Praise the Lord Jesus! Welcome back to this series exploring the different rewards God has promised and the criteria He will use to give them. We’ve already looked at several key principles in the past parts, and today we continue with Part Five.
God has promised to give great authority to those who serve Him faithfully while here on earth.
Let’s look at a parable Jesus shared to understand this better:
Luke 19:12–26 (NIV) 12 “He said: ‘A man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return. 13 So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. “Put this money to work,” he said, “until I come back.” 14 “But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, ‘We don’t want this man to be our king.’ 15 “He was made king, however, and returned home. Then he sent for the servants to whom he had given the money, in order to find out what they had gained with it. 16 “The first one came and said, ‘Sir, your mina has earned ten more.’ 17 “‘Well done, my good servant!’ his master replied. ‘Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.’ 18 “The second came and said, ‘Sir, your mina has earned five more.’ 19 “His master answered, ‘You take charge of five cities.’ 20 “Then another servant came and said, ‘Sir, here is your mina; I have kept it laid away in a piece of cloth. 21 I was afraid of you, because you are a hard man. You take out what you did not put in and reap what you did not sow.’ 22 “His master replied, ‘I will judge you by your own words, you wicked servant! You knew, did you, that I am a hard man, taking out what I did not put in, and reaping what I did not sow? 23 Why then didn’t you put my money on deposit, so that when I came back, I could have collected it with interest?’ 24 “Then he said to those standing by, ‘Take his mina away from him and give it to the one who has ten minas.’ 25 “‘Sir,’ they said, ‘he already has ten!’ 26 “‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what they have will be taken away.’”
This parable speaks clearly for itself. When the Lord gives you a measure of grace or responsibility here on earth, He expects you to use it and multiply it faithfully.
For example, if He’s given you the grace to clean the church compound, He expects you to go above and beyond making sure the toilets are clean, the windows are spotless, and the chairs are always in order.
Why? Because when He returns, He’ll evaluate what He entrusted you with and how well you managed it. If you viewed your task as unimportant and neglected it, He may ask, “If sweeping felt too beneath you, couldn’t you have hired someone to do it, rather than leave My house untidy and overgrown?”
Just like He said to the servant who hid the money, “Why didn’t you at least put it in the bank so I could get interest when I returned?”
That’s how He will evaluate each of us.
But if we’re faithful with what He’s given us—even if it seems small—and we put in the effort to do even more, then know this: your faithfulness today will determine your authority in God’s Kingdom tomorrow. If God rewards with cities, your rulership over those cities will match the level of your faithfulness now.
This should encourage us to serve the Lord wholeheartedly without making excuses, without looking down on any task, and striving to go above and beyond wherever we can. It’s those “little things” that will ultimately measure the riches of our reward.
May the Lord bless you as you serve Him faithfully.
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Greetings to you in the most powerful name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Welcome once again as we continue our study of God’s Word. We’re still exploring the topic of God’s various rewards and the standards He uses to give them. This is Part 4.
Jesus spoke to a Pharisee who had invited Him to a banquet and shared this powerful teaching:
Luke 14:12–14 (NIV) Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
Luke 14:15 (NIV) When one of those at the table with him heard this, he said to Jesus, “Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God.”
If you’re a believer who has been saved, don’t forget to care for those in need. Use what God has blessed you with to help the poor and vulnerable. Why? Because there is a great reward in heaven waiting for those who remember the needy—especially on that day when the Lord raises His chosen ones to give them their eternal rewards.
When you give, or when you host celebrations, don’t only include people who are well-off or who can return the favor. Go out of your way to invite or support those who have nothing to offer in return. Don’t limit your generosity to those who have helped you—extend it to those who can’t. In doing so, you’re storing up real treasure in heaven.
The Apostle Paul was committed to this principle. After meeting with the apostles, this is what he said:
Galatians 2:9–10 (NIV) James, Cephas and John, those esteemed as pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcised. All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I had been eager to do all along.
Do you see it? When we notice those who are struggling—the poor, the orphans, and those who are lacking—we should see that as our opportunity to earn great rewards in heaven. Let’s make every effort to help.
In heaven, our wealth won’t be measured by what we had on earth, but by what we did with it—especially acts of generosity like these. If everything we receive is spent only on ourselves or shared only with those like us, we are actually diminishing our eternal reward.
Giving doesn’t require us to be rich. Even if you have just a little—say 100 shillings—you can give 50 to help someone in need and still have enough for yourself. It’s the heart behind the giving that God rewards.
May the Lord help us see this clearly, and may we start today to remember and care for those in need.
God bless you.
Shalom. This is part three of a series of articles explaining the criteria God will use to reward His people and how He will welcome them into His kingdom. If you missed the earlier parts, please message me, and I’ll send you summaries.
3) The Bible shows that some people will enter God’s kingdom without even realizing why.
It’s remarkable that there’s a group of people who will be granted the grace to enter the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ, without fully understanding the reason until Christ Himself reveals it on that day.
We read about this group in the following passage:
Matthew 25:31-46 (NIV): “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’ They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’ He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’ Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”
This group represents Christ’s servants here on earth who did not realize that by serving others, they were serving Christ Himself. This passage isn’t about the poor or orphans in general, but about the saints those devoted to serving God who endured hardship like lack of food, clothing, illness, and homelessness. Some saw and helped these servants, unaware that in doing so, they were serving Christ.
On that day, these faithful servants will stand before Christ, and He will graciously grant them entry into His kingdom. This is similar to the example of the dishonest manager in Luke 16:1-12.
The Apostle Paul also prayed for mercy on behalf of a brother named Onesiphorus, recognizing how faithfully he cared for and supported him during his ministry:
2 Timothy 1:16-18 (ESV): “May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains, but when he arrived in Rome he searched hard for me until he found me. May the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that day! And you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesus.”
Similarly, there are those who see people seeking God as a burden. They mock, insult, and even drive them away. When these seekers ask for water, they are labeled lazy. True servants of God can be a nuisance to such people and on the final day, Christ will reject them.
What does this teach us? When we say we love Christ, we must also love those who love Him. If you hate the saints, how can you truly love Christ? There are people Christ will welcome because they showed love and kindness to His followers. And there are those He will reject because they refused to welcome Him in the form of others.
Shalom.
Praise the Lord Jesus! In this series, we’re going to explore the criteria God will use to reward His people once we reach eternity. Understanding these principles can stir up our passion for serving God—just like it did for the Apostle Paul, who wrote:
“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” —Philippians 3:14 (NIV)
We’ll examine a few key passages that paint a picture of how God will distribute rewards.
At first glance, this may seem unfair. But Jesus addressed this directly in Matthew 20:1–16, using a parable to explain the Kingdom of Heaven. Let’s look at it:
Matthew 20:1–16 (NIV) “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard. About nine in the morning he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing. He told them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ So they went. He went out again about noon and about three in the afternoon and did the same thing. About five in the afternoon he went out and found still others standing around. He asked them, ‘Why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing?’ ‘Because no one has hired us,’ they answered. He said to them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard.’ When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first.’ The workers who were hired about five in the afternoon came and each received a denarius. So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius. When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner. ‘These who were hired last worked only one hour,’ they said, ‘and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.’ But he answered one of them, ‘I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you. Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”
Now, who are these people who will receive the same reward as those who’ve labored long and hard in God’s work?
Take a closer look: those who came in last weren’t working anywhere else beforehand. They weren’t lazy—they simply hadn’t been given the opportunity. When the landowner asked why they had been standing around all day, they said, “Because no one has hired us.”
This tells us something profound: there are people who haven’t yet encountered the grace of salvation. Perhaps they’ve lived long lives in ignorance—like someone from a completely unreached people group or another religion. Maybe they’re 80 years old when they finally hear the Gospel for the first time, truly believe, and surrender their life to Christ. From that moment on, they serve God with all their heart, maybe for only one year—then they pass away.
Or maybe someone gets saved at 20 and only lives until 22. They serve faithfully for two years and then die.
Should we be surprised if they receive the same reward as a lifetime missionary or a church leader? Not at all. When grace found them, their opportunity to serve was short—but they were faithful with what they had. Had they known Christ earlier, they would have served longer. God sees the heart and the potential.
If you’ve heard the message of grace today but continue to take it lightly—one day walking with Christ, and the next, back in sin—you are not stable. Don’t expect Christ to reward you if you die in such a spiritual condition.
Some of us were born into Christian homes. We know the truth. We understand that without salvation, there is no eternal life. So if someone like that refuses to live faithfully, don’t expect the same reward as the pagan who just got saved and died shortly after.
Jesus said clearly:
“So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” —Matthew 20:16 (NIV)
We are living in the last days. Don’t waste the grace God has extended to you. If you’ve been given more time, use it well. Serve Him with all your heart, because you’ll be held accountable for how you used your time and opportunities.
Stay faithful. Be watchful. And be encouraged—God is fair, and He is good.
Be blessed.
In every generation, God places certain people in His Church in ways that seem unusual or even out of place. Their background, language, position, or circumstances might set them apart. Yet, their placement is not by accident it is divinely intentional.
Often, such individuals may feel disconnected or assume they have little to offer in ministry. They may keep a low profile or stay spiritually inactive, assuming that God’s work is for others more qualified. But the truth is this: God expects fruit from every life He plants.
Let’s consider a parable Jesus told:
Luke 13:6–9 (NIV) “Then he told this parable: ‘A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it but did not find any. So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, ‘For three years now I’ve been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?’ “‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’”
The vineyard in Scripture often symbolizes Israel or the Church (see Isaiah 5:1–7, Matthew 21:33–41). The fig tree, though distinct from the vines, is planted intentionally within the vineyard. This fig tree represents individuals whom God has placed among His people those who may stand out for their uniqueness but are still expected to be fruitful.
The vineyard owner (God) visits the fig tree repeatedly, looking for fruit. Despite its uniqueness, the expectation is the same as for the vines: growth and productivity. Jesus’ message here is a call to spiritual accountability. No one is exempt from the call to bear fruit.
John 15:2 (NIV) “He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.”
Matthew 3:10 (NIV) “The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”
Jesus isn’t just speaking to church leaders or evangelists. The call to fruitfulness applies to every believer whether visible in ministry or seemingly hidden. Whether you’re a new believer, a professional in a secular job, a stay at home parent, or someone with language or cultural barriers your life is still part of God’s vineyard.
The parable shows only one fig tree among many vines. This reflects how some believers are called in unique ways, for specific purposes. The owner doesn’t expect the fig tree to produce grapes but he does expect it to produce figs. In the same way, God doesn’t expect you to serve exactly like others but He does expect you to fulfill the purpose for which He planted you.
1 Corinthians 12:4–6 (NIV) “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.”
The fig tree wasn’t neglected it was cultivated, fertilized, and given extra care. God is patient with us, giving us opportunities, teaching, encouragement, and time. But His patience is not indefinite.
The parable ends with urgency. If the fig tree still remains fruitless, it will be cut down. This echoes the reality of final judgment:
Revelation 22:12 (NIV) “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.”
God will reward His people according to their faithfulness, not their visibility. Those who spent years simply listening to sermons without action will need to answer: What did I do for the Lord?
James 2:17 (NIV) “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
You are not in the vineyard by mistake. God planted you where you are, not just to be present, but to bear fruit whether that’s through service, generosity, encouragement, prayer, teaching, or even quiet faithfulness that impacts others.
These are the final days. The time for fruitfulness is now. Don’t assume your role is small or unimportant.
Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Let each of us examine our hearts: Am I bearing fruit in the place God has planted me? If not, now is the time to respond to be cultivated, to grow, and to bring forth fruit that glorifies God.
Shalom, and welcome! Let’s take a moment to learn and remind ourselves of our responsibilities as believers on this journey of faith here on earth.
There are times when we fail to act for God, telling ourselves, “God understands.” Yet, Scripture shows that these are excuses before Him, hindering our spiritual walk.
Common Understanding vs. Biblical Meaning of “Excuse”
Typically, an excuse is thought of as a false or deceptive reason to avoid responsibility. For example, if someone asks you to help with a task, and you respond with a made up story to avoid it, that’s a classic excuse.
But the Bible’s teaching is deeper. In Luke 14:16–24, Jesus tells a parable where invited guests provide genuine, reasonable reasons for not attending a banquet. These reasons seem valid, yet the host regards them as excuses (Greek: λόγος προσχήματος, “pretext” or “justification” that masks true refusal).
Let’s look at the passage from the NIV and ESV:
Luke 14:16-24 (NIV):
“A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, ‘I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.’ Another said, ‘I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.’ Still another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.’‘Sir,’ the servant said, ‘what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.’“Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full. I tell you, not one of those who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.’”
God’s Invitation Is Holy and Urgent: The banquet symbolizes the Kingdom of God and the call to salvation and fellowship with Him (cf. Matthew 22:2-14).
Excuses Reflect Worldly Priorities: The invited guests prioritize earthly affairs property, possessions, and personal pleasures over God’s invitation. These reflect misplaced values (Colossians 3:2).
God’s Judgment on Rejection: The host’s anger and the invitation extended to the marginalized (poor, crippled, blind, lame) emphasize that God’s kingdom is open to all who respond, but those who reject Him face exclusion (Matthew 8:11-12).
No Partiality: The banquet’s fullness symbolizes God’s desire for a full and willing heart (Romans 2:11).
Modern Application
Today, many avoid church or fellowship for seemingly valid reasons: demanding jobs, family commitments, or other responsibilities. They say, “God understands.” But Scripture warns that such reasoning may be a dangerous excuse, a subtle way of putting worldly priorities above God.
Daniel’s Example: Despite threats from King Darius, Daniel refused to stop praying to God (Daniel 6). His faithfulness, even under persecution, is a model of unwavering devotion.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: They refused to worship Nebuchadnezzar’s idol, rejecting any excuse for disobedience (Daniel 3). God’s miraculous deliverance affirmed their faith.
Don’t Deceive Yourself
If you serve your company six days a week but neglect God’s day, you risk stealing from God (Malachi 3:8-10).
Don’t let work, family, or material concerns consume your worship time. Prioritize God above all (Matthew 6:33).
Excuses today may exclude you from the wedding feast of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9).
“Not one of those who were invited will taste my banquet.” (Luke 14:24, NIV)
Those who place personal interests above God risk missing the eternal joy of His kingdom.
Question to Reflect On:Are you offering God sincere worship, or just excuses? The answer lies with you.
Maranatha!
QUESTION: Daniel 7:14 prophesies that the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ will last forever. But in 1 Corinthians 15:24, Paul says that at the end, Christ will hand over the Kingdom to God the Father. Does this mean that Jesus will give up His rule? What exactly does this mean?
“In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into His presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.”
This passage is a prophetic vision given to Daniel of the Messiah, “one like a son of man” a title Jesus frequently used for Himself (cf. Matthew 26:64). He is brought before the “Ancient of Days” (a title for God the Father) and is given everlasting dominion and an indestructible kingdom. The emphasis here is on the permanence and sovereignty of Christ’s rule over all nations.
“Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death.”
Paul is describing the final stage of redemptive history. After Christ has subdued every enemy including death itself He will hand over the Kingdom to God the Father. This does not mean Christ ceases to reign. Instead, it signifies the completion of His mediatorial role as the Messiah the one who rules on behalf of humanity to reconcile all things to God (cf. Colossians 1:19–20).
Within the doctrine of the Trinity, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are distinct persons, yet one in essence (cf. Matthew 28:19). The Son’s mission is not independent of the Father, but in perfect unity with Him
(John 10:30 “I and the Father are one.”).
The “handing over” in 1 Corinthians 15:24 is not about surrendering power but about the consummation of the redemptive work. Christ, as the God Man, mediates the Kingdom. Once all things are subject to Him, He delivers it to the Father not as abdication, but as a final act of glorification of the Triune God.
This aligns with Philippians 2:9–11 (NIV):
“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Even in exaltation, the Son’s lordship glorifies the Father. The Kingdom is unified not divided because the will of the Father and the Son are one.
At present, Christ reigns spiritually in the hearts of believers (Luke 17:21), and through His Church (Colossians 1:13). However, there is a future, literal manifestation of His rule often referred to as the Millennial Reign (Revelation 20:4–6), during which Christ will reign on earth for a thousand years. This period will culminate in the final defeat of evil, including death itself.
After that, the New Heavens and New Earth will be revealed (Revelation 21:1–5), and God will dwell with His people forever. This is when the fullness of the Kingdom is realized not just spiritually or temporarily, but eternally.
No. Jesus does not relinquish His Kingdom in the sense of stepping away from His divine rule. Instead, the “handing over” signifies the perfect fulfillment of His redemptive mission. It marks the transition from Christ’s mediatorial kingship to the eternal reign of God, where Christ still reigns, but in the eternal unity of the Godhead.
As theologian Anthony Hoekema puts it:“Christ’s kingly rule does not end; rather, the form of His rule changes.”
The Kingdom of Christ is eternal because Christ is God (John 1:1–3). What Daniel saw is fulfilled through Jesus’ death, resurrection, ascension, and ultimate return. When Christ hands the Kingdom to the Father, He is not stepping down but bringing all things to their proper end, so that “God may be all in all” (1 Corinthians 15:28).
His Kingdom will never be destroyed, never be overthrown, and will never be given to another (Daniel 7:14). Glory, power, and dominion belong to Him forever and ever.
Amen.
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Grace and peace to you in the mighty name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Today, let’s explore a foundational biblical principle: If you desire a God ordained spouse, you must position yourself in the environment where God reveals His will. This teaching is not about formulas but about alignment aligning yourself with God’s purposes, character, and presence.
The world offers a very different path to finding a spouse one focused on external appearances, popularity, sensuality, and status. To attract worldly attention, people often adopt worldly behaviors: dressing seductively, attending constant parties, flaunting themselves on social media, and following celebrity trends. But this approach is rooted in the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life all of which are not from the Father.
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.” 1 John 2:15 (NIV)
God, however, does not operate through outward appearance or cultural popularity. He searches the heart.
“People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV)
Let’s consider Isaac a man of promise and covenant. His story provides a beautiful example of how God orchestrates relationships when we are walking in obedience and spiritual focus.
Genesis 24:62–63 (NIV) “Now Isaac had come from Beer Lahai Roi, for he was living in the Negev. He went out to the field one evening to meditate, and as he looked up, he saw camels approaching.”
Isaac wasn’t looking for a wife through worldly efforts. He was meditating a word that suggests prayerful reflection, likely communing with God in solitude. This posture of spiritual attentiveness is significant: it was in that environment that God revealed Rebekah, his future wife.
Psalm 1:2 (NIV) “But whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.”
This setting wasn’t coincidental. Abraham, Isaac’s father, was careful to ensure that Isaac’s wife came from his ancestral household not from the surrounding Canaanite culture, which was steeped in idolatry. This act of faith and obedience demonstrates how serious the covenant of marriage was, not just emotionally or culturally, but theologically.
Genesis 24:3–4 (NIV) “I want you to swear by the Lord… that you will not get a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites… but go to my country and my own relatives and get a wife for my son Isaac.”
Rebekah herself was also found in a posture of humility, service, and hospitality she offered water not only to the servant but to his camels, which was no small task (Genesis 24:18–20). Her character was godly, her heart was ready, and her actions spoke louder than appearance.
Isaac’s time in the field symbolized withdrawal from noise and engagement with God. He chose to spend time in the presence of God, and it was in that very moment that God revealed his future wife. He did not strive, flirt, or chase he meditated. That is how God’s blessings often arrive: not in the frenzy, but in the stillness.
Psalm 46:10 (NIV) “Be still, and know that I am God.”
Matthew 6:33 (NIV) “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Brothers, if you desire a godly woman one who fears the Lord and walks in virtue don’t chase the world. Be like Isaac. Develop a relationship with God in the secret place. Let your strength come from devotion, not display. Remember, Rebekah was both beautiful and godly, but Isaac found her while seeking God, not women.
Proverbs 31:30 (NIV) “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
Sisters, if you desire a man of integrity and spiritual maturity, don’t conform to worldly patterns. The world will tell you that beauty, flirtation, and popularity will get you a husband but what kind of man are you attracting that way? You don’t need to dress like Jezebel to be noticed live like a daughter of Sarah.
1 Peter 3:3–4 (NIV) “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment… Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”
God does not abandon His children. David testifies of this truth in his later years:
Psalm 37:25 (NIV) “I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.”
This includes the desire for marriage. God will not withhold what is good from those who walk uprightly.
Psalm 84:11 (NIV) “No good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.”
If you’ve been walking in the patterns of the world, now is the time to return to God. Repentance is not just a feeling it’s a decision to turn away from sin and toward righteousness.
Romans 12:2 (NIV) “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Renounce the ways of the world the revealing outfits, the prideful trends, and the empty pursuit of attention. Don’t worry if people call you “old-fashioned” or “religious.” God is not looking for relevance; He is looking for righteousness.
As you dwell in His presence, He will prepare your heart and the heart of your future spouse. When the time is right, He will orchestrate the meeting just as He did for Isaac and Rebekah.
Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NIV) “He has made everything beautiful in its time.”
“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4 (NIV)
Marriage is not just a romantic arrangement it’s a spiritual covenant. Trust God to write your story. Stay in the field. Stay in prayer. Stay in purity.
The Lord bless you and keep you. May He guide your steps and fulfill His perfect will in your life.
Question: I’d like to ask about Revelation 21:27, where it says nothing impure will ever enter. What exactly does “impure” mean here? Does it refer to weak people, like those with disabilities?
Revelation 21:27
“Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” (NIV)
Answer: The term “impure” in this context does not refer to people with physical disabilities. If it did, then Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:29-30 would contradict this idea. In these verses, Jesus says:
Matthew 5:29-30
“If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.” (NIV)
If “impure” referred to physical weakness or disabilities, then Jesus would not have said that a disabled person could enter the Kingdom of Heaven, which is obviously not the case. Therefore, “impure” in Revelation 21:27 refers to something more spiritual.
So, what does “impure” mean?
Theological Insight: Biblically, something impure refers to something that lacks moral strength or purity, unable to endure challenges or withstand pressure from the sinful world. In this case, it relates to spiritual purity and endurance. A person who is spiritually weak and unable to resist the temptations and trials of life would be considered “impure” in this context. This concept is reflected in multiple passages throughout Scripture.
1 John 5:4
“For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.” (NIV)
A spiritually weak person is one who gives in to the world’s sinful influences, while a strong person is one who resists them. This is why Jesus said:
Matthew 11:12
“From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it.” (NIV)
Why does Jesus mention John the Baptist specifically? Jesus’ choice of John the Baptist helps us understand that to enter God’s Kingdom, we must reject the world, just as John did. John lived a life of separation, spending most of his time in the wilderness, away from the temptations of the world. As a result, he grew spiritually strong (Luke 1:80), and his example is one we are called to follow.
Luke 1:80
“And the child grew and became strong in spirit; and he was in the desert until the day of his showing unto Israel.” (KJV)
This tells us that overcoming the world is essential for inheriting the Kingdom of God. If we allow the lusts of the flesh, the desires of the world, and the distractions of life to dominate us, we are spiritually weak. Such people will not enter the New Jerusalem described in Revelation 21 because only those who have overcome the world will be allowed entry.
Revelation 21:1-2
“Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.” (NIV)
Those who overcome the world will be among those who inherit this glorious future. But overcoming the world is not optional—it is the standard.
Theological Insight: The Christian life requires us to battle against sin and worldly temptations. We cannot simply give in and say that we can’t overcome the world. Scripture makes it clear that we are empowered to resist and fight back against sin. Our responsibility is to strive for victory, understanding that the process involves choosing holiness over worldly pleasures, just as Jesus and His apostles taught.
James 4:7-8
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God, and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” (NIV)
This struggle is not just a matter of avoiding sin but of actively pursuing purity, following Christ despite the cost. The journey involves taking up our cross daily and walking in the footsteps of Jesus.
Luke 9:23
“Then he said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.'” (NIV)
So, how can we achieve this victory?
The only way to truly overcome is by fully committing to leave behind sin, taking up our cross daily, and following Jesus, regardless of the cost. This is the path of spiritual strength.
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In modern times, when someone takes an oath—whether in court or in a ceremony—they often place a hand on a religious book like the Bible or over their heart. This gesture symbolizes sincerity and a deep commitment to telling the truth or fulfilling a promise.
However, in the ancient Hebrew culture, things were done quite differently. One unique and deeply symbolic practice involved placing a hand under another person’s thigh when making a solemn oath. Though it may seem strange today, this act had profound theological and cultural meaning.
In biblical language, the “thigh” symbolized strength, life, and generational continuity. It was close to the loins, associated with the procreative organs, and thus represented a person’s future lineage and covenant responsibilities. To place a hand under someone’s thigh was to acknowledge the seriousness of the commitment being made, under the witness of God and the weight of generational promises.
Theologians interpret this act as an acknowledgment of God’s covenant—especially the covenant of circumcision, which was given to Abraham as a sign of his descendants’ faithfulness (Genesis 17:10-11). Since the sign of the covenant was marked on the male reproductive organ, the area near the thigh symbolically pointed to God’s promise and human responsibility to uphold it.
When Abraham wanted to ensure that his son Isaac would marry a woman from his own people rather than from the surrounding pagan nations, he entrusted this sacred task to his most senior servant. To confirm the seriousness of this mission, he instructed the servant to place his hand under Abraham’s thigh and swear by the Lord.
“He said to the senior servant in his household… ‘Put your hand under my thigh. I want you to swear by the Lord, the God of heaven and the God of earth, that you will not get a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites… but will go to my country and my own relatives and get a wife for my son Isaac.’” (Genesis 24:2–4, NIV)
This was not just a cultural gesture—it was a sacred oath before God. The servant agreed and placed his hand under Abraham’s thigh, signifying obedience to both Abraham and to the Lord.
A similar scene occurs later in Genesis, when Jacob (also known as Israel) is nearing death. He calls his son Joseph and asks him not to bury him in Egypt but in the burial place of his ancestors in Canaan. Again, Jacob requests that Joseph place his hand under his thigh while making the vow.
“When the time drew near for Israel to die, he called for his son Joseph and said to him, ‘If I have found favor in your eyes, put your hand under my thigh and promise that you will show me kindness and faithfulness. Do not bury me in Egypt… Bury me with my fathers.’” (Genesis 47:29–30, NIV)
Joseph swore to honor his father’s request, understanding the cultural and spiritual weight of such a promise.
Under the New Covenant, Jesus redefines the way we approach truthfulness and oaths. Instead of swearing by objects or body parts, He calls His followers to live with such integrity that oaths become unnecessary.
“Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.’ But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all… All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” (Matthew 5:33–37, NIV)
Jesus emphasizes that true disciples should be trustworthy without needing dramatic gestures or vows. Our character should speak for itself, because we are no longer bound to external rituals to prove our honesty.
The act of placing a hand under the thigh in biblical times was a serious and sacred gesture, rooted in covenant theology and deep respect for divine promises. While we no longer practice this today, the principle remains: when we make a commitment—especially before God—we should treat it with the utmost seriousness.
As followers of Christ, we are called to speak with honesty, keep our word, and live with integrity—because our lives now reflect the One who is Truth Himself.
May the Lord bless you.
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