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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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THE WELL STILL HAS WATER DIG AGAIN

When Isaac arrived in a place called Gerar, he remembered the wells that his father Abraham had dug in earlier times. But when he looked for them, he found they had been stopped up and destroyed. Isaac did not give up  he began the work of digging the wells again.

When he reopened the first well, and water came out, the local herders quarreled with his men. So Isaac named it Esek, meaning dispute.

He moved on and dug another well  and again, it was contested. He called it Sitnah, meaning opposition or hostility.

Still, Isaac did not quit. He went further and dug a third well. This time, no one quarreled over it. So he named it Rehoboth, saying:

“Now the LORD has given us room, and we will flourish in the land.”
(Genesis 26:22, NIV)

Genesis 26:18–22 (ESV)

[18] And Isaac dug again the wells of water that had been dug in the days of Abraham his father, which the Philistines had stopped after the death of Abraham. And he gave them the names that his father had given them.
[19] But when Isaac’s servants dug in the valley and found there a well of spring water,
[20] the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac’s herdsmen, saying, “The water is ours.” So he called the name of the well Esek, because they contended with him.
[21] Then they dug another well, and they quarreled over that also, so he called its name Sitnah.
[22] And he moved from there and dug another well, and they did not quarrel over it. So he called its name Rehoboth, saying, “For now the LORD has made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.”

What Is God Saying Through This Story?

When you gave your life to Christ, Jesus Himself planted a well of living water inside of you. This well not only gives eternal life, but also refreshes, restores, and empowers your journey here on earth.

“Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”
John 7:38 (NIV)

And again:

“But whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
John 4:14 (NIV)

But the Enemy Has a Mission: To Block That Well

The devil works relentlessly to clog your well  to make your spirit dry, lifeless, and fruitless. You may start noticing:

  • You no longer pray like before
  • Reading the Word feels like a chore
  • You don’t feel the presence of the Holy Spirit
  • You’ve returned to sins you had once overcome
  • The passion, vision, and spiritual fire you had is gone

These are signs: the well has been covered.

But here is the hope: The water is still there. All you need to do is dig again.

God Is Not Done With You

Even if you’ve backslidden and feel beyond forgiveness, God still calls you back. You might think your purpose is lost  but the well can be uncovered again. The vision you had, the calling, the fire  it can all return, stronger than before.

Just as Isaac dug again despite resistance, you too must press forward. Don’t stop at the first or second disappointment  deep digging until you reach your Rehoboth  your place of peace, rest, and fruitfulness.

So What Should You Do?

  1. Discipline yourself to read the Word  even when it feels hard.
  2. Pray fervently  even when the spirit is weak.
  3. Attend night vigils and fellowships  surround yourself with the presence of God.
  4. Abandon sin  live a life of holiness.
  5. Persevere  trials will come, but they are not permanent.
  6. Keep digging  your Rehoboth is ahead.

The enemy does not want your well to flow  because he knows once it does, your life will be fruitful, powerful, and impactful. But God desires that your well never runs dry.

Like Isaac, don’t give up at Esek or Sitnah. Keep going  Rehoboth is waiting.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

Dig Your Well Again. God Bless You.

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DO YOU HAVE ETERNAL LIFE?

If someone were to ask you, “What does it mean to be successful?”  most people would probably answer:

“To have a good job, a decent income, and good health.”
That’s a simple and understandable answer in the natural sense.

But let’s now consider a deeper question in the spiritual realm:

What is eternal life?

The Bible gives us a very clear and direct answer.

John 17:3 (ESV)

“And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”

So eternal life is found in knowing God and Jesus Christ.
This is not mere intellectual knowledge  it is relational, spiritual, and transformative.

IS JESUS DIFFERENT FROM GOD?

Now, some people wonder: Is God different from Jesus?
The answer is No.
There is One God who reveals Himself in different manifestations  not different gods or separate beings.

Here’s an illustration:
Someone can see you in person (live), or they can see your photo. Your photo and your physical presence are not two different people  they’re different manifestations of the same person.

Similarly, Jesus is the full image of the invisible God. When we see Jesus, we are seeing God in His fullness.

Colossians 1:15 (ESV)

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.”

John 14:8-9 (ESV)

8 Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.”
9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?”

John 14:7 (ESV)

“If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”

So we understand that to know Jesus is to know the Father  because Jesus is the manifestation of God in the flesh.

JESUS IS THE REVELATION OF GOD

Jesus is not simply a prophet or a messenger  He is God incarnate.
To reject Jesus is to reject God.
You cannot claim to know God while denying Jesus.

It’s like someone saying they know you, but they reject your photo  they’re calling you a liar, because your photo is an expression of who you are.

In the same way:

1 John 5:10 (ESV)

“Whoever believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. Whoever does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has borne concerning his Son.”

If you deny Jesus, you’re denying the very testimony of God Himself.

YOU CANNOT KNOW GOD OUTSIDE OF JESUS

John 8:19 (ESV)

“They said to him therefore, ‘Where is your Father?’ Jesus answered, ‘You know neither me nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also.’”

So today, eternal life is found in Jesus alone not in religion, not in good works, not in any other prophet or teacher. Jesus alone is the way to the Father.

Don’t try to know God outside of Christ  it is a waste of time.
Don’t try to serve God outside of Christ  it is futile.
Don’t seek eternal life apart from Jesus  you’ll end up losing both your time and your soul.

NO SUBSTITUTE FOR JESUS

If someone  be it a prophet, an apostle, a pastor, or even a priest  teaches that there is another way to Heaven apart from Jesus, run away from them!

If anyone claims there are others who can perform the same work as Jesus  whether saints, angels, or mystics  reject that teaching immediately!

Jesus has no twin, no backup, no alternate route to God.
Some say, “Through saint so and so, we can get to God.”
But the truth is: Only Jesus reveals God.

1 Timothy 2:5 (ESV)

“For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”

1 Timothy 3:16 (KJV)

“And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.”

So unless we believe in Jesus as God manifest in the flesh, we do not have eternal life  no matter how many good deeds we perform. Once you’ve heard the truth of who Jesus is and still reject Him, you are choosing spiritual death.

DO YOU HAVE ETERNAL LIFE?

So I ask you:

Do you have eternal life?
Have you believed in Jesus Christ?
Are you doing what He says?

Jesus warned:

Luke 6:46–49 (ESV)

“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?
Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like:
he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built.
But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great.”

Believe in Jesus, and obey what He says.

That is the path to eternal life.

Maranatha!
The Lord is coming!

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“Let Me Never Be Put to Shame” What Shame Is This? (Psalm 31:1)

QUESTION:

The Scriptures say:

“In you, O Lord, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me” (Psalm 31:1, ESV).

What shame is the Psalmist asking to be spared from? And why do we sometimes still experience shame or disgrace, even though we have taken refuge in God?

ANSWER:

This cry for help appears throughout the Psalms in various forms. It is a deep, emotional appeal to God for protection not only from physical enemies but also from the ultimate shame: the failure of God’s promises, or being forsaken after putting one’s trust in Him.

Consider these supporting verses:

  • Psalm 31:1  “In you, O Lord, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me.”
  • Psalm 25:20 “Guard my soul, and deliver me! Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you.”
  • Psalm 71:1  “In you, O Lord, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame!”
  • Psalm 22:5  “To you they cried and were rescued; in you they trusted and were not put to shame.”

These verses reflect the heartfelt dependence of David, who was often surrounded by enemies and found himself in vulnerable positions. His honor, his calling, and even his very life were at stake. If God failed to act, David would be publicly humiliated, and worse people would question the faithfulness of God’s promises.

David was not just an ordinary believer; he was someone anointed by God, with promises made over his life including the promise that his throne would be established forever (see 2 Samuel 7:16). Yet, during trials and delays in his kingship, it looked like these promises would never be fulfilled. That’s why he pleads with God not to let him be put to shame.

This is captured beautifully in:

Psalm 89:49-52 (ESV)
“Lord, where is your steadfast love of old, which by your faithfulness you swore to David?
Remember, O Lord, how your servants are mocked, and how I bear in my heart the insults of all the many nations,
with which your enemies mock, O Lord, with which they mock the footsteps of your anointed.
Blessed be the Lord forever! Amen and Amen.”

Here, the Psalmist shows that the greatest “shame” would be the failure of God’s covenant, and the mocking of God’s servant by enemies.

In the New Testament, we see a clearer picture of the ultimate shame that believers ask to be spared from eternal separation from God. This is the shame of being rejected by God at the final judgment.

2 Peter 3:13-14 (NIV)
“But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.
So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.”

The eternal shame is not just ridicule in this life, but hearing Jesus say:

Matthew 7:23 (ESV)
“And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’”

This is echoed in the sobering words of Jesus in:

Matthew 25:31-34, 41 (ESV)
“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne.
Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.
And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left.
Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.’

Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.’”

This is the eternal shame to be banished from the presence of God, and to miss out on the eternal glory promised to His people.

GOD MAY ALLOW TEMPORARY SHAME, BUT NEVER ETERNAL DISGRACE

It is important to understand that as children of God, we may go through moments of public shame, rejection, or persecution for the sake of Christ. This is part of the Christian journey. But God will never allow those who trust in Him to be ultimately disgraced.

Romans 10:11 (NIV)
“As Scripture says, ‘Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.'”1 Peter 4:16 (ESV)

Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.”

Better to endure temporary earthly shame now for following Christ, than to experience eternal shame by rejecting Him.

So when David prayed, “Let me never be put to shame,” he was not only thinking of earthly humiliation, but the deeper desire that God would uphold His promises both in this life and in eternity. The same is true for us today. We look to God in faith, trusting Him not only to rescue us from present trouble, but also to spare us from eternal shame and bring us into His everlasting glory.

May the Lord help us.
Let us choose momentary shame for Christ now, over eternal shame at His judgment.

“Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.”
Psalm 34:5 (ESV)

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Why Did Jesus Use the Phrase “You Say” (Matthew 27:11)?

 

QUESTION: Why did Jesus respond with “you say” when asked questions, instead of giving a direct answer? (Matthew 27:11)

ANSWER: Throughout the Gospels, we see that when Jesus was questioned by both religious leaders and political authorities, His responses were often not direct. Instead, He frequently used the phrase “you say.” This response can seem puzzling at first, but it is full of theological significance. Let’s explore this further with key passages:

Matthew 27:11
[11] “Now Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked Him, saying, ‘Are You the King of the Jews?’ Jesus said to him, ‘You say so.'”
In this moment, Jesus does not deny the accusation but responds in a way that leaves the judgment up to the one asking. He doesn’t directly affirm or deny the title of “King of the Jews.” Instead, He challenges the questioner to consider the weight of his own words.

Luke 22:68-71
[68] “If I tell you, you will by no means believe. [69] And if I also ask you, you will by no means answer Me or let Me go. [70] Hereafter the Son of Man will sit on the right hand of the power of God.”
[71] “Then they all said, ‘Are You then the Son of God?’ So He said to them, ‘You rightly say that I am.'”
In this interaction, Jesus uses a similar approach, acknowledging the truth of their words while pointing to a deeper, more profound truth: His divine authority as the Son of God. In this context, “You say” is not a denial but an invitation for them to confront the truth of who He is.

Luke 23:3
“Then Pilate asked Him, saying, ‘Are You the King of the Jews?’ Jesus answered him and said, ‘It is as you say.'”
Here again, Jesus confirms the title but not in the way Pilate expects. He is not simply the “King of the Jews” in a political sense, but in a cosmic, eternal sense. His kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36).

Theological Significance of “You Say”

Jesus often used the phrase “you say” to provoke reflection and self-examination. Theologically, this serves several purposes:

  1. Affirmation of Truth, Yet with Reservation: Jesus doesn’t outright deny the statements made by others; He affirms their words, but in a way that makes them question their own understanding. This is important because Jesus was not interested in merely engaging in a rhetorical back-and-forth. His aim was to provoke spiritual awareness and understanding of divine truth. For example, when Jesus says, “You say so,” He doesn’t directly declare Himself as King or as the Son of God in the way the religious leaders expect. Instead, He invites them to acknowledge the truth of His identity on their own terms.

  2. Non-Defensive Posture: In Matthew 27:11, when asked by Pilate whether He is the King of the Jews, Jesus’ response is non-defensive. He doesn’t feel the need to justify Himself. Jesus knew His identity was not defined by human opinions or political titles. He teaches us, through His silence and His responses, that our identity should be rooted in God’s truth, not in the labels or accusations placed on us by the world (John 8:32).

  3. Divine Wisdom in Handling Opposition: Jesus knew that the people questioning Him were not seeking truth, but rather trying to trap Him or use His words against Him (Matthew 22:15-22). For instance, in Matthew 22, when the Pharisees asked Jesus whether it was lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, Jesus’ response—”Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:21)—was a masterful way of answering without falling into their trap. Similarly, by saying “you say,” He avoids being manipulated or ensnared by their false accusations.

  4. Calling to Deeper Reflection on His Divinity: Jesus’ responses in these situations often point toward the deeper, hidden truth of His nature. In Luke 22:70, when asked if He is the Son of God, He replies, “You say that I am.” He doesn’t explicitly proclaim Himself in that moment, yet He doesn’t deny it either. He leaves the matter open for those who are willing to discern the truth for themselves, just as He did throughout His ministry when He would speak in parables to hide the truth from those unwilling to listen (Matthew 13:10-17).

  5. Invitation for Personal Conviction: Ultimately, Jesus uses this phrase to invite individuals to arrive at their own conclusion about His identity. In Matthew 16:13-16, when Jesus asks His disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” He makes them confront their personal understanding of Him. This interaction is a call for all to come to terms with who He truly is: the Christ, the Son of the living God. By using “you say,” He gives them (and us) the space to arrive at that understanding personally, without imposing a forced answer.

The Role of Wisdom in Our Responses

Jesus’ approach to responding to accusations and questions teaches us valuable lessons about wisdom in speech. In our own lives, especially when confronted by opposition or false accusations, we must carefully consider how we respond. Like Jesus, we may sometimes need to leave judgment to others, not feeling the need to correct every misinterpretation or defend ourselves at every turn. Instead, we can trust in God’s timing and in His ultimate authority.

For instance, imagine you are a pastor and someone brings a false accusation against you. The accuser might say, “You’re one of those pastors who only care about money and manipulate your congregation.” The temptation might be to immediately defend yourself, but consider Jesus’ approach. By responding wisely, acknowledging part of the accusation, and leaving the rest to God, you demonstrate trust in divine justice.

“You say”—meaning “Yes, you have said it that way.”
This keeps the discussion focused on the accuser’s perspective, rather than engaging in an endless back-and-forth. Like Jesus, we too must sometimes respond in a way that challenges others to examine their own hearts and motives (Matthew 7:3-5).

Conclusion

Jesus’ use of the phrase “you say” reflects His deep understanding of the human heart and His mission to reveal the truth, not just in words, but in the way He responded to questions. By using this phrase, He allowed individuals to wrestle with the truth on their own terms, giving them the opportunity to recognize His divine identity for themselves. This is a reminder to us to be wise in our words, to respond with grace, and to trust that God will guide us in moments of opposition.

May we learn from Jesus’ example, using wisdom in our responses and leaving judgment to God.

May the Lord bless you.
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