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You may have come across the name Jeshurun in the Old Testament and wondered—who is this person or group? Interestingly, Jeshurun is not an individual, but a poetic name for the nation of Israel, used to express endearment and divine favor. The name appears four times in the Hebrew Scriptures:

• Deuteronomy 32:15
• Deuteronomy 33:5
• Deuteronomy 33:26
• Isaiah 44:2

The term Jeshurun is derived from the Hebrew word “Yeshurun” (יְשֻׁרוּן), which means “upright one.” It signifies how God intended Israel to live—upright, righteous, and set apart. However, in its most famous appearance in Deuteronomy 32:15, Jeshurun ironically does the opposite:

“Jeshurun grew fat and kicked; filled with food, they became heavy and sleek. They abandoned the God who made them and rejected the Rock their Savior.”
(Deuteronomy 32:15, NIV)

This verse is part of the Song of Moses, a prophetic declaration given to Israel before Moses’ death. In this song, Moses warns the people that after experiencing God’s blessings in the Promised Land—prosperity, abundance, security—they would become complacent, forget God, and turn to idolatry.

Theological Significance:

Jeshurun represents a blessed people who fall into spiritual complacency. Though they were chosen and uplifted by God, they abandoned the very source of their salvation once they prospered. The song continues:

“They made him jealous with their foreign gods and angered him with their detestable idols. They sacrificed to false gods, which are not God—gods they had not known, gods that recently appeared, gods your ancestors did not fear.”
(Deuteronomy 32:16–17, NIV)

“You deserted the Rock, who fathered you; you forgot the God who gave you birth.”
(Deuteronomy 32:18, NIV)

These verses underscore Israel’s unfaithfulness as spiritual adultery—a major theological theme throughout the Old Testament. God, portrayed as a faithful spouse or parent, is rejected in favor of newly invented or foreign deities. This failure wasn’t just historical—it reflected a spiritual principle: prosperity can lead to pride and spiritual forgetfulness.

Practical and Theological Lessons for Today:

Even today, many believers fervently seek God during hardship, but in times of ease and abundance, they begin to rely on their own strength or wealth. This mirrors Jeshurun’s story. The temptation of self-sufficiency is as real now as it was then. Jesus Himself emphasized this danger:

“It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”
(Mark 10:25, NIV)

This doesn’t mean riches are inherently sinful—but when blessings replace the Blesser in our hearts, we fall into the same trap as ancient Israel. The wise words of Agur in the book of Proverbs are especially relevant here:

“Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.
Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’
Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.”
(Proverbs 30:8–9, NIV)

Conclusion:

The story of Jeshurun is a timeless reminder. God desires a relationship with us that is not dependent on our circumstances—whether we are in the wilderness or in the land of abundance. Let us not allow comfort, wealth, or worldly success to make us forget the Rock of our salvation.

Let us strive to live as true Yeshurun—upright ones who remember and honor God in both scarcity and plenty.

Stay rooted in Him. Be blessed.

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Praise be to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ! Welcome, and let’s take a moment to study God’s Word, which is the light to our path and the lamp to our feet (Psalm 119:105). Today, we will briefly discuss tithing—what it is, why it’s important, and what the Bible says about it. According to the Bible, tithing is giving one-tenth (10%) of your income or earnings to God, and it is a form of offering.

Before we look at why we should tithe and whether it’s required or not, let’s first understand the history of tithing.

Tithing started with a man named Abraham, who is called the Father of Faith. We find this in Genesis 14:

Genesis 14:17-20 – “After Abram returned from defeating Kedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom came to meet him in the Valley of Shaveh (the King’s Valley). Then Melchizedek, king of Salem, brought out bread and wine. He was a priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram, saying, ‘Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.’ Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.”

Here, Abraham gave a tenth of everything to Melchizedek. Melchizedek is a figure of Christ—he had no known father or mother, no beginning or end, and is a priest forever, just like Christ. Abraham gave the tenth of his possessions as an act of gratitude and faith to God, recognizing that everything he had was a blessing from God.

At this time, there were no laws or commandments requiring Abraham to give a tenth. He gave it out of his own free will, moved by the Holy Spirit, because he recognized that God had blessed him.

Did the Law Require Tithing Later?

The law requiring tithing came much later, after the Israelites received the Ten Commandments and other laws from God. It became a requirement, and those who didn’t give tithes were considered to be sinning. This is mentioned in Malachi 3:8-9:

“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—the whole nation of you—because you are robbing me.”

But today, we don’t live under the Law but under faith—just like Abraham. We give not because we are commanded to, but because we have faith in God, and we give willingly. Abraham gave his tenth without being told to, as an act of faith and love for God.

Jesus as Melchizedek

The Bible also says that Jesus is our High Priest in the order of Melchizedek:

Hebrews 6:20 – “Jesus has entered on our behalf as a forerunner, becoming a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.”

Hebrews 7:1-3 – “Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of God Most High, met Abraham as he was returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him. And Abraham gave him a tenth of everything.”

Since Jesus is our Melchizedek, we give our tithes to Him. Just like Abraham gave a tenth to Melchizedek, we also give to Jesus, but not because of a law, but out of love and faith.

Should We Give to God?

Tithing is an act of worship and gratitude. It’s not about following laws or rules, but about recognizing that everything we have comes from God. Giving a tenth to God is a way to honor Him and show that we trust Him as our Provider. Jesus does not need our money, but He wants our hearts. He wants us to give because we love Him and because we recognize His work in our lives.

In Matthew 23:23, Jesus says:

“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill, and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.”

This means that while tithing is important, there are other matters, like justice and mercy, that are more important. But tithing should still be practiced.

What Happens if You Don’t Pay Tithes?

The real issue is not about tithing itself, but about whether or not someone has Christ in their heart. If someone refuses to tithe, it may show that their heart is not aligned with God’s will, and they may not have the Holy Spirit living within them. A person filled with the Holy Spirit will naturally want to give to God and others because the Spirit moves them to do so.

Not paying tithes doesn’t send someone to hell, but it could reflect a lack of gratitude and faith in God. If a person struggles to give a tenth of their income, they might also struggle to give in other areas of their life, such as helping others or even living for God.

A person who refuses to tithe may have trouble serving God in other ways, such as preaching the Gospel or giving their life for the Kingdom of God. If they can’t even give a tenth of their income, how can they give their time, talents, or life?

Conclusion:

Tithing is not about following laws or being forced to give; it is about honoring God. We give to God because we recognize His provision and blessings in our lives. If you are not earning an income, you are not required to tithe. But if you receive any form of income, you should consider giving a tenth of it to God as an act of faith and gratitude.

In the end, if someone resists giving tithes, it could be a sign that they are not fully submitted to God and His will for their life. A true believer, filled with the Holy Spirit, will naturally want to give to God and others, as the Holy Spirit moves them to do so.

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The term “God” is derived from the concept of a “Creator” or “Maker.” By that logic, if a person creates a car, that person becomes the “god” of that car—its designer and origin.

Likewise, if a human being creates a car, then there must be a higher Being who created that human. That supreme Being is what we call “God of all gods.” He is the ultimate source, beyond human origin or understanding.

Just as a car cannot comprehend the life, origin, or essence of its creator, neither can we, as human beings, fully comprehend the One who created us. The car cannot know when or where its maker was born, or how they live—no matter how advanced the car might be. In the same way, human beings cannot fully analyze or define God. Trying to do so would only lead us to confusion, distance from the truth, or even spiritual loss—because God’s existence transcends our comprehension.

Who, Then, Is This God?

He is not a man, though He created man in His image. He exists in a higher, spiritual realm called Heaven. While He possesses attributes similar to ours—eyes, ears, a voice—He does not depend on anything to exist. Unlike us:

• He has a nose but does not need to breathe.

• He has eyes but doesn’t need light to see.

• He lives but does not need food or water to survive. Everything that sustains us was created by Him—but He Himself is sustained by nothing. He is the source of all life, intelligence, and existence.

This is why we cannot reduce God to human terms. He is not a product of our logic or science. Just as a robot cannot understand the full nature of its maker, we, too, cannot define or explain God in His fullness.

Yet despite this divine superiority…

God Did Not Create Us as Robots

God did not create us to function mechanically or blindly. He created us as His children—beings with choice, emotion, purpose, and the capacity to love and be loved. He longs for a relationship with us, one built on love, trust, and obedience.

He gave us principles—His divine laws—to guide us through life and lead us to peace, success, and eternal life. But knowing that human effort alone would not be enough, He made the greatest act of love:

He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to the world—so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).

Jesus Christ—The Only Way to God

Jesus is not just a prophet, teacher, or moral figure—He is the Son of God, given all authority in heaven and on earth. He is the bridge between humanity and divinity. Without Him, there is no access to the Father.

John 14:6 – “Jesus said, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’”

No religious system, good works, or moral efforts can substitute the redemptive power of Jesus. He paid the price for our sins with His own blood, offering salvation freely to anyone who believes, repents, and follows Him.

The Condition: Faith, Repentance, and Holiness

It is not enough to just “know about” Jesus. One must:

• Believe in Him wholeheartedly.

• Repent of all known sins.

• Be washed clean through His blood.

• Live in holiness and obedience.

Hebrews 12:14 – “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.”

The Choice Is Yours

Do you desire to see the Father in Heaven one day?

If yes—have you made the decision to place your faith in Jesus Christ? Have you surrendered your life, confessed your sins, and begun a journey of holiness?

If you have, then you carry the living hope of meeting God face to face. But if you reject or ignore this gift, the Bible clearly states that you will not see God.

May the Lord bless you and give you the wisdom to seek Him while He may be found.

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When a person dies suddenly, the moment they pass is followed by the arrival of angels sent by God to escort them to their eternal destination. If someone has lived a life of righteousness, trusting in Jesus Christ, and walking in obedience to His commands, angels will joyfully carry them to Heaven, often referred to as Paradise (Luke 23:43). Paradise, as described in Scripture, is a temporary resting place for the redeemed, where they await the final resurrection and reunion with their glorified bodies.

Jesus used the story of Lazarus and the rich man to give us insight into what happens after death:

Luke 16:22-23 – “The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.”

Abraham’s side, or Abraham’s bosom, is another term used to describe Paradise. It’s a place of peace, comfort, and rest for those who have trusted in God’s salvation. Though not the final Heaven itself, it is a temporary resting place for believers, where they await the ultimate resurrection and glorification of their bodies.

The Resurrection of the Dead

On the day of the resurrection, all the righteous, both those who have died and those who are alive, will be transformed into glorified bodies. They will be united with Jesus Christ and ascend to Heaven, where they will partake in the marriage supper of the Lamb and spend eternity in the presence of God. This is the promise of eternal life—where there will be no more pain, sorrow, or death, and believers will see God face to face (Revelation 21:4).

What Happens to the Wicked After Death?

For those who reject Christ or live in unrepentant sin, the story is different. The moment of their death marks the beginning of eternal separation from God. As we see in Matthew 13:49-50:

Matthew 13:49-50 – “This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

In the story of the rich man and Lazarus, after the rich man died, he was taken to Hell (also known as Hades), a place of torment and separation from God. Hell is not the final destination for the wicked but a temporary holding place until the final judgment, when the wicked will be cast into the Lake of Fire, the second death (Revelation 20:14).

Luke 16:24-26 – “So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’”

The rich man’s story illustrates the torment and despair of Hell. While the righteous are comforted, the wicked experience an eternity of suffering. There is a great chasm between them that cannot be crossed, emphasizing the irreversible nature of the eternal separation that follows death.

The Final Judgment and the Lake of Fire

After the wicked have spent time in Hell, they will be resurrected to stand before God’s Great White Throne for the final judgment. Here, they will be judged according to their deeds (Revelation 20:11-15). Those whose names are not found in the Book of Life will be thrown into the Lake of Fire, a place of unending torment. This is the ultimate destination for all who reject God’s offer of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Revelation 20:14-15 – “Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.”

The Uncertainty of Life and the Certainty of Judgment

The Bible is clear: there is no second chance after death. Hebrews 9:27 says, “Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.” When we die, we will face God’s judgment immediately. There is no purgatory, no second opportunity to repent after death. Our eternal destiny is sealed at the moment of death, and it is based on whether we have trusted in Jesus Christ during our lifetime.

What Happens to Us Before Death?

In the moments leading up to death, some people experience peace and comfort. Many report seeing angels or sensing their presence, while others experience distress and fear. These responses can be a reflection of the state of their souls. Those at peace may be comforted by the presence of angels, knowing they are about to meet their Lord. Those in distress, however, may be facing the agony of eternal separation from God.

Your Eternal Destiny

The Bible offers a clear message: choose Christ now. You are not guaranteed tomorrow. Your eternal destiny depends on whether you place your trust in Jesus Christ as your Savior. The choice is yours, and the decision you make today will determine where you will spend eternity—either in the presence of God or in eternal separation from Him.

John 14:6 – “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'”

Before it’s too late, make the decision to surrender your life to Christ and secure your place in Heaven. The Bible teaches that through Jesus, we have forgiveness, salvation, and the promise of eternal life.

Choose Christ today, and secure your eternal destiny in Heaven. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Tomorrow is not guaranteed.

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The word Hell in the New Testament is often translated from the Greek word Gehenna, which itself is derived from the Hebrew term Ge-Hinnom—meaning Valley of the Son of Hinnom. This was a real valley located south of ancient Jerusalem. Historically, it was a site of detestable pagan worship where people, including the Israelites at times, sacrificed their children in fire to false gods like Molech.

This horrific practice was so offensive to God that He declared judgment on the people of Judah and allowed their captivity by Babylon as a consequence (Jeremiah 7:30-34).

Hell in the Old Testament: Gehenna as a Symbol of Judgment

In the Old Testament, the Valley of Hinnom became a symbol of rebellion against God and divine punishment:

Jeremiah 7:30-31 (NIV):

“The people of Judah have done evil in my eyes, declares the Lord. They have set up their detestable idols in the house that bears my Name and have defiled it. They have built the high places of Topheth in the Valley of Ben Hinnom to burn their sons and daughters in the fire—something I did not command, nor did it enter my mind.”

This act was not only disobedience but spiritual treason. The valley, originally used for child sacrifice, was eventually desecrated by King Josiah, who turned it into a place no longer fit for religious rituals:

2 Kings 23:10 (NIV):

“He desecrated Topheth, which was in the Valley of Ben Hinnom, so no one could use it to sacrifice their son or daughter in the fire to Molek.”

Eventually, the valley became a garbage dump where the city’s waste—including carcasses and even the bodies of criminals—was burned. Fires were kept continually burning, and unquenchable smoke and stench rose from it. This became a vivid image of God’s judgment in Jewish thought.

Hell in the New Testament: Gehenna as Eternal Punishment

In the New Testament, Jesus often referred to Gehenna when warning about final judgment and eternal separation from God. He used the physical characteristics of the Valley of Hinnom—fire, worms, filth, and destruction—as symbols of what awaits those who die in sin.

Mark 9:43-48 (NIV):

“If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out. […] where ‘the worms that eat them do not die, and the fire is not quenched.’”

This passage echoes Isaiah 66:24, which also describes divine judgment with undying worms and unquenchable fire. Jesus’ language is symbolic but not merely poetic—He is underscoring the eternal consequence of rejecting God’s grace.

Gehenna became a metaphor for the final destination of the wicked—a place of separation from God, suffering, and eternal regret.

Key Theological Points About Hell:

1. Hell is Real and Eternal – Not merely symbolic. Jesus spoke about it frequently, emphasizing its permanence (Matthew 25:46).
2. Hell Is Separation from God’s Presence – 2 Thessalonians 1:9 says, “They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord.”
3. Hell Was Not Made for Humans Originally – Matthew 25:41 tells us it was “prepared for the devil and his angels,” but those who reject Christ share in that judgment.
4. God Does Not Delight in Punishment – God desires all to be saved (2 Peter 3:9), but He honors our freedom of choice.

Why Jesus Warned About Hell

Jesus warned about hell not to scare people into obedience, but to show the gravity of sin and the beauty of salvation. His desire is for people to turn to Him, receive forgiveness, and live in eternal fellowship with God.

Are You In Christ or Outside of Him?

If you’ve never made a decision to follow Christ, the invitation is open. Jesus died to save us from sin and its consequences—including hell.

John 3:16 (NIV):

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Repent, believe in the Gospel, and receive Christ. In Him, you’ll find eternal life, peace, and hope. Hell is real—but so is salvation, and it’s offered freely by grace through faith.

Be Blessed, and Share the Good News.
If this message has touched you, consider sharing it with others. You might be the reason someone escapes destruction and finds eternal life.

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