faith in God.
1 Corinthians 10:11 (NIV) reminds us that these stories were written “as examples to warn us,” urging believers to stand firm and avoid falling into disobedience.
Similarly, 1 Thessalonians 5:2-3 (NIV) warns that the Day of the Lord will come unexpectedly, “like a thief in the night,” when people falsely believe there is “peace and safety.”
Daniel 7:1-8 (NIV) describes four beasts from the sea, with the fourth beast being terrifying and powerful, associated with the end times and the Antichrist’s reign for three and a half years—the “Great Tribulation.”
Jonah’s three days inside the fish symbolically foreshadow the tribulation period when many will face judgment. The beast “with ten horns and seven heads” (Revelation 13:1 NIV) will rise and bring severe persecution.
God’s grace is holding back judgment now, but one day the “storm” will come. Like Jonah, many are asleep in spiritual complacency, unaware of impending danger.
God is calling His true church—the faithful Bride—to prepare for the coming Rapture. Those who heed God’s call and repent (Acts 2:38) will be saved.
Repent today. Be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins (Acts 2:38 NIV). Start your walk of obedience and holiness now.
God bless you richly.
Glory be to our Savior Jesus Christ.
This is a continuation of the Book of Esther. In these three chapters (5, 6, and 7), we see Queen Esther approaching the king in a way that defied protocol to intercede for her people against their enemy Haman, who had plotted to annihilate all the Jews in the kingdom. Yet, instead of being punished for her boldness, Esther found favor in the king’s eyes and was able to present her request. When the king asked her what she wanted, she did not reveal it immediately; instead, she invited him to a banquet she had prepared, along with Haman, the enemy of the Jews. Scripture says:
Esther 5:2-5 “And it happened, when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she found favor in his sight; and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. Then Esther drew near and touched the top of the scepter. And the king said to her, ‘What do you wish, Queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given you even to the half of my kingdom.’ Then Esther answered, ‘If it pleases the king, let the king and Haman come today to the banquet that I have prepared for him.'”
Thus, the king, pleased by Esther’s feast, asked again what she needed—but Esther wisely postponed her request, inviting him to a second banquet. When the king and Haman enjoyed the banquet, he again asked Esther about her heart’s desire. Scripture continues:
Esther 7:2-10 “Then the king said again to Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, ‘What is your petition, Queen Esther? It shall be granted you. And what is your request? Even to the half of my kingdom it shall be performed.’ Then Queen Esther answered, ‘If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it pleases the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request; for we have been sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be killed, and to be annihilated. If we had been sold merely as slaves, men and women, I would have held my peace; but no enemy can compensate for this king’s loss.’ Then King Ahasuerus said, ‘Who is he, and where is he, who would dare presume in his heart to do such a thing?’ And Esther said, ‘The adversary and enemy is this vile Haman!’ So Haman was terrified before the king and the queen. The king arose in his wrath from the banquet of wine into the palace garden, and Haman stood to beg for his life to Queen Esther; for he saw that the king had determined his destruction. When the king returned from the palace garden to the place of the banquet, Haman had fallen across the couch where Esther was; and the king said, ‘Will he also assault the queen in my presence, in my house?’ And they covered Haman’s face. And Harbona, one of the king’s eunuchs, said, ‘Behold, there stands the fifty-cubit high gallows which Haman has prepared for Mordecai, who spoke good for the king.’ Then the king said, ‘Hang him on it!’ So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the king’s wrath subsided.”
Theological Insights: Esther serves as a profound type of the Church, or the Bride of Christ. Her story teaches us how to approach our King (Jesus Christ) when we have urgent needs. Though Esther was deeply distressed and faced life-threatening danger, she did not immediately rush to present her request. Instead, she used wisdom and strategy, pleasing the king first by hosting two banquets, before revealing the deep need of her people.
Similarly, in our approach to God, it is spiritually beneficial to “prepare the heart” of our Lord by acts that delight Him. This might include:
Offering sacrifices or giving generously (Romans 12:1–2).
Helping the needy, orphans, and widows (James 1:27).
Serving God faithfully in ministry or worship (Colossians 3:17). Once our hearts and actions align with His will, we can bring our requests with confidence (Matthew 7:7-8).
Notice also that Esther first interceded for her people, not herself. She prioritized others over her own life. Likewise, as believers, our prayers should often carry the needs of God’s people, the Church, and the lost, just as Jesus prayed for us (John 17). Galatians 6:2 reminds us: “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
Finally, the story demonstrates divine justice: Haman’s plot to destroy Mordecai and the Jews turned upon himself. Scripture teaches, “Whoever digs a pit will fall into it; and he who rolls a stone, it will return on him” (Proverbs 26:27). Sin, pride, and injustice often lead to self-destruction, even when outwardly one seems successful, wealthy, or powerful. God’s righteousness ensures that evil does not go unpunished.
Call to Action: Repent, turn to the Lord, and receive baptism in the name of Jesus Christ to experience forgiveness and deliverance from sin. Let us learn from Esther: approach God wisely, prioritize others in prayer, and trust His justice.
WhatsApp
Our Lord Jesus Christ be glorified!
Welcome to the study of the Book of Esther. Today, we focus on Chapter 4, and it is highly recommended to first read this chapter along with the previous ones to fully grasp the hidden truths revealed in this book through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
We see that after Haman issued a decree to annihilate all the Jews in all the provinces of the kingdom, the Jewish people were devastated. Remember, this was a law among the Medes and Persians: any decree passed by the king could not be revoked under any circumstances. Even when a decree was given against Daniel, he had to be thrown into the lion’s den, and even the king could not reverse it to save him (Daniel 6:8, 12-13).
Understanding this, Mordecai and all the Jews mourned deeply as the Scriptures say:
Esther 4:1-3 (ESV) “When Mordecai learned all that had happened, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the city, wailing with a loud and bitter cry. He went up to the king’s gate, for no one could enter the king’s gate clothed in sackcloth. And in every province where the king’s command and his edict arrived, there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting, weeping, and lamenting; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes.”
Mordecai realized the only hope for salvation was through Queen Esther. He informed her of Haman’s plot against all Jews and urged her to intercede with the king to overturn the plan. However, Esther’s initial response highlighted the risk of approaching the king without an invitation, which was punishable by death:
Esther 4:10-11 (ESV) “Then Esther spoke to Hathach and sent him to Mordecai, saying: ‘All the king’s servants and the people of the royal provinces know that any man or woman who enters the inner court to the king without being called has but one law: that he shall be put to death. Only if the king holds out the golden scepter may the person live. I, however, have not been called to come to the king for these thirty days.’”
Mordecai’s response was urgent and faith-filled:
Esther 4:14 (ESV) “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”
At this pivotal moment, Queen Esther courageously decided to risk her life and approach the king, but she first called all the Jews to fast for three days for her, seeking God’s favor (Esther 4:16). When she approached the king, God granted her favor. Instead of death, she received great honor—even the potential to be given half the kingdom if she desired.
Spiritual Lessons:
Courage and Sacrifice for Others: Esther, as a type of Christ’s bride, risked her own life for the salvation of her people. Christians are called to step out in faith to bring others to Christ, even when it may cost personal comfort or safety (Matthew 10:39).
Divine Timing: Mordecai reminds Esther, “Who knows if you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” This is God’s providential timing (Romans 8:28).
Faithful Witnessing: Wherever God places you—in the church, family, workplace, leadership positions—you are positioned to be a witness of Christ and an instrument of salvation for others.
Practical Application:
Use everything God has given you—position, knowledge, wealth, skills, youth, time—for His glory.
Even if your presence in a place seems unsuitable or risky, God may have positioned you there to save lives.
Be a faithful witness of Christ; honor God in all you do, and He will make a way where there seems to be no way.
1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV) “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
May you be encouraged to act boldly for God, knowing that His favor will accompany your obedience.
“May the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of all life, be glorified.”
Welcome to the study of God’s Word, where we grow from glory to glory until we reach the pinnacle of knowing our Savior, Jesus Christ. Today, as we continue with chapter 3 of the Book of Esther, it is recommended that you first read the chapter privately in your Bible, then we can discuss it together.
Overview and Theological Insight This book describes prophecies of future events. Though we often read it as a simple story, it carries deeper meanings essential for every Christian, especially in our current times. For example, the story of Jonah is more than the tale of his disobedience; it prophetically points to Jesus Christ, who would spend three days in the grave, just as Jonah spent three days and nights in the belly of the great fish (Jonah 1:17; Matthew 12:40). Likewise, the events in Esther’s story foreshadow future spiritual battles and God’s sovereignty.
The Story of Haman (Esther 3:1-2) In chapter 3, we read about Haman, who was elevated by King Ahasuerus above all other officials in the Persian Empire. He commanded that everyone bow to him. Yet Mordecai, a Jew, refused to bow or give him honor. When Haman learned of this, he was enraged and plotted not just against Mordecai but against all Jews (Esther 3:2-6).
“All the king’s officials at the king’s gate bowed down and paid honor to Haman, for the king had commanded it. But Mordecai would not bow or pay him honor.” — Esther 3:2-3
Theological Insight: Mordecai’s refusal was not rebellion against the king but discernment of evil. The Bible clarifies that “bowing” here is a form of political homage, not worship of God. Mordecai respected authority (Romans 13:1-2) but rejected honoring someone whose intentions were malicious. Haman represented deception and pride, much like Satan’s work in the world (Proverbs 6:16-19).
Mordecai’s Wisdom and the Foreshadowing of End-Time Events Earlier, in Esther 2:21-23, Mordecai uncovered a plot to kill the king, demonstrating his vigilance and loyalty. His discernment highlights the spiritual principle of recognizing evil even when it is politically or socially endorsed. This foreshadows the coming Antichrist, who will deceive the world, demanding homage and trying to destroy God’s people (Revelation 13:5-7).
“He was given authority to act for forty-two months. He opened his mouth to blaspheme God, and to slander his name and dwellers in heaven. He was given power to make war on the saints and to conquer them; and authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation.” — Revelation 13:5-7
Just as Haman tried to annihilate the Jews, the Antichrist will persecute believers, including the two witnesses (Revelation 11) and the 144,000 sealed Jews (Revelation 7 & 14). Those who refuse to worship the Antichrist will face great tribulation, similar to the suffering of God’s faithful throughout history.
Modern Application: End-Time Spiritual Awareness The narrative of Haman repeating the work of Satan through history—from Babylon to Persia, Greece, and Rome—teaches vigilance. The Antichrist will appear as a peacemaker and impose a global system (Revelation 13:16-17), which may include forced identification and control over buying, selling, or employment, paralleling Haman’s decree against the Jews. Only those sealed by God or faithful to Him will resist successfully.
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.” — 1 John 2:15
Call to Preparation Believers today are urged to prepare spiritually:
Repent from sin, immorality, idolatry, and drunkenness.
Seek baptism for forgiveness and cleansing (Acts 2:38).
Commit your life fully to God, ensuring your eternal salvation.
Just as Esther had to act wisely to save her people, we must live in obedience and discernment, ready for Christ’s return (1 Peter 1:13).
Prayer/Contact Info: For guidance, prayer, or Bible study schedules, you can reach out via WhatsApp: +255693036618 / +255789001312
King of kings, our Lord Jesus Christ, be forever glorified!
Welcome in God’s grace. Today, we study the Book of Esther, beginning with chapters 1 and 2. It’s recommended to have your Bible at hand to follow along. As we know, the Old Covenant (Old Testament) serves as a shadow of the New Covenant. Every story in the Old Testament reveals spiritual truths that remain relevant to our lives today (Hebrews 10:1).
The Book of Esther briefly narrates the story of King Ahasuerus of the Persian Empire. He was extremely wealthy and powerful, ruling over 127 provinces—from India to Cush (Ethiopia)—making him virtually a king over the world at that time.
At one point, King Ahasuerus held a grand feast for all his officials and citizens in Shushan (Susa). During the celebration, he ordered Queen Vashti to appear before the guests to display her beauty. The Bible describes Vashti as exceedingly beautiful; her name itself means “beautiful” (Esther 1:11).
However, Vashti disobeyed the king. She refused to come, asserting her dignity and independence. This act of defiance was seen as a great shame, as it was culturally inappropriate for a woman to disobey the king. Consequently, Vashti was deposed, and a search for a new queen began (Esther 1:19):
“So the king’s decree went out, and it was written in the laws of the Medes and Persians, which could not be repealed, that Vashti should not come before King Ahasuerus, and that the king gave her royal position to another who was better than she.”
Young women from all over the empire were brought to the king’s palace, including Esther. They came from various social backgrounds—some wealthy, some noble, others learned or from common families. Perhaps 30,000 or more were gathered.
Each woman was given freedom to prepare herself as she wished, provided she followed the instructions of Hegai, the king’s eunuch overseeing the women (Esther 2:1-4). Esther, too, was placed under Hegai’s care.
Why did Esther succeed where others might not?
The Bible does not describe her as the most beautiful or from a wealthy or royal family. Instead, she had a meek and humble spirit, following the guidance of her guardian, Mordecai (her uncle), and Hegai. Esther obeyed Mordecai’s instructions to not reveal her heritage, nor to boast, which gained her favor (Esther 2:8-9).
This shows a spiritual principle: God honors humility, obedience, and discretion over pride, social status, or outward beauty (1 Peter 5:5; Proverbs 16:18).
Theological Significance:
The story of Esther is a foreshadowing of Christ and the Church:
King Ahasuerus represents Jesus Christ, the King of kings.
Queen Vashti symbolizes Israel, the nation that initially rejected God’s Messiah.
Esther represents the true Bride of Christ, chosen and pleasing to Him.
Other young women represent various denominations or sects claiming God’s favor.
Hegai and Mordecai symbolize the Word of God and the Holy Spirit, guiding the Bride in preparation.
Just as Israel rejected Jesus (Matthew 23:37), the kingdom turned to the Gentiles, preparing the way for the Bride of Christ—those who remain humble and obedient under God’s Word.
Key Principles for the Bride of Christ:
Humility and obedience: Esther did not boast or reveal her family background, reflecting that God values humility and submission (Philippians 2:3-4).
Following God’s guidance: Esther obeyed Mordecai and Hegai, paralleling the necessity for believers to follow the Word and the Spirit rather than denominational traditions (John 14:26).
Purity and preparation: Esther remained pure, preparing herself spiritually and physically, which foreshadows the Church’s call to holiness (2 Corinthians 11:2).
Warning Against Denominational Pride:
Today, many denominations claim to be the “true bride” of Christ—Catholics, Lutherans, Anglicans, Pentecostals, Jehovah’s Witnesses, etc. While each may have elements of truth, the Bible teaches there is only one true Bride: the Church that humbly submits to Christ and follows His Word through the Spirit, not human traditions (Revelation 19:7; 1 Corinthians 1:2).
Disobedience or reliance on denominational identity can disqualify one from being the Bride of Christ. Just as ignoring Hegai’s guidance (the Word and Spirit) would have disqualified Esther, neglecting God’s Word today disqualifies a believer (Matthew 25:1-13).
Application:
Remove denominational pride and follow Christ as He is, not through human traditions.
Submit fully to the Word of God and the Holy Spirit.
Pursue humility, purity, and obedience as Esther did.
Scripture References Highlighted in the Teaching:
Esther 1:11, 19; 2:1-4, 8-9
Hebrews 10:1
Jeremiah 3:14
Matthew 23:37-39
Philippians 2:3-4
John 14:26
1 Corinthians 1:2
2 Corinthians 11:2
Revelation 19:7
Blessed be the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome as we grow in understanding by examining the Word of God. Today we learn about the Abomination of Desolation. I believe this message will move you from one spiritual level to another. It is good to have your Bible with you to follow the passages we will reference.
To begin, we must understand the meaning of “the abomination of desolation.” Simply put, it means an abomination that causes desolation, or an abomination that brings destruction. There are two components: ABOMINATION and DESOLATION.
**ABOMINATION (according to Scripture)**
Biblically, an abomination means something that provokes God to anger, especially in matters relating to idolatry or sexual immorality. Any practice done by God’s people contrary to His laws—such as worshiping other gods, crafting idols, sorcery—was known as an abomination before the Lord.
For example, God told the Israelites in Deuteronomy 18:9–13:
“9 When you enter the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there. 10 Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, 11 or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. 12 Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord; because of these same detestable practices the Lord your God will drive out those nations before you. 13 You must be blameless before the Lord your God.”
We see that the practices of the Canaanite nations were so abominable that they brought destruction upon themselves. God warned Israel not to imitate those ways, lest the same destruction come upon them.
**DESOLATION**
The reason those nations were destroyed was not that God simply hated them or loved Israel more. Their abominations became so severe that destruction was the only consequence. This establishes a divine principle: repeated abomination leads to desolation.
God further warned Israel in Leviticus 18:24–30, showing that if they practiced the same abominations, the land would “vomit” them out just as it did the nations before them.
Thus, abominations inevitably lead to desolation—whether for nations or individuals.
Yet Scripture reveals **one particular abomination**, greater than all others, prophesied by Jesus and Daniel, which would stand in the holy place and bring unprecedented destruction.
**Historical Background of the Abomination**
When the Israelites entered Canaan, God had not yet chosen a specific place for His name. Their abominations led to temporary punishments, as God gave them into the hands of enemies such as the Philistines. But when God finally chose Jerusalem during the time of King David, and when Solomon built the Temple, holiness was elevated. Any abomination committed at the holy place itself would bring far greater judgment.
Thus, in 1 Kings 9:6–9 God warned Solomon that if Israel turned to other gods, the Temple itself would be rejected and Israel uprooted from the land.
Historically, Israel did just that. Despite prophetic warnings, they adopted idolatry within the Temple. This resulted in destruction by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon—Jerusalem burned, the Temple destroyed, Israelites killed, and many taken captive.
2 Chronicles 36:14–20 describes this vividly.
This event devastated Israel for generations; the nation did not regain independence until 1948—a span of about 2500 years.
Later, after returning from Babylon and rebuilding the second Temple, God again warned them through prophets like Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. Yet Israel drifted again. Under foreign rulers, a new abomination was prophesied.
**THE ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION IN DANIEL**
Daniel foresaw a king who would desecrate the Holy Place. History identifies this as **Antiochus IV Epiphanes**, who invaded Jerusalem, stopped daily sacrifices, erected a statue of Zeus inside the Temple, and sacrificed swine on the altar (168 BC). This fulfilled Daniel 11:31:
“His armed forces will rise up to desecrate the temple fortress and will abolish the daily sacrifice. Then they will set up the abomination that causes desolation.”
This was a historical foreshadowing—a partial fulfillment pointing to a greater future abomination.
Later, the second Temple was again destroyed in 70 AD by the Roman general Titus. Jesus had prophesied this in Luke 19:41–44 and Luke 21:20–24. This judgment came because Israel rejected prophets, then John the Baptist, and ultimately the Messiah Himself. Their cry, “We have no king but Caesar” (John 19:15), sealed their fate.
Jesus told His followers: when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, flee. The Christians obeyed and were spared; those who remained in the city perished.
Thus, the destruction of the second Temple was **the second major “abomination-desolation” cycle**, a consequence of rejecting the Messiah.
**THE FUTURE AND FINAL ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION**
Israel was scattered among the nations, yet God promised restoration. In 1948 Israel became a nation again, and preparations for a third Temple are already underway. Scripture indicates sacrifices will resume.
But the enemy is always active. Just as past abominations were shadows, Jesus said a final abomination will occur in the last days.
Matthew 24:15–21:
“So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation,’ spoken of through the prophet Daniel… Then there will be great distress unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again.”
Daniel 9:27 reveals that the Antichrist will make a seven-year covenant with Israel, but halfway through (3½ years), he will break it, stop sacrifices, and set up the final abomination in the holy place.
Paul expands this in 2 Thessalonians 2:3–10, stating that the “man of lawlessness” will exalt himself above God and sit in God’s temple, declaring himself to be God. This reveals blasphemous self-deification. Many theologians identify this final manifestation with the Antichrist empowered by Satan.
This will trigger the Great Tribulation. Revelation 7 describes 144,000 sealed Jews who will be protected. Revelation 11 describes two witnesses who will minister during this period.
Daniel 12:11 gives the prophetic timeline: 1290 days from the removal of daily sacrifice to the setting up of the abomination.
**THE ABOMINATION ALSO APPLIES TO THE CHURCH TODAY**
The Church is now the Temple of God: “For you are the temple of the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:19). Any false worship—idolatry, elevating human leaders above Christ, or blending truth with deception—is a spiritual abomination that invites desolation.
Revelation 18:4 warns believers to separate from Babylon’s sins lest they share in her judgments.
**CALL TO REPENTANCE**
We are living in perilous times. Are you ready if the Lord comes today? Are you saved and baptized? Have you become one of the saints? If not, this is the time. Prepare now—do not wait for the day to come upon you like a thief.
Blessings to you.
──────────────────────────────
1 Corinthians 13:11
“When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.”
In ordinary life, every human being must pass through two major stages: childhood and adulthood. Each stage requires guidance. For example, a small child cannot lead himself because his mind has not yet matured to distinguish between good and evil or to understand the principles of life. Thus, he must be trained and instructed by his parent or caregiver, whether he likes it or not. Those instructions become laws and commands to him.
For example, when a child reaches around six or seven years old, he is taken to school—not because he wants to, but because it is necessary for his growth. He is forced to wake up every morning, brush his teeth, and go to school. No child naturally likes to be woken up early; a child prefers to play, jump around, and do whatever pleases him.
Likewise, when he returns home, he is forced to take a nap, forced to shower, forced to complete homework, his clothes are chosen for him, and sometimes his parents even choose which friends he can play with. He obeys these rules not because he understands or desires them but simply to meet the expectations of his parents. If he were given full freedom, he would abandon all these responsibilities instantly.
THE BEHAVIOR OF AN ADULT
As the child grows, changes slowly take place inside him. He begins to see the importance of waking up on time, brushing his teeth, going to school, bathing, choosing good friends, and so forth. Why does he do this? Because he has matured and understands these actions benefit him—not his parents. This is the true sign of adulthood: the ability to fulfill duties from the heart without being forced. That is when a parent knows the child is mature enough to be trusted with freedom.
Another example is a student. In primary school, he is forced to attend every lesson, wear a school uniform, write notes, and is punished when he does wrong. But in university, those strict rules are no longer there. Why? Because the university recognizes that the student now understands his responsibility. Yet even without force, he still studies and passes. This does not mean the university has no rules; it means the student has matured enough to fulfill them willingly.
In the same way, the Church of God also passed through these two stages: childhood and adulthood. The stage of spiritual childhood was when God first birthed Israel in the wilderness. Being spiritually immature, they needed laws to guide them, because they could not yet distinguish good from evil. Thus, the Law was given through Moses—commands that had to be obeyed strictly. These were not requests; they were mandatory. A person could not steal, commit adultery, murder, break the Sabbath, or worship idols. Anyone who disobeyed was punished severely.
They obeyed these laws not because they loved them, but because they wanted to please God and avoid punishment. Had they been given freedom, they would not have kept the commandments.
But when God’s people reached the stage of spiritual adulthood, the laws needed to be written inside their hearts so they would be obeyed willingly, not out of external force. This was prophesied long ago.
Jeremiah 31:31-34
“Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah… I will put My law in their minds and write it on their hearts… and they shall all know Me… for I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.”
This prophecy was fulfilled at Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended upon the believers. At that moment, they transitioned from spiritual childhood to spiritual adulthood. The first work of the Holy Spirit was to write God’s law inside their hearts. That means the believer begins to obey God willingly, not because of external pressure. Just like a university student studies from personal understanding rather than parental force.
From that moment onward, believers stopped committing adultery, not because God forbade it, but because they saw its destructive effect on their own souls. They stopped worshiping idols, not simply because God commanded it, but because they understood only God deserves worship. They prayed not because it was a ritual but because they recognized their need for communion with God. They did not keep the Sabbath as a strict day, but every day became a Sabbath to them, because they worshiped in spirit and truth.
Thus God set them free from the Law.
Galatians 5:18 “But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.”
Romans 8:2
“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.”
Romans 8:4
“That the righteous requirements of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.”
The importance of the Holy Spirit is this: He moves a person from spiritual childhood (bondage) into spiritual adulthood (freedom and maturity). A person who says, “I do not steal because God forbids it,” reveals spiritual childhood. A mature believer says, “I do not steal because I know it destroys my soul.”
Someone who insists on a specific Sabbath day or avoids sin purely because “God said so” is still under the childhood stage of the Law.
But those led by the Spirit see holiness not as a burden but as their joyful responsibility. They avoid adultery, immodesty, worldly entertainment, gossip, drunkenness, and all uncleanness—not because of rules, but because they love purity and understand its benefit to their own souls.
This is the sign of one who has truly received the Holy Spirit: they fulfill holiness by love, not by command.
Romans 8:9 “But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.”
Romans 8:9
“But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.”
So, my friend, are you in spiritual childhood or adulthood? Are you filled with the Holy Spirit, or are you still led by religion? Seek the Holy Spirit, for He is the seal of God (Ephesians 4:30). Without Him, there is no rapture.
Be blessed.
You can also receive these teachings directly on your WhatsApp by joining our channel.
—