Category Archives: Character of God

Discipline / Guidance From God, Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Grace / Forgiveness, Hope, Idols / False Gods, Justice / Judgment, Merciful, Unteachable / Foolish

Remembering God’s Faithfulness: Reflections on Ezekiel 20

Have you ever felt the weight of mistakes and the need for God’s mercy and grace? Moments where you recognize falling short of His standards?

Ezekiel 20 delves into Israel’s history of rebellion and God’s unwavering faithfulness, offering profound insights into the enduring nature of God’s love despite human failings.

Reconnect: Prior to Ezekiel 20, the prophet Ezekiel delivers messages of judgment and restoration to the exiled Israelites. This chapter recounts Israel’s repeated disobedience from their time in Egypt to their current state in Babylonian captivity.

Despite their faithlessness, God’s compassion prevails as He refrains from utterly destroying them for the sake of His name. Instead, He pledges to bring them out of the nations and gather them back to their land.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Ezekiel 20

God’s Dealings with Israel Rehearsed

      1Now in the seventh year, in the fifth month, on the tenth of the month, certain of the elders of Israel came to inquire of the LORD, and sat before me. 2And the word of the LORD came to me saying, 3“Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “Do you come to inquire of Me? As I live,” declares the Lord GOD, “I will not be inquired of by you.”’ 4“Will you judge them, will you judge them, son of man? Make them know the abominations of their fathers; 5and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “On the day when I chose Israel and swore to the descendants of the house of Jacob and made Myself known to them in the land of Egypt, when I swore to them, saying, I am the LORD your God, 6on that day I swore to them, to bring them out from the land of Egypt into a land that I had selected for them, flowing with milk and honey, which is the glory of all lands. 7“I said to them, ‘Cast away, each of you, the detestable things of his eyes, and do not defile yourselves with the idols of Egypt; I am the LORD your God.’ 8“But they rebelled against Me and were not willing to listen to Me; they did not cast away the detestable things of their eyes, nor did they forsake the idols of Egypt.
Then I resolved to pour out My wrath on them, to accomplish My anger against them in the midst of the land of Egypt. 9“But I acted for the sake of My name, that it should not be profaned in the sight of the nations among whom they lived, in whose sight I made Myself known to them by bringing them out of the land of Egypt. 10“So I took them out of the land of Egypt and brought them into the wilderness. 11“I gave them My statutes and informed them of My ordinances, by which, if a man observes them, he will live. 12“Also I gave them My sabbaths to be a sign between Me and them, that they might know that I am the LORD who sanctifies them. 13“But the house of Israel rebelled against Me in the wilderness. They did not walk in My statutes and they rejected My ordinances, by which, if a man observes them, he will live; and My sabbaths they greatly profaned. Then I resolved to pour out My wrath on them in the wilderness, to annihilate them. 14“But I acted for the sake of My name, that it should not be profaned in the sight of the nations, before whose sight I had brought them out. 15“Also I swore to them in the wilderness that I would not bring them into the land which I had given them, flowing with milk and honey, which is the glory of all lands, 16because they rejected My ordinances, and as for My statutes, they did not walk in them; they even profaned My sabbaths, for their heart continually went after their idols. 17“Yet My eye spared them rather than destroying them, and I did not cause their annihilation in the wilderness.

      18“I said to their children in the wilderness, ‘Do not walk in the statutes of your fathers or keep their ordinances or defile yourselves with their idols. 19‘I am the LORD your God; walk in My statutes and keep My ordinances and observe them. 20‘Sanctify My sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between Me and you, that you may know that I am the LORD your God.’ 21“But the children rebelled against Me; they did not walk in My statutes, nor were they careful to observe My ordinances, by which, if a man observes them, he will live; they profaned My sabbaths. So I resolved to pour out My wrath on them, to accomplish My anger against them in the wilderness. 22“But I withdrew My hand and acted for the sake of My name, that it should not be profaned in the sight of the nations in whose sight I had brought them out. 23“Also I swore to them in the wilderness that I would scatter them among the nations and disperse them among the lands, 24because they had not observed My ordinances, but had rejected My statutes and had profaned My sabbaths, and their eyes were on the idols of their fathers. 25“I also gave them statutes that were not good and ordinances by which they could not live; 26and I pronounced them unclean because of their gifts, in that they caused all their firstborn to pass through the fire so that I might make them desolate, in order that they might know that I am the LORD.”’

      27“Therefore, son of man, speak to the house of Israel and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “Yet in this your fathers have blasphemed Me by acting treacherously against Me. 28“When I had brought them into the land which I swore to give to them, then they saw every high hill and every leafy tree, and they offered there their sacrifices and there they presented the provocation of their offering. There also they made their soothing aroma and there they poured out their drink offerings. 29“Then I said to them, ‘What is the high place to which you go?’ So its name is called Bamah to this day.”’ 30“Therefore, say to the house of Israel, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “Will you defile yourselves after the manner of your fathers and play the harlot after their detestable things? 31“When you offer your gifts, when you cause your sons to pass through the fire, you are defiling yourselves with all your idols to this day. And shall I be inquired of by you, O house of Israel? As I live,” declares the Lord GOD, “I will not be inquired of by you. 32“What comes into your mind will not come about, when you say: ‘We will be like the nations, like the tribes of the lands, serving wood and stone.’

God Will Restore Israel to Her Land

      33“As I live,” declares the Lord GOD, “surely with a mighty hand and with an outstretched arm and with wrath poured out, I shall be king over you. 34“I will bring you out from the peoples and gather you from the lands where you are scattered, with a mighty hand and with an outstretched arm and with wrath poured out; 35and I will bring you into the wilderness of the peoples, and there I will enter into judgment with you face to face. 36“As I entered into judgment with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt, so I will enter into judgment with you,” declares the Lord GOD. 37“I will make you pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant; 38and I will purge from you the rebels and those who transgress against Me; I will bring them out of the land where they sojourn, but they will not enter the land of Israel. Thus you will know that I am the LORD.

      39“As for you, O house of Israel,” thus says the Lord GOD, “Go, serve everyone his idols; but later you will surely listen to Me, and My holy name you will profane no longer with your gifts and with your idols. 40“For on My holy mountain, on the high mountain of Israel,” declares the Lord GOD, “there the whole house of Israel, all of them, will serve Me in the land; there I will accept them and there I will seek your contributions and the choicest of your gifts, with all your holy things. 41“As a soothing aroma I will accept you when I bring you out from the peoples and gather you from the lands where you are scattered; and I will prove Myself holy among you in the sight of the nations. 42“And you will know that I am the LORD, when I bring you into the land of Israel, into the land which I swore to give to your forefathers. 43“There you will remember your ways and all your deeds with which you have defiled yourselves; and you will loathe yourselves in your own sight for all the evil things that you have done. 44“Then you will know that I am the LORD when I have dealt with you for My name’s sake, not according to your evil ways or according to your corrupt deeds, O house of Israel,” declares the Lord GOD.’”

      45Now the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 46“Son of man, set your face toward Teman, and speak out against the south and prophesy against the forest land of the Negev, 47and say to the forest of the Negev, ‘Hear the word of the LORD: thus says the Lord GOD, “Behold, I am about to kindle a fire in you, and it will consume every green tree in you, as well as every dry tree; the blazing flame will not be quenched and the whole surface from south to north will be burned by it. 48“All flesh will see that I, the LORD, have kindled it; it shall not be quenched.”’” 49Then I said, “Ah Lord GOD! They are saying of me, ‘Is he not just speaking parables?’”

Key Summary Points:

  • Israel’s Rebellion: The chapter highlights Israel’s history of disobedience, from their idolatry in Egypt to their refusal to abandon pagan practices.
  • God’s Patience and Mercy: Despite Israel’s faithlessness, God repeatedly withholds judgment out of His enduring patience and mercy.
  • Promise of Restoration: God promises to gather His people from exile, purifying them and renewing His covenant with them.

Call to Action:

  • Seek God’s Forgiveness: Reflect on areas of rebellion or idolatry in your life. Turn to God in repentance and seek His forgiveness and cleansing.
  • Remember God’s Faithfulness: Meditate on God’s steadfast love and faithfulness throughout history and in your personal journey.
  • Live in Obedience: Commit to living in obedience to God’s Word, trusting in His promises of restoration and renewal.

Closing: As we reflect on Ezekiel 20, let us remember that God’s faithfulness endures forever. Despite our failures, He is patient and merciful, always ready to forgive and restore us.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your enduring love and faithfulness. Forgive us for our disobedience and idolatry. Help us to live in obedience to Your Word, trusting in Your promises of restoration and renewal. May Your name be glorified in our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Learning To Pray Effectively, Persecution / Glorifying God, Protector / Deliverer, Psalms, Seeking God

Cry Out to God for Help in Times of Trouble (Psalm 83)

Have you ever felt surrounded by enemies or overwhelmed by challenges you face, desperate for God’s intervention?

Psalm 83 resonates with the cry of the oppressed, seeking divine help in the face of overwhelming opposition or struggle.

Reconnect: Continuing our journey through the Psalms, we arrive at Psalm 83, a poignant plea for God’s protection amidst fierce adversaries. As we explore this heartfelt prayer, let us uncover its timeless relevance in our own struggles against spiritual and earthly foes as well as consider that sometimes the struggles or challenges we find overwhelming, may not be “enemies” but difficult situations we find ourselves dealing with.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Psalm 83

God Implored to Confound His Enemies.

A Song, a Psalm of Asaph.

     1O God, do not remain quiet;
Do not be silent and, O God, do not be still.

      2For behold, Your enemies make an uproar,
And those who hate You have exalted themselves.

      3They make shrewd plans against Your people,
And conspire together against Your treasured ones.

      4They have said, “Come, and let us wipe them out as a nation,
That the name of Israel be remembered no more.”

      5For they have conspired together with one mind;
Against You they make a covenant:

      6The tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites,
Moab and the Hagrites;

      7Gebal and Ammon and Amalek,
Philistia with the inhabitants of Tyre;

      8Assyria also has joined with them;
They have become a help to the children of Lot.

Selah.

      9Deal with them as with Midian,
As with Sisera and Jabin at the torrent of Kishon,

      10Who were destroyed at En-dor,
Who became as dung for the ground.

      11Make their nobles like Oreb and Zeeb
And all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna,

      12Who said, “Let us possess for ourselves
The pastures of God.”

      13O my God, make them like the whirling dust,
Like chaff before the wind.

      14Like fire that burns the forest
And like a flame that sets the mountains on fire,

      15So pursue them with Your tempest
And terrify them with Your storm.

      16Fill their faces with dishonor,
That they may seek Your name, O LORD.

      17Let them be ashamed and dismayed forever,
And let them be humiliated and perish,

      18That they may know that You alone, whose name is the LORD,
Are the Most High over all the earth.

Summary Key Points:

  • The Setting of Conflict: Psalm 83 opens with a vivid depiction of nations conspiring against God’s people, plotting their destruction. The psalmist enumerates various enemy nations, symbolizing the multifaceted threats faced by the faithful.
  • A Desperate Plea for Help: Amidst the turmoil, the psalmist implores God to arise and defend His people. The language is urgent, reflecting the dire circumstances and the profound need for divine intervention.
  • Recalling God’s Mighty Deeds: In verses 9-12, the psalmist invokes God’s past acts of deliverance, appealing to His faithfulness and power. By remembering God’s interventions in history, the psalmist strengthens the case for His intervention in the present.
  • Prayer for Divine Judgment: The psalm concludes with a plea for God to confound and scatter the enemy forces, demonstrating His sovereignty over all nations. The ultimate goal is not merely victory for Israel but the vindication of God’s name and glory.
  • Hope Amidst Despair: Despite the dire circumstances portrayed in Psalm 83, there is a glimmer of hope in the unwavering trust placed in God’s character. The psalmist finds solace in the belief that God will ultimately triumph over the forces of evil.

Call to Action:

  • Pray for Deliverance: Like the psalmist, earnestly seek God’s intervention in times of trouble, trusting in His power to deliver you from adversity.
  • Remember God’s Faithfulness: Reflect on God’s past faithfulness in your life and in history, drawing strength from His track record of deliverance.
  • Stand Firm in Faith: In the face of opposition and adversity, stand firm in your faith, knowing that God is sovereign and mighty to save.

Closing: Psalm 83 serves as a poignant reminder of the reality of spiritual warfare and the desperate need for God’s intervention in times of crisis. Let us echo the psalmist’s cry for deliverance and find hope in the assurance of God’s ultimate victory over all adversaries.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we lift our voices to You in times of trouble, seeking Your deliverance from the schemes of the enemy. Strengthen our faith, O Lord, and grant us the assurance that You are mighty to save. May Your name be exalted above all, and may Your kingdom come, bringing peace and victory to Your people. Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Faith / Trusting God, Guide, Obeying God, Peace / Rest, Provider, Share the Good News, Submitted / Servant

Embracing the Mission: Reflections on Luke 10:1-24

Luke 10:1-24 unveils a profound chapter in Jesus’ ministry, where He commissions seventy-two disciples, sending them ahead to prepare towns for His arrival. This passage reveals essential truths about discipleship, mission, and the transformative power of God’s kingdom.

Reconnect: Continuing our journey through the Gospel of Luke, chapter 10 portrays Jesus’ strategic deployment of seventy-two disciples, illustrating the urgency and depth of His mission. Let’s delve into the lessons embedded in this narrative, exploring how they resonate with our own call to follow Christ today.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Luke 10:1-24

The Seventy Sent Out

     1Now after this the Lord appointed seventy others, and sent them in pairs ahead of Him to every city and place where He Himself was going to come. 2And He was saying to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. 3“Go; behold, I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. 4“Carry no money belt, no bag, no shoes; and greet no one on the way. 5“Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house.’ 6“If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you. 7“Stay in that house, eating and drinking what they give you; for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not keep moving from house to house. 8“Whatever city you enter and they receive you, eat what is set before you; 9and heal those in it who are sick, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ 10“But whatever city you enter and they do not receive you, go out into its streets and say, 11‘Even the dust of your city which clings to our feet we wipe off in protest against you; yet be sure of this, that the kingdom of God has come near.’ 12“I say to you, it will be more tolerable in that day for Sodom than for that city.

      13“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles had been performed in Tyre and Sidon which occurred in you, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. 14“But it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the judgment than for you. 15“And you, Capernaum, will not be exalted to heaven, will you? You will be brought down to Hades!

      16“The one who listens to you listens to Me, and the one who rejects you rejects Me; and he who rejects Me rejects the One who sent Me.”

The Happy Results

     17The seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” 18And He said to them, “I was watching Satan fall from heaven like lightning. 19“Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you. 20“Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven.”

      21At that very time He rejoiced greatly in the Holy Spirit, and said, “I praise You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants. Yes, Father, for this way was well-pleasing in Your sight. 22“All things have been handed over to Me by My Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.”

      23Turning to the disciples, He said privately, “Blessed are the eyes which see the things you see, 24for I say to you, that many prophets and kings wished to see the things which you see, and did not see them, and to hear the things which you hear, and did not hear them.”

Summary Key Points:

  • The Call to Mission (Luke 10:1-12):
    • Bold Mission: Jesus sends out the seventy-two with specific instructions to rely on God’s provision and bring peace.
    • Faith and Simplicity: They are to travel light, trusting in God’s guidance amidst challenges.
    • Bringing Peace: Their mission extends to bringing peace to every house they enter, emphasizing reconciliation and goodwill.
  • The Urgency of the Harvest (Luke 10:2):
    • Plentiful Harvest: Jesus urges His disciples to recognize the vast opportunities for ministry.
    • Prayer for Workers: He emphasizes the need for more laborers to respond to the spiritual needs of the world.
  • Dependence on God’s Provision (Luke 10:3-4):
    • Trusting God’s Provision: Disciples are instructed to rely on divine provision rather than personal resources.
    • Faith in Action: This directive challenges us to step out in faith, trusting God to meet our needs as we serve Him.
  • The Power of Peace and Healing (Luke 10:5-9):
    • Message of Peace: They are to proclaim peace and heal the sick, demonstrating God’s kingdom in action.
    • Transformational Ministry: Jesus emphasizes the impact of bringing God’s peace and healing into communities.
  • The Rejection and Judgment (Luke 10:10-16):
    • Facing Rejection: Jesus prepares His disciples for potential rejection and opposition.
    • Faithful Witness: They are called to faithfully proclaim the gospel, leaving judgment to God.
  • The Joy of the Mission (Luke 10:17-24):
    • Joyful Return: The seventy-two return rejoicing in the power of God displayed through their ministry.
    • Eternal Perspective: Jesus redirects their focus to the joy of salvation and the eternal significance of their names being written in heaven.

Call to Action:

  • Step Out in Faith: Like the seventy-two, let’s step out in faith, trusting God’s provision and guidance as we fulfill our mission.
  • Proclaim God’s Peace: Seek opportunities to bring God’s peace into relationships and communities.
  • Share the Gospel: Boldly proclaim the gospel message, knowing that God’s kingdom transforms lives.
  • Pray for Workers: Lift prayers for more laborers to join in God’s harvest, responding to the urgency of spiritual need.

Closing: As we reflect on Luke 10:1-24, may we embrace our call as laborers in God’s harvest field. Let’s follow Jesus’ example of faith, humility, and dedication to the mission He has entrusted to us. May His kingdom come and His will be done through our lives and ministries.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for calling us into Your mission of reconciliation and transformation. Grant us the courage and faith to step out boldly, trusting in Your provision and guidance. May Your peace reign in our hearts and through our actions as we proclaim Your kingdom. Raise up more workers for Your harvest, Lord, that many may come to know Your saving grace. In Jesus’ name, amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Grace / Forgiveness, Justice / Judgment, Merciful, Repenting from Sin, Seeking God

Choosing Righteousness: The Message of Ezekiel 18

Ever grappled with the weight of personal responsibility?

Ezekiel 18 delves into the profound concept of individual accountability before God.

Reconnect: In the preceding chapters of Ezekiel, we witnessed the prophet’s visions and messages, often illustrating Israel’s collective guilt and impending judgment. However, Ezekiel 18 shifts focus to the individual’s moral responsibility and the possibility of personal redemption.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Ezekiel 18

God Deals Justly with Individuals

      1Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying,

2“What do you mean by using this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying,
‘The fathers eat the sour grapes,
But the children’s teeth are set on edge’?

3“As I live,” declares the Lord GOD, “you are surely not going to use this proverb in Israel anymore. 4“Behold, all souls are Mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is Mine. The soul who sins will die.

      5“But if a man is righteous and practices justice and righteousness, 6and does not eat at the mountain shrines or lift up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, or defile his neighbor’s wife or approach a woman during her menstrual period— 7if a man does not oppress anyone, but restores to the debtor his pledge, does not commit robbery, but gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with clothing, 8if he does not lend money on interest or take increase, if he keeps his hand from iniquity and executes true justice between man and man, 9if he walks in My statutes and My ordinances so as to deal faithfully—he is righteous and will surely live,” declares the Lord GOD.

      10“Then he may have a violent son who sheds blood and who does any of these things to a brother 11(though he himself did not do any of these things), that is, he even eats at the mountain shrines, and defiles his neighbor’s wife, 12oppresses the poor and needy, commits robbery, does not restore a pledge, but lifts up his eyes to the idols and commits abomination, 13he lends money on interest and takes increase; will he live? He will not live! He has committed all these abominations, he will surely be put to death; his blood will be on his own head.

      14“Now behold, he has a son who has observed all his father’s sins which he committed, and observing does not do likewise. 15“He does not eat at the mountain shrines or lift up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, or defile his neighbor’s wife, 16or oppress anyone, or retain a pledge, or commit robbery, but he gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with clothing, 17he keeps his hand from the poor, does not take interest or increase, but executes My ordinances, and walks in My statutes; he will not die for his father’s iniquity, he will surely live. 18“As for his father, because he practiced extortion, robbed his brother and did what was not good among his people, behold, he will die for his iniquity.

      19“Yet you say, ‘Why should the son not bear the punishment for the father’s iniquity?’ When the son has practiced justice and righteousness and has observed all My statutes and done them, he shall surely live. 20“The person who sins will die. The son will not bear the punishment for the father’s iniquity, nor will the father bear the punishment for the son’s iniquity; the righteousness of the righteous will be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked will be upon himself.

      21“But if the wicked man turns from all his sins which he has committed and observes all My statutes and practices justice and righteousness, he shall surely live; he shall not die. 22“All his transgressions which he has committed will not be remembered against him; because of his righteousness which he has practiced, he will live. 23“Do I have any pleasure in the death of the wicked,” declares the Lord GOD, “rather than that he should turn from his ways and live?

      24“But when a righteous man turns away from his righteousness, commits iniquity and does according to all the abominations that a wicked man does, will he live? All his righteous deeds which he has done will not be remembered for his treachery which he has committed and his sin which he has committed; for them he will die. 25“Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is not right.’ Hear now, O house of Israel! Is My way not right? Is it not your ways that are not right? 26“When a righteous man turns away from his righteousness, commits iniquity and dies because of it, for his iniquity which he has committed he will die. 27“Again, when a wicked man turns away from his wickedness which he has committed and practices justice and righteousness, he will save his life. 28“Because he considered and turned away from all his transgressions which he had committed, he shall surely live; he shall not die. 29“But the house of Israel says, ‘The way of the Lord is not right.’ Are My ways not right, O house of Israel? Is it not your ways that are not right?

      30“Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, each according to his conduct,” declares the Lord GOD. “Repent and turn away from all your transgressions, so that iniquity may not become a stumbling block to you. 31“Cast away from you all your transgressions which you have committed and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! For why will you die, O house of Israel? 32“For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies,” declares the Lord GOD. “Therefore, repent and live.”

Summary Key Points:

  • God’s Justice and Fairness: The chapter begins with a proverbial saying among the Israelites that questions the justice of God’s ways. God responds by emphasizing His fairness, stating that each individual is accountable for their own actions.
  • Personal Accountability: Ezekiel emphasizes that individuals will be judged according to their own deeds, not the actions of their ancestors or descendants. This highlights the importance of personal responsibility in one’s relationship with God.
  • Repentance and Life: Despite past transgressions, God offers the opportunity for repentance and a renewed life. The chapter outlines the steps toward righteousness, including turning away from sin, practicing justice and righteousness, and restoring what was unjustly gained.
  • God’s Mercy and Forgiveness: The message of Ezekiel 18 underscores God’s willingness to forgive those who genuinely repent. No matter how sinful one’s past may be, sincere repentance leads to reconciliation with God.
  • The Call to Choose Righteousness: Ezekiel concludes by urging the people to turn away from their sinful ways and choose life by walking in God’s statutes. The chapter emphasizes the importance of personal choice in determining one’s destiny.

Call to Action:

  • Choose Life: Make the conscious decision to turn away from sin and embrace righteousness in your daily life.
  • Take Personal Responsibility: Recognize that you are accountable for your own actions and strive to align them with God’s will.
  • Seek Repentance: If you have strayed from God’s path, seek His forgiveness through genuine repentance and turn back to Him.

Closing: In a world often rife with blame-shifting and excuses, Ezekiel 18 reminds us of the profound truth of personal accountability before God. Let us heed its message and embrace the path of righteousness.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to understand the importance of personal accountability in our relationship with You. Grant us the courage to take responsibility for our actions and the humility to seek repentance when we fall short. Guide us in the path of righteousness and lead us to a life that honors You. Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Discipline / Guidance From God, Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Hope, Justice / Judgment, Protector / Deliverer, Repenting from Sin, Seeking God

Rebellion, Redemption, and Restoration: Insights from Ezekiel 17

Have you ever felt like life’s twists and turns have led you down a path of rebellion, only to find hope for redemption and restoration?

In Ezekiel 17, we encounter two powerful allegorical stories that delve deep into the themes of human choice, divine judgment, and the unyielding love of God.

Reconnect: In the preceding chapters of Ezekiel, we’ve witnessed a vivid portrayal of Israel’s rebellion against God and the impending consequences. Ezekiel’s visions and prophecies serve as a stern warning to the people of Israel, urging them to turn from their wicked ways and return to the Lord before it’s too late.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Ezekiel 17

Parable of Two Eagles and a Vine

      1Now the word of the LORD came to me saying, 2“Son of man, propound a riddle and speak a parable to the house of Israel, 3saying, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “A great eagle with great wings, long pinions and a full plumage of many colors came to Lebanon and took away the top of the cedar. 4“He plucked off the topmost of its young twigs and brought it to a land of merchants; he set it in a city of traders. 5“He also took some of the seed of the land and planted it in fertile soil. He placed it beside abundant waters; he set it like a willow. 6“Then it sprouted and became a low, spreading vine with its branches turned toward him, but its roots remained under it. So it became a vine and yielded shoots and sent out branches.

      7“But there was another great eagle with great wings and much plumage; and behold, this vine bent its roots toward him and sent out its branches toward him from the beds where it was planted, that he might water it. 8“It was planted in good soil beside abundant waters, that it might yield branches and bear fruit and become a splendid vine.”’ 9“Say, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “Will it thrive? Will he not pull up its roots and cut off its fruit, so that it withers—so that all its sprouting leaves wither? And neither by great strength nor by many people can it be raised from its roots again. 10“Behold, though it is planted, will it thrive? Will it not completely wither as soon as the east wind strikes it—wither on the beds where it grew?”’”

Zedekiah’s Rebellion

      11Moreover, the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 12“Say now to the rebellious house, ‘Do you not know what these things mean?’ Say, ‘Behold, the king of Babylon came to Jerusalem, took its king and princes and brought them to him in Babylon. 13‘He took one of the royal family and made a covenant with him, putting him under oath. He also took away the mighty of the land, 14that the kingdom might be in subjection, not exalting itself, but keeping his covenant that it might continue. 15‘But he rebelled against him by sending his envoys to Egypt that they might give him horses and many troops. Will he succeed? Will he who does such things escape? Can he indeed break the covenant and escape? 16‘As I live,’ declares the Lord GOD, ‘Surely in the country of the king who put him on the throne, whose oath he despised and whose covenant he broke, in Babylon he shall die. 17‘Pharaoh with his mighty army and great company will not help him in the war, when they cast up ramps and build siege walls to cut off many lives. 18‘Now he despised the oath by breaking the covenant, and behold, he pledged his allegiance, yet did all these things; he shall not escape.’” 19Therefore, thus says the Lord GOD, “As I live, surely My oath which he despised and My covenant which he broke, I will inflict on his head. 20“I will spread My net over him, and he will be caught in My snare. Then I will bring him to Babylon and enter into judgment with him there regarding the unfaithful act which he has committed against Me. 21“All the choice men in all his troops will fall by the sword, and the survivors will be scattered to every wind; and you will know that I, the LORD, have spoken.”

      22Thus says the Lord GOD, “I will also take a sprig from the lofty top of the cedar and set it out; I will pluck from the topmost of its young twigs a tender one and I will plant it on a high and lofty mountain. 23“On the high mountain of Israel I will plant it, that it may bring forth boughs and bear fruit and become a stately cedar. And birds of every kind will nest under it; they will nest in the shade of its branches. 24“All the trees of the field will know that I am the LORD; I bring down the high tree, exalt the low tree, dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish. I am the LORD; I have spoken, and I will perform it.”

Summary Key Points:

  • The Allegory of the Eagles and the Vine: In the first part of Ezekiel 17, we encounter a compelling allegory depicting the rise and fall of Israel’s kings. A great eagle swoops down and plucks the topmost twig of a cedar tree, symbolizing the Babylonian king’s capture of Israel’s royal lineage. Despite being planted as a lowly vine, Israel rebels against God’s covenant by seeking alliances with foreign powers, leading to divine judgment and exile.
  • The Parable of the Two Eagles and the Vine Replanted: Ezekiel proceeds to share another allegory, this time portraying God’s promise of restoration for Israel. In a remarkable display of grace, God vows to take a tender shoot from the highest branch of the cedar and plant it on a high mountain, signifying the restoration of the Davidic monarchy under a righteous king. This act of divine intervention demonstrates God’s unwavering commitment to His covenant people, despite their repeated failures and rebellion.

Call to Action:

  • Reflect on Your Choices: Take a moment to reflect on the choices you’ve made in your own life. Are there areas where you’ve strayed from God’s will, seeking fulfillment in worldly alliances or pursuits? Consider the consequences of disobedience and the importance of aligning your life with God’s purposes.
  • Embrace God’s Promise of Restoration: Just as God promised restoration for Israel, He offers the same hope to each of us today. No matter how far we’ve strayed or how broken we may feel, God stands ready to redeem and restore us. Surrender your heart to Him, and trust in His unfailing love and faithfulness.

Closing: In the turbulent landscape of human history, Ezekiel’s prophetic words remind us of the enduring faithfulness of God amidst the ebb and flow of human rebellion. May we heed the warnings of Scripture and embrace the promise of restoration found in God alone.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we humbly come before You, acknowledging our need for Your grace and mercy. Thank You for the timeless truths revealed in Ezekiel 17, reminding us of Your unwavering love and commitment to Your people. Grant us the wisdom to align our lives with Your will and the courage to trust in Your promise of restoration. In Jesus’ name, amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Discipline / Guidance From God, Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Doubt / Lacking Faith, Faith / Trusting God, Grace / Forgiveness, Justice / Judgment, Obeying God, Repenting from Sin

The Unfaithful Bride: Lessons from Ezekiel 16

Have you ever heard a story so captivating, yet so tragic, that it left you pondering its meaning for days?

In Ezekiel’s vision, we encounter such a tale—a narrative of love, betrayal, and redemption, painting a vivid picture of God’s relationship with His people.

Reconnect: Continuing his prophetic ministry, Ezekiel unveils a profound allegory in Chapter 16, using the imagery of a faithless wife to illustrate Israel’s unfaithfulness to God throughout history.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Ezekiel 16

God’s Grace to Unfaithful Jerusalem

      1Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 2“Son of man, make known to Jerusalem her abominations 3and say, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD to Jerusalem, “Your origin and your birth are from the land of the Canaanite, your father was an Amorite and your mother a Hittite. 4“As for your birth, on the day you were born your navel cord was not cut, nor were you washed with water for cleansing; you were not rubbed with salt or even wrapped in cloths. 5“No eye looked with pity on you to do any of these things for you, to have compassion on you. Rather you were thrown out into the open field, for you were abhorred on the day you were born.

      6“When I passed by you and saw you squirming in your blood, I said to you while you were in your blood, ‘Live!’ Yes, I said to you while you were in your blood, ‘Live!’ 7“I made you numerous like plants of the field. Then you grew up, became tall and reached the age for fine ornaments; your breasts were formed and your hair had grown. Yet you were naked and bare.

      8“Then I passed by you and saw you, and behold, you were at the time for love; so I spread My skirt over you and covered your nakedness. I also swore to you and entered into a covenant with you so that you became Mine,” declares the Lord GOD. 9“Then I bathed you with water, washed off your blood from you and anointed you with oil. 10“I also clothed you with embroidered cloth and put sandals of porpoise skin on your feet; and I wrapped you with fine linen and covered you with silk. 11“I adorned you with ornaments, put bracelets on your hands and a necklace around your neck. 12“I also put a ring in your nostril, earrings in your ears and a beautiful crown on your head. 13“Thus you were adorned with gold and silver, and your dress was of fine linen, silk and embroidered cloth. You ate fine flour, honey and oil; so you were exceedingly beautiful and advanced to royalty. 14“Then your fame went forth among the nations on account of your beauty, for it was perfect because of My splendor which I bestowed on you,” declares the Lord GOD.

      15“But you trusted in your beauty and played the harlot because of your fame, and you poured out your harlotries on every passer-by who might be willing. 16“You took some of your clothes, made for yourself high places of various colors and played the harlot on them, which should never come about nor happen. 17“You also took your beautiful jewels made of My gold and of My silver, which I had given you, and made for yourself male images that you might play the harlot with them. 18“Then you took your embroidered cloth and covered them, and offered My oil and My incense before them. 19“Also My bread which I gave you, fine flour, oil and honey with which I fed you, you would offer before them for a soothing aroma; so it happened,” declares the Lord GOD. 20“Moreover, you took your sons and daughters whom you had borne to Me and sacrificed them to idols to be devoured. Were your harlotries so small a matter? 21“You slaughtered My children and offered them up to idols by causing them to pass through the fire. 22“Besides all your abominations and harlotries you did not remember the days of your youth, when you were naked and bare and squirming in your blood.

      23“Then it came about after all your wickedness (‘Woe, woe to you!’ declares the Lord GOD), 24that you built yourself a shrine and made yourself a high place in every square. 25“You built yourself a high place at the top of every street and made your beauty abominable, and you spread your legs to every passer-by to multiply your harlotry. 26“You also played the harlot with the Egyptians, your lustful neighbors, and multiplied your harlotry to make Me angry. 27“Behold now, I have stretched out My hand against you and diminished your rations. And I delivered you up to the desire of those who hate you, the daughters of the Philistines, who are ashamed of your lewd conduct. 28“Moreover, you played the harlot with the Assyrians because you were not satisfied; you played the harlot with them and still were not satisfied. 29“You also multiplied your harlotry with the land of merchants, Chaldea, yet even with this you were not satisfied.”’”

      30“How languishing is your heart,” declares the Lord GOD, “while you do all these things, the actions of a bold-faced harlot. 31“When you built your shrine at the beginning of every street and made your high place in every square, in disdaining money, you were not like a harlot. 32“You adulteress wife, who takes strangers instead of her husband! 33“Men give gifts to all harlots, but you give your gifts to all your lovers to bribe them to come to you from every direction for your harlotries. 34“Thus you are different from those women in your harlotries, in that no one plays the harlot as you do, because you give money and no money is given you; thus you are different.”

      35Therefore, O harlot, hear the word of the LORD. 36Thus says the Lord GOD, “Because your lewdness was poured out and your nakedness uncovered through your harlotries with your lovers and with all your detestable idols, and because of the blood of your sons which you gave to idols, 37therefore, behold, I will gather all your lovers with whom you took pleasure, even all those whom you loved and all those whom you hated. So I will gather them against you from every direction and expose your nakedness to them that they may see all your nakedness. 38“Thus I will judge you like women who commit adultery or shed blood are judged; and I will bring on you the blood of wrath and jealousy. 39“I will also give you into the hands of your lovers, and they will tear down your shrines, demolish your high places, strip you of your clothing, take away your jewels, and will leave you naked and bare. 40“They will incite a crowd against you and they will stone you and cut you to pieces with their swords. 41“They will burn your houses with fire and execute judgments on you in the sight of many women. Then I will stop you from playing the harlot, and you will also no longer pay your lovers. 42“So I will calm My fury against you and My jealousy will depart from you, and I will be pacified and angry no more. 43“Because you have not remembered the days of your youth but have enraged Me by all these things, behold, I in turn will bring your conduct down on your own head,” declares the Lord GOD, “so that you will not commit this lewdness on top of all your other abominations.

      44“Behold, everyone who quotes proverbs will quote this proverb concerning you, saying, ‘Like mother, like daughter.’ 45“You are the daughter of your mother, who loathed her husband and children. You are also the sister of your sisters, who loathed their husbands and children. Your mother was a Hittite and your father an Amorite. 46“Now your older sister is Samaria, who lives north of you with her daughters; and your younger sister, who lives south of you, is Sodom with her daughters. 47“Yet you have not merely walked in their ways or done according to their abominations; but, as if that were too little, you acted more corruptly in all your conduct than they. 48“As I live,” declares the Lord GOD, “Sodom, your sister and her daughters have not done as you and your daughters have done. 49“Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had arrogance, abundant food and careless ease, but she did not help the poor and needy. 50“Thus they were haughty and committed abominations before Me. Therefore I removed them when I saw it. 51“Furthermore, Samaria did not commit half of your sins, for you have multiplied your abominations more than they. Thus you have made your sisters appear righteous by all your abominations which you have committed. 52“Also bear your disgrace in that you have made judgment favorable for your sisters. Because of your sins in which you acted more abominably than they, they are more in the right than you. Yes, be also ashamed and bear your disgrace, in that you made your sisters appear righteous.

      53“Nevertheless, I will restore their captivity, the captivity of Sodom and her daughters, the captivity of Samaria and her daughters, and along with them your own captivity, 54in order that you may bear your humiliation and feel ashamed for all that you have done when you become a consolation to them. 55“Your sisters, Sodom with her daughters and Samaria with her daughters, will return to their former state, and you with your daughters will also return to your former state. 56“As the name of your sister Sodom was not heard from your lips in your day of pride, 57before your wickedness was uncovered, so now you have become the reproach of the daughters of Edom and of all who are around her, of the daughters of the Philistines—those surrounding you who despise you. 58“You have borne the penalty of your lewdness and abominations,” the LORD declares. 59For thus says the Lord GOD, “I will also do with you as you have done, you who have despised the oath by breaking the covenant.

The Covenant Remembered

      60“Nevertheless, I will remember My covenant with you in the days of your youth, and I will establish an everlasting covenant with you. 61“Then you will remember your ways and be ashamed when you receive your sisters, both your older and your younger; and I will give them to you as daughters, but not because of your covenant. 62“Thus I will establish My covenant with you, and you shall know that I am the LORD, 63so that you may remember and be ashamed and never open your mouth anymore because of your humiliation, when I have forgiven you for all that you have done,” the Lord GOD declares.

Summary Key Points:

  • God compares Jerusalem to an abandoned infant, destined for destruction, yet He rescues and nurtures her into a beautiful woman.
  • Despite God’s lavish love and blessings, Jerusalem forsakes Him, prostituting herself with idols and foreign nations.
  • The consequences of Jerusalem’s unfaithfulness are severe, resulting in judgment and exile.
  • Despite Israel’s faithlessness, God promises to remember His covenant and restore her, demonstrating His unending love and faithfulness.

Call to Action:

  • Examine Your Allegiance: Reflect on your own relationship with God. Are there areas where you’ve been unfaithful or allowed idols to take His place in your life?
  • Repent and Return: If you’ve strayed from God’s path, humbly repent and turn back to Him. His arms are always open to receive the repentant

Closing: In the turbulent narrative of Ezekiel 16, we witness the depth of God’s love and the pain of His people’s betrayal. Yet, woven within this tale of unfaithfulness lies a thread of hope—a promise of restoration and redemption for those who return to Him in repentance.

May we heed the warnings and embrace the mercy offered by our faithful God, knowing that His love surpasses our waywardness and His grace extends beyond our failings.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, as we reflect on the sobering message of Ezekiel 16, we are humbled by Your unfailing love amidst our unfaithfulness. Forgive us for the times we’ve strayed from Your path and sought fulfillment in fleeting idols. Grant us the grace to repent and return to You wholeheartedly, knowing that You are ever ready to restore and redeem. May Your faithfulness inspire us to walk in obedience and devotion all the days of our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Discipline / Guidance From God, Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Justice / Judgment, Purposeful / Intentional, Unteachable / Foolish, Wickedness / Evil

The Unfruitful Vine: Lessons from Ezekiel 15

Ever encountered something seemingly valuable that turned out to be utterly unproductive? In Ezekiel’s vision, he portrays Jerusalem as a vine, but not just any vine—a vine devoid of fruitfulness. What lessons can we glean from this imagery?

Reconnect: In the preceding chapters, Ezekiel has been conveying profound messages through symbolic acts and visions, warning about the impending judgment upon Jerusalem due to its persistent rebellion against God.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Ezekiel 15

Jerusalem like a Useless Vine

      1Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 2“Son of man, how is the wood of the vine better than any wood of a branch which is among the trees of the forest? 3“Can wood be taken from it to make anything, or can men take a peg from it on which to hang any vessel? 4“If it has been put into the fire for fuel, and the fire has consumed both of its ends and its middle part has been charred, is it then useful for anything? 5“Behold, while it is intact, it is not made into anything. How much less, when the fire has consumed it and it is charred, can it still be made into anything! 6“Therefore, thus says the Lord GOD, ‘As the wood of the vine among the trees of the forest, which I have given to the fire for fuel, so have I given up the inhabitants of Jerusalem; 7and I set My face against them. Though they have come out of the fire, yet the fire will consume them. Then you will know that I am the LORD, when I set My face against them. 8‘Thus I will make the land desolate, because they have acted unfaithfully,’” declares the Lord GOD.

Summary Key Points:

  • God likens Jerusalem to a vine in a vineyard, a metaphor for the people of Israel.
  • Unlike other trees that have practical uses even after being cut down, the vine has no utility other than bearing fruit.
  • The primary purpose of a vine is to bear fruit, and if it fails in this, it’s essentially useless.
  • The unfruitful vine is compared to the people of Jerusalem, who, despite being chosen by God, have failed to produce the fruits of righteousness.
  • Due to their unfaithfulness, God decrees judgment upon Jerusalem. What good is the vine that fails to fulfill its primary purpose… to bear fruit?

Call to Action:

  • Reflect on Fruitfulness: Take time to assess your own life. Are you bearing the fruits of righteousness and obedience to God’s commands?
  • Prune Away Negativity: Just as a vine needs pruning to bear better fruit, identify and cut off anything hindering your spiritual growth.
  • Cultivate a Heart for God: Invest in nurturing a heart that seeks to glorify God through obedience and bearing spiritual fruit.

Closing: Let Ezekiel’s imagery of the unfruitful vine serve as a sobering reminder of the consequences of spiritual barrenness. May we strive to be fruitful branches, deeply rooted in God’s Word and bearing abundant fruit for His glory.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we humbly come before You, acknowledging our need for Your grace and guidance. Help us, Lord, to be fruitful in our walk with You, bearing the fruits of righteousness and obedience. Prune away anything in our lives that hinders our growth and lead us in the paths of righteousness for Your name’s sake. In Jesus’ name, amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Father / Yahweh, Traditions / Holidays

Yahweh Is A Good Father: Let Us Honor Him

As we celebrate Father’s Day, it is good to also focus on our Creator and Father in addition to celebrating good earthy fathers. Take time to prayerfully and thoughtfully reflect on who He is and what He has already done for You.

Respect and honor who God is. Take a few moments and be still before God. Contemplate the character of God:

  • The Great I Am
  • Creator of All
  • All Knowing (omniscient)
  • All Powerful (omnipotent)
  • Present In All Places at All Times (omnipresent)
  • Unchanging (immutable)
  • Eternal (without beginning or end)
  • Incapable of Making a Mistake (flawless)
  • Infinite (without limit or boundaries)
  • Holy (worthy of devotion as one perfect in goodness)
  • Just (behaving according to what is morally right and fair)
  • The Beginning and the End (Alpha and Omega)

In Ephesians  1:18-19 Paul prays “…that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.”

Reflect on the greatness of God’s power toward you as God the Father. He is Father, Provider, Shelter, and Protector.

Honor and glorify His name. God’s name is to be separated from the world. To do this, we must separate from the world and focus on God. Focus on the Biblical names for God.

Focus on God’s character, praise Him and be thankful. His character should be reflected in our character.

  • Compassionate
  • Gracious
  • Humble
  • Pure (in body and mind)
  • Merciful
  • Giving (in time and resources)
  • Slow to anger / Patient
  • Filled with love
  • Truthful
  • Forgiving
  • Kind
  • Faithful
  • Wise
  • Servant’s heart
  • Disciplined (self-control)
  • Joyful
  • Holy (set apart from sin; set apart for God’s purpose)
  • Just (e.g. justice)

Consider picking one or more of God’s characteristics, starting with the one you understand the least, and study its meaning including study of application in scriptures. This activity will renew your mind in that area and, in turn, transform your character to be more like God and our Lord Jesus Christ. After completing this, consider doing for the other character traits over time, perhaps one a week.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, thank You for being such a wonderful Father. Thank You for caring for me even when I may not understand why I experience certain things that may be difficult. You are worthy of praise. You are the model for the father I should strive to be. Please help me (and/or pray for fathers in your life here) to become more like You. Amen. 

 Shalom

Devotion by John in service to Christ

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Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Compassion, Discipline / Correction, Help / Serve Others, Justice / Judgment, Psalms

Divine Justice: Upholding the Cause of the Vulnerable (Psalm 82)

Ever wrestled with the apparent injustice in the world? Wondered why the wicked seem to prosper while the righteous suffer?

Psalm 82 delves into this age-old question, offering profound insights into the nature of divine justice.

Reconnect:

In the preceding chapters of Psalms, we’ve encountered a range of emotions and themes—from lament and petition to praise and exultation. Each psalm reveals facets of humanity’s relationship with God, providing a rich tapestry of spiritual expression.

Psalm 82

Unjust Judgments Rebuked.

A Psalm of Asaph.

1God takes His stand in His own congregation;
He judges in the midst of the rulers.

      2How long will you judge unjustly
And show partiality to the wicked?

Selah.

      3Vindicate the weak and fatherless;
Do justice to the afflicted and destitute.

      4Rescue the weak and needy;
Deliver them out of the hand of the wicked.

      5They do not know nor do they understand;
They walk about in darkness;
All the foundations of the earth are shaken.

      6I said, “You are gods,
And all of you are sons of the Most High.

      7“Nevertheless you will die like men
And fall like any one of the princes.”

      8Arise, O God, judge the earth!
For it is You who possesses all the nations.

Summary Key Points:

  • God, as the ultimate judge, holds rulers and authorities accountable for their actions.
  • The psalmist challenges those in positions of power to uphold justice, particularly for the vulnerable and marginalized.
  • Despite their exalted status, earthly rulers are mortal and subject to divine judgment.
  • The psalm concludes with a call for God to intervene and establish justice on earth.

Call to Action:

  • Prioritize Justice: Let us advocate for the oppressed and marginalized in our communities, following God’s example of defending the weak and upholding the cause of the poor.
  • Seek Divine Guidance: In the face of injustice, let us turn to God for wisdom and discernment, trusting in His sovereignty and righteous judgment.

In a world marred by injustice, may we echo the psalmist’s plea for God to rise up and judge the earth. As we strive to embody His justice and compassion, may we be instruments of His peace in a broken world.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we cry out to You, the ultimate source of justice and righteousness. Grant us the courage to defend the cause of the weak and the oppressed, and the wisdom to discern Your will in a world plagued by injustice. May Your kingdom come, and Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.

Children, Father / Yahweh, Parenting, Traditions / Holidays

Guided by YHWH: The Path of a Good Father

Fatherhood is a sacred calling, reflecting YHWH’s own relationship with His people. As we celebrate Father’s Day, it’s essential to recognize the qualities that define a good father—qualities rooted deeply in biblical teachings. These guidelines help fathers align with Christ’s example, positioning YHWH at the forefront of their lives and setting a standard of spiritual leadership within the family.

Biblical Foundations for Fatherhood:
The scripture provides clear and practical guidance for fathers, emphasizing the balance between discipline and compassion, leadership, and service.

  1. Spiritual Leadership and Discipline:
    • Ephesians 6:4 advises fathers not to provoke their children to anger but to raise them with discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord, fostering a nurturing yet guiding environment.
    • Proverbs 22:6 underscores the long-term impact of instilling the right values in children, ensuring they carry these teachings into adulthood.
  2. Compassion and Understanding:
    • Psalm 103:13 compares a father’s compassion to that of the LORD, highlighting the depth of understanding and care fathers should aspire to embody.
    • Colossians 3:21 warns against exacerbating children, which could discourage them, advocating instead for encouragement and empathy.
  3. Valuing and Cherishing Children:
    • Psalm 127:3-5 beautifully illustrates children as blessings from the LORD, describing them as arrows in the hands of a warrior—valuable and impactful.
  4. Leading by Example:
    • Luke 11:11-12 uses metaphorical language to discuss a father’s responsibility to provide appropriately for his children, ensuring their needs are met with wisdom and kindness.
    • Joshua 24:14-15 serves as a powerful declaration of serving the LORD faithfully, setting a profound example for the household and reinforcing the role of a father as a leader committed to righteousness.

Application:
These scriptures not only define the traditional role of fathers but also encourage modern dads to see their responsibility as a divine mandate. Fathers are called to reflect YHWH’s character, showing grace, strength, and wisdom as they guide their families.

Call to Action:

  1. Reflect and Engage: Spend time this Father’s Day reflecting on the scriptures mentioned. Consider how these teachings can influence your approach to fatherhood.
  2. Seek Growth: Continually seek ways to grow in spiritual leadership. Join or form a fathers’ group in your community or church to support and encourage each other in your parenting journey.
  3. Spread Wisdom: Share insights about biblical fatherhood with other fathers. Encourage one another with stories of success and lessons learned.
  4. Celebrate and Appreciate: Take today to celebrate the fathers in your life—your own father, friends, and community members. Acknowledge their efforts and sacrifices in striving to embody the qualities of a good father.

Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the model of fatherhood You provide through Your Word and Your own example. Bless the fathers who strive each day to lead and love according to Your principles. Strengthen them, grant them wisdom, and fill them with Your compassion. Help them to be beacons of Your light within their families and communities, reflecting Your love and righteousness. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.