THE POWER OF “REFUSAL” IN SPIRITUAL WARFARE
Spiritual warfare is a reality for every believer, and the foundation for victory in this battle is learning to “refuse” the enemy’s influence. This refusal begins in the heart where faith and conviction reside and is then spoken out through the mouth, giving life to your faith.
The heart and the mouth work together to shape your spiritual reality. When you acknowledge your weaknesses, you give the enemy legal ground to operate in your life. Conversely, when you confess your strength in Christ, you activate God’s power over your circumstances.
The Bible clearly teaches that the power of life and death lies in the tongue:
Proverbs 18:21 (NKJV)
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
And those who love it will eat its fruit.”
This means our words have real spiritual impact. This principle also underlies salvation: first, you must believe with your heart, and second, confess with your mouth.
Romans 10:9-10 (NKJV)
“That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”
Thus, the battle starts internally your heart must align with God’s truth and is then reinforced externally through spoken faith. The enemy targets this dynamic, so in prayer and daily life, you must consistently refuse the devil’s lies and attacks, both in your heart and out loud.
What does it look like to refuse in spiritual warfare?Refuse sinDeclare your freedom from its grip, and it will lose power over you (Romans 6:14).Refuse fear and doubt These are tactics of the devil (1 John 4:18), so reject them by faith.Refuse weakness and anxiety Jesus offers strength and peace; refuse the enemy’s lies that you are powerless (Philippians 4:6-7).Refuse sickness and disease Jesus bore our sicknesses (Isaiah 53:5), so refuse the enemy’s attacks on your health.Refuse problems and troubles Declare God’s protection and provision over your life (Psalm 91).Refuse the devil’s plans and curses Break every assignment of the enemy spoken over you (Galatians 3:13).Refuse all evil names or labels Reject identities tied to your past or the enemy’s lies, because names carry spiritual significance (1 Samuel 25:25).
If you have a past life that involved sin or harmful identities, now that you are saved, renounce those names and the spirits attached to them. For example, if you once lived in sin or were labeled a thief, a thug, or any other negative term, refuse those titles in Jesus’ name.
The Bible gives us a powerful example in Moses, who “refused” to be known by an identity that did not reflect God’s purpose for him.
Hebrews 11:24-26 (NKJV)
“By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter,
choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin,
esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward.”
Moses understood that continuing to identify with Pharaoh’s household meant embracing pride, idolatry, and evil. He chose instead to identify with God’s people, a decision that shaped his destiny and faith walk.
Today, many believers still cling to old, ungodly names or identities whether nicknames or cultural labels that don’t reflect who God has made them. It is essential to refuse these names with your mouth and demonstrate the change in your life. Refusing with your mouth but not changing your lifestyle or attitude renders the refusal ineffective.
Final encouragement
The victory in spiritual warfare is yours through faith-filled refusal starting in your heart and declared by your mouth. As you consistently refuse the devil’s lies and claims on your life, you position yourself to walk in the fullness of God’s promises.
May the Lord bless you.
What Is the Spirit of Rejection?
Question: Is there a spirit of rejection in the Bible? If so, how can someone be delivered from it?
Answer: The term “rejection” essentially refers to a state of “lacking favor.”
A person can lose favor in two main ways:
- With God
- With people
1. Losing Favor with God
The primary reason a person loses favor with God is sin. Theologically, sin is understood as rebellion against God’s will, leading to separation from Him. When sin takes root in a person’s life, it causes a breach in their relationship with God, which results in a loss of His favor. This often manifests as unanswered prayers or a lack of progress in one’s endeavors.
Isaiah 59:1-2 says:
“Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor His ear too dull to hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear.”
This passage highlights the theological truth that sin creates distance between God and the believer, preventing the individual from receiving God’s favor or help. Theologically, this is seen as the result of God’s holiness—He cannot dwell with sin (Habakkuk 1:13).
An example of someone who lost favor with God is King Saul, who was rejected by God because of his disobedience (1 Samuel 16:1). Another example is Cain, who after murdering his brother, was marked with rejection and punishment by God (Genesis 4:10-12).
Genesis 4:10-12:
“The Lord said, ‘What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground. Now you are under a curse and driven from the ground… When you work the ground, it will no longer yield its crops for you. You will be a restless wanderer on the earth.’”
Here, we see that Cain’s sin led not only to rejection from God but also to his social and spiritual alienation. Theologically, this speaks to the principle that unrepentant sin results in spiritual and relational disconnection from both God and others.
When someone loses favor with God, they may also lose favor with people, especially the right people—those who walk in righteousness. However, they might still find acceptance from people who are living in sin, but this is a dangerous and temporary situation. This is shown in the case of Cain, who feared being killed by others due to his rejection from God, but ironically, found some measure of acceptance from his own.
The Root Cause of Rejection: Sin
Theologically, the root of rejection—both divine and human—is sin. Since all sin is stirred up by the spirit of the enemy (the devil) and his demons, it is accurate to say that rejection can be a spiritual force. The Bible teaches that sin entered the world through Satan’s deception of Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:1-7) and continues to be perpetuated by demonic influences (Ephesians 2:2-3).
Ephesians 2:2-3:
“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.”
Therefore, the spirit of rejection can be understood as an influence from evil spirits, which work to keep a person in sin and separation from God.
If you find that everywhere you go, you’re rejected by people and can’t seem to figure out why, it’s crucial to consider that a spirit of rejection may be at work. This spirit could be influencing your life through unresolved sin. The Bible teaches that sin is the work of the flesh and the enemy (Romans 8:5-8), and this spirit can lead to rejection, disappointment, and broken relationships.
The Solution: Salvation and Repentance
The only way to break free from the spirit of rejection is through genuine salvation. Theologically, salvation is the work of God’s grace through Jesus Christ, bringing the believer back into right relationship with God through faith and repentance (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Ephesians 2:8-9
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Salvation means turning away from sin and surrendering to God’s will. If someone desires salvation but refuses to give up their sinful behavior—whether it’s fornication, drunkenness, theft, gossip, unforgiveness, hatred, jealousy, or any other sin—they cannot experience complete salvation. Theologically, salvation requires repentance, which means a change of heart and mind (Acts 3:19).
Acts 3:19:
“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”
However, someone who truly repents—meaning they are committed to turning away from sin—will receive complete salvation. This is not a superficial confession but a genuine transformation of the heart, empowered by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:13).
The result of genuine salvation is not only the removal of the spirit of rejection but also the removal of all other evil spirits that may be influencing one’s life. Theologically, this is the work of deliverance, where the believer is freed from the power of sin and evil influences, and restored to full fellowship with God.
Romans 8:13:
“For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.”
This process of sanctification leads to a renewed mind, a transformed life, and the restoration of favor with both God and people. Theologically, this is the process of becoming more like Christ and being empowered to live a life that honors God.
May God bless you.
Why Was Jesus Arrested at Night Instead of During the Day
ANSWER:
Jesus was frequently surrounded by large crowds who admired Him, many recognizing Him as a prophet and teacher. This made it difficult for the religious leaders to arrest Him during the day without causing an uproar. They feared the public reaction, knowing the people believed in Jesus’ righteousness and authority.
Matthew 21:45–46
[45] When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard His parables, they perceived that He was speaking about them.
[46] And although they were seeking to arrest Him, they feared the crowds, because they held Him to be a prophet.
Arresting Jesus at night allowed the religious leaders to avoid confrontation with the crowds. It was a calculated move driven by fear and hypocrisy. They approached Him with swords and clubs—as if He were a dangerous criminal—despite knowing that He was innocent.
This action revealed their guilty conscience. They chose darkness because their deeds were evil, echoing a consistent biblical theme: those who act unjustly prefer darkness to avoid being exposed by the light.
Mark 14:48–49
[48] And Jesus said to them, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture Me?
[49] Day after day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize Me. But let the Scriptures be fulfilled.”
This moment was not accidental—it fulfilled God’s divine plan for salvation. The arrest of Jesus, His suffering, and His crucifixion were foretold in Scripture (see Isaiah 53). Though the religious leaders believed they were silencing Him, they were actually fulfilling God’s redemptive purpose.
This contrast between light and darkness is central to Christian theology. Jesus is described as the Light of the world—the One who exposes sin, offers truth, and gives life. His arrest in the darkness highlights the spiritual blindness of those who rejected Him.
John 1:4–5
[4] In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.
[5] The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
Despite being betrayed and arrested under the cover of night, Jesus’ light could not be extinguished. Instead, His death and resurrection became the very means through which humanity would be offered eternal life.
Jesus was arrested at night not because of chance, but because of fear, hypocrisy, and the fulfillment of prophecy. In doing so, the darkness revealed itself—but it also revealed the unstoppable power of God’s light and grace.
Believe in Christ. Let His light shine in your heart and overcome every shadow.
Shalom.
WHERE IS THE BELIEVER’S BONDAGE?
You might ask, “Can a believer really be bound by the enemy?” The answer is yes a believer can experience bondage. But then you may wonder, “If a believer can be bound, what was the purpose of Jesus’ work on the cross? Didn’t He set us free completely?”
The redemption Christ accomplished on the cross (cf. Romans 8:1 NIV) means that no believer stands condemned spiritually:
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
However, this freedom in Christ does not always immediately translate into freedom in every area of the believer’s daily experience. Spiritual growth and maturity involve learning to walk in that freedom and resist the enemy’s attempts to bring bondage (Ephesians 6:10-18).
Spiritually, no believer’s inner person (spirit) can be held captive:
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV):
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
This means believers are fundamentally free from spiritual slavery because their identity is now in Christ.
Jesus’ mission was to set the captives free:
Luke 4:18 (NIV):
“He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind…”
Believers who have repented, been baptized, and received the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38) share this freedom at their core.
Yet, Satan still can hinder or limit believers externally.
Paul said:
1 Thessalonians 2:18 (NIV):
“For we wanted to come to you certainly I, Paul, did, again and again but Satan blocked our way.”
This is an example of external hindrance, not spiritual imprisonment.
Peter’s imprisonment illustrates how the enemy attacks believers externally:
Acts 12:4-9 (NIV) describes how Peter was bound with chains, guarded, had prison clothes, and was without shoes all signs of imprisonment.
Three areas the enemy targets:Hands (Prayer life)
Hands symbolize our ability to pray, fast, and spiritually fight.
Ephesians
6:18 (NIV) exhorts believers to “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.”
When our hands (prayer life) are bound,spiritual power is limited.When the early church prayed earnestly for Peter, God freed him:
Acts 12:5-7 (NIV)
recounts that while Peter was chained, “the church was earnestly praying to God for him.” The chains fell off after the angel’s intervention.
Likewise, Paul and Silas prayed and sang in prison, leading to their release:
Acts 16:25-26 (NIV):
“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God… Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake… that the prison was shaken… and all the prisoners’ chains came loose.”
Garments (Righteous living)
Garments represent righteous deeds and holy living:
Revelation 19:8 (NIV): “Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.” The fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people.”
Without holiness (Hebrews 12:14), it’s difficult to resist the enemy. Sin gives the devil a foothold (Ephesians 4:27). A believer living in disobedience weakens their testimony and spiritual authority.
Feet (Readiness to share the Gospel)
Feet symbolize our readiness to spread the gospel and stand firm in faith:
Ephesians 6:15 (NIV):
“And with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.”
The enemy tries to distract believers from their mission with worldly pleasures (1 John 2:15-16) and busyness, which can cause them to lose focus and become fruitless.
Summary and Application:Hands: Keep your prayer life strong to break chains (spiritual bondage).Garments: Pursue holiness and righteous living to maintain spiritual authority.Feet: Be ready and willing to share the gospel despite distractions.
When believers live this way, they walk in the freedom Christ purchased, resisting and overcoming the enemy both inside and outside.
Encouragement:
Don’t let the enemy bind you. Build a lifestyle of daily prayer, holy living, and readiness to serve God. God has already won the ultimate victory for you (Colossians 2:15).
May God richly bless you.
What is the Way of the Cross, and Is It Biblical
The Way of the Cross (also known as the Stations of the Cross) is a devotional practice commonly observed in the Roman Catholic Church. It is intended to help believers reflect on the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus Christ by symbolically retracing His final steps—from His condemnation by Pontius Pilate to His burial.
In Jerusalem, the path traditionally taken by pilgrims stretches about 600 meters, beginning at the Fortress of Antonia (believed to be where Jesus was sentenced) and ending at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre—considered to be near the place of His burial. Every Good Friday, Catholics walk this path in remembrance of Christ’s passion. For those outside Jerusalem, the practice is often carried out within churches, where worshippers move from image to image representing 14 key moments (or stations) in Jesus’ journey to the cross, pausing at each to pray.
The 14 Stations According to Catholic Tradition:
- Jesus is condemned to death.
- Jesus receives the cross.
- Jesus falls the first time.
- Jesus meets His mother.
- Simon of Cyrene helps carry the cross.
- Veronica wipes the face of Jesus.
- Jesus falls the second time.
- Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem.
- Jesus falls the third time.
- Jesus is stripped of His garments.
- Jesus is nailed to the cross.
- Jesus dies on the cross.
- Jesus’ body is taken down from the cross.
- Jesus is laid in the tomb.
What Does the Bible Say?
While the Way of the Cross is a meaningful tradition for many, it is important to ask: Is it biblically accurate? Not all of these 14 events are supported by Scripture.
Events that are clearly biblical include:
- Jesus being condemned to death (Matthew 27:26).
- Receiving the cross and going to Golgotha (John 19:17).
- Simon of Cyrene helping to carry the cross (Luke 23:26).
- Jesus speaking to the women of Jerusalem (Luke 23:27–31).
- Jesus being nailed to the cross and crucified (Luke 23:33; John 19:18).
- Jesus dying on the cross (John 19:30).
- Jesus’ body being taken down and buried (Luke 23:50–56).
However, some stations do not appear in Scripture:
- Stations 3, 7, and 9 (Jesus falling three times) are not mentioned anywhere in the Gospels.
- Station 4, where Jesus meets His mother, is not recorded in the biblical accounts of His journey to the cross.
- Station 6, where Veronica wipes His face, is entirely absent from the Bible and appears to originate from later tradition.
The Bible warns us not to add to or take away from God’s Word:
“Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.” — Proverbs 30:6
“For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book.” — Revelation 22:18
Should Christians Practice the Way of the Cross?
As sincere as the intention might be, the practice of praying through the Stations—especially when focused on images or locations—can drift into idolatry, something the Bible clearly forbids:
“You shall not make for yourself a carved image… you shall not bow down to them nor serve them.” — Exodus 20:4–5
Jesus Himself told the Samaritan woman:
“God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” — John 4:24
While meditating on Christ’s suffering is biblical (Philippians 3:10), turning it into a ritual that is not grounded in Scripture or based on unverifiable events may lead people away from true worship. Our reflection on the cross should come from biblical truth, not man-made traditions.
Furthermore, Jesus never instructed His followers to commemorate His suffering through stations or pilgrimage. Instead, He commanded us to remember His death through the Lord’s Supper:
“Do this in remembrance of Me.” — Luke 22:19
The Way of the Cross, as practiced in Catholic tradition, contains a mixture of biblical and non-biblical elements. While reflecting on Jesus’ suffering is valuable, Christians should be careful not to base their faith practices on traditions not found in Scripture. Our focus should remain on the Word of God—complete, inspired, and sufficient.
Let our worship be guided by truth, not human invention.
Shalom.
What Was the First Miracle of the Lord Jesus, and What Does It Teach Us?
Question: What was the first miracle that Jesus performed?
Answer: The first recorded miracle of the Lord Jesus took place at a wedding in Cana of Galilee, where He turned water into wine (John 2:1–11,).
The Story (John 2:1–11)
Jesus, His mother Mary, and His disciples were guests at a wedding in Cana. During the celebration, the wine ran out — a serious cultural embarrassment at the time. Mary told Jesus about the situation, implying that He could help. Though He responded, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come” (John 2:4), Mary instructed the servants, “Do whatever he tells you” (John 2:5).
Jesus then told the servants to fill six stone jars used for Jewish purification rituals with water. After they did, He instructed them to draw some and take it to the master of the feast. When the master tasted it, the water had become wine — and not just any wine, but the finest served that day. The master was amazed that such good wine was brought out so late in the feast.
Verse 11 summarizes the event:
“This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.”
— John 2:11,
The miracle at Cana is more than a wedding story — it’s the first revelation of Jesus’ divine nature and mission. It teaches us that Christ brings transformation, joy, and abundant life. It also reminds us that true faith grows as we witness His glory through both Scripture and personal experience.
May the Lord bless you and deepen your faith in Christ Jesus.
What is so special about wine that the Lord JESUS turned water into wine?
Answer:
There was nothing inherently special or magical about the wine itself.
The Lord JESUS turned water into wine simply because wine was what was needed at the moment. According to John 2:1–11, Mary, the mother of Jesus, informed Him that the wine had run out. If it had been food that was lacking, Jesus might have multiplied food, as He did in the miracles of the five loaves and two fish (Mark 6:38–44; Luke 9:13–17). But because wine was what was missing, He met the specific need at hand.
Understanding the Cultural and Theological Context:
In first century Jewish culture, weddings were not only joyous but highly communal and deeply symbolic occasions. Running out of wine at such a celebration was a grave social embarrassment a source of shame and dishonor for the host family. Wine was a symbol of joy, blessing, and covenant celebration (cf. Psalm 104:15, “…and wine to gladden the heart of man”).
John 2:3–5 (ESV):
When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”
This miracle was not performed to showcase the superiority of wine, but rather to reveal the compassion of Christ and the glory of God, as He responded to human need.
John 2:11 (ESV):
“This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.”
The Theological Message:
The central message is not about the wine it’s about the transforming presence of JESUS. When He is invited into our lives, He removes our shame, restores our honor, and provides abundantly, even in unexpected circumstances.
Isaiah 53:4–5 (ESV):
“Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.”
The miracle at Cana illustrates what JESUS does in the lives of those who invite Him in:He transforms emptiness into fullness.covers disgrace with grace.He brings joy where there was anxiety.He reveals divine power through acts of compassion.
A Lesson in Intentional Faith:
The bridegroom didn’t invite Jesus because he foresaw the wine running out. He simply honored Jesus with an invitation. Their faith wasn’t transactionit was relational. And when trouble arose, Jesus stepped in not because He was asked to fix a problem, but because He was already present.
Revelation 3:20 (ESV):
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.”
Today, many approach Jesus only for miracles, breakthroughs, or physical blessings. But Scripture warns against a superficial following:
John 6:26 (ESV):
“Jesus answered them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves.’”
The proper order is this:
- Seek Him first for eternal life and relationship.
- Let miracles, blessings, and provision be byproducts of His presence.
Matthew 6:33 (ESV):
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Casting Our Cares Upon Him:
Once we are rooted in Christ, we are invited to entrust Him with our anxieties and needs:
1 Peter 5:7 (ESV):
“Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”
May the Lord bless you.
Where Was Jesus Born
Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Savior of the world, was born in the nation of Israel, in a town called Bethlehem, which was part of the tribal territory of Judah. His birth was not random—it fulfilled ancient Messianic prophecy, proving that He is the promised Messiah.
Micah 5:2
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”
This verse reveals that the Messiah would come from Bethlehem, and that His origin is eternal—pointing to Christ’s divine nature. Jesus did not begin at birth; He existed eternally with God (cf. John 1:1-2).
Where Did Jesus Grow Up?
Although Jesus was born in Bethlehem, He did not grow up there. After fleeing to Egypt to escape King Herod’s massacre, His family eventually settled in Nazareth, a small town in Galilee.
Matthew 2:23
“And he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets: ‘He will be called a Nazarene.'”
Nazareth was seen as an insignificant place (cf. John 1:46)—yet Jesus’ humble upbringing fulfilled prophecy and demonstrated God’s pattern of using the lowly to accomplish great things (1 Corinthians 1:27).
Many of Jesus’ disciples came from Galilean towns. This region became the stage for much of His ministry, miracles, and teachings. However, despite witnessing His mighty works, many Galilean cities did not repent.
Matthew 11:21
“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago…”
Jesus is alive, and He is coming back soon. Are you ready to meet Him?
Acts 4:12 – “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
God bless you.
What Does “Rise Before the Aged” Mean? (Leviticus 19:32)
Leviticus 19:32, God commands us:
“You shall rise before the gray-headed and honor the presence of an old man, and fear your God: I am the Lord.”
This verse teaches us the importance of showing respect and honoring the elderly, particularly those who have lived long lives and gained wisdom. The phrase “rise before” is not just about standing up physically when an elder enters the room. It signifies approaching them with reverence, listening to their counsel, and treating them with dignity.
Why Should We Honor the Elderly?
The Bible consistently emphasizes the value of wisdom that comes with age. Older people, particularly those who are in Christ, are viewed as possessing greater spiritual insight. Their life experiences, combined with their understanding of Scripture, make them invaluable sources of guidance for younger generations.
Job 12:12, we read:
“Wisdom is with aged men, and with length of days, understanding.”
This verse underscores the theological truth that wisdom is tied to experience and longevity, especially in the context of a faithful life. Elders have witnessed God’s faithfulness through various seasons of life, which provides them with insights that the younger generation may lack.
Proverbs 16:31 reminds us:
“The silver-haired head is a crown of glory; It is found in the way of righteousness.”
This verse reinforces the idea that the elderly are to be honored as they embody wisdom and righteousness. Their long life is a testimony of God’s grace and faithfulness.
So, if you’re seeking advice or direction in life—whether it’s in relationships, career, or other important matters—look to those who are older and wiser, especially those who follow Christ. They can provide guidance based on years of living according to God’s Word.
Proverbs 23:22 also advises:
“Listen to your father who begot you, And do not despise your mother when she is old.”
This teaches us the principle of listening to the older generation and valuing their input, particularly in the context of family and spiritual growth.
But There’s More Than Just Seeking Wisdom—We Are Called to Honor Them.
Leviticus 19:32 doesn’t just command us to seek wisdom from the elderly, but also to honor them. The call to “honor the presence of an old man” means that we should treat them with profound respect, regardless of their mistakes or imperfections. This is a vital part of Christian living—respecting others, especially those who have lived before us and have walked with God through many seasons of life.
- In 1 Timothy 5:1-2, Paul gives clear instructions:
“Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, with all purity.”. This passage emphasizes that even when older individuals make mistakes, they should not be harshly rebuked. Instead, we should approach them with love and respect, encouraging them as we would our own parents or siblings. This mirrors the love and respect that God expects from His people.
In all things, we are called to recognize that elders, especially those in Christ, possess wisdom and understanding that surpasses that of the youth. Their lives are testimonies of God’s faithfulness and His work in human lives. Honoring them, listening to them, and seeking their counsel aligns with the teachings of Scripture and reflects our respect for God’s order and His wisdom.
May we remember that in honoring the elderly, we honor God Himself, who is the ultimate source of wisdom and understanding.
May the Lord bless you.
THE CROSS IS A TOOL FOR BUILDING YOUR LIFE
A gospel singer once wrote, “Just as Jacob was shown long ago, the cross has become the ladder to heaven” (Hymn No. 81, verse 2). This statement echoes a profound biblical truth about the role of the cross. It refers to the time when Jacob, while resting at Bethel, saw a vision of a great ladder reaching from earth to heaven, with angels ascending and descending upon it. This ladder symbolizes the divine connection between heaven and earth, ultimately fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
Genesis 28:11-12 (ESV)
And he came to a certain place and stayed there that night, because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones of the place, he put it under his head and lay down in that place to sleep. And he dreamed, and behold, there was a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven. And behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it!
This ladder, which Jacob saw, foreshadowed the ultimate connection to heaven: the cross of Jesus Christ. Through the cross, we gain access to the heavenly realm, and it is by His sacrifice that the gap between sinful humanity and holy God is bridged. The cross, in essence, becomes the “ladder” through which we ascend to the Father.
John 14:6 (ESV)
Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Through the cross of Jesus, we are reconciled to God. It is the ultimate path to salvation. But I also want us to reflect on the cross from another perspective, as a “TOOL FOR BUILDING LIFE.” Let’s delve into a story in the Bible involving the prophet Elisha and the sons of the prophets. This will help us grasp the theological significance of the cross as a tool for constructing our lives.
2 Kings 6:1-7 (ESV)
Now the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, ‘See, the place where we dwell under your charge is too small for us. Let us go to the Jordan and each of us get there a log, and let us make a place for us to dwell there.’ And he answered, ‘Go.’ Then one of them said, ‘Be pleased to go with your servants.’ And he answered, ‘I will go.’ So he went with them. And when they came to the Jordan, they cut down trees. But as one was felling a log, his axe head fell into the water, and he cried out, ‘Alas, my master! It was borrowed.’ Then the man of God said, ‘Where did it fall?’ When he showed him the place, he cut off a stick and threw it in there, and made the iron float. And he said, ‘Take it up.’ So he reached out his hand and took it.
This story offers a beautiful and powerful metaphor. The axe head represents our tools, our knowledge, abilities, and efforts in life—things we depend on to build, to create, to achieve. But sometimes, in the course of our lives, these tools fail or are lost. This is what happens to the axe head: it falls into the water and sinks. Similarly, our efforts, if not rooted in Christ, can sink in the depths of despair, failure, and loss.
In the story, Elisha takes a stick—a seemingly insignificant tool—and throws it into the water. The axe head floats, defying all natural laws. This act is a powerful symbol of how the cross of Jesus Christ, though it appeared to be a weak and foolish thing to the world, has the power to redeem our failures and restore what we have lost.
The Cross: The Tool for Restoration
The stick Elisha threw into the water symbolizes the cross of Jesus. Jesus, in His humble death on the cross, took all of our brokenness, our lost tools, our broken dreams, and He made them whole again. The cross is what makes everything we have and do redeemable.
The iron (representing our efforts, our wisdom, and human strength) can only be restored by the cross. It is a reminder that no human effort—no matter how noble or skillful—is sufficient to truly build our lives without the work of Jesus Christ. Only through the cross can we recover what has been lost, and through His power, even the most impossible circumstances can be turned around.
1 Corinthians 1:18 (ESV)
For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
The cross is the means by which our lives are truly built. It is through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ that we are made whole. Through the cross, we are not only reconciled to God, but we are empowered to live lives that bring glory to God. The cross becomes the foundation upon which we build our homes, our families, our careers, and our futures.
The Cross: A Call to Surrender
It is important to understand that the cross is not just a symbol of suffering but a call to surrender. Jesus invites us to take up our own cross and follow Him. This means denying our self-sufficiency and relying fully on His grace and strength.
Mark 8:34-35 (ESV)
And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it.
The cross is a daily commitment—a decision to surrender all to Jesus. It’s not just about salvation but about living in constant dependence on Him. When we deny ourselves and take up the cross, we are acknowledging that our efforts and plans are not enough to build our lives on their own. Only by following Jesus and embracing His work on the cross can we truly find life.
The Cross in Our Lives Today
So, I ask you: Is the cross of Christ at the center of your life? Have you taken up your cross and followed Him, or are you trusting in your own strength, knowledge, or accomplishments? If Christ is not in your heart, no matter what you achieve in this life, you are building in vain.
Matthew 16:26 (ESV)
For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?
It’s better to lose everything in this world—education, career, wealth, status—yet have Christ in your heart, than to have all those things and lose your soul. This is a truth Jesus made clear when He said, “What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world but forfeits his soul?”
The cross of Christ is the foundation upon which everything else must be built. When we understand the depth of Jesus’ sacrifice and the power of His resurrection, we realize that everything we have—our skills, our gifts, our accomplishments—are only meaningful when used for His glory.
Romans 8:28 (ESV)
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
When we submit our lives to the cross of Jesus Christ, even the broken pieces of our lives are redeemed and woven together for God’s good purposes.
If you haven’t yet surrendered your life to the Lord Jesus, today is the day. He will help you rebuild, restore, and redeem your life. If you need help in receiving Jesus into your heart, please reach out to us. We will gladly guide you in this life-changing decision.
God bless you.
