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The prophet Elijah demonstrated remarkable faith when he prayed and God sent fire from heaven to consume the sacrifice and defeat his enemies (1 Kings 18:36-38, ESV). Yet, shortly afterward, Elijah fled in fear from Jezebel, a powerful queen who threatened his life (1 Kings 19:1-3). This reveals an important truth: even strong faith can be weakened by fear and circumstances. Elijah’s faith was bold against powerful enemies but faltered when confronted by personal danger. This is like a lion that fears no rival but is terrified by a small dog symbolizing how fear can undermine faith.

Similarly, the apostle Peter shows us the struggle between faith and doubt.

In Matthew 14:24-31 (ESV), when Jesus walked on water toward the disciples during a storm, Peter asked to come to Him. Peter stepped out of the boat in faith and walked on water, but when he saw the strong wind, he became afraid and began to sink. He cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately rescued him and said, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

(Matthew 14:31). Peter’s experience teaches us that initial faith is not enough; faith must be sustained to reach the goal.

This highlights the ongoing nature of faith as a journey (Hebrews 11:1) and a discipline that must endure trials (James 1:2-4). Faith is not a one time event but a continuous reliance on God’s power and promises.

When we first come to Christ, our faith often burns brightly, like a passionate fire (Romans 12:11). But as time passes, many believers experience spiritual dryness or weakening faith. We may remember our earlier zeal praying fervently, witnessing boldly, reading Scripture diligently. Yet if our current faith is weaker, it’s a warning sign. The New Testament exhorts believers to “persevere in the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7) and to “hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering” (Hebrews 10:23).

If sins that once seemed easy to overcome now entangle you, or if prayer and Bible reading have become difficult, it’s time to cry out to Jesus for help, just like Peter did. Spiritual warfare is real (Ephesians 6:12), and without active, strong faith, the enemy can gain ground.

Remember, faith is our shield and protection (Ephesians 6:16). Without it, we cannot stand firm against Satan’s schemes.

Take time to evaluate your spiritual walk today. Do you have faith to finish well? If not, remember God’s faithfulness when you first believed (Lamentations 3:22-23). Pray earnestly for renewal of your faith (Psalm 51:10), confess your shortcomings, and commit to obeying God fully. The Lord promises to strengthen those who trust in Him (Isaiah 40:31).

Just as God helped Peter in his moment of doubt, He will help you. Hold fast to your faith until the end.

Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!

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A common question arises from Exodus 3: Did God Himself speak to Moses at the burning bush, or was it an angel acting on God’s behalf?

Let’s examine this passage and explore its theological implications.

The Appearance at the Burning Bush

Exodus 3:2 (NKJV)
And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush. So he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, but the bush was not consumed.

Exodus 3:4 (NKJV)
So when the Lord saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.”

At first, we are told that “the Angel of the Lord” appeared to Moses in the burning bush. But then, just two verses later, God is the one speaking from the bush. This might seem contradictory at first, but it’s actually an example of angelic mediation—a well-established biblical pattern where God speaks through His angels.

Who Is “The Angel of the Lord”?

In various passages of the Old Testament, “the Angel of the Lord” (Hebrew: Mal’akh YHWH) is a unique figure. At times, this being speaks and acts as if He is God Himself receiving worship, forgiving sins, and making covenants (cf. Genesis 22:15–18; Judges 6:11–24; Judges 13). Many biblical scholars and theologians interpret such appearances as Christophanies pre-incarnate appearances of the Son of God, Jesus Christ.

In Exodus 3, the Angel speaks from within the fire, yet the Scripture identifies the speaker as Yahweh. Moses removes his sandals because he is standing on holy ground (Exodus 3:5), and the voice says:

Exodus 3:6 (NKJV)
“I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.”

This suggests that while an angelic presence is visible, it is God’s voice possibly even the pre-incarnate Christ that is heard.

God’s Name in His Messenger

To understand this dynamic further, we turn to Exodus 23:20–22:

Exodus 23:20–22 (NKJV)
“Behold, I send an Angel before you to keep you in the way and to bring you into the place which I have prepared.
Beware of Him and obey His voice; do not provoke Him, for He will not pardon your transgressions; for My name is in Him.
But if you indeed obey His voice and do all that I speak, then I will be an enemy to your enemies and an adversary to your adversaries.”

This angel is no ordinary angel. God says His own name (i.e., His essence, authority, and character) is in this angel. The angel carries divine authority so completely that to obey him is to obey God, and to reject him is to reject God.

This is a clear type or foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, in whom “the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily” (Colossians 2:9).

Theological Principle: Divine Agency

In Scripture, the concept of agency (Hebrew: shaliach) means that someone sent by another carries the full authority of the sender. When God sends an angel with His message, that angel speaks with God’s voice but he is not speaking on his own initiative.

This pattern is seen again in Judges 2:1–5:

Judges 2:1 (NKJV)
Then the Angel of the Lord came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said: “I led you up from Egypt and brought you to the land of which I swore to your fathers; and I said, ‘I will never break My covenant with you.’”

Here, the angel speaks in the first person as if he was the one who brought Israel out of Egypt and made the covenant. This demonstrates that he is speaking as God’s mouthpiece, not on his own behalf.

Christ: God’s Ultimate Revelation

While angels were used occasionally in the Old Testament to communicate God’s will, they were only temporary messengers. In the New Covenant, God has spoken directly to us through His Son, Jesus Christ, the perfect and final revelation of God.

Hebrews 1:1–4 (NKJV)
God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets,
has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds;
who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person…
has become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.

Unlike the angels who spoke partially and temporarily, Jesus embodies the full image of God (Colossians 1:15), and His word is final, complete, and binding.

A Greater Message, A Greater Accountability

Hebrews 2:1–3 (NKJV)
Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.
For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward,
how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord…?

If God’s word through angels brought judgment when disobeyed, how much more serious is it to ignore the message spoken by Jesus Christ, the Son of God?

Have You Received God’s Message?

Today, Jesus Christ is the living Word of God (John 1:1–14), the one through whom God now speaks to all people. He is not just a messenger—He is God Himself in human form (John 14:9).

To reject Jesus is to reject God. To accept Him is to receive eternal life (John 3:16).

If you have not yet surrendered your life to Christ, now is the time. Wherever you are, humble yourself, confess your sins, and acknowledge Jesus as Lord and Savior. Believe in Him with your heart, and then follow Him in obedience by:

1. Repenting of your sins (Acts 3:19)
2. Being baptized in water in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38)
3. Receiving the Holy Spirit, who will empower you to live in victory over sin (Romans 8:11)

Acts 2:38 (NKJV)
“Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Conclusion: The Voice in the Fire Was God’s But Through His Angel

In Exodus, God used His angel to speak to Moses. The angel carried God’s authority, God’s word, and God’s presence. But today, Jesus Christ is God’s final and fullest voice to mankind. He is greater than angels, prophets, or any other messenger.

Let us not ignore His voice.

Hebrews 12:25 (NKJV)
See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven…

Maranatha — The Lord is Coming!

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Answer:

Let’s begin by reading the verse in question:

Mark 12:26 (NIV) – “Now about the dead rising have you not read in the Book of Moses, in the account of the bush, how God said to him, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’?”

In this passage, Jesus responds to the Sadducees, who denied the resurrection of the dead. He points them to a well-known event from the Torah the encounter between Moses and God at the burning bush to prove that there is life after death.

The phrase “the account of the bush” (or in Swahili, “sura ya kijiti”) refers to a specific portion of Scripture, not a literal “stick” or small branch (kijiti). In biblical language, especially in older or translated texts, “sura” means “chapter” or “section.” So Jesus was referring to Exodus chapter 3, where Moses encounters God in the burning bush.

Biblical Background: Exodus 3

Exodus 3:1–6 (NIV)
1 Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law…
2 There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up.
4 When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!”
6 Then he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.”

The bush (in Hebrew, seneh, meaning a thorny shrub or bramble) was burning but not consumed. This miraculous sign caught Moses’ attention and became the setting where God revealed His identity and His mission for Moses.

Theological Insight: God of the Living

Jesus’ main point in Mark 12:26 is resurrection hope. By quoting God’s words “I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob” Jesus emphasizes that God spoke in the present tense, even though these patriarchs had died centuries earlier.

Luke 20:38 (NIV) – “He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.”

This implies that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were still alive in the presence of God not physically, but spiritually. If they were completely gone or annihilated, God would not still identify Himself as their God.

This aligns with what Jesus said elsewhere:

John 11:25 (NKJV) – “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.”

The resurrection is not just a future hope but a present reality for those who are in covenant with God. Though physical death occurs, the soul lives on in the presence of God. This is foundational to Christian theology:

• God’s covenant is eternal (Genesis 17:7).
• His saints live on after death (Philippians 1:23).
• A future bodily resurrection is promised (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17).

Implications for Believers

Just as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob continue to live before God, so too will all who place their faith in Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:8 (ESV) – “Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.”

After death, the believer’s soul enters paradise, awaiting the final resurrection. In the end, God will clothe us with glorified bodies and gather us to Himself:

Philippians 3:20–21 (NIV) – “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there… who… will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.”

Hebrews 11:16 (NIV) – “Instead, they were longing for a better country a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.”

Conclusion

So when Jesus speaks of “the passage about the bush,” He’s referring to Exodus 3, where God’s self-revelation to Moses proves that:

• The dead will rise (a direct refutation of the Sadducees).
• God’s covenant is ongoing, not interrupted by physical death.
• There is life after death for all who walk in faith.

If we follow Christ in faith and obedience, even though we die physically, we shall live eternally with Him. His resurrection is our assurance.

Maranatha!

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In Revelation 1:5, it states, “And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.”

This phrase highlights that Jesus is not only the firstborn of the dead, but He is also the preeminent one who has triumphed over death and holds authority over all creation. Theologically, this underscores the fact that Jesus is the first to be resurrected with a glorified body, never to die again, and because of this, He stands as the firstfruit of the resurrection, signaling the resurrection of all believers.

Why is He also the firstborn of the living?

Jesus is also described as the firstborn of the living (Colossians 1:18), meaning He is the firstborn of all those who have eternal life.

In John 3:6, Jesus says, “Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.”

Theologically, this suggests that all humanity, due to original sin, is spiritually dead, but through the new birth by the Holy Spirit, they are made spiritually alive in Christ.

Jesus is the firstborn of the living in the sense that He was the first to receive a resurrected, immortal life in His glorified body. When He was resurrected from the dead, He was the first to possess this eternal life that will be fully realized in all believers when they are resurrected at the end of the age. This eternal life is not just a return to life, but a transformation into a glorified state, never to die again. We see this in 1 Corinthians 15:20-23:

“But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him.”

And why is He also the firstborn of the dead?

Before understanding why Jesus is the firstborn of the dead, we must understand the theological concept of “death” in Scripture. In the Bible, death is not just a physical event but also a spiritual separation from God due to sin (Romans 6:23). Jesus, through His death and resurrection, dealt with both the physical and spiritual aspects of death, bringing life to all who believe in Him.

In Colossians 1:18, it says,

“He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and the firstborn from the dead, so that in everything He might have the supremacy.”

Jesus’ resurrection from the dead was not merely a return to life like Lazarus or others in Scripture, but it marked the beginning of a new kind of life: eternal, glorified life.

Although Lazarus, Elijah, and Elisha raised people from the dead, those individuals were revived in their earthly bodies, and eventually, they died again. But Jesus’ resurrection was different because He rose in a glorified body that will never die again (Romans 6:9). This marks Him as the firstborn from the dead, the first to experience the fullness of resurrection life, and the guarantee of our future resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20-23).

This is why the Bible says:

• Colossians 1:17-20: “He is before all things, and in Him, all things hold together. And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that in everything He might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through His blood, shed on the cross.”

These verses affirm that Jesus is supreme in all things, including over death itself. His resurrection is not only a victory for Him but also a victory that ensures the future resurrection of believers.

• John 1:5: “From Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood.”

This verse highlights Jesus’ authority and His role as the redeemer of mankind. His resurrection from the dead makes Him the firstborn of the new creation those who are redeemed through His blood.

In conclusion, Jesus is the firstborn of everything (He is the Alpha and the Omega), and the firstborn is always the heir.

As the firstborn, Jesus has the preeminence and authority over all creation. Theologically, the firstborn is the one who receives the inheritance, and in Jesus’ case, He has inherited authority over all things, including death and life.

We, who are born again through the Spirit, are counted as His brothers and sisters, co-heirs with Him (Romans 8:29). He is the firstborn, and we, as believers, are the “younger siblings” who follow in His resurrection and inheritance. This means that through faith in Him and His finished work, we also receive eternal life and the promise of resurrection.

But if we are not born again, we cannot be heirs. This highlights the necessity of spiritual rebirth.

How are we born again?

The Bible teaches that we are born again by believing in Jesus Christ as the firstborn of all things. Jesus Himself made it clear in John 3:3-5:

“Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”

He goes on to explain to Nicodemus that this new birth is through water and the Spirit (John 3:5). Baptism by water and receiving the Holy Spirit are essential components of being born again (Acts 2:38).

Steps to being born again:

1. Repentance – Acknowledging and turning away from all sin.
2. Faith – Believing in Jesus Christ as the Son of God who died for our sins and was resurrected for our justification.
3. Baptism – Immersion in water in the name of Jesus Christ, as commanded in Acts 2:38:
4. “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
5. Receiving the Holy Spirit – The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live according to God’s will and enables spiritual growth (Acts 1:8, Romans 8:9).

Growth after being born again:

Being born again is just the beginning. We are called to grow spiritually by seeking God continually (Philippians 3:12-14). The more we pursue God, the more we grow in the knowledge of Him and mature in our faith, ultimately becoming more like Christ, reaching the fullness of His purpose for us (Ephesians 4:13).

I hope this more detailed, theologically-rich explanation with Bible verses helps you grasp the depth of this topic. May you continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ!

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The story of Esau and Jacob is rich with spiritual lessons. As the Bible tells us, everything written in the Old Testament was for our instruction and warning. “Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.” (1 Corinthians 10:11, NKJV). We are called to carefully study the Scriptures because nothing happening in the world today is without precedent in God’s Word. The patterns and lessons from the Bible still speak to us today.

Have you ever wondered how much time passed from the moment Esau sold his birthright to his younger brother Jacob until their father Isaac blessed them? You might assume that this was a brief period, perhaps just a few days or months, since they were still children. However, the truth is far different.

When Esau sold his birthright, they were young men, approximately 15 years old, according to Jewish tradition. Esau’s decision to sell his birthright for a bowl of lentil stew occurred during a time when he was physically exhausted, hungry, and weary. Jewish tradition and the Talmud suggest that Esau was around this age when he made that impulsive choice (Genesis 25:29-34).

But, by the time their father Isaac was near death, they were no longer children but fully grown men.

“When Esau was forty years old, he took as wives Judith the daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and Basemath the daughter of Elon the Hittite.” (Genesis 26:34, NKJV).

This means that Esau was 40 years old when he married, and by the time Isaac blessed Jacob, they were around 63 years old. Therefore, more than 48 years passed between Esau’s hasty decision to sell his birthright and the blessing ceremony. This long period underlines how much Esau misunderstood the weight of his actions.

But I want to focus on the theological significance of Esau’s character and why God rejected him. The Scripture says in

Romans 9:13 (NKJV):
“As it is written, ‘Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated.’”

At first glance, this passage might seem harsh or hard to understand. Why would God hate Esau? Many interpret this verse to mean that God rejected Esau because he sold his birthright for a single meal. However, this interpretation doesn’t capture the deeper theological message. The Bible teaches that God’s rejection of Esau wasn’t about the sale of the birthright itself but about the attitude that Esau displayed. It was his attitude toward the birthright, a symbol of God’s covenant promises, that angered God.

The true issue wasn’t simply the act of selling the birthright but the attitude that Esau had toward God’s blessings and promises. Esau’s actions demonstrated a heart that was disinterested in spiritual things, focusing more on immediate physical needs than on the eternal blessings God offered through the birthright.

The Bible further clarifies Esau’s disregard for the birthright in the following passage from Genesis 25:29-34 (NKJV):
29 Now Jacob cooked a stew; and Esau came in from the field, and he was weary.
30 And Esau said to Jacob, “Please feed me with that same red stew, for I am weary.” Therefore his name was called Edom.
31 But Jacob said, “Sell me your birthright as of this day.”
32 And Esau said, “Look, I am about to die; so what is this birthright to me?”
33 Then Jacob said, “Swear to me as of this day.” So he swore to him, and sold his birthright to Jacob.
34 And Jacob gave Esau bread and stew of lentils; then he ate and drank, arose, and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright.

Notice that Esau’s words, “What is this birthright to me?” reveal a profound disregard for spiritual inheritance. His focus was on immediate physical satisfaction (food) rather than on the eternal spiritual blessings that the birthright represented. This attitude is what God despised.

In Hebrews 12:16-17 (NKJV), we are further warned about the consequences of Esau’s attitude toward his birthright:
16 “Lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright.
17 For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought it diligently with tears.”

Esau’s act of selling his birthright is described as “profane” and “disrespectful” in the eyes of God. The birthright was not just about an inheritance of material wealth; it was tied to God’s covenant with Abraham and the promises of salvation and blessing. By trading this for a bowl of lentil soup, Esau demonstrated that he valued his temporal needs more than his eternal inheritance. This reflects a deep spiritual blindness.

Romans 9:11-13 (NKJV) explains this further, emphasizing God’s sovereignty and the role of faith in His election:
11 “For the children not yet being born, nor having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works but of Him who calls,
12 it was said to her, ‘The older shall serve the younger.’
13 As it is written, ‘Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated.'”

God’s choice of Jacob over Esau was not based on anything Esau did or didn’t do, but on God’s sovereign plan. The election of Jacob was about God’s purpose and His grace in choosing the line through which the Messiah would come.

Now, consider the implications of Esau’s actions in our daily lives. Much like Esau, many today disregard spiritual blessings in pursuit of immediate, temporary satisfaction. People often ask, “What can Jesus do for me today? Will following Christ solve my financial problems right now?” When the response is that God will provide in His timing, they often turn away, thinking that salvation isn’t useful to them. They value earthly success over eternal riches.

This attitude is similar to Esau’s disregard for his birthright. It’s a refusal to see the eternal value of spiritual things. But Scripture warns us that “those who seek the things of this world at the expense of the eternal” will eventually face regret. As Matthew 16:26 (NKJV) states,

“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?”

The Bible also assures us that those who reject the gospel now will later seek it with tears, but it will be too late. Just as Esau sought the blessing with tears after he lost it, people who reject Christ now will one day realize the mistake, but they will not be able to reverse the consequences.

Matthew 8:11-12 (NKJV) warns:
11 “And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and will sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven;
12 but the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

By now, most of us understand that the return of Christ is imminent. We might only have a few days, weeks, or months left before the rapture occurs. We are witnessing the signs of the second coming of Christ. The question is: Are you prepared? Are you like Jacob, who diligently sought after God’s eternal blessings, or like Esau, who sold his birthright for a momentary gain?

The choice is yours.

Shalom

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“So Abraham called the name of that place, ‘The Lord will provide’; as it is said to this day, ‘On the mount of the Lord it shall be provided.’” Genesis 22:14 (ESV)

Blessed be the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome, beloved, as we reflect on one of the most profound moments in biblical history: the near-sacrifice of Isaac by his father Abraham, and what it reveals about God’s provision, obedience, worship, and the ultimate sacrifice fulfilled in Christ.

I: The Test of Faith and Obedience

In Genesis 22, God tests Abraham by asking him to sacrifice his only son, Isaac the child of promise.

Genesis 22:6–8 (NIV)
“Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together, Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, ‘Father?’
‘Yes, my son?’ Abraham replied.
‘The fire and wood are here,’ Isaac said, ‘but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?’
Abraham answered, ‘God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.’ And the two of them went on together.”

Abraham’s statement was both prophetic and faithful. Though he did not know how God would provide, he trusted that Yahweh Yireh “The Lord will provide” would make a way.

This moment was not only a test but a foreshadowing of Christ, the Lamb of God, whom the Father would later offer on behalf of humanity. Isaac carrying the wood symbolizes Christ carrying the cross (John 19:17), while the substitution of the ram signifies the gospel’s core: a sacrifice in our place.

II: God’s Provision on the Mountain

Genesis 22:13–14 (ESV)
“And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him was a ram, caught in a thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son.
So Abraham called the name of that place, ‘The Lord will provide’; as it is said to this day, ‘On the mount of the Lord it shall be provided.’”

The phrase “on the mount of the Lord it shall be provided” (Hebrew: YHWH Yireh) expresses the certainty of divine provision when obedience and worship meet God’s appointed place.

Where the Lord calls us, He also provides. Abraham’s experience reminds us that provision doesn’t always appear before the test but in the midst of obedience, our eyes are opened to see it.

Interestingly, Jewish tradition links this location Mount Moriah with Jerusalem, and specifically with the Temple Mount, where Solomon later built the temple (2 Chronicles 3:1). Thus, this place becomes central not only in Jewish worship but also in messianic prophecy.

III: The True Mountain of Worship

In the New Covenant, worship is no longer confined to physical locations like Mount Moriah or Mount Gerizim. Jesus redefined worship as spiritual and relational.

John 4:20–24 (NIV)
“Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.”
“Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem.
… Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.”

In the New Testament era, the “mountain of the Lord” is a spiritual place the presence of God through the Holy Spirit. To be “on the mountain” today means to live in surrender, truth, and communion with God through Christ.

IV: The Call to Sacrifice

We are still called to sacrifice not animals, but our very lives. Just as Abraham laid Isaac on the altar, God calls us to lay down all that we hold dear.

Romans 12:1 (ESV)
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”

Matthew 10:37–39 (ESV)
“Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me… and whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”

What is your “Isaac” today?
Is it your career? Education? Wealth? Relationships? Reputation? The Lord may ask you to surrender it just as He asked Abraham. But in doing so, He promises a greater return not in worldly terms, but in kingdom significance and eternal reward.

V: Climbing the Mountain Today

To ascend the spiritual mountain, one must follow Christ fully:

Matthew 16:24–26 (NIV)
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.
For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.”

This is the path of the cross, a journey of faith, self denial, obedience, and intimate fellowship with God.

Invitation to Respond

If you have not yet surrendered your life to Jesus, the invitation is open today. You can begin your journey to the mountain of the Lord by:

1. Repenting of your sins (Acts 3:19)
2. Believing in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Savior (John 3:16)
3. Being baptized in water, in the name of Jesus (Acts 2:38)
4. Receiving the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13–14)
5. Walking daily in the truth of God’s Word (John 17:17)

The sacrifices God desires are a broken spirit, a humble heart, and a life surrendered to Him (Psalm 51:17).

“On the mountain of the Lord it shall be provided.”
Provision, blessing, peace, and purpose are found not in the lowlands of compromise, but on the heights of obedience and worship.

The mountain is not about location it’s about position: a heart aligned with God, walking in the Spirit and in truth.

So today, ask yourself:
Am I living at the foot of the mountain or have I gone up to where God provides?

May the Lord draw you higher, strengthen your steps, and meet you there just as He did with Abraham.

Grace and peace to you in Christ Jesus. Amen.

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When I was a child, I attempted a dangerous experiment. I believed all a lightbulb needed was “electricity” any kind without understanding the voltage or proper setup. So, I plugged two bare wires directly into a power socket and touched them to a bulb, expecting it to light up. Instead, the bulb exploded. Thankfully, by God’s mercy, the shards missed my eyes. That day, I learned that a lack of understanding can be dangerous even deadly.

The problem? I thought that the presence of electricity alone was enough. I completely ignored the process and design intended for safely using it. That mistake mirrors a common spiritual issue today: people try to worship God in ways He has not authorized.

The Danger of Unauthorized Worship

In Leviticus 10:1–2 (ESV), we see the tragic story of Aaron’s sons:

“Now Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it and laid incense on it and offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, which he had not commanded them. And fire came out from before the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord.”

Their error? Offering “unauthorized fire” also called “strange fire” in other translations. This was a fire not taken from the altar of burnt offering, where God Himself had ignited the flame (Leviticus 9:24), and which was to burn perpetually (Leviticus 6:12–13). God had given clear instructions that any fire used in the tabernacle must come from His altar, symbolizing worship that originates from divine instruction, not human innovation.

“Holy Fire” vs. “Strange Fire”

The altar fire represented God’s holiness, His wrath against sin, and His provision for atonement through sacrifice. That fire was not just symbolic; it was sacred. To use a different fire was to treat the holy as common something God repeatedly warns against:

“You are to distinguish between the holy and the common, and between the unclean and the clean.”
Leviticus 10:10 (NIV)

In other words, Nadab and Abihu treated divine worship casually. They likely thought, “Fire is fire as long as it burns, it works.” But God doesn’t accept just any offering. He requires obedience, reverence, and holiness.

New Covenant Worship: In Spirit and in Truth

Jesus echoed this principle in John 4:23–24 (NIV):

“Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and His worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”

Worship under the New Covenant is not based on rituals alone, but it must still follow God’s guidelines: it must be sincere (“in spirit”) and doctrinally correct (“in truth”). Offering worship with unrepentant hearts, false doctrine, or self-centered motives is equivalent to offering “strange fire.”

Who May Offer Worship That Pleases God?

In Revelation 8:3–4 (NIV), we read about incense being offered with the prayers of the saints:

“Another angel… was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all God’s people… The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of God’s people, went up before God…”

Only the prayers of the saints those who have been made holy through faith in Christ (1 Corinthians 1:2) are accepted on God’s altar. God does not receive worship from those who live in unrepentant sin.

“The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright pleases him.”
Proverbs 15:8 (NIV)

“If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.”
Psalm 66:18 (NIV)

Beware of Lukewarm Christianity

God abhors half-hearted commitment. In Revelation 3:15–16 (NIV), Jesus speaks to the church in Laodicea:

“I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm neither hot nor cold I am about to spit you out of my mouth.”

Claiming to be a Christian while living in open sin (drunkenness, immorality, pride, rebellion, vanity, etc.) is not just hypocritical it is spiritually dangerous. Just like Nadab and Abihu, such people risk provoking God’s holy anger.

True Worship Requires True Conversion

If you have not been born again if your life hasn’t changed, your desires haven’t been transformed, and you’re still walking in darkness then you haven’t truly come to Christ. The first step toward acceptable worship is repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out…”
Acts 3:19 (NIV)

After repentance comes baptism, as Jesus commanded in Mark 16:16 and as practiced in Acts 2:38.

A Call to Examine Ourselves

Before we offer anything to God whether it’s a song, a prayer, an offering, or a ministry we must examine ourselves:

• Are we truly born again?
• Are we walking in holiness?
• Are we following His Word or our own traditions?
• Are we worshiping in spirit and truth or offering strange fire?

Let us not take God’s holiness lightly. Let us not bring Him what we think is acceptable, but what He has commanded. Just like with electricity, the wrong connection in worship can be fatal. But when we walk in obedience, our worship becomes a pleasing aroma before His throne.

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God this is your true and proper worship.”
Romans 12:1 (NIV)

May God open our eyes and teach us to worship Him in Spirit and in Truth.

Be blessed.

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Understanding the work of the Holy Spirit today is challenging for many Christians just as it was for the Jews to grasp the full ministry of Jesus Christ in His time. The Jews anticipated the Messiah primarily as a political king, focusing on passages like

Isaiah 9:6 (ESV)”For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder…

“while overlooking other important prophecies. When Jesus arrived as the suffering Servant the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world (Isaiah 53) they missed the deeper purpose and rejected Him as the Messiah (see John 1:11).

As believers today, we understand the Messiah will ultimately reign in glory like King David (cf. 2 Samuel 7:12-16), bringing salvation and deliverance from spiritual enemies.

In a similar fashion, many Christians today equate the Holy Spirit primarily with speaking in tongues (glossolalia), often neglecting the breadth of His work in the church and His unfolding purpose for this age. The Holy Spirit is not limited to one manifestation; He is actively working in multiple ways, especially in the end times.

Today, we explore the multifaceted ministry of the Holy Spirit, particularly His activity during the last church age.

The Seven Spirits of God

In Revelation 1:4 (NIV) John writes:
“John, To the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne…”

The “seven spirits” mentioned here are often misunderstood. God is Spirit (John 4:24) and has one Holy Spirit, but this passage symbolizes sevenfold aspects or ministries of the Holy Spirit a fullness and completeness of His work (cf. Isaiah 11:2, where the Spirit of the Lord is described as having seven qualities: wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, fear of the Lord, and delight in the fear of the Lord).

These seven spirits correspond to the seven churches described in Revelation chapters 2 and 3, representing different stages of church history. Biblically, we understand we are now in the seventh and final church age Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22), which began approximately in 1906, coinciding with the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements.

This seventh spirit signifies the final outpouring of the Holy Spirit before Christ’s return.

The First and the Last: Strength and Significance

In Scripture, the first and last stages of a process are often the most significant and powerful whether it’s the foundation and finishing of a building or the start and finish of a race (Hebrews 12:1-2). Similarly, the Holy Spirit’s activity was powerful at Pentecost (the first church) and will be powerful again in the Laodicean church age, but in a unique and intensified way.

The early church experienced great signs and wonders (Acts 2:1-4; Acts 19:11-12 (ESV)). However, after the apostolic age, many of these miraculous gifts diminished as the Spirit worked differently through the ages (1 Corinthians 13:8-10), and many gifts seemed to disappear from view in subsequent church history.

The Restoration of the Gifts

In Laodicea, starting around 1906, we see a restoration of apostolic gifts and power, marking the return of the sevenfold Spirit’s manifestations. This includes gifts like prophecy, healing, tongues, and miracles, confirming that the Holy Spirit is preparing the church for the final phase of His work (cf. Ephesians 4:11-13).

Yet, this revival also brought confusion, false prophets, and exploitation of spiritual gifts for personal gain (2 Peter 2:1-3), reminding us to discern carefully.

The Special Outpouring on Faithful Servants

A crucial distinction is made in Joel 2:28-32 (ESV):

“And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit. And I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and columns of smoke.”

Here, God promises a general outpouring of the Spirit on all believers, empowering them with prophecy, dreams, and visions. This outpouring is universal for all who believe.

However, the greater, more extraordinary outpouring is reserved for God’s faithful servants both men and women who will perform wonders and miracles as signs to prepare the world for the coming of the Lord. This second outpouring is characterized by supernatural phenomena unprecedented since the times of Moses and Elijah (cf. Exodus 7-11; 2 Kings 2).

The Purpose of These Signs

These signs will not be for show, fame, or profit as is often the case with false prophets (Matthew 7:15-20; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15). Instead, they will serve to:

• Confirm God’s presence with His faithful servants
• Draw back the genuine remnant of believers who have been confused by false teachings
• Prepare the way for Christ’s imminent return

Are you saved? Are you one of God’s faithful servants, ready to receive this special outpouring of the Spirit?

The time is near. Serve the Lord with faithfulness today, so when this final outpouring arrives, if you are alive, you will be part of this powerful work. We are called to serve God according to the gifts He has given us (1 Peter 4:10-11).

Let us seek the Holy Spirit earnestly and align our lives with His plans, living according to God’s will here on earth.

Shalom.

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Let’s begin by reading a little earlier in the passage to get context:

2 Corinthians 12:2-4 (NIV)
“I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know God knows. And I know that this man whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows was caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell.”

Paul is clearly referring to a mystical, supernatural experience either a vision or a spiritual journey where he was caught up beyond the earthly realm to the “third heaven,” a Jewish term for God’s dwelling place (cf. 2 Corinthians 12:2). The “third heaven” is distinguished from the first heaven (sky) and the second heaven (space or realm of celestial bodies). Here, Paul describes hearing “inexpressible things” (Greek: alogēta, meaning “unspeakable” or “indescribable”) that he was forbidden to reveal to others. The phrase “no one is permitted” (Greek: ouk exestin) underscores the holiness and mystery of these revelations some divine truths are so sacred they cannot be shared.

The concept of things being “not permitted” or “forbidden” appears elsewhere in Scripture, emphasizing moral and covenantal boundaries:

Genesis 34:7 (NIV)
“When Jacob’s sons heard what had happened, they were deeply distressed and very angry because their sister had been treated in a way that was forbidden among the Israelites.”

In this case, “forbidden” (Hebrew: lo yezul) relates to God’s moral law and the sanctity of the family covenant. The violation angered Jacob’s sons because it broke God’s ethical standards for His people.

The idea of “not permitted” has both doctrinal and ethical dimensions in the Christian life. Spiritually, certain divine mysteries and heavenly revelations are guarded by God’s sovereignty and holiness, as Paul experienced. Ethically, believers are called to live lives separated from sin and worldly passions. The New Testament calls Christians to holiness because God is holy (1 Peter 1:15-16).

For the believer who is “born again,” it is not permitted (i.e., contrary to God’s will and moral order) to:

• Love the world in a way that rejects God (1 John 2:15-17)
• Continue living in habitual sin and indulgence (Romans 6:1-2)
• Engage in blasphemy, theft, deceit, sexual immorality, drunkenness, or idolatry (Galatians 5:19-21)
• Associate closely with unbelievers in ways that compromise faith (2 Corinthians 6:14-17)

Instead, believers are called to pursue holiness actively:

Hebrews 12:14 (NIV)
“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.”

Holiness is not optional it is essential to seeing and experiencing God. This means a daily commitment to purity, obedience, and faithfulness, taking up one’s cross to follow Jesus (Luke 9:23).

• Paul’s “not permitted” words reflect sacred divine mysteries reserved by God.
• Scripture consistently emphasizes boundaries that protect God’s people morally and spiritually.
• Christians must live lives set apart, reflecting God’s holiness in thought, word, and deed.

May the Lord bless and strengthen us in our walk of holiness.

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