James 1:13 (ESV):“Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God,’ for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.” This verse clearly teaches that God cannot be tested or tempted by evil. In fact, the opposite is true: God is tested by good. What does this mean? When we do good — acts of righteousness and obedience to God’s Word — we are in a sense putting God to the test, expecting Him to bless us for our faithfulness. God, in His covenant faithfulness, must then release His blessings upon us. However, if we rebel against God’s Word and seek blessings while engaging in evil, then we are testing God by evil. A prime example is the children of Israel in the wilderness. They demanded miraculous provision from the Lord while simultaneously turning away from Him in their hearts. They became proud, complaining, disrespectful, and shameless before God — all of which led them into judgment (Hebrews 3:7–11, NIV): “Today, if you hear his voice,do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion,on the day of testing in the wilderness,where your ancestors tested and tried me,though for forty years they saw what I did…As I swore in my wrath, ‘They shall never enter my rest.’” God is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). The warnings He gave thousands of years ago still stand. He cannot be tempted by evil, but He is tested by good — meaning, when we offer Him perfect sacrifices according to His Word and with sincere hearts, we are essentially putting God to the test to bless us. This is a righteous testing rooted in faith. For example, when you bring God a sacrifice without blemish — that is, an offering that aligns perfectly with His Word and done with a pure heart — you are testing God to bless you. Malachi 3:8–11 (NIV) says: “Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me.But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’‘In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me.Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house.Test me in this,’ says the Lord Almighty,‘and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heavenand pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.’” Any good deeds we perform that align with God’s Word become a “trap” for Him in the sense that He cannot withhold His blessings from us. These righteous acts draw down His favor and speak to us with His voice of grace. But if in your heart you have forsaken the Lord and yet seek His voice through prophets or other means to find out what He says about you, you are testing God in a way that displeases Him, leading to judgment rather than blessing. Ezekiel 14:4–8 (NIV) explains: “Say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says:When anyone of the house of Israel sets up idols in their heart and puts a wicked stumbling block before their face and then comes to the prophet, I the Lord will answer them myself according to their many idols,so that I may seize the house of Israel by their hearts because they have strayed from me…Therefore say to the house of Israel, “This is what the Sovereign Lord says:Repent! Turn away from your idols and renounce all your detestable practices!”’…If a person is unfaithful and rebels against me by setting up idols in their heart, putting wicked stumbling blocks before their faces, and then comes to a prophet, I the Lord will answer them myself.” In summary, God is not tempted or tested by evil; He is tested by our good works — our faithful obedience and sincere worship according to His Word. When we offer Him genuine sacrifices and righteous living, we place Him in a position to fulfill His promises of blessing. But if we turn away from Him and seek Him with unfaithful hearts or by wrongful means, we bring judgment upon ourselves. May the Lord Jesus help us to walk in faithfulness and receive His abundant blessings. Maranatha!
Answer: Let’s read together… Leviticus 22:21 (ESV) says:“And whoever offers a sacrifice of well-being to the Lord to fulfill a vow or as a freewill offering, that person must offer a perfect sacrifice to the Lord.” A sacrifice of the heart refers to an offering that the people of Israel gave to God voluntarily and with genuine affection—without being commanded or obligated by any law or condition. There were sacrifices given for specific reasons, such as thanksgiving offerings, which were presented in gratitude for God’s blessings or deliverance. These had a clear purpose tied to God’s intervention or favor. However, a sacrifice of the heart has no external reason or obligation behind it. It is simply offered because the giver desires to please God out of love and devotion—not because God commanded it. Biblical Example: During the construction of the Tabernacle, God did not command the Israelites to contribute materials or money for the work. Yet, many were moved in their hearts to give generously out of their own free will. Exodus 35:29 (NIV) tells us:“All the men and women who were willing-hearted brought brooches, earrings, rings and ornaments, all kinds of gold objects, to make a sin offering for the Lord.” Similarly, Exodus 35:21 says:“Everyone who was willing and whose heart moved them came and brought an offering to the Lord for the work on the tent of meeting, for all its service, and for the sacred garments.” These people gave freely because their hearts compelled them, not because they were forced or commanded. (See also Exodus 25:2 and 2 Chronicles 29:31 for more on freewill offerings.) Do We Still Have These Kinds of Offerings in the New Testament? Absolutely! Such offerings are still relevant and pleasing to God, and we are encouraged to give them. Where do we read about this in the New Testament? 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV) says:“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” This verse highlights that God values the attitude of the giver more than the amount. Giving must come from a willing, joyful heart—a true sacrifice of the heart. Reflection: Do you have a habit of giving to God out of genuine love and devotion? Or do you give simply because you feel pressured or obligated? Never stop giving to God, but always ensure that your giving flows from the heart. This kind of offering is the best and most pleasing sacrifice you can bring to the Lord. May the Lord bless you as you learn to give with a joyful and willing heart.
The same things that the Israelites did in the wilderness are still being done today by God’s people. It is important to understand the origin of what is formed inside the heart so we can grasp deeply how such idols are made even now in people’s hearts. The Scriptures reveal that the Israelites had no material resources to craft an idol, nor the conveniences to prepare a proper feast. They were in a desert with no access to good food or wine to celebrate their worship. Yet, amazingly, despite these difficulties, everything was provided—golden calves were made, food and wine appeared, music played, and celebrations followed. Exodus 32:2-6 (ESV) records: “And Aaron said to them, ‘Take off the rings of gold that are in the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me.’ So all the people took off the rings of gold that were in their ears and brought them to Aaron. He took the gold from them, formed it in a mold, and made a golden calf. And they said, ‘These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!’ When Aaron saw this, he built an altar before it. And Aaron made a proclamation and said, ‘Tomorrow shall be a feast to the Lord.’ And they rose up early the next day and offered burnt offerings and brought peace offerings. And the people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.” You might wonder, how did they manage all this? This proves that when a person’s soul is determined to pursue something, no matter the circumstances, they will find a way. The Israelites remembered the gold they had worn as jewelry—earrings, necklaces—and they collected and melted them down to create a shining golden calf. The Bible does not specify where they got the food and wine, but clearly, they must have arranged to buy or obtain them somehow—perhaps from nearby towns or through people like Korah who had influence. Whatever the means, the feast was ready, the people ate and drank, and a glorious idol was fashioned. However, what is striking is that while they put great effort into making this golden calf and organizing a feast, they never thought of offering God, who had miraculously delivered them from Egypt at great cost, such a gift of genuine worship or gratitude. They did not even consider building a simple shelter for the LORD to dwell, unlike Moses who climbed Mount Sinai and communed with God for a long time. Instead, they quickly turned to crafting idols of gold that could never help them, forgetting the true God who had done great things for them. Do you think such behavior would not provoke God’s jealousy? This pattern continues among Christians today. When a wedding is being planned, we eagerly organize every detail, often spending lavishly and forming committees to make it perfect. We give generously and offer many suggestions, and the event succeeds—even on a modest budget. But for the God who redeemed us, died on the cross for us, fights for us day and night, and gives us breath freely, we often have no time. We neglect His house and His work, passing by in spiritual blindness, saying, “God will take care of it.” We invest more time, money, and energy into worldly celebrations than into God’s kingdom. Brothers and sisters, when we do this, we create many golden calves in our hearts and worship them unknowingly. This deeply provokes God’s jealousy. We respond quickly to parties, birthdays, and entertainment, but for God, we need constant reminders to pray or serve. This is very sad. Let us break this golden calf—the false idols in our hearts. Let us remove these worthless gods and turn our hearts fully to God. Let Him have first place, because He alone deserves it. We should not see others as foolish for their idolatry; many of us who have seen examples still repeat the same sins. Theological Reflection: This passage reminds us that idolatry is not just about physical statues but about what occupies the throne of our hearts (Ezekiel 14:3). The golden calf incident is a vivid picture of how people can replace the true God with created things—even good things like gold, celebrations, or traditions—when faith is weak. Paul warns us in Romans 1:25 (ESV) that people “exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator.” The golden calf is a type and warning for believers today to examine what they truly worship in their daily lives. Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:21 (ESV), “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” This calls us to evaluate what treasures or priorities consume our time, resources, and energy—are they God-centered or self-centered? True worship requires giving God the “firstfruits” of our lives (Proverbs 3:9), not leftovers or distracted devotion. When we prioritize God above all else, our hearts are free from idols, and His presence can dwell richly within us (1 Corinthians 3:16). Let us love God, value His salvation, and honor His work in our lives. Efatha.
Praise the name of the Lord and Savior, the Author of Life, Jesus Christ! Welcome as we delve into God’s Word together. There will come a time when the lamp of God will be extinguished. Let us respond to God’s call before that moment arrives. 1 Samuel 3:2-4 (ESV) “At that time Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his place. The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the house of the Lord, where the ark of God was. Then the Lord called Samuel, and he said, ‘Here I am!’” To understand the significance of the “lamp of God” and the timing of it going out, we must consider the Tabernacle Moses was commanded to build (Exodus 25–27). The Tabernacle consisted of three sections: the Outer Court, the Holy Place, and the Most Holy Place. Within the Holy Place were three sacred items: The altar of incense, The table of showbread, and The golden lampstand (Menorah) with seven branches. The lampstand’s purpose was to provide continual light inside the Tabernacle during the night hours. God commanded that the lamp be kept burning without fail—“from evening until morning” (Exodus 27:20-21; Leviticus 24:1-3). This perpetual light symbolized God’s presence, guidance, and covenant faithfulness to His people. When morning came, the natural light of the sun replaced the lamp’s glow, and it was then extinguished. In 1 Samuel, the “lamp of God had not yet gone out” means it was still night—darkness had not given way to dawn. It was in this spiritual and literal darkness that God called Samuel. This moment is deeply symbolic: The darkness represents the spiritual condition of the people or an individual’s soul—times of uncertainty, waiting, or even crisis. The lamp represents God’s grace and revelation shining in the midst of that darkness. The call of God is an invitation to respond to His voice, which may initially sound like an ordinary or human voice. Samuel’s initial confusion—thinking Eli was calling—reminds us that God’s call can come in subtle or unexpected ways. Often, what sounds like a human voice may actually be God’s voice calling us to Himself. Furthermore, God’s call is urgent. If Samuel had ignored the call while the lamp was still burning, he might not have heard from God again until much later. This teaches us that God’s grace and opportunity to respond have limits. The “lamp of God” is grace, and there will be a time when it is withdrawn—when God’s patient invitation ceases. This truth calls us to examine our own hearts: Have you received Jesus Christ as your Savior? Have you been baptized and entered into a personal relationship with Him? Are you living in obedience to God’s call? If not, now is the time to respond—before the lamp goes out. Ecclesiastes 12:1 (ESV) “Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, ‘I have no pleasure in them.’” May this word encourage you to heed God’s call today—while the lamp of His grace still burns. Maranatha—Come, Lord Jesus!
The term Thenashara is derived from the Hebrew language and simply means “twelve.” Rather than just saying “twelve people,” the Bible sometimes refers to this number with distinction, especially when it comes to people or groups of spiritual significance. For instance, instead of saying twelve tribes, Scripture often says, “The twelve tribes” (cf. James 1:1), or instead of twelve months, it might be rendered “the twelve months” (1 Kings 4:7). However, the most theologically significant use of the term Thenashara is when it refers to the twelve disciples that Jesus personally selected and appointed. These men became known as “The Twelve”—a unique title that signified both their number and their divinely appointed role. The Appointment of the Twelve Mark 3:16–19 (ESV) tells us: “He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder); Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.” These men were not just casual followers. Jesus called them by name, appointed them, and later sent them as apostles—messengers with authority to preach, heal, and cast out demons (Mark 3:14–15; Matthew 10:1–8). Why Are They Called “The Twelve”? The title Thenashara distinguishes these men from the broader group of disciples Jesus had. According to Luke 10:1, Jesus also appointed seventy (or seventy-two, depending on the manuscript) other disciples and sent them out two by two: “After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go.” This means that while many followed Jesus, only twelve were chosen for this special role—to be trained closely by Him, to witness His miracles and teachings firsthand, and to be the foundation of the Church (Ephesians 2:20). A Unique Role in Redemptive History These twelve disciples symbolize more than just a number. In Scripture, the number twelve often represents God’s people. There were twelve tribes of Israel in the Old Testament, and in the New Testament, the twelve apostles become the spiritual counterpart—representing the new people of God, the Church. Jesus promised them a unique role in the coming Kingdom: “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Matthew 19:28, ESV). Thus, their calling was not only historical—it was eschatological, pointing toward the coming Kingdom of God. You’ll find references to the Twelve in many New Testament passages, such as: Matthew 26:14–16 (Judas agrees to betray Jesus) Mark 4:10 (Jesus explains parables to “those around him with the Twelve”) Mark 9:35 (Jesus teaches the Twelve about servanthood) John 20:24 (Thomas, “one of the Twelve,” doubts the resurrection) Are You a Disciple of Jesus? Being a disciple isn’t just about following Jesus in name—it means repenting from sin, surrendering your life, and bearing your cross daily. Jesus said: “Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:27, ESV). To be a disciple is to live under the Lordship of Christ, to obey His commands, and to walk in His footsteps—even when the path is difficult. Final Exhortation So, the question for you today is: Are you truly a disciple of Jesus? Have you repented, believed, and taken up your cross? Maranatha—The Lord is coming!
Numbers 11:6 – “But now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at.” (ESV) Greetings in the powerful name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Today is another gift of grace from the Lord, and I invite you to reflect with me on His Word. When the Israelites entered the wilderness, they had no idea that their diet would consist of only one kind of food—manna. At first, they were amazed by it. The manna was sweet, fresh, and miraculously provided every morning by the hand of God. But as time passed, their excitement faded. They began to grow tired of it. Seeing the same food every day—morning, noon, and night—they started longing for something else. They asked themselves, “How long will this go on?” They craved variety—meat, fish, cucumbers, garlic, and perhaps if they lived in our time, pizza and burgers. Numbers 11:4–6 (ESV) tells us:“Now the rabble that was among them had a strong craving. And the people of Israel also wept again and said, ‘Oh that we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we ate in Egypt that cost nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic. But now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at.’” They had forgotten that the foods of Egypt, though appealing, came with bondage, disease, and suffering. They longed for the delicacies of slavery rather than the simplicity of freedom. The manna, though repetitive, was life-giving. It kept them healthy and sustained. As Moses later reminded them: Deuteronomy 8:3–4 (ESV):“And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna… that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. Your clothing did not wear out on you and your foot did not swell these forty years.” Theologically, manna is a symbol of the Word of God. It represents Christ Himself, who is the true bread from heaven (John 6:31–35). When we come to faith in Christ, we must understand that our nourishment comes from one source alone: the Word of God. This is the spiritual food for our souls. We wake up with it, walk with it, go to bed with it. It is our life, our strength, and our daily bread. We were not given Scripture plus self-help books or entertainment to comfort us. We were not given the Word alongside worldly distractions like sports or pop culture to keep us occupied. The Word is sufficient on its own. But how easily our hearts drift. Like the Israelites, many believers today grow tired of the Word. At the beginning of our faith journey, we eagerly listened to sermons, devoured Scripture, and meditated on it with joy. We valued the Word above all else. But over time, many begin to find it repetitive, boring, or too demanding. We want “something more”—new forms of stimulation, emotional excitement, or cultural relevance. Soon, believers start mixing the Word with worldly music, entertainment, and philosophies. The Word no longer becomes the main course, but just one of many “dishes” in their spiritual diet. Like the Israelites, we begin to despise the manna—the very thing that sustains our lives. The consequences are serious. When the Israelites rejected manna and craved meat, God gave them what they wanted—but it came with judgment. Numbers 11:33 (ESV):“While the meat was yet between their teeth, before it was consumed, the anger of the Lord was kindled against the people, and the Lord struck down the people with a very great plague.” This should sober us. When we choose other “foods” over God’s Word, we risk spiritual weakness, confusion, and even judgment. God’s Word is not optional—it is vital. As Jesus said to Satan in the wilderness: Matthew 4:4 (ESV):“It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Beloved, let us not be like the Israelites who rejected the food that gave them life. Let us learn to love the Word again. Even if the world calls it outdated or unappealing, we know that it is the only food that truly satisfies the soul. It strengthens, purifies, and prepares us for eternity. We must stop wandering in search of flavor. Obey the Word. Trust the Word. Depend on the Word. Leave worldly cravings to the world. May God help us to find daily joy in His Word alone. If we feed on it faithfully, we will not weaken, but be strengthened, blessed, and made ready for His Kingdom. Be encouraged. Be nourished. Be steadfast.And may the Lord richly bless you.
This passage from Ecclesiastes presents a striking and sobering reality: a man may have all the outward signs of a successful life—many children, long life, material wealth—yet still live an unfulfilled and empty existence. If his soul is not satisfied with good things, and worse still, if he dies without even the dignity of a burial, the Preacher (Qoheleth) concludes that a stillborn child is better off than he. This statement may seem harsh at first glance, but it confronts us with a powerful truth: a life without purpose, peace, and godly contentment is ultimately meaningless, no matter how prosperous it appears on the outside. Two Types of People: Those Who Love Their Lives and Those Who Long for Eternity The Bible often presents two broad categories of people regarding how they view life: 1. Those Who Renounce the World for the Sake of Eternity These are saints who have denied themselves, choosing to live as pilgrims and strangers in this world. Abraham, though exceedingly wealthy, lived in tents, never attaching himself to earthly luxury because he looked forward to a heavenly city: “By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents… For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.”(Hebrews 11:9–10, ESV) Such people—like Moses, John the Baptist, the apostles, and the prophets—did not seek comfort in this life. Their hearts were set on the world to come. Many of them suffered, were persecuted, and even martyred, yet Scripture declares they will be highly honored in the Kingdom of God: (Hebrews 11:23–40 provides a full picture of such faith-filled lives.) As followers of Christ, we are called to have this same mindset—to fix our minds not on earthly things but on things above (Colossians 3:1–2), storing up treasure in heaven (Matthew 6:19–21). 2. Those Who Prosper but Remain Spiritually Empty This is the person Ecclesiastes 6:3 describes. They experience great earthly success: a large family, wealth, honor, and long life. Yet something critical is missing: satisfaction of the soul. Despite their achievements, they remain discontent, always striving, always hungry for more—yet never fulfilled. They labor for years, amass wealth, plan for enjoyment, but never actually enjoy what they’ve earned. Some even die without receiving proper burial, a cultural disgrace in ancient Israel and a symbol of a wasted life. The Preacher says that a stillborn child is better off than such a person. Why? A stillborn child never experiences the futility and sorrow of this world. It enters and exits life without enduring the burden of unmet longing. Meanwhile, the prosperous but unfulfilled soul lives a long life without tasting the goodness of it—a life of accumulation without enjoyment, striving without rest, and wealth without worship. A Related Verse: The Tragedy of Unenjoyed Blessings “A man to whom God gives wealth, possessions, and honor, so that he lacks nothing of all that he desires, yet God does not give him power to enjoy them, but a stranger enjoys them. This is vanity; it is a grievous evil.”(Ecclesiastes 6:2, ESV) This verse reinforces the same idea: true enjoyment is not in possessions themselves, but in the grace to enjoy them—a grace only God can give. A Word of Warning and Hope This passage is not only a warning but also a call to wisdom: do not anchor your life in what is temporary. Wealth, family, honor, and long life are good, but they are not ultimate. Without a relationship with God and a heart surrendered to Him, even the greatest blessings become vanity. Jesus put it plainly: “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?”(Mark 8:36, ESV) Application: Store Up Treasures in Heaven If God has blessed you with resources, use them to glorify Him and bless others. Live not as one building an empire on earth, but as one preparing for eternity. Do not be enslaved by possessions, but let them serve your eternal purpose. Invest in what endures: faith, love, truth, the Gospel, and godliness. The “treasure” warned against here is not your basic savings or wise financial stewardship. Rather, it is a lifestyle that hoards and trusts in wealth, refusing to let go, living as if earth is your forever home. “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth… but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven…”(Matthew 6:19–20, ESV) Conclusion Ecclesiastes 6:3 challenges us to evaluate the true meaning of life. What is the point of earthly success if it leaves the soul empty? A life without God, no matter how long or prosperous, is ultimately a tragedy. But a life lived with eternal purpose, even in poverty or obscurity, is a treasure in God’s sight. May we live as sojourners, not settlers—investing not in what fades, but in what lasts forever. Shalom.
“He took the tablets of the covenant law and placed them in the ark, attached the poles to the ark, and put the atonement cover over it.” — Exodus 40:20, NIV The Mercy Seat that was placed on top of the Ark of the Covenant was not a seat in the way we commonly understand—like a chair with legs for sitting. The Hebrew term translated as “seat” (Hebrew: kapporet) refers not to a literal throne, but to a place of atonement—a symbolic space where God’s presence would dwell and where reconciliation between God and His people would take place. It was part of the golden lid that covered the Ark of the Covenant. Above this lid stood two cherubim of hammered gold, facing each other, with their wings stretched out upward and overshadowing the cover (Exodus 25:18–20). The space between the cherubim was called the Mercy Seat, and it represented the very throne of God on earth—a holy place where God’s glory would appear. “There I will meet with you, and from above the mercy seat… I will speak with you about all that I will give you in commandment for the people of Israel.”— Exodus 25:22, ESV The lid (including the cherubim and the Mercy Seat) formed a single piece and was crafted from pure gold. It served as the covering for the Ark, which contained the stone tablets inscribed with the Ten Commandments, a pot of manna, and Aaron’s rod that had budded (Hebrews 9:4). Once a year, on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), the High Priest would enter the Most Holy Place and sprinkle the blood of a sacrificial bull on the Mercy Seat seven times. This blood offering served as a temporary covering for the sins of the people. “He shall take some of the blood of the bull and sprinkle it with his finger on the front of the mercy seat on the east side, and in front of the mercy seat he shall sprinkle some of the blood with his finger seven times.”— Leviticus 16:14, ESV Under the Old Covenant, the Mercy Seat symbolized God’s provision for forgiveness through the sacrificial system. But it was ultimately incomplete. The blood of bulls and goats could never truly remove sin, only cover it temporarily (Hebrews 10:1–4). Moreover, the priests who served were themselves sinful and needed atonement. Because of these limitations, a greater reality was needed: A Heavenly Mercy Seat, not made by human hands. A Perfect High Priest, sinless and eternal. A Spotless Sacrifice, able to cleanse sin once for all. All of this is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. He is our Great High Priest, who entered not into an earthly tabernacle but into Heaven itself, offering not the blood of animals, but His own sinless blood for our eternal redemption. “But when Christ came as High Priest of the good things that are now already here, He went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands… He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.”— Hebrews 9:11–12, NIV Today, the true Mercy Seat is found in Christ Himself. Through Him, we have direct access to the Father, and full forgiveness of sins. The invitation to receive this mercy is open now—but it will not remain open forever. One day, the door of grace will close when Christ returns. So the question remains: Have you placed your faith in Jesus? Have your sins been washed away by His blood? The true Mercy Seat is open to all who will come in repentance and faith. Don’t wait until it’s too late. “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”— Hebrews 4:16, NIV Maranatha!(The Lord is coming)