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UMEITWA KWANZA KUWA SHAHIDI, SIO MHUBIRI

YOU WERE CALLED TO BE A WITNESS, NOT A PREACHER

Acts 1:8
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

There is a difference between a preacher and a witness.
Simply put, preaching and witnessing are not the same.
Jesus called us to be witnesses in the world. This is a calling for every believer—not necessarily to preach sermons but to testify through our lives.

Who is a preacher?
A preacher is someone who stands with the Bible, teaches scripture, explains stories and lessons from the Bible, and expects people to respond to those teachings. This person could be a pastor, evangelist, apostle, bishop, priest, and so on.

Who is a witness?
A witness is someone who has seen the truth of something and then stands to defend or confirm that truth.
This is the role we all have regarding Christ: to be His witnesses worldwide, testifying to what He has done in our lives—confirming that what He said is true because we have experienced it ourselves.

For example, when Jesus said, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28), when you come to Him and find that your burdens are lifted, you must stand and testify to that experience so others may believe and receive the same.

When Jesus said, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38), and you have received the Holy Spirit and known this truth, that’s when you go and witness to others.

When you have been healed, set free, shown a miracle, or given strength to overcome a particular sin, that’s your testimony. And through that testimony, others will be encouraged to believe in Jesus as you did, and ultimately be saved.

Testimony doesn’t require theology
This work doesn’t require deep theological knowledge, spiritual maturity, fasting, or prayers. It only requires opening your mouth and telling others about the goodness you have found in Christ. That is how God will convince people and bring them to salvation.

Example of Paul – Acts 9
If you are a Christian who was maybe saved today, remember you already owe it to start witnessing about the goodness of Christ with the few words you have in your mouth. That’s what Paul did right after his baptism.

Acts 9:
17 Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
18 And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized;
19 and taking food, he was strengthened. For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus.
20 And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.”
21 And all who heard him were amazed and said, “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called on this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?”
22 But Saul increased all the more in strength and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ.
23 After many days had passed, the Jews plotted to kill him.

The problem with the view of evangelism
The problem happens when we think evangelism is only for special people and that it’s difficult. No! Remember, it is God who convinces hearts—not the quantity of Bible verses you quote or your preaching experience, but the Holy Spirit alone. Just a few words testifying about Jesus have the power to transform someone more than thousands of Bible verses.

When you go to witness, don’t overthink what to say. Start where Jesus changed your life. Share that story carefully. You will be surprised how God will give you wisdom and the words to say right in the middle of your conversation. Maybe someone will ask a question, and the answer will come out of your mouth naturally. Don’t underestimate yourself or be afraid. The one who convinces is God. Whether they understand or not is not your responsibility—be bold because any message with Christ at its core produces results.

Start now to witness about Jesus. Together, let’s build the kingdom of Christ. Start with your friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors before going to the ends of the earth.

God bless you.

Share this good news with others by sharing.

 

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What Does John 17:20 Mean?

John 17:20 (ESV):
“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word.”

Who Are “Those Who Will Believe Through Their Word”?

In John 17, we find a deeply intimate and powerful prayer that Jesus offers to God the Father, often referred to as the High Priestly Prayer. In the first part of this chapter, Jesus prays specifically for His disciples His apostles asking the Father to protect them, sanctify them in truth, and unite them as one.

But in verse 20, Jesus shifts His focus. He says:

“I do not ask for these only…”  meaning He is not praying only for the apostles who were with Him at that moment.

He continues:

“…but also for those who will believe in me through their word.”

This refers to all who would come to faith in Jesus through the message preached by the apostles. In other words, Jesus was praying not only for the original disciples, but also for every future believer including you and me who would hear and believe the gospel passed down from them.

The Ongoing Power of Christ’s Prayer

This means that every believer throughout history, from the early church to believers today, is a recipient of Jesus’ prayer in John 17. If you believe in Jesus because of the apostolic gospel the message of the New Testament then you are part of the answer to this very prayer.

Jesus didn’t only intercede while He was on earth. He continues to intercede for us even now:

Hebrews 7:25 (ESV):
“Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.”

Romans 8:34 (ESV):
“Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died more than that, who was raised who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.”

This assures us that there is a divine protection and covering over every believer. The enemy cannot overcome us, because Christ Himself is praying for our preservation.

Are You a Partaker of This Prayer?

The question each of us must ask is:

Am I included in this prayer?

You are if you have believed in Jesus Christ through the gospel.
But if you have not yet received Him, the invitation still stands. Jesus is ready to welcome you into the fold, to give you eternal life (John 17:3), and to include you in His ongoing intercession before the Father.

A Lesson in How to Pray

In this passage, Jesus also teaches us something profound about prayer. He didn’t just pray for His current disciples He prayed forward into the future. He prayed for generations yet unborn, for those who would hear and believe through the testimony of His followers.

Likewise, we should not limit our prayers only to what we see now. We are called to pray in faith for:

  • Future generations,
  • Future conversions,
  • And those who will come to know Christ through our witness.

If you are a believer in Christ, you are part of a great spiritual legacy that began with the apostles and continues today. Jesus prayed for you over 2,000 years ago, and He is still praying for you now. You are not alone.

John 17:20 (ESV):
“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word.”

May this truth encourage you to walk in obedience, knowing that Christ Himself is your intercessor.

If you have not yet received Jesus, don’t delay. The opportunity for salvation is still open:

John 1:12 (ESV):
“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”

May the Lord bless you and strengthen your faith.

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Behold the handmaid of the Lord;

When Mary was visited by the angel and told of things that were humanly impossible, she responded in a most extraordinary way. She did not argue. She did not resist or oppose the purpose and plan of God for her life even though it far surpassed her human understanding. On the contrary, she embraced it. And not with shallow words or surface agreement, but with a confession of servanthood. She said:

“Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”
(Luke 1:38, ESV)

In other words, she was saying: If this task requires me to serve as a slave, then so be it I am willing.

Let’s revisit the passage:

Luke 1:34-35, 38 (KJV)
[34] Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
[35] And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
[38] And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

Mary becomes a perfect model not just for godly women but for the entire Church of Christ. Her example shows the kind of obedience the Lord desires from all who revere Him.

Despite the fact that this calling was, by human standards, impossible, and even though she knew it could bring shame and public disgrace, she still accepted God’s plan. She knew that becoming miraculously pregnant would make people assume the worst that she had committed adultery. She knew there were serious responsibilities ahead. Still, she received the purpose of God, a purpose far beyond her ability.

Mary didn’t make the mistake Moses did, telling God to “send someone else” (Exodus 4:13). She didn’t resist the calling like Jonah, fleeing to Tarshish (Jonah 1:3). Instead, she received the divine assignment with greater devotion than a slave she gave her whole self.

No wonder the Lord granted her such great grace.

God Looks for Willingness Over Ability

Dear brother or sister, the Lord is looking more at your willingness than at your natural ability. He values your obedience more than your age, experience, or qualifications.

Every believer today, under the New Covenant, has been called to do great things just as Mary did. There is no one who is exempt from the high calling of God, because our God is the God of the impossible:

“For nothing will be impossible with God.”
(Luke 1:37, ESV)

The only reason many do not see great results in their spiritual lives is because our faith is weak. What is required is a complete surrender to God.allowing Him to work through us, beyond our own understanding.

It doesn’t matter if you are a man or woman, young or old, educated or not, rich or poor.what matters is that you, like Mary, surrender yourself fully to whatever purpose God has for your life.

If you have the opportunity to pray for the sick, do it. If you can share the gospel on the streets, in marketplaces, at sports grounds, do it. In these moments, the Lord will reveal Himself to you in extraordinary ways and all glory will go to Him.

God Uses Weak Vessels

Never forget: God has chosen to use weak and ordinary vessels to fulfill His perfect purposes.

“But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.”
(1 Corinthians 1:27, KJV)

So let us, like Mary, say from the heart:

“Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”

Amen.

May the Lord bless you.

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What Lineage Did Job Come From?

When we study the lives of the patriarchs like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, their genealogies are carefully traced back through the family line of Adam, Noah, and Shem, all the way to their own time (Genesis 5; Genesis 10; Genesis 11). This clear lineage shows their connection to God’s covenant people.

But Job stands apart.

The Book of Job does not begin with a genealogy but with a simple introduction of his name and location:

There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job, and that man was blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil. Job 1:1, ESV

Job lived in the land of Uz, a place outside Israel likely in northern Arabia, Syria, or perhaps near Edom (Lamentations 4:21). His precise location is debated, but one thing is clear: Job was not an Israelite by bloodline.

Job’s Significance in God’s Plan

The fact that Job, a non Israelite, is central in Scripture teaches us something profound about God’s character: His grace is not limited to one nation or genealogy.

Job is described as “blameless and upright,” which shows that righteousness before God is not inherited through ancestry but is received through faith and reverence for God. This truth is echoed throughout Scripture:

Romans 2:11 (ESV): For God shows no partiality.

 

Acts 10:34–35 (ESV):

So Peter opened his mouth and said: ‘Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.

Job, like Abraham, lived before the Law of Moses. Yet both men demonstrate that God’s relationship with humanity has always been rooted in faith, not merely in rituals or ancestry. Abraham “believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness” (Genesis 15:6, ESV), and Job’s faith likewise was expressed in his integrity and fear of God.

Other Gentiles Accepted by God

Job is not alone in this. Scripture records other non-Israelites who found favor with God:

Ruth the Moabite  She left her people to follow the God of Israel, and by faith, she was grafted into the lineage of Christ (Matthew 1:5).

Naaman the Syrian  A Gentile military commander healed by God’s power when he humbled himself (2 Kings 5).

Cornelius the Centurion  A Gentile whose prayers and alms rose as a memorial before God, leading Peter to declare that God accepts all who fear Him (Acts 10:1–4).

These examples highlight that God’s covenant blessings extend to all nations, pointing forward to Christ, who came to redeem not only Israel but the whole world (John 3:16; Revelation 7:9).

Our Place in the Story

What does this mean for us today? It means that your background whether you were born in a Christian family, a pastoral household, or into unbelief does not determine your access to God’s grace. Salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8–9).

God does not ask about your ancestry but about your faith and obedience. Paul emphasizes this truth:

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 3:28, ESV

Job’s story teaches us that God is sovereign, impartial, and just. He receives anyone who fears Him, regardless of lineage or nationality. Like Job, the question we must ask ourselves is not “What family do I come from?” but rather:

Do I fear God and turn away from evil?

If the answer is yes, then you too are part of God’s family through Christ, counted righteous not by birth but by faith.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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MKUU WA ULIMWENGU AMEKWISHA HUKUMIWA.

THE RULER OF THIS WORLD HAS ALREADY BEEN JUDGED

Did you know that the judgment of the devil has already been passed? Understanding this truth is crucial so that we are not deceived into living in sin or being paralyzed by fear.

1. Satan’s Judgment is Final

John 16:11 (ESV)

concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged.

Jesus clearly states that Satan—the ruler of this fallen world—has already been judged. His sentence is final, and he will never stand trial again. The Greek word for “judged” (krinō) indicates that the verdict is decisive and irrevocable. Satan’s rebellion has already been fully accounted for in God’s eternal justice.

2. Satan’s Crime Was Rebellion, Not Deception

Many mistakenly assume that Satan’s punishment is because of deceiving mankind. In reality, the primary reason for his eternal condemnation was his prideful rebellion in heaven.

Isaiah 14:12–15 (ESV)

How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! For you have said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God… I will make myself like the Most High.

Satan’s desire to overthrow God’s authority led to his expulsion. Revelation 12:7–9 confirms that he was cast out with his angels, and their fate was sealed in the lake of fire, prepared specifically for them before mankind was even created.

Matthew 25:41 (NASB)

Then He will also say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.’

Notice carefully: the lake of fire was originally prepared for Satan and his angels, not for humans. Yet, those who choose to follow him and reject God’s authority will share his fate.

3. Satan’s Work Continues, But His Judgment is Set

The fact that Satan continues to deceive and destroy does not mean his punishment is incomplete. Theologically, this demonstrates the principle of divine justice and free will: Satan’s judgment is complete, yet God allows him a measure of activity to test humanity (cf. Job 1:6–12; 1 Peter 5:8).

Even if he causes destruction, his punishment will not increase. His role in the world serves as both a warning and a testing ground for human obedience.

4. Humans Will Stand Alone Before God

On the Day of Judgment, it is humans who will be accountable for their deeds.

Revelation 20:11–15 (ESV) 

Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it… and the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done… Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.

Notice: Satan is not present on that day to be questioned; he has no excuses, and his case is closed. Humans, however, will stand individually and answer for their choices. Our sin is our responsibility; blaming the devil will not save us.

5. The Call to Repentance

This reality calls for urgent repentance. Each person must take responsibility for their life before it is too late.

Ecclesiastes 12:7 (ESV)

and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.

Time is limited. The devil’s power is real, but it is restricted by God’s sovereignty. Repent today, surrender your life to Jesus Christ, and walk in holiness. God’s grace is sufficient, and His Spirit empowers believers to resist the schemes of the devil (cf. Ephesians 6:10–18; James 4:7).

Key Theological Takeaways:

1. Satan’s eternal judgment is fixed; he cannot be redeemed.

2. The lake of fire was prepared for him and his angels before humanity existed.

3. Satan’s deception does not add to his punishment—it only fulfills God’s testing purposes.

4. Humans are individually accountable before God and will be judged according to their deeds.

5. Repentance and surrender to Christ are the only ways to escape judgment and share in Christ 

 

 

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Consider It in Your Heart

Blessed be the name of our Lord JESUS.

God often speaks to us in our hearts, but many times we fail to pay attention to His voice. As a result, we end up in unnecessary troubles and hardships.

The consequences of ignoring God’s voice are serious. Let us learn from the story of the prodigal son, who demanded his inheritance from his father.

Luke 15:11–13

“Jesus continued: ‘There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living.’”

The son ignored the inner voice of wisdom and chose the path of self-indulgence. Scripture continues:

Luke 15:14–16

“After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.”

But then comes the turning point:

Luke 15:17–18

“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.’”

The phrase “when he came to his senses” or literally “when he considered in his heart” shows us that God had already been speaking to him inwardly for a long time. His conscience was warning him that the path he had chosen was wrong, but he kept ignoring it—until the day he finally decided to listen.

This is how God speaks to us today. Sometimes it is through His Spirit nudging our conscience, reminding us: “Do not go that way. Do not continue in that sin. Turn back to God.” But many of us harden our hearts and refuse to pay attention.

The Bible says:

Proverbs 23:26

“My son, give me your heart and let your eyes delight in my ways.”

The Lord does not merely want our outward actions, but our hearts. When we ignore His voice, we walk into destruction. But when we yield, repent, and return to Him, we experience restoration—just like the prodigal son.

Think about the examples:

  • Jonah ignored God’s voice and ran away, only to face storms and the belly of a great fish (Jonah 1:3–17).

  • Israel ignored the prophets, and judgment came upon them (2 Chronicles 36:15–16).

But God is merciful. If you choose today to pay attention to His voice, He will welcome you back with open arms.

Hebrews 3:15

“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion.”

So listen to the voice that urges you to pray, to fast, to study the Word, to forgive, to serve God, or even to leave a place or relationship that is not pleasing to Him. Ignoring that voice leads to pain, but obeying it brings life and blessing.

May the Lord help us to always consider His voice in our hearts.

If you desire to receive Jesus Christ into your life, open your heart to Him today.

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What Is Belial? (2 Corinthians 6:15)

Answer: Let’s take a look…

2 Corinthians 6:15 (ESV)

“What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever?”

The word “Belial” comes from two Hebrew words — “Beliy-ya‘al” — which together mean “worthless” or “good-for-nothing.” It also carries the sense of lawlessness or corruption.

So, in simpler Swahili terms, 2 Corinthians 6:15 could be understood as saying:

“What agreement is there between Christ and a person who is worthless or ungodly?”

In the biblical sense, a “worthless person” is someone who does not fear God — one who is ungodly, rebellious, and driven by the spirit of the devil. In short, a Belial person (or reprobate) is someone who opposes God.
An example of such people is found in 2 Chronicles 13:7:

2 Chronicles 13:7 (ESV)

“And certain worthless scoundrels gathered about him and defied Rehoboam the son of Solomon, when Rehoboam was young and irresolute and could not withstand them.”

We also see similar people described in Judges 19:22:

Judges 19:22 (ESV)

“As they were making their hearts merry, behold, the men of the city, worthless fellows, surrounded the house, beating on the door. And they said to the old man, the master of the house, ‘Bring out the man who came into your house, that we may know him.’”

You can also read about such people in Deuteronomy 13:13, Judges 11:3, Judges 20:13, 2 Samuel 6:20, and Job 11:11.

As Scripture says, there can be no agreement or fellowship between Christ and Belial.
This means that Christ cannot be mixed with impurity, nor can He walk together with the corrupt or the ungodly. Therefore, we must purify ourselves from all defilement of body and spirit so that we may walk with Christ in holiness.

2 Corinthians 7:1 (ESV)

“Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.”

May the Lord help us.

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Break Up the Fallow Ground of Your Heart

Hosea 10:12 (ESV)

“Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap steadfast love; break up your fallow ground, for it is the time to seek the Lord, that he may come and rain righteousness upon you.”

We are living in a season where seeking God cannot be superficial. The Word of God compares us to farmers sowers with the intent to harvest what we plant.

But no wise farmer simply throws seeds on hard, unbroken ground and expects a fruitful harvest. A true farmer, especially one planting grain, will take a strong plow and dig deep into the soil. Sweat pours from his brow as he works hard to break the ground even if it is dry, rocky, or tough so that the seeds can take root and produce fruit.

The Spiritual Plowing: A Call to Deep Devotion

This is exactly what God is calling us to do:

“Break up the fallow ground of your hearts, for it is time to seek the Lord.”

To seek the Lord is to dig deep.

That means:

  • If it’s prayer, it’s fervent, extended prayer, not just a quick blessing over your morning tea.
  • If it’s studying the Word, it’s daily, intentional meditation, not just waking up to one verse or passively listening to sermons on YouTube.
  • If it’s worship, it’s dwelling in God’s presence deeply and consistently, not just attending service for routine’s sake.

This is the kind of spiritual digging God desires where we put in effort, time, and sacrifice.

Superficial Christianity Is Costly

When we choose to live a shallow Christian life, we suffer great loss. Superficial soil allows the birds (Satan) to steal the Word before it can take root (see Matthew 13:4, 19).

Matthew 13:19 (ESV)
“When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart.”

If your spiritual life is shallow, your seed will be stolen. You will miss out on fruitfulness, intimacy with God, and the strength to endure trials.

Jesus Is Coming Soon Are You Ready?

Understand this: Jesus is coming back soon.
Have you truly gone deep in Him? Are you earnestly seeking Him with all your heart? Are you spiritually prepared for His return?

Hebrews 12:14 (ESV)
“Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.”

Revelation 19:7 (ESV)
“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.”

No one will casually enter Heaven. It is a prepared place for a prepared people.

So, break up your ground.

Get the plow of prayer.
Dig with the shovel of the Word.
Saturate the soil with worship and obedience.
Now is the time to seek the Lord before it’s too late.

Isaiah 55:6 (ESV)
“Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near.”

May the grace of the Lord cover you and empower you to dig deep.

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Why did the prophet Jeremiah curse the day he was born, and is it right for us to curse our own birthdays?

Answer:

Let us begin by looking at the Scriptures, starting from Jeremiah 20:14–17:

Jeremiah 20:14-17 (ESV)
14 “Cursed be the day on which I was born! The day when my mother bore me, let it not be blessed!
15 Cursed be the man who brought the news to my father, ‘A son is born to you,’ making him very glad.
16 Let that man be like the cities that the Lord overthrew without pity; let him hear a cry in the morning and an alarm at noon,
17 because he did not kill me in the womb; so my mother would have been my grave, and her womb forever great.”

Here, we see that Jeremiah was overwhelmed by the intense suffering and persecution he faced as a prophet of the Lord. He had been beaten, imprisoned, mocked, and hunted simply for speaking God’s word.

See also:

  • Jeremiah 20:1–2  Pashhur beats and imprisons him.

  • Jeremiah 37:15–16  He is beaten and imprisoned again.

  • Jeremiah 38:6  He is thrown into a cistern.

  • Jeremiah 15:5  He laments being rejected and abandoned.

In Jeremiah 20:18, he concludes with this lament:

“Why did I come out from the womb to see toil and sorrow, and spend my days in shame?” (Jeremiah 20:18, ESV)

So, his cursing of the day he was born came from a deep place of emotional anguish, spiritual exhaustion, and human weakness.

Jeremiah Was Not Alone in This

The prophet Job also cursed the day of his birth in a similar state of despair:

Job 3:1–6 (NIV)
1 After this, Job opened his mouth and cursed the day of his birth.
3 “May the day of my birth perish, and the night that said, ‘A boy is conceived!’
4 That day may it turn to darkness; may God above not care about it; may no light shine on it.
5 May gloom and utter darkness claim it once more; may a cloud settle over it; may blackness overwhelm it.
6 That night may thick darkness seize it; may it not be included among the days of the year nor be entered in any of the months.”

Like Jeremiah, Job’s pain was beyond comprehension he had lost his children, his wealth, his health, and even the support of his wife and friends.

So, Was It Right for Them to Curse Their Birthdays?

The answer is NO  it was not right. While understandable as a human reaction, cursing the day of one’s birth is not in alignment with faith, trust, or reverence toward God’s sovereignty.

Jeremiah and Job were not expressing theological truths but emotional reactions. They were speaking from the depth of their despair, not from a place of divine insight. That’s why we see Job later repent for his words:

Job 42:3–6 (ESV)
3 “Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?” Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.
5 I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you;
6 therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes.”

This shows that Job recognized his words were out of ignorance and pain, and he humbled himself before God. Likewise, Jeremiah later acknowledges his doubts and frustrations and is corrected by God:

Jeremiah 15:18–19 (NIV)
“Why is my pain unending and my wound grievous and incurable? You are to me like a deceptive brook, like a spring that fails.”
19 Therefore this is what the Lord says: “If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me…”

What Can We Learn from Their Experience?

Both Job and Jeremiah were godly men, yet they faced unimaginable suffering. Their pain led them to say things they later regretted  but their honesty in expressing their struggles also gives us permission to bring our emotions before God.

Still, we must not curse our lives, our days of birth, or the people who gave us life. That is a reaction of despair, not of faith. Even Jesus warned us that suffering is part of the journey for His followers:

Matthew 10:16–18 (NIV)
16 “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.
17 Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues.
18 On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles.”

Suffering is not a sign of rejection by God, but often a part of the refining process. We are reminded in James 1:2–4 that trials build our faith and character:

James 1:2–4 (ESV)
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,
for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

It is not right to curse the day of our birth or to speak evil over ourselves, our parents, or our existence even in great suffering.

Instead, we should:

  • Acknowledge our pain honestly before God.

  • Trust His greater plan, even when we don’t understand.

  • Pray for strength to endure and remain faithful.

  • Avoid complaining or cursing, which is fruitless (see Philippians 2:14).

Philippians 2:14–15 (NIV)
“Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.’ Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.”

Let us learn from Job and Jeremiah, not just their weaknesses, but their eventual restoration and repentance. Their stories serve as a lesson for us  that suffering does not mean abandonment, and faith is often forged in the fire of trials.

May the Lord help us to stand firm in faith, even in times of great distress. Amen.

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The Author of the Song of Songs

The author of the book known as Song of Songs (also called Song of Solomon) is Solomon, the son of David, as indicated in the very first verse of the book:

“The Song of Songs, which is Solomon’s.”
Song of Songs 1:1 (ESV)

King Solomon was divinely gifted with great wisdom and understanding. Scripture records that he composed a vast number of proverbs and songs:

“He also spoke 3,000 proverbs, and his songs were 1,005.”
1 Kings 4:32 (ESV)

Among all the songs Solomon wrote, this particular one was considered the best thus its title, “The Song of Songs” (i.e., the greatest song). This phrase follows a Hebrew superlative pattern, much like the expressions:

  • “King of kings” (1 Timothy 6:15)
  • “Holy of holies” (Exodus 26:33–34)

Such expressions are used to emphasize supremacy or excellence. Therefore, just as the “King of kings” is the highest of all kings, the “Song of Songs” is the finest among songs.

The Song of Songs  More Than Poetry

This book stands as one of Solomon’s most profound writings, carrying deep wisdom inspired by God. On the surface, it is a poetic dialogue exploring the love between a bride and her bridegroom, filled with vivid imagery, passion, and devotion.

However, throughout church history, theologians have also recognized that this book symbolizes the spiritual relationship between Christ and the Church between the Bridegroom (Christ) and His Bride (believers).

This aligns with New Testament themes, such as:

“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
Ephesians 5:25 (ESV)

“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 (ESV)

So while The Song of Songs is a celebration of romantic love in marriage, it also foreshadows the divine love Christ has for His people a covenant love that is eternal, faithful, and intimate.

To explore more in depth insights into this book, including its connection to other wisdom books of Solomon, click here:
📖 BIBLE BOOKS SERIES: Part 11 (Proverbs, Song of Songs, Ecclesiastes)

You may also explore the following thematic lessons found within this rich and poetic book:

1. What Does “Do Not Awaken Love Until It Pleases” Mean?

Song of Songs 2:7

“I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem… that you not stir up or awaken love until it pleases.”

This speaks to the importance of waiting for the right time for love a call to patience, purity, and honoring God’s timing in relationships.

2. Don’t Delay  Open Your Heart to Love

Love requires a heart that is ready and willing. Delays in vulnerability or holding back emotionally can hinder the beauty of genuine connection, both in human relationships and in our walk with Christ.

3. Different Seasons  The Changing Nature of Love

Just as nature changes, so do the seasons of love. Understanding that love can grow, be tested, and mature helps believers navigate the dynamics of marriage and faith alike.

“For behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone.”
Song of Songs 2:11

4. The Wonder of Christ’s Covenant Love

The love of Christ is not based on emotion alone it is a covenant. This book reflects that sacred commitment, reminding us that Jesus’s love for us is unwavering and sacrificial.

“Set me as a seal upon your heart… for love is strong as death.”
Song of Songs 8:6

May the Lord bless you as you seek to understand the depth of His love through this sacred book of Scripture. May your heart be awakened to the intimacy, faithfulness, and beauty of Christ’s covenant with His people.

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