This Psalm opens with an exuberant call to all the earth to shout joyfully to God and sing the glory of His name. The psalmist invites everyone to witness and celebrate the wondrous works that God has done. The themes of praise and thanksgiving resonate throughout the psalm, emphasizing God’s mighty deeds and faithfulness. This Psalm is a compelling expression of gratitude and awe, encouraging believers to recount God’s faithfulness and to lift up songs of praise. It reflects on God’s sovereignty over creation and history, inviting all people to join in proclaiming His greatness and giving Him the honour He deserves.
Tag: god
Jehu’s Reign of Terror – (2 Kings 9&10)
Jehu ruled over Israel for a substantial twenty-eight years, under the impression that he was serving God. However, it’s likely that he spent those twenty-eight years distancing himself from God by adopting worldly customs. We must avoid this pitfall and not squander our lives pretending to do God’s work while our hearts scarcely comprehend God’s will.
The True Calling
The notion of individuals devoting themselves entirely to God’s service has gained attention. Some claim to have abandoned their previous occupations to serve God unremittingly. However, the reality is not as straightforward. Even those dedicated to full-time ministry must seek financial support to sustain themselves. They often resort to minimal employment to further their theological studies.
Consequently, individuals who have supposedly committed their lives entirely to God find themselves preoccupied with stabilizing their livelihoods, leaving scant time for actual service. Furthermore, they are beset by family issues, opposition, and internal doubt regarding their decision. It is a common misconception to equate an individual’s capabilities and status as prerequisites for serving God, overlooking the fact that God can utilise anyone or anything to manifest His glory.
A Lamp for David – (2 Kings 8)
In ancient times, famines occurred frequently due to the persistent pursuit of evil by the people. While these periodic famines briefly softened their hearts, they resumed their previous ways after surviving due to God’s grace. In one such famine, Elisha was aware of God’s plan to send famine and warned the Shunammite woman (the one who had been blessed with a son), to leave her possessions and take her family to the land of the Philistines until the famine abated. Upon her return seven years later, she discovered that a neighbour had seized her land. During a famine, sustenance becomes invaluable, and any unoccupied land would naturally be highly coveted.
Fact Check
With the proliferation of various social media platforms, rumours and fake news have spread widely. Many well-intentioned individuals dedicate their time to fact check and only then enlighten the public with accurate information. Despite their best efforts, misinformation has deeply influenced the majority of people, rendering the process of fact-checking ineffective. Moreover, fact-checking is often carried out in accordance with societal norms, raising questions about the reliability of news delivered through various communication channels. Without a standardised code of conduct to assess the authenticity of news, it remains challenging to ascertain the truth.
A Disaster from the LORD – (2 Kings 6&7)
The fragile peace between Israel and Aram proved to be fleeting, as the king of Aram initiated a military campaign to seize control of Samaria by laying siege to the city. The siege was strategically planned to block the supply of food and water from the surrounding land, as farms and water sources were typically located outside the city gates. By surrounding the city with his military forces, the king of Aram made it impossible for the Israelites to access harvest or water sources.
The people of Samaria were left with only the food supplies within the city and the wells enclosed by the city walls. Thus, the king of Aram simply needed to wait out the starving Israelites until they eventually surrendered. However, the king of Israel failed to comprehend the severity of the famine or make any efforts to identify the root cause of the LORD’s anger until he was informed of a harrowing account by a woman.
The Reason for Delay
In today’s bustling world, people often struggle to find time to take care of themselves, leading to a reliance on automation to save time. Even in the food industry, convenience has taken precedence, making cooking quick and easy. Surprisingly, well-known restaurant chains depend on instant and frozen food items to satisfy their customers’ hunger.
These modern developments have led us to perceive traditional cooking methods as time-consuming, yet the shortcuts we take only create the illusion of saving time. Similarly, we are accustomed to seeking instant solutions, often expecting God to implement automation in solving the problems they encounter. However, it is important to remember that God has created everything according to His will and has automated the system to run within His predetermined time frame.
Elisha Turns the Other Cheek – (2 Kings 6)
Never before in Israel had there been a case where the opposing army, who had arrived seeking blood, were not only set free but were also sent away with full bellies from a banquet. By feeding and releasing the Arameans, Elisha demonstrated one of the earliest instances of practicing the principle preached by Jesus about turning the other cheek. Can we practice the same in our lives and let the glory be redirected to God in all our victories?
Good Things Of The House Of God – Psalm 65
Charles Spurgeon observed this about the uncommon pairing of Psalm and Song for this composition: “The Hebrew calls it a Shur and Mizmor”. This Psalm, while observed in a literary sense, is important to note for its significance. The initial portion of the Psalm follows the typical pattern of God using the Psalmist to prophesy the mysteries of His kingdom, while the second portion is a song of admiration for God, celebrating His wonderful and incomparable creations. When we are feeling spiritually and physically drained, God guides us to convey His message through us. Simultaneously, this Psalm serves as a reminder to contemplate the marvels of God’s creations, especially in times of distress or disillusionment caused by those around us.
The Cleansing of Naaman – (2 Kings 5)
The Israelites found themselves in a constant state of conflict with the Arameans, and in their latest encounter, the LORD granted the Arameans victory over their long-standing adversaries. Naaman, as the commander of the Arameans, was recognized for his role in orchestrating the battles that secured the Syrian empire’s triumph over their ancient foe. This elevated Naaman’s standing among his fellow countrymen and his king. Yet, unbeknownst to many, it was God who held ultimate control and was about to use Naaman as His witness in both nations.
A Protection From The Conspirers – Psalm 64
We live in a world full of deception, and when we fall victim to it, we seek redress. Every marketing company operates a customer care center to address the grievances of their customers. Governments have judicial systems in place to address the complaints of the common people. The police safeguard individuals from theft and protect their lives when they are in danger. Social activists work to empower the disenfranchised, enlighten them about their rights, and advocate on their behalf. However, despite these resources, some individuals choose not to seek help through these channels and continue to bemoan their plight, feeling unworthy of their place on this earth.
The Man of God – (2 Kings 4)
During one of the most challenging periods in Israel’s history, neither kings of the northern nor southern kingdoms wanted to pursue the will of God, Elisha was chosen to carry the message of God to the masses. Yet, because his predecessor (Elijah) did not formally anoint him in the presence of his countrymen, there would have been apprehensions with regard to Elisha’s credentials as the man of God. However, the following events that revealed the power that God had bestowed upon Elisha, laid to rest all doubts about the calling of the prophet hailing from the small town of Abel Meholah.
The Last Hour
Humans have the ability to draw in life-giving breath through their nostrils without fully comprehending when they will exhale it. According to scripture, God breathed life into Adam’s nostrils, granting him life. The cycle of inhalation and exhalation will one day come to an end, with the scripture proclaiming that our breath will return to our Creator (Ecclesiastes 12:7). Furthermore, no one can predict the hour of their departure (Ecclesiastes 9:12). Even those on their deathbed, while aware that the end is near, cannot pinpoint the exact moment of their last breath. Although doctors may advise loved ones to prepare, many assume stability and depart, not knowing the exact hour of their end.
Conquering The Lies – Psalm 63
In this psalm, titled “A Psalm of David when he was in the wilderness of Judah,” David reflects on the time he spent as a fugitive living in the wilderness. Despite his eventual ascent to the throne, his experiences in the wilderness, including a period of exile due to Absalom’s rebellion, were instrumental in teaching him that the love of God surpasses all worldly pursuits. This serves as a timeless lesson, as many today are consumed by the pursuit of worldly pleasures, whereas David found solace in the wilderness, embracing the love of God.
The Harpist and the River of Blood – (2 Kings 3)
The Israelites and the Moabites shared a complex history, and yet a period of peace prevailed during Ahab’s reign. Mesha, the king of Moab, was granted permission to raise sheep for the kingdom in exchange for a tribute of a hundred thousand lambs and a hundred thousand rams’ wool. However, following Ahab’s death, Mesha, tired of the burden of the tribute, rebelled against Ahab’s son, Joram, the new king of Israel, exacerbating the animosity between the two nations.
Helping Others In Secret
It is a common phenomenon for individuals to assist others in order to enhance their public image and promote their businesses. Some people offer help with the intention of influencing others and cease their assistance if they are unable to exert this influence. Others help in the expectation of receiving something in return, such as…
Trust God – Love People – Psalm 62
Young individuals nowadays encounter considerable obstacles in forging their careers, perceiving the world as an intensely competitive environment. Professionals in the business sphere frequently employ diverse analogies to underscore the significance of investing resources such as money, skills, and time judiciously. Simultaneously, individuals from various backgrounds engage in fierce competition to obtain the latest technologies and enhance their standard of living. Nevertheless, it is crucial to reflect on the following: What is the origin of this culture of competition?
A Forceful Transmission – (2 Kings 1&2)
Elijah believed he was the sole prophet of God, yet as we see during his farewell tour, he had contemporaries. God’s work continued despite his weariness. Elisha was handpicked by God to replace Elijah with the latter tasked with anointing the former as his successor. However, there appears to have been reluctance on Elijah’s part to pass the baton to his protégé. How will we respond when God asks us to step aside to promote one of our protégés? Will we willingly submit to God’s will, or will our hesitance trigger a forceful transmission?
God Of Generations – Psalm 61
There are moments when we feel unheard because we do not receive the answers we yearn for. However, God hears and discerns our prayers before we even voice them, responding in His own time. In this Psalm, David articulates a sense of unmet requests and implores God to heed his prayer. It is imperative to exalt God above all else when presenting our grievances, instead of equating Him with mortal beings and sharing our concerns with both humans and God. It takes considerable time for individuals to realize the error of confiding their weaknesses in their fellow men. Unfortunately, at times, we constrain our relationship with Him, treating Him merely as an auxiliary to whom we delegate tasks. There are those who do not even consider whether their prayers are acknowledged or overlooked, departing as soon as they have presented their supplications from His presence.
An Unholy Alliance – (1 Kings 22)
Jehoshaphat had aligned himself with the king of Israel and was even willing to pledge his loyalty when they went to war with the king of Aram. Like his father Asa, Jehoshaphat did everything right in the eyes of the LORD. He even sent his officials and Levites to the towns of Judah to educate them about the Torah. During his reign, the fear of the LORD fell on all the kingdoms surrounding Judah and none of them dared mount an attack against them. Even the Philistines who were Israel’s oldest foe, brought gifts such as gold and silver as tribute. Yet, in aligning himself with Ahab, he had acted foolishly by not consulting God.
Carry Each Other’s Burdens
Paul emphasized in his letter to the Galatians the importance of supporting one another to fulfil the teachings of our Lord. This raises the question of whether it is necessary for us to assist others, or if we have the capability to bear the burdens of others. Additionally, considering that Jesus has already shouldered the burdens of all individuals through His sacrifice on the cross, is it appropriate for us to do so as well? Jesus instructed His followers to carry their own crosses and walk in His footsteps, reinforcing this notion by remarking that each day presents enough challenges of its own. Given these teachings, what exactly does it mean to carry one another’s burden?
The Pen is Mightier than the Sword- (1 Kings 21)
The king desired the vineyard of his neighbour, Naboth, for use as his vegetable garden. In return, he proposed offering Naboth a vineyard of superior worth in a different location or providing payment for the vineyard. The king was expanding his palace compound, and typically such requests would have been granted by the commoners in exchange for a price exceeding the fair market value of the land.
The Lord Does Not Delay His Promise
When we confide in those who do not know or follow God, they may feel overwhelmed, assuming we seek their support and advice to overcome our distressing circumstances. As a result, the varied suggestions from those we involve in our problems contradict each other, adding to our torment. It is as if we easily ignite a fire in the forest, but struggle to extinguish it. Similarly, we inflate our problems within ourselves, and when they spiral out of control, we become perplexed and blame God for His perceived delay in fulfilling His promises.
The God of the Hills and the Valleys – (1 Kings 20)
One day, the king of Aram, Ben-Hadad, supported by a coalition of thirty-two rulers, marshalled his entire military force and laid siege to Samaria, the capital of the northern kingdom. Ahab found himself in a position of relative powerlessness in the face of the formidable army assembled by the Aramean ruler. Ben-Hadad dispatched emissaries to Ahab, demanding that all of Ahab’s possessions, including his wealth, the best of his wives and his children, be surrendered and recognized as the rightful property of Ben-Hadad. Ahab was left with no recourse but to comply, and he communicated to the Aramean king accordingly.
On the Run – (1 Kings 19)
After the showdown at Mount Carmel, Elijah was riding the high of having disposed of the prophets of baal from the country. So it came as a shock to him that even after witnessing the miraculous downpour that ended the famine, the hearts of the Israelites still did not turn towards God. To make matters worse, Ahab had informed Jezebel about how Elijah had slaughtered the priests of her father’s nation. The jilted queen vowed to remove the constant thorn, that was Elijah, by having him killed in the same manner as he killed the prophets of baal.
Do Not Grieve The Holy Spirit
The primary responsibility of the Holy Spirit is to introduce the Redeemer, Jesus, to all people on Earth. The Holy Spirit acquaints us with Jesus, who rescued us from the grasp of sin and saved us from eternal death. Then, the Spirit enables us to have faith in all that God has done to redeem us. Once this knowledge is imparted, the Spirit of God Himself dwells within us as a guardian of our salvation, to present us blameless in the presence of the Holy God, our Heavenly Father.
The Showdown at Mount Carmel – (1 Kings 18)
The entire land was gripped by a severe famine that persisted for nearly three years. It was not until the third year that the word of the LORD came to Elijah, instructing him to emerge from hiding and present himself to King Ahab. The famine had reached such devastating levels that Ahab had assigned a palace administrator to aid in rationing the food stock. Unbeknownst to the king, his palace administrator, Obadiah, was a steadfast worshipper of the LORD, providing sanctuary to the prophets whom his mistress Jezebel sought to eliminate. One day, Ahab called upon Obadiah to assess the land and locate areas with sufficient remaining grass to sustain the royal horses, warning that without such provisions, the animals would face slaughter.
The Man of God from Tishbe – (1 Kings 17)
Israel was devoid of a moral compass during the corrupt reign of king Ahab. So one day, God sent the prophet Elijah from Tishbe to Ahab’s court with His word warning, that there would be no rainfall until they changed their ways. This formidable drought led to a widespread famine in the region. Yet the occurrence of the drought exclusively in the northern kingdom (which had turned away from God and embraced Baal as their deity) served a purpose.
Is It Possible To Become Like Jesus?
Becoming like Jesus is an immensely challenging task for many individuals. Some individuals even consider the desire to become like Jesus as blasphemy, as they fail to comprehend the entirety of God’s love and instead approach Him with fear. Without experiencing His unconditional love, it becomes difficult for one to grasp the true intentions of God. Comparing the incredible love of God to the momentary and conditional love of people, many fail to fathom the depth and breadth of God’s love. Furthermore, the concept of becoming like Jesus may not even register in the minds of some people.
The Kings of the World – (1 Kings 15 & 16)
The kingdoms of Judah and Israel witnessed the rise and fall of monarchs, most of whom did not honour Yahweh. These kings were meant to reverse the actions of the previous rulers, but instead, they perpetuated their mistakes. Both kingdoms descended into a spiral of decline, with no single family maintaining the throne of Israel or Judah. Assassinations, coups, and betrayals became common occurrences. Amidst this chaos, the only constant was God’s unwavering love for His people and His steadfast advancement of His plan for their redemption.
Awake, My Soul – Psalm 57
If we consider the teachings from the Psalms of David, we discern the gravity of consistently tending to our soul. While many prioritize the desires of the flesh, David, in his Psalms, underscores the significance of caring for one’s soul. This is crucial because when we indulge our wrongful fleshly desires, knowingly or inadvertently, it inflicts harm upon our souls. Without prompt attention, our souls may wither. As the soul becomes dormant, our impure thoughts can overpower us, resulting in a significant deterioration of our spiritual well-being. Judas failed to tend to his soul when his greed for money smothered it, ultimately leading him to betray his Saviour.
Two Kingdoms at War with God – (1 Kings 14)
The reigns of both the kings of Israel and Judah were marked by God’s disapproval of their governance. After the demise of Solomon, both the monarchs of Israel and Judah engaged in malfeasance that brought upon them the wrath of God. Jeroboam, the ruler of the northern kingdom, ignored countless warnings from the LORD and carried on in his evil ways. Jeroboam lost his son because of his stubbornness to change from his evil ways. While Solomon’s son, Rehoboam, brought idol worship and other detestable practices of the pagan world to Judah. In doing so, he brought an end to Solomon’s dynasty as God tore away the kingdom of Judah from their hands.
Have Prophecies Ceased
In the book of Revelation in the Bible, prophecies concerning the Kingdom of God and His Second Coming are detailed. Being the final book of the Bible, the prophecies are brought to a conclusion. The lives of believers serve as a continuation of the New Testament, the successive pages of the book of Acts. Just as God expected the Jews to spread His love, He now expects His believers to extend His love to all people. Thus, it is crucial for believers to align themselves with God to comprehend His plans well in advance. Whenever believers fall short in this aspect, it seems that the prophecies come to a halt.
I Will Trust God When I Am Afraid – Psalm 56
David likely internalized this Psalm during his captivity by the Philistines in Gath. The circumstances may have prevented him from physically recording the Psalm at that time, but he later had the opportunity to do so. David found himself isolated in the court of Achish, the king of Gath. Despite seeking refuge, the situation took a turn as word spread of David’s triumphs against the Philistine army, altering the dynamics within the court.
The Lion, The Donkey and The Lying Prophet – (1 Kings 13)
To secure his throne, Jeroboam strategically built two key temples in his kingdom, one in the northernmost region of Dan and the other at Bethel which was bordered by the southern kingdom of Judah. He created rival holy places all over his kingdom, crafted golden calves as idols, established new festivals and even appointed non-Levitical priests. When he tried to replicate the consecration of the temple, God did not send His presence but sent a man from Judah to warn him to forego his evil ways.
Self Pity – A Scheme of Our Adversary
Identifying “Self Pity” within ourselves is challenging because we often perceive it as a justified act. Self-pity conceals itself behind the facade of spirituality and tempts us with superficial religious practices such as listening to spiritual songs, watching worship services, reading the Bible out of habit, depending on other’s prayers for healing, praising God by reading out from books of “Thousand Praises” compiled by a publishing house and reciting prayers without true conviction. Despite these spiritual disguises, one may struggle to recognize the presence of the sin of “self-pity” within them. These spiritual practices give them the satisfaction that they are pious and their acts are just. While many sins manifest when we observe them in the lives of others, “self-pity” cannot be easily discerned in this manner; instead, it tends to intensify in such situations.
A Breach Of Trust – Psalm 55
Many of us can relate to this Psalm, as we too have experienced the pain of being hurt by the actions of friends and family we trusted. Scholars suggest that this Psalm was compiled during Absalom’s rebellion, with David’s trusted counsellor Ahithophel being involved. However, David’s plea to God to deal with his enemies may not necessarily be directly related to Absalom. David did not mention anyone by name, so it can be understood as a universal experience of facing betrayal from those we trust.
A Nation Divided – (1 Kings 12)
After the passing of King Solomon, his son Rehoboam ascended to the throne of Israel, inheriting the immense responsibility and authority bestowed upon him. To coronate their new monarch, all of Israel assembled at Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, the place where they had renewed their covenant with God after entering the promised land. Unbeknownst to the king-elect, the people of Israel wanted to renegotiate the terms of another covenant, the one they had formed with his grandfather David.
Everyday is Special In Christ
We observe numerous festivals, designating certain days as special and others as inauspicious. The number thirteen is commonly regarded as unlucky. Our timekeeping is based on the movements of the Earth and planets, as well as the positions of the sun, moon, and stars. It is crucial to acknowledge the brevity of our lives, during which we often eschew days on the calendar due to the fear of misfortune. How many days, then, remain for us to relish this existence? Within this fleeting lifetime, we allocate a significant portion to anxiety and trepidation, yearning to escape. To transcend this tumultuous state, it is imperative to comprehend the ways of the Creator. Through this understanding, we can revel in every fleeting moment on this earthly planet as if it were a glimpse of paradise.
The LORD Raises Up Adversaries for Solomon – (1 Kings 11)
The downfall of Solomon as attributed by the authors of the Book of Kings seemed to be his love for foreign women. In order to maintain strategic ties with the neighbouring countries and to have control of the crucial trade routes, Solomon intermarried with the daughters of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians and Hittites all the tribes they were told to stay away from by God. This after he had already entered into relations with the king of Egypt by marrying his daughter. A country that enslaved his people and from whom the LORD freed his people in the most wondrous of ways. He had found a way to bring Israel back to the days of Egyptian influence.
At Liberty To Deny God- Psalm 53
The Psalmist expresses concern about atheists who deny the existence of God, as well as agnostics who choose not to engage with this topic. Neither the believers who claim the existence of God nor the non-believers who reject it can conclusively prove their positions. While the Psalmist attributes the corruption and vileness of people to their lack of belief, it is worth considering the hypocrisy of those who profess belief in God yet exhibit corrupt and immoral behavior. This suggests that only the true belief in the existence of God should naturally keep individuals away from corruption and sin.
Solomon’s Kingdom – (1 Kings 9 & 10)
Solomon displayed his wealth for the world to see and used his wisdom to garner the affection of even the most sceptic visiting dignitaries. However, when another king (Hezekiah) would do the same he was punished by God. Nevertheless, Solomon was allowed to gain fame for something God had given to him. Solomon was at peace with the entire world around him, probably because he had so willingly adopted their practices and married half the princesses of the pagan world. Solomon indeed attracted people because of his wisdom but they merely wanted to see the grandeur of his kingdom.
A Temple for the Name of the LORD – (1 Kings 8)
As the construction of the temple concluded, Solomon summoned the elders of Israel and the tribes’ leaders to bring up the ark of the LORD from Zion to Mount Moriah. The city was already in a celebratory mood as the festival of the Tabernacle was upon them. Solomon saw this as an opportunity to transport the ark to the temple he had built for the name of the LORD.
True Generosity
The holiday season is upon us, a time when people reflect on the year gone by and look forward to the new year. People are especially generous during this time of the year with many taking some time off from work to spend time with family members. Some volunteer at their local homeless shelter or donate their excess belongings to charities such as Goodwill. Some spend the holiday season preparing for the local church activities like carols and the nativity play. Mankind’s generosity knows no bounds during the holiday season but come January all is forgotten. In the hustle and bustle of people returning to their routines, people get over their ‘holiday spirit’ almost instantaneously.
A Christmas With Our Heavenly Father!
The Scriptures state that even before the creation of this world, God predestined the sacrifice of His only Son to save all people from eternal death. “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves” (Ephesians 4:6). This passage reveals that God, driven by His pleasure and will, orchestrated these events. As we celebrate Christmas with great joy and enthusiasm, it is important to set aside those who have commercialised this festival and focus on ourselves, who partake in its rituals.
The Temple and the Palace – (1 Kings 5, 6 & 7)
Solomon’s reign as king over Israel, though started with bloodshed, experienced the longest peacetime in Israel. Nearly half of his reign of forty years was spent in constructing two separate buildings, one was the temple of the LORD and the other the king’s palace. Solomon wanted to accomplish all of his father’s desires. He had…
Solomon’s Wisdom (1 Kings 3 & 4)
Solomon had mixed pagan cultures into his worship, perhaps, in an attempt to follow the traditions of his many wives. In the book of Deuteronomy (chapter 17), Moses spoke about a day when Israel would have its own king. He had warned that the king of Israel should exhibit a stark difference in governance from the rulers of the surrounding kingdom. The king should not seek to make himself wealthy or accumulate wives as trophies. The king should also never return to Egypt, the land that held the Israelites captive for many years. These among others were key for Israel and their leaders, to set themselves apart from the other nations, however, Solomon did not adhere to any of Moses’ instructions.
Solomon Establishes his Throne (1 Kings 2)
David was on his deathbed when Solomon became the king of Israel. However, before handing the reins over to Solomon, David had a few words of advice and caution that he wanted to pass on to his son. He asked Solomon to “observe what the LORD requires” and to walk in His ways keeping His…
A Struggle for Power (1 Kings 1)
Written probably during the days of Israel’s Babylonian exile, the Book of Kings would have served as a reminiscent account of their homeland for the people in captivity. While the author of the book is unknown, some believe that it might be the contemporary prophets of each king who recorded the events described in this book. There seems to be a disconnect from the previous book of Samuel, as there are huge chunks of unaccounted periods from David’s forty-year reign. While in the Book of Samuel, David was in his prime and adding valiant men to his collection of mighty warriors, the Book of Kings, starts with David on his deathbed.
Back to Eden (Revelation 21 & 22)
In his final vision, John saw a new heaven and the earth emerge as the old ones had hidden themselves from the presence of God (Revelation 20:11). Along with the former heavens and the earth, the sea too had no purpose as evil can no longer be found after God’s Final Judgement. The sea is…
Thank Offerings Honour God – Psalm 50
This Psalm, attributed to the musician Asaph, emphasizes the idea that engaging in the service of God enables personal growth and a deeper understanding of His holiness. This musician, who previously composed music for David’s verses, now conveys a message about God’s ways, illustrating that being solely a musician does not limit one’s capacity to…
The Final Judgement (Revelation 19 & 20)
In his penultimate series of visions, John saw the heavens open up, and from it, there emerged a white horse carrying the Rider. While the name of this Rider is not known to anyone, He is described by His qualities, such as being faithful and true. The vision of the Rider on a white warhorse…
Our Role In Forgiving Others
According to the law of God, the consequence of sin is death, which results in eternal damnation for all souls. However, out of His boundless love, God made a decision to fulfill His law in order to rescue us from this fate. It is important to note that God did not manipulate or nullify His…
Our First Fruits
In the Old Testament, bringing first fruits to the Lord was a practice that symbolized gratitude, acknowledgement and trust in God’s provision. It was a way for individuals to offer the first and best of their harvest or income as an act of thanksgiving. By giving the first fruits, people recognized God’s sovereignty over all…
You Will Do Greater Things Than These – John 14:12
It is often the aspiration of a father to elevate his children beyond his own standing. Even parents lacking formal education do not wish for their children to remain illiterate, so they make great efforts to enrol them in reputable schools to ensure their literacy. Similarly, educated individuals consistently strive to provide their children with…
City Of The Lord – Psalm 48
The psalm at hand, attributed to the sons of Korah, offers a unique perspective within the collection of Psalms. While typically characterized by petitions and acknowledgements of God’s response to prayers, this particular psalm deviates in its focus. From the very beginning, it is dedicated to glorifying the Almighty, earning it the title of “A…
Unless A Kernel Of Wheat Dies – John 12:24
In Scripture, Jesus encourages His followers to draw nearer to His Father. He graciously extends His Sonship to all, so that we may address the Almighty God as our Abba, our Father. God sent His Son to be our elder brother, sharing with us all that He knows about His Father and His glorious Kingdom….
The Bittersweet Scroll (Revelation 10)
In a spy movie, when the protagonist is given a new mission, they are told to memorize the instructions and destroy the note by eating it. When the angel gave John the little scroll, he was told to not only swallow its contents but prophecy it to the masses. Ezekiel had a similar experience when he was asked to eat the scroll given to him by God (Ezekiel 3:3). By eating the scroll, John accepted his mission and would prophesy about many peoples, nations, languages and kings.
A Scene Of Desolation And Ruin – Psalm 46
When contemplating the character of God, we often associate it with blessings, abundance, and prosperity. Conversely, we tend to associate destitution and suffering with darkness, malevolent forces, or even the concept of evil. It is rare for anyone to link the Creator with destruction. Consequently, when faced with unexpected catastrophes, our pursuit of happiness is…
Defusing The Power Of Sin
Sin and the devil are often conflated, but they are separate concepts. In essence, sin refers to the act of succumbing to our wicked desires and transgressing against the will of God. On the other hand, the devil preys upon those who engage in sinful behaviour. Regrettably, people frequently attribute their own actions against God,…
A Celestial Wedding Song – Psalm 45
The King mentioned in this Psalm does not align with any historical Israelite monarchy. However, the references to gifts from Tyre establish a connection between Solomon and the Psalm, as Hiram, the King of Tyre, provided materials for Solomon’s temple. With this in mind, some scholars associate this Psalm with Solomon’s wedding to an Egyptian…
The Last Will Be The First
The statement, “The last will be the first”, appears to be incongruous with societal norms when viewed from the perspective of renowned scholars. In today’s fiercely competitive world, striving to be the foremost in all endeavours has become ingrained in the minds of many. To understand the meaning of last becoming first, it is essential…
Salvation is for Everyone
The teachings of the Bible remind us of our inherent humanity and the imperfections we all possess. Scripture emphasizes the importance of acknowledging our shortcomings and receiving forgiveness through the grace of God. One notable parable involves a Pharisee and a tax collector, illustrating the humility and repentance necessary for spiritual growth. The apostle John…
Where Is Your God? – Psalm 42
Psalm 42 represents the introductory Psalm of the second book of the Psalms, which was co-authored by the sons of Korah. Despite the rebellion of Korah and his fellow leaders against the authority of Moses and Aaron, resulting in their demise, the lineage of Korah did not perish, as stated in Numbers 26:11. The sons…
Everyone Did As They Saw Fit (Judges 21)
The aftermath of the civil war rendered the remaining men of Benjamin devoid of spouses, endangering the very survival of their tribe. Compounding this dire situation was the unwavering reluctance of other tribes to offer their daughters in marriage to the six hundred Benjamites, who had sought refuge in the desolate wilderness of Rimmon.
Authoring An Unwavering Faith
In the Old Testament, parents taught their children about God’s miracles, passing down knowledge through generations. This led to a belief that God would perform miracles in their own lives. The victories of their ancestors served as examples of overcoming enemies. Over time, descendants relied on signs and objects, such as the Ark of the…
A Civil War (Judges 20)
After receiving the dreadful parcel, the entire nation of Israel, spanning from the northernmost region of Dan to the southern border of Judah, gathered at Mizpah. However, the tribe of Benjamin refrained from participating in this assembly.
The Never-Ending Love Of God
The whole Scripture reveals the incredible love of God to the world. After understanding the truth that God loves us, do we love Him? Even after becoming His children, we do not love God. Most of us may deny this, assuming that we love God. But when we do not hate sin, it indicates that we do not love God. Even after knowing this, God still loves us to the end. It is bewildering to know that God never ends His love, but it is we who reject it. Jesus leaves the ninety-nine and chases the one running away from Him.
A Broken Moral Compass (Judges 19)
In the Benajimite town of Gibeah, the Levite and his wife could not find any lodging as the people were not as hospitable as he had imagined. However, there was an old farm worker who took pity on them and offered his place for the couple to spend the night. The old man was also from the hill country of Ephraim and that was grounds enough for him to invite the Levite and his concubine to spend the night with him. Perhaps, the old man had the foresight about the evil present in the men of Gibeah and did not want the travellers spending the night in the town square. this incident is eerily similar to the scene at the town square of Sodom when Lot offered accommodations to the LORD’s angels.
The Danites Relocate (Judges 17&18)
Religions and denominations have given the people a worship order that is moulded according to their convenience. When God brought the recent pandemic to remind people that they do not religion to connect with Him, the religious leaders doubled down on the need for organized worship. Again and again, we continue to defy God when we keep holding on to our idols be it the silver ones that Micah crafted or the leaders we are ready to follow instead of listening to God’s voice.
Revenge, A Dish Best Not Served (Judges 16)
Samson was the last judge during a tumultuous period in Israel’s history but God had a plan for Israel even through these Judges. God wanted the Israelites to realise that no matter who ruled over them, He was in total control. He wanted to show that He is the only one they would need but the Israelites kept chasing after human leaders. The Israelites accepted the forefathers, Moses, the Judges, the kings, the prophets and even the Jewish temple leaders as their rulers but they never accepted God as their leader. The purpose of bringing the Israelites into this new land was for them to rejoin the fellowship with God like it had been in the garden but the people kept moving away from His presence as everyone did according to what they saw fit. Let us learn from the shortcomings of the Israelites and forego chasing after mortal leaders and rejoin our fellowships with the one true God.
Vows – To Be Or Not To Be?
Psalm 15 enumerates some probable deeds that keep us near God. This Psalm motivates us to fulfil our oath, even when it hurts or brings us loss, as an eligibility criterion to dwell with God. After taking an oath, if a person knows that fulfilling it will affect him, he should not change his mind….
A Thorn in the Side of the Philistines (Judges 14-15)
After Samson had come of age, he sought to marry a young Philistine woman whom he had met in Timnah, a city twenty miles east of Jerusalem. Even after the objections of his father and mother, Samson was adamant in his pursuit of the young woman who he had fallen in love with. Samson was chosen to be the deliverer of his people even before his birth and was under a Nazarite vow that forbids unions with pagan worshippers. His parents were not keen on this alliance and tried their best to persuade Samson to marry one of the girls from his own tribe. but what his parents did not realise was God would use this opportunity to confront the oppressors of His people and make Samson a constant thorn in the side of the Philistines. Our God works through our mistakes in ways we can’t even imagine. Though Samson was carrying out the desires of his heart by marrying the Philistine woman, God still used him to bring down the Philistine army.
A Nazirite for God (Judges 13)
The twelfth judge of Israel came from the tribe of Dan, born in the town of Zorah. Back then, the Danites were settled in the southern part of the kingdom and shared their borders with Philistia. The continuous abandonment of everything that was moral, led the Israelites to be subjected to their old foe. The LORD delivered them into the hand of the Philistines for forty years before raising a deliverer from the most unexpected source. No Judge or deliverer of Israel had ever come from the modest tribe of Dan. But that was about to change as God himself chose the unborn child of Manoah and his wife to bring Israel out of its latest misery.
Jephthah and his Gang of Scoundrels (Judges 10-12)
When we confront the forces of this world with the power of God we must lean on His understanding and wisdom rather than making our own assumptions. Failure to do so will not only dilute the word of God but also make others think that it is on par with the manmade cultures of this world.
The Parable of the Thornbush – Judges 9
God allowed the reign of Abimelek to continue for three years before it started self-imploding. God is working according to His own plans and has set a time for everything. There was time for Israel to repent and a time for them to endure the consequences of their actions. A time for us to come closer to God, a time for us to move away from his grace and protection. The people got what they wanted when Abimelek forcibly became the king but evil cannot be subsided without the fear of God. None of the people in this chapter display the slightest adherence to God’s will for His people and thereby suffer through the consequences of their actions.
God Lifts Us Up – Psalm 40
This Psalm helps us reminisce about the days we lived without God to appreciate life after salvation.
The Fall of Gideon – Judges 8
Gideon assumed that their cause would be lauded with the same exhilaration as it had been accepted in the regions west of Jordan. But the eastern tribes shared boundaries with the Midianites and the other eastern countries that were raiding Israel. They had more to lose if the Midianite reinforcements were able to defeat the short-lived Israelite uprising. There was already a shortage of food in the land and they did not want to lose their supply over an unworthy cause.
For the LORD and for Gideon – Judges 7
The LORD knew that Israelites would count the victory as theirs if they had the slightest confidence in their own numbers. He used a barebones version of Israel’s army to rout the mightiest of forces leaving no doubt in anyone’s mind that He is the one in control. But people still found a way to redirect their gratitude towards a mortal vessel that God had used to deliver them.
The Man They Called Jerub-Baal – Judges 6
We often question God for the heartaches and grief in our lives without fully understanding His will. God wants us to come to Him with these questions rather than festering them up in our minds and fading away from His presence. Gideon was right to ask God for a reason for his misfortunes but he was also ready to accept God’s solution. Many a time we crib to God about our plights but seldom do we act on His guidance to come out of our problems.
How To Begin Our Faith Walk?
God’s ways of dealing are new every morning, and people cannot understand them. People need precedence in everything to trust and obey. God does explain to us before He accomplishes His will, yet He ignites our faith to do His will in our daily walk of life.
Jael & Barak – Judges 4 & 5
On the outskirts of Kedesh, Hebner the Kenite had pitched his tent as he was on good terms with the king of Hazor, Jabin. Jael was the wife of Barak, literally a nobody and not even part of any of the tribes of Israel, who brought down the army of Sisera and helped Israel overcome the mighty Canaanites.
The First Three – Judges 3
It is strange to see a whole generation grow up not knowing anything about God. The Israelites loved their traditions and festivals and the festival of Passover would have been religiously followed each year. Families would get together over the Passover meal as the elders would recount the adventures of their ancestors in the desert and how the LORD would constantly bring them out of the brink of annihilation. However, for some strange reason, this new generation did not feel connected with their Maker. Not only did they abandon their own relationship with God but they were responsible for the children not knowing God as well. They were easily influenced by the pagan nations around them and descended into a downward spiral of sin and corruption. They replaced God with the traditions and festivals that surrounded them.
The LORD Raised Up Judges – Judges 1 & 2
It is strange to see a whole generation grow up not knowing anything about God. The Israelites loved their traditions and festivals and the festival of Passover would have been religiously followed each year. Families would get together over the Passover meal as the elders would recount the adventures of their ancestors in the desert and how the LORD would constantly bring them out of the brink of annihilation. However, for some strange reason, this new generation did not feel connected with their Maker. Not only did they abandon their own relationship with God but they were responsible for the children not knowing God as well. They were easily influenced by the pagan nations around them and descended into a downward spiral of sin and corruption. They replaced God with the traditions and festivals that surrounded them.
Judges – Introduction
The book exposes the downward Spiral of the Israelites and paints a picture to its readers of their lives without God. Whether we acknowledge it or not, our surroundings have a lasting effect on our belief system. Israel seamlessly blended in with its neighbours and at every opportunity chose to align itself with the pagan world than associate with the God of Heavens and the Earth. No sooner did they enter the promised land, the people forgot about everything that God had done for them and their ancestors during their journey through the wilderness.
I Never Knew You!
The Gospel of Matthew recorded the teaching of Jesus driving His servants away from Him, saying I never knew you. God loved us so much and gave His Son to us so that no one should perish but live eternally. God predestined us to call us His children and never forsakes us. Jesus is not ashamed to call us His brothers and Sisters. Then what makes Him say, “I never knew you”?
Experiencing The Wrath Of God – Psalm 38
While everyone wishes to enjoy the blessings of God, only a few are ready to experience His wrath too. Many believe that exposing the outcome of the wrath of God is a shame. Or knowing that God is not on our side, people will bounce on us from every angle. Especially our enemies will use this opportunity to destroy our image in our societies. Satan used Job’s wife on one such occasion to destroy the integrity of Job, but Job said You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God and not trouble (Job 2:10)? During the time of Job and David, the wrath of God bore the death penalty on their head, yet, they faced it boldly. But God enables us to stand in His presence by cleansing us with the blood of His Son. With this privilege, do we ever experience His wrath?
The Old And The New Covenant
Every three years latest models come on the market, and the old ones become obsolete. The company stops updating the software to its older models. People still go for those outdated smartphones at a lower price because they buy them to show their status to others. Who knows that they purchased it after the new one was released? As far as the buyers of the latest smartphones, they need the updates of the software daily to cope with their job requirements, etc. Though their old smartphones have become obsolete, every aspect of the old one is available in the new one.
In Remembrance of Him
Today we are participating in His Holy Communion, not in haste but at ease to remember and rejoice in the freedom God gave us from the clutches of sin through His Son, Jesus Christ. People celebrate the Passover once a year, but Jesus asks us to remember His New Covenant as often as we can. Jesus asks us to remember our Father and thank Him for His incredible love. To believers in Christ, it is a daily meal rather than a Last Supper.
The Keys Of The Kingdom
Seldom people are encouraged to help others constantly, but many discontinue doing good to others because of not getting a pleasant response. It can happen that the person whom we had helped might end up being our enemy today. Or the people who derived benefits from us to reach a higher level would have forgotten us.
Riches: Sign Of Salvation?
Despite the teachings through the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, the idea of connecting worldly blessings to spiritual blessings continues. James criticized the shepherds for giving importance to the wealthy group in the synagogues and the churches. Some affluent Corinthian Christians abused the Lord’s Supper by marginalizing poor Christians.
Do Not Be Provoked – Psalm 36
While Bible scholars consider Psalm 18 as the Psalm during the old age of the Psalmist, scholars attribute Psalm 36 to the young David. David was introduced as “the servant of God” in these Psalms. Because in both of these Psalms, David stopped listening to the provoking noises and started listening to the soothing voice…
Humbling Ourselves
John the Baptist desired that God must increase, but he must decrease. How far do our desires comply with John the Baptist? Even if we want to reduce ourselves, the humiliation attached to it does not allow us to accept our decline. We thereby resist our willingness to decrease ourselves and fight against our decline….
An Encouragement To The Desperate – Psalm 34
The title of this Psalm suggests that David wrote this Psalm after he pretended to be insane and escaped from the kingdom of Achish (Abimelek). Whenever we face critical situations, we lie instead of facing the truth. God expresses His displeasure about our lies in the book of Isaiah (Isaiah 28:15, 18&19) and speaks about…
A Comeback Story Of Fear
Many children of God still live in fear despite being delivered from the clutches of fear. To come out of this fear, we should be aware of the tricks of the evil one. Looking at the Old Testament, we see people living in terror all the time. Knowing how God has delivered us from those…
Through the Lens of the Creator – Psalm 33
During the period of this Psalm, there was hardly any written script to tell of the wondrous creation of God. Yet the Psalmist tries to capture the creative power of God by seeing all that has been created. The Psalmist unveils the creative hands of God in every visible object and attributes the power of…
The Road Map
A roadmap is a strategic plan that defines a goal or desired outcome and includes the necessary steps or milestones to reach it. It is a high-level document that helps articulate strategic thinking—the why—behind the goal and the plan for getting there. Among various roadmaps, the visionary roadmap visually represents the changes happening within us…
The Chosen People
We feel happy and proud when we understand that we are God’s chosen people. Feeling optimistic about this privilege leads to pride. Pride secludes us from the rest of the world, and we restrict the grace of God within a narrow circle of our fellow believers. The scripture tells us that pride goes before the…
The Confession – Psalm 32
Confessing sin is the outcome of trust. If we confess our sins, it implies that we trust God. Trusting a person will give us the confidence to tell them everything. A genuine confession is the first step towards receiving forgiveness from God. Confession replaces our guilt with peace. But people hesitate to confess their sins…
Love The Lord – Psalm 31
It is unclear as to when David wrote this Psalm because of his amalgamated expressions. David was a fugitive most of his life and even amidst his trouble, he often found peace in the presence of God. Jesus said to Martha, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory…
From the Courts to the Cross – Mark 15
Perhaps the fastest trial in the history of the Roman government, as the unprecedented nature of events left the Jewish rulers, the Roman government and the followers of Jesus in utter disbelief. Early in the morning, the entire body of the Sanhedrin gathered and made plans to kill Jesus. They bound Him up and took…
A Lacuna We Never Realize
None of us can say that we have received answers to all our prayers and solutions for all our problems. When our difficulties persist, sicknesses linger and people come against us, our faith shatters. We often think as the Psalmist, that I have kept my heart pure in vain and washed my hands in innocence…
An Unceasing Prayer
People prefer to watch television for hours together and are reluctant to spend time on prayer. While watching the television, even the thoughts about the inevitable pending jobs do not disrupt us. At the same time, we allow our thoughts to disrupt our prayers. Thoughts like, did we close the windows of our car, switched…
Quicksand
Quicksand is common and found most often where freshwater meets saltwater. It is a fluid made of sand mixed with water or air. It changes its viscosity in response to stress or vibration, making it easier to sink but harder to escape. The ground looks solid, but if we walk on it, the sand begins…
A Fact Check
There is a common belief among the believers of Jesus that following Jesus’ teaching is a difficult task. Many people accept difficulties as part of a believer’s life and think that the more they suffer in this world, the greater will their reward be in heaven. Many elders teach others that following or serving Jesus…
A Disguised King, A Baffled Necromancer and A Dead Prophet – 1 Samuel 28
As the Philistine army gathered their forces against the Israelites, Saul was perplexed and could not even decide his next move. The realisation that the days of his reign were numbered was dawning on him only now. When Samuel had prophesied about this day, he did not understand but seeing the enemy at his doorstep,…
Fool, Foil and Follies – 1 Samuel 25
Sandwiched between the two assassination opportunities of Saul that were presented to David, his encounter with Nabal and Abigail shows us a different side of him. Samuel was the one true ally that David had by his side as it was he who had anointed him as the king of Israel. After his death, David…
From Evildoers Come Evil Deeds – 1 Samuel 23 & 24
David and his men were hiding in Judah when word came to them that the Philistines were raiding the threshing floors of Keilah. Even though strategically Keilah was part of Judah, its close proximity to Philistine territory made it a frequent target for looters who would raid the town during the harvest season. When David…
A Not So Holy Mission – 1 Samuel 21 & 22
David was now officially on the run as Saul had placed an open bounty on his head. He went to Nob, a town just a few miles northeast of Jerusalem to meet Ahimelek, the priest. After the destruction of Shiloh, the town of Nob had taken its place as the religious capital of Israel, housing…
A Sworn Friendship – 1 Samuel 20
After evading Saul and his men at Naioth, David returned to Jerusalem to meet Jonathan. He narrated all that he had been through over the last few days and how Saul tried to kill him. While Samuel believed David when he told him the same account, Jonathan found it hard to believe that his father…
The Plot to Kill David – 1 Samuel 18 & 19
The tales of David’s conquest of the giant spread throughout the land, garnering the love and respect of all the people of Israel. Even the soldiers in Saul’s army respected David as he led them in countless battles, and with God by his side, they would always come out victorious. The admiration for David was…
The Stone Is Mightier Than The Sword – 1 Samuel 17
One of the most popular narratives in the Bible, the battle between David and Goliath has made its way into pop culture and is often referred to in sports when an underdog beats the defending champion. But what the world does not realize, something that Goliath and the Philistines learned the hard way, David was…
Time To Move On – 1 Samuel 16
After the fallout with Saul, Samuel had shut himself in his hometown of Ramah and spent his days mourning for the king of Israel. Though their relationship was going through a rocky patch, Samuel had played an important part in Saul’s life and in the transformation of his heart. Saul even started prophesying soon after…
Obedience Over Offerings – 1 Samuel 15
The failure to follow instructions had already put Saul in hot water as God did not respond to him either through the prophet or through the Urim and the Thummim. Saul was also on the outs with Samuel but after some time had passed, Samuel came to Saul with a message from the Lord. This…
Panic Sent By God – 1 Samuel 14
Now that the relationship between Saul and Samuel had deteriorated beyond repair, he appointed himself a priest from the family line of Eli. Ahijah was the priest who had accompanied Saul’s army in their pursuit of the Philistines and was wearing the ephod that housed the Urim and the Thummim. Saul needed a man of…
Blessed Are The Meek
The terminologies used in the Bible mostly appear to be the same as defined in the dictionary. But in the real sense, the scripture conveys an idea just opposite to the perceptions of this world. Despite Jesus telling us that “blessed are the meek,” we still believe that the people who have influence, wealth, muscle…
To the Ends of the Earth
“You will be my witnesses to the ends of the earth,” Jesus told these words to a group of people who knew nothing about geography, as most of them were fishermen who depended for their livelihood on the nearby sea. They were uneducated and did not know how to articulate their thoughts clearly. Moreover, they…
With Swords and Clubs – Mark 14
After finishing their meal, Jesus and the disciples sang a hymn and left for a place called Gethsemane. Jesus had come to the earth to accomplish the will of the Father and His ministry of more than three years was culminating to this very day. His soul was overwhelmed with sorrow as the hour of…
From Caterpillar To Butterfly
Seeing a bunch of caterpillars crawling on the ground, I often used to wonder how does this ugly creature transform into an eye-catching colourful butterfly. People love catching the beautiful winged insect and try to keep them in the palm of their hands but no one wants to touch a caterpillar. God cleanses us by…
The Last Supper – Mark 14
The proximity of the Passover festival temporarily halted the plans of the chief priests and the teachers of the law from scheming and how to secretly arrest and kill Jesus. They were afraid that the capture of Jesus during the time when Jerusalem was already flooded with tourists from the surrounding states, would only diminish…
Give In, Not Give Up
The world quotes Jesus word’s for turning the other cheek when facing an enemy or persecutor but no one wants to adopt it. Resistance and retaliation appear to be defensive weapons but did not help in defending but ended up avenging ourselves and others. Jesus teaches us not to resist the evil person, which means…
From The Author’s Desk – Psalm 21
The author captures the responses to the prayers that people had lifted up in the previous Psalm for their King. Are we aware of the changes that God made in the lives of the people for whom we prayed? Often, we do not even remember what we prayed and for whom we prayed. Even if…
The Temple – Mark 13
Having established how the teachers of the law devoured the house of the widows but enjoyed the adoration from the elite (Mark 12:39-40), Jesus presented them with an example of what is God looking for in His people. While in the temple, Jesus was observing the crowds putting money into the collection boxes. The wealthy…
Evidence Gathering – Mark 12
After Jesus had cleared the temple of the various merchants, He called out the Jewish leaders for turning the house of the Lord into a den of robbers. This did not sit well with the chief priests and the teachers of the law, as they started looking for ways to kill Him. They questioned the…
A Grand Entrance – Mark 11
As Jesus and His disciples approached Jerusalem for their final trip to the hill city, they came to the familiar town of Bethany on the Mount of Olives. This was a regular halt point for the group as it was home to many of Jesus’ close followers. While preparing to head for Jerusalem, Jesus asked…
Seizing the Opportunity – Mark 10
Jesus was teaching in the region of Judea as the Pharisees were looking for an opportunity to trap Jesus. They knew about Jesus’ closeness with John the Baptist, who was killed for speaking out against the extramarital affairs of king Herod. They wanted to use this opportunity to try and get Jesus to speak against…
The Transfiguration – Mark 9
Almost a week later, Jesus took Peter, James and John and went up to a high mountain. When they were all alone, His appearance transfigured before their very eyes. His clothes became the brightest shade of white, unattainable by any of our earthly dyes. Definitely nothing close to what the disciples could have imagined as…
Children Of God
According to the Gospel of John, by receiving the Son of God, whom the Father had sent, we have become the children of God. The Gospel explains this further, as children born not of natural descent, a human decision, or a husband’s will, but born of God (John 1:13). Even the children of natural descendants…
The Contentment – Psalm 16
This idiom, “a contented mind is a perpetual feast”, tells us the benefit of contentment. King Solomon recorded a similar theme in a different way saying that the cheerful heart has a continual feast (Proverbs 15:15). The cheerfulness of our heart depends on the fulfilment of our heart’s desires. If our cheerfulness is the outcome…
Who Holds our Future
We all know that our future lays in the hands of our Sovereign God. The psalmist even wrote that “My times are in your hands” (Psalms 31:15), and Paul brought out the fact that God has marked out His people’s appointed times in history along with the boundaries of their lands (Acts 17:26). Our God…
The Survival – Psalm 15
While reading this Psalm, we should go back to the Old Testament times where people were afraid of God, and they did not even pronounce the word Yahweh, but only wrote it down to express His name. When the chief priests entered into the inner room with the blood he offered for himself and for…
The Night is Coming….
In the beginning, God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light amidst the darkness. From where did this darkness come? Does it exist on its own or is there any other power than God has that has birthed it? The Gospel of John explains the role of our Sovereign God in creating all…
The Beginning – John 1
The Gospel of John does not share any similarities with the other Synoptic Gospels, but this unique account of the life of Christ has a completely different purpose. Written by most probably John, the disciple, during the latter half of the first century to a predominantly Gentile audience of the Greco-Roman city of Ephesus, its…
The One After John – John 1
The conversation between the other John and the Jewish leaders where he denied comparisons to three of the most famous Old Testament figures.
The Lamb of God – John 1
The ministry of Jesus spread through people sharing their personal experiences of their encounter with the Messiah. Even today, in a world filled with countless religions and distractions, the work of God continues through the personal testimonies of people who have experienced Christ in their lives.
Surveillance – Psalm 14
This Psalm focuses on the unceasing surveillance of God on each one of us, whoever we may be or wherever we are. In public places, we often find stickers informing us that we are under surveillance. Surveillance cameras are used to deter people from anti-social elements such as shoplifting or attempting to escape from prison….
The New Wine – John 2
Two days after gathering His disciples, Jesus arrived at a wedding in a place called Cana in the region of Galilee. During the festivities, Jesus’s mother brought a matter of concern to Him saying that the wedding party had run out of wine. Of all the requests brought before Jesus, this would have been the most trivial of the lot.
The New Temple – John 2
Jesus did not answer their demands by giving them a sign immediately but foretold about His own death and resurrection that will be the ultimate sign of His authority given to everyone.
The Light – John 3
Everyone knows John 3:16 by heart but the next verse is equally important, for Jesus did not come to condemn us but save us. If he wanted to condemn us for our wrongdoings, He would have brought the day of judgment upon us but rather He came with the sole intention to be an atonement for our sins.
The Living Water – John 4
The living water represents His Spirit in us who gives us the joy that comes from knowing that our sins are forgiven. The joy in our hearts that gives us a new life, a new beginning with the knowledge that the slate has been wiped clean. That is what Jesus has to offer.
The Savior of the World – John 4
Quite ironical that the Jews , through whom the salvation was to come rejected the Messiah but the ‘pagan’ Samaritans were the first to proclaim Jesus as the Savior of the world. Jesus revealed His true identity in this Samaritan town, something that He would not do in the Jewish towns.
The Healer – John 5
During one of Jesus’ trips to Jerusalem, He encounters a man sitting by the poolside at Bethesda waiting for healing when the Healer himself came to him.
The Son of God – John 5
Once again Jesus had riled up the Jewish leaders simply by giving a man the ability to pick up his mat and walk as they started questioning His authority.
The Bread of Life – John 6
Just like satan blinded the eyes of those disciples who abandoned Jesus that day, he is doing the same even today for the believers who are satisfied with eating the symbolic bread and wine and will never desire to taste the Bread of Life.
The Son of David – John 7
Jesus came alone to Jerusalem and stood out in the crowd, He did not wait for the consensus to be formed about Him before He spoke out against the leaders. By the power of God, He took a stand against the leaders who had diluted the Gospel and made it a religion. Are we waiting for a consensus in our lives or are willing to stand out for God?
The Great I Am – John 8
Jesus saved the adulterous woman from being stoned and did not condemn her. But now the crowds had picked up the stones once again, this time, to kill Jesus.
The Man They Call Jesus – John 9
While the Pharisees were focused on their quest to crucify the Messiah, Jesus continued to walk on the path that God had set before Him, touching yet another life on His way to Calvary. As Jesus and His disciples were walking the streets of Jerusalem, they saw a man who had been blind from birth. The disciples could not help but pass judgement and wanted Jesus to weigh in on who is responsible for this man’s condition, his parents or he himself.
The Good Shepherd – John 10
Jesus deemed the pharisees guilty of sin as they were not blind but refused to change their ways. Another argument between Jesus and the pharisees ensued ending up with Jesus revealing another aspect of His identity by comparing himself to a shepherd.
The Resurrection and the Life – John 11
The raising of Lazarus would be a precursor to His own resurrection from the grave on the third day. We have read that He had raised at least two people from the dead but they had not been in the grave for four days. The disciples and the Jews gathered around this tragedy, would soon be the witnesses to Jesus’ big reveal, that He indeed is the Resurrection and the Life.
The Intimate Friend – John 12
The festival of Passover was approaching and the hill city of Jerusalem would soon see an influx of pilgrims to the holy land and its neighbouring towns. Jesus also made the trip to Judea one last time, just six days before His crucifixion. On His way to Jerusalem, He visited His followers in the nearby town of Bethany where He had raised Lazarus back to life.
The Jordan Valley 