Category Archives: Obeying God

Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Obeying God, Praise / Worship / Glorify God, Submitted / Servant, Unteachable / Foolish

A Call to Worship and Obedience: Hearing God’s Voice Today (Psalm 95)

How often do we pause to reflect on the greatness of God and allow His voice to guide us?

In Psalm 95, we are called not only to worship God with joy and thanksgiving but also to listen to His voice and respond with obedience.

Key Verse: “Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand. Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” – Psalm 95:6-8 (ESV)

Background Context: Psalm 95 is both a hymn of joyful worship and a solemn warning. It begins with an exuberant call to praise God for His greatness as Creator and Sustainer, and it emphasizes the joy of coming into His presence with thanksgiving. However, the second half of the psalm shifts to a sobering reminder of the importance of listening to God’s voice and obeying Him. The psalmist points to the example of the Israelites in the wilderness who hardened their hearts and faced God’s judgment as a result. The message is clear: worship must be more than an outward act; it must involve a heart that is responsive to God.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Psalm 95

Praise to the LORD, and Warning against Unbelief.

     1O come, let us sing for joy to the LORD,
Let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation.

      2Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving,
Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.

      3For the LORD is a great God
And a great King above all gods,

      4In whose hand are the depths of the earth,
The peaks of the mountains are His also.

      5The sea is His, for it was He who made it,
And His hands formed the dry land.

      6Come, let us worship and bow down,
Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.

      7For He is our God,
And we are the people of His pasture and the sheep of His hand.
Today, if you would hear His voice,

      8Do not harden your hearts, as at Meribah,
As in the day of Massah in the wilderness,

      9“When your fathers tested Me,
They tried Me, though they had seen My work.

      10“For forty years I loathed that generation,
And said they are a people who err in their heart,
And they do not know My ways.

      11“Therefore I swore in My anger,
Truly they shall not enter into My rest.”

Reflection on Psalm 95:

  • A Call to Joyful Worship: The psalm begins with a passionate invitation to worship God with joyful singing, thanksgiving, and praise (Psalm 95:1-2). We are reminded of God’s greatness, both as the Creator of the universe and as our personal Shepherd (Psalm 95:3-5). Worship is not simply a ritual but a joyful response to the majesty and goodness of God. When we come into His presence, it is an opportunity to reflect on who He is and express our gratitude for all He has done.
  • The Posture of Worship: Verse 6 calls us to “worship and bow down” and “kneel before the Lord, our Maker.” This posture of humility acknowledges God’s authority and our dependence on Him. True worship involves both an outward expression of reverence and an inward heart of submission. Bowing down symbolizes our recognition that God is not only our Creator but also the One who sustains us, cares for us, and deserves our complete trust and obedience.
  • The Voice of God: After the call to worship, the psalmist shifts to a more sobering tone, urging us to listen to God’s voice: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts” (Psalm 95:7-8). This warning echoes the story of the Israelites in the wilderness, who hardened their hearts despite seeing God’s miraculous works. They tested and doubted God, which led to their wandering and ultimate judgment (Psalm 95:9-11). The lesson is clear: God speaks to us today, and we must respond to His voice with obedience and faith, not rebellion or doubt.
  • A Warning Against Hard Hearts: The Israelites’ failure to trust God in the wilderness serves as a stark warning for us. They hardened their hearts, refusing to trust God’s promises, and as a result, they missed out on entering the “rest” that God had promised them (Psalm 95:11). This rest symbolizes both physical rest in the Promised Land and spiritual rest in God’s presence. Today, we are invited to enter God’s rest through faith in Christ, but this requires us to listen to God’s voice and respond in obedience, rather than hardening our hearts in unbelief.
  • The Urgency of “Today”: The word “today” in verse 7 carries urgency. It reminds us that listening to God’s voice and responding to His call is not something to be delayed. Each day presents a fresh opportunity to hear from God, to turn our hearts toward Him, and to live in obedience. The call to “not harden your hearts” is a challenge to be receptive to the Holy Spirit’s leading and to respond immediately when God speaks.

Summary Key Points:

  • Joyful Worship and Reverence: We are called to come before God with joyful praise and humble reverence, recognizing Him as our Creator and Shepherd.
  • Listening to God’s Voice: Worship is not complete without a heart that listens to and obeys God. When God speaks, we must not harden our hearts but respond with faith and obedience.
  • The Warning of a Hardened Heart: The example of the Israelites in the wilderness serves as a warning about the dangers of hardening our hearts and resisting God’s voice.
  • The Urgency of Today: We must be attentive to God’s voice today, not delaying our response. The call to obedience and trust in God is immediate and ongoing.

Application: Reflect on your approach to worship—are you coming before God with joy, reverence, and gratitude? Consider the ways God might be speaking to you today. Are you listening to His voice, or are there areas in your life where you have hardened your heart? Take time to pray and ask God to soften your heart so that you may respond in obedience and faith. Remember that God’s call is urgent—today is the day to listen to His voice and follow Him wholeheartedly.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts of praise and thanksgiving, acknowledging Your greatness and majesty. Help us to worship You with both joyful hearts and humble spirits. Teach us to listen to Your voice and respond in obedience, not hardening our hearts but trusting in Your wisdom and grace. May we hear Your call today and walk faithfully with You, entering into the rest You have promised. 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.

Blessed, Courage / Fear, Faith / Trusting God, Leadership, Obeying God

Faithful in the Small Things: Standing Firm in a Foreign Land (Daniel 1)

What does it look like to remain faithful to God when everything around you pulls you in the opposite direction?

Daniel 1 offers an inspiring example of how small acts of obedience can lead to great impact, even in the face of cultural pressure.

Key Verse: “But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself.” – Daniel 1:8 (ESV)

Background Context: Daniel 1 introduces us to Daniel and his friends, who are taken captive from their homeland of Judah and brought to Babylon to be trained for service in the king’s court. Despite being placed in a foreign land with new customs and values, Daniel and his friends remain faithful to God. Their small acts of obedience, including refusing to eat the king’s food, set the stage for their future influence and favor with God.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Daniel 1

The Choice Young Men

      1In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. 2The Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, along with some of the vessels of the house of God; and he brought them to the land of Shinar, to the house of his god, and he brought the vessels into the treasury of his god.

      3Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, the chief of his officials, to bring in some of the sons of Israel, including some of the royal family and of the nobles, 4youths in whom was no defect, who were good-looking, showing intelligence in every branch of wisdom, endowed with understanding and discerning knowledge, and who had ability for serving in the king’s court; and he ordered him to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans. 5The king appointed for them a daily ration from the king’s choice food and from the wine which he drank, and appointed that they should be educated three years, at the end of which they were to enter the king’s personal service. 6Now among them from the sons of Judah were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. 7Then the commander of the officials assigned new names to them; and to Daniel he assigned the name Belteshazzar, to Hananiah Shadrach, to Mishael Meshach and to Azariah Abed-nego.

Daniel’s Resolve

      8But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king’s choice food or with the wine which he drank; so he sought permission from the commander of the officials that he might not defile himself. 9Now God granted Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the commander of the officials, 10and the commander of the officials said to Daniel, “I am afraid of my lord the king, who has appointed your food and your drink; for why should he see your faces looking more haggard than the youths who are your own age? Then you would make me forfeit my head to the king.” 11But Daniel said to the overseer whom the commander of the officials had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, 12“Please test your servants for ten days, and let us be given some vegetables to eat and water to drink. 13“Then let our appearance be observed in your presence and the appearance of the youths who are eating the king’s choice food; and deal with your servants according to what you see.”

      14So he listened to them in this matter and tested them for ten days. 15At the end of ten days their appearance seemed better and they were fatter than all the youths who had been eating the king’s choice food. 16So the overseer continued to withhold their choice food and the wine they were to drink, and kept giving them vegetables.

      17As for these four youths, God gave them knowledge and intelligence in every branch of literature and wisdom; Daniel even understood all kinds of visions and dreams.

      18Then at the end of the days which the king had specified for presenting them, the commander of the officials presented them before Nebuchadnezzar. 19The king talked with them, and out of them all not one was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king’s personal service. 20As for every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king consulted them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and conjurers who were in all his realm. 21And Daniel continued until the first year of Cyrus the king.

Reflection on Daniel 1:

  • Daniel’s Resolve: Daniel and his friends are placed in a challenging environment where they are expected to conform to Babylonian culture and practices (Daniel 1:3-7). However, Daniel resolves not to defile himself with the king’s food, which likely did not adhere to the dietary laws God had given to Israel (Daniel 1:8). This small act of obedience demonstrates Daniel’s commitment to honor God, even in seemingly minor areas.
  • Faithfulness in the Small Things: Daniel’s decision not to eat the king’s food may seem insignificant compared to the bigger challenges he would later face, but it was a pivotal moment of faithfulness. Jesus taught that “He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much” (Luke 16:10). Daniel’s faithfulness in small things set the foundation for his greater acts of obedience and courage later in life.
  • God’s Favor: Because of their obedience, God blesses Daniel and his friends with health, wisdom, and understanding beyond that of their peers (Daniel 1:17-20). Their willingness to honor God in the little things brought them favor with both God and the king, allowing them to rise to positions of influence in the Babylonian empire.
  • Cultural Pressure: Daniel and his friends faced immense pressure to conform to the Babylonian culture, yet they remained faithful to God. This serves as a powerful example for us today as we navigate a world that often pressures us to compromise our values and faith. Daniel’s story reminds us that it is possible to remain true to God, even when the world around us tries to pull us away.
  • God’s Sovereignty: Throughout Daniel 1, we see God’s sovereignty at work, even in the midst of exile. God allowed Daniel and his friends to be taken to Babylon, but He also gave them favor and wisdom. This highlights that God is in control, even when we find ourselves in difficult or unfamiliar circumstances.

Summary Key Points:

  • Small Acts of Obedience: Faithfulness in the small things matters to God and can set the foundation for greater faithfulness later in life.
  • Courage to Stand Firm: Daniel’s resolve to honor God, even in the face of cultural pressure, serves as a powerful example of standing firm in our faith.
  • God’s Favor in Obedience: When we honor God, even in small ways, we open the door for His favor and blessings in our lives.
  • God’s Sovereignty: No matter where we find ourselves, God is in control and can use our faithfulness to bring about His purposes.

Application: Reflect on the small areas of your life where you might be facing pressure to conform to the world’s standards. How can you remain faithful to God in those areas? Remember that even small acts of obedience matter to God and can have a significant impact. Trust that God sees your faithfulness and will honor it, even when the world around you pressures you to compromise.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the example of Daniel and his friends, who remained faithful to You even in the face of immense pressure. Help us to honor You in the small things, knowing that our faithfulness matters to You. Give us the courage to stand firm in our convictions, even when the world tries to pull us away. We trust in Your sovereignty and ask for Your favor as we seek to live lives that glorify You. 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.

All Powerful / King of All, Holy, Holy Spirit / Ruach HaKodesh, Obeying God, Protector / Deliverer, Provider, Purposeful / Intentional, Repenting from Sin, Submitted / Servant

A New Heart and a New Spirit: God’s Promise of Restoration (Ezekiel 36)

Have you ever longed for a fresh start, a renewed sense of purpose and direction?

In Ezekiel 36, God promises to restore His people by giving them a new heart and a new spirit, transforming them from within.

Key Verse: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” – Ezekiel 36:26 (NKJV)

Background Context: Ezekiel 36 is a powerful chapter in which God speaks to the mountains of Israel, promising restoration after the devastation brought by their disobedience. Despite Israel’s past unfaithfulness, God declares His intention to restore them, not because of their righteousness, but for the sake of His holy name. This chapter is a profound expression of God’s grace and mercy, offering hope and renewal to a people who had turned away from Him.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Ezekiel 36

The Mountains of Israel to Be Blessed

      1“And you, son of man, prophesy to the mountains of Israel and say, ‘O mountains of Israel, hear the word of the LORD. 2‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “Because the enemy has spoken against you, ‘Aha!’ and, ‘The everlasting heights have become our possession,’ 3therefore prophesy and say, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “For good reason they have made you desolate and crushed you from every side, that you would become a possession of the rest of the nations and you have been taken up in the talk and the whispering of the people.”’” 4‘Therefore, O mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord GOD. Thus says the Lord GOD to the mountains and to the hills, to the ravines and to the valleys, to the desolate wastes and to the forsaken cities which have become a prey and a derision to the rest of the nations which are round about, 5therefore thus says the Lord GOD, “Surely in the fire of My jealousy I have spoken against the rest of the nations, and against all Edom, who appropriated My land for themselves as a possession with wholehearted joy and with scorn of soul, to drive it out for a prey.” 6‘Therefore prophesy concerning the land of Israel and say to the mountains and to the hills, to the ravines and to the valleys, “Thus says the Lord GOD, ‘Behold, I have spoken in My jealousy and in My wrath because you have endured the insults of the nations.’ 7“Therefore thus says the Lord GOD, ‘I have sworn that surely the nations which are around you will themselves endure their insults. 8‘But you, O mountains of Israel, you will put forth your branches and bear your fruit for My people Israel; for they will soon come. 9‘For, behold, I am for you, and I will turn to you, and you will be cultivated and sown. 10‘I will multiply men on you, all the house of Israel, all of it; and the cities will be inhabited and the waste places will be rebuilt. 11‘I will multiply on you man and beast; and they will increase and be fruitful; and I will cause you to be inhabited as you were formerly and will treat you better than at the first. Thus you will know that I am the LORD. 12‘Yes, I will cause men—My people Israel—to walk on you and possess you, so that you will become their inheritance and never again bereave them of children.’

      13“Thus says the Lord GOD, ‘Because they say to you, “You are a devourer of men and have bereaved your nation of children,” 14therefore you will no longer devour men and no longer bereave your nation of children,’ declares the Lord GOD. 15“I will not let you hear insults from the nations anymore, nor will you bear disgrace from the peoples any longer, nor will you cause your nation to stumble any longer,” declares the Lord GOD.’”

      16Then the word of the LORD came to me saying, 17“Son of man, when the house of Israel was living in their own land, they defiled it by their ways and their deeds; their way before Me was like the uncleanness of a woman in her impurity. 18“Therefore I poured out My wrath on them for the blood which they had shed on the land, because they had defiled it with their idols. 19“Also I scattered them among the nations and they were dispersed throughout the lands. According to their ways and their deeds I judged them. 20“When they came to the nations where they went, they profaned My holy name, because it was said of them, ‘These are the people of the LORD; yet they have come out of His land.’ 21“But I had concern for My holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the nations where they went.

Israel to Be Renewed for His Name’s Sake

      22“Therefore say to the house of Israel, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am about to act, but for My holy name, which you have profaned among the nations where you went. 23“I will vindicate the holiness of My great name which has been profaned among the nations, which you have profaned in their midst. Then the nations will know that I am the LORD,” declares the Lord GOD, “when I prove Myself holy among you in their sight. 24“For I will take you from the nations, gather you from all the lands and bring you into your own land. 25“Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. 26“Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27“I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances. 28“You will live in the land that I gave to your forefathers; so you will be My people, and I will be your God. 29“Moreover, I will save you from all your uncleanness; and I will call for the grain and multiply it, and I will not bring a famine on you. 30“I will multiply the fruit of the tree and the produce of the field, so that you will not receive again the disgrace of famine among the nations. 31“Then you will remember your evil ways and your deeds that were not good, and you will loathe yourselves in your own sight for your iniquities and your abominations. 32“I am not doing this for your sake,” declares the Lord GOD, “let it be known to you. Be ashamed and confounded for your ways, O house of Israel!”

      33‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “On the day that I cleanse you from all your iniquities, I will cause the cities to be inhabited, and the waste places will be rebuilt. 34“The desolate land will be cultivated instead of being a desolation in the sight of everyone who passes by. 35“They will say, ‘This desolate land has become like the garden of Eden; and the waste, desolate and ruined cities are fortified and inhabited.’ 36“Then the nations that are left round about you will know that I, the LORD, have rebuilt the ruined places and planted that which was desolate; I, the LORD, have spoken and will do it.”

      37‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “This also I will let the house of Israel ask Me to do for them: I will increase their men like a flock. 38“Like the flock for sacrifices, like the flock at Jerusalem during her appointed feasts, so will the waste cities be filled with flocks of men. Then they will know that I am the LORD.”’”

Reflection on Ezekiel 36:

  • Restoration of Israel: God promises to restore the land of Israel, making it fruitful and prosperous once again (Ezekiel 36:8-12). This physical restoration symbolizes the deeper spiritual renewal that God intends for His people.
  • God’s Motivation: The restoration is motivated by God’s desire to uphold His holy name, which had been profaned among the nations due to Israel’s unfaithfulness (Ezekiel 36:22-23). This shows that God’s actions are rooted in His character and His desire to be known as holy and righteous.
  • A New Heart and a New Spirit: One of the most profound promises in this chapter is God’s commitment to give His people a new heart and a new spirit. He will remove their heart of stone—symbolizing hardness, rebellion, and insensitivity—and replace it with a heart of flesh, which is responsive and obedient to His will (Ezekiel 36:26). This inner transformation is essential for true restoration.
  • Indwelling of the Holy Spirit: God also promises to put His Spirit within His people, enabling them to follow His statutes and keep His judgments (Ezekiel 36:27). This speaks to the empowerment that comes from the Holy Spirit, who guides and strengthens believers to live according to God’s ways.
  • The Resulting Blessing: As a result of this transformation, God’s people will live in the land promised to their forefathers, and they will know that He is the Lord (Ezekiel 36:28). This restored relationship with God brings peace, security, and blessing.

Summary Key Points:

  • God’s Restoration: God promises to restore His people, not just physically, but spiritually, giving them a new heart and a new spirit.
  • God’s Holiness: The restoration is driven by God’s desire to uphold His holy name and demonstrate His righteousness.
  • Inner Transformation: True restoration begins with inner transformation—God removes the heart of stone and gives a heart of flesh.
  • Empowerment by the Spirit: God’s Spirit empowers His people to live in obedience and righteousness.
  • Resulting Blessing: The transformation leads to a renewed relationship with God, bringing peace, security, and blessing.

Application: Let us open our hearts to God’s transforming power, allowing Him to remove any hardness or rebellion and replace it with a heart that is responsive and obedient to His will. May we welcome the Holy Spirit into our lives, relying on His strength to follow God’s ways. Let us embrace the promise of restoration, knowing that God’s desire is to bring us into a deeper, more fruitful relationship with Him, filled with His peace and blessings.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your promise of restoration and transformation. Remove our hearts of stone and give us hearts of flesh that are sensitive and obedient to Your will. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, empowering us to walk in Your ways. May we experience the fullness of Your restoration and live in the peace and blessings that come from knowing You. 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.

Am I on the path?, Obeying God, Purposeful / Intentional, Submitted / Servant

Counting the Cost: The True Commitment of Discipleship (Luke 14:25-35)

Have you ever considered the full cost of being a disciple of Jesus?

In Luke 14:25-35, Jesus challenges us to evaluate our priorities and make a wholehearted commitment to follow Him, placing Him above all else.

Key Verse: “So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions.” – Luke 14:33 (NKJV)

Background Context: In Luke 14:25-35, Jesus addresses the large crowds following Him, clarifying the true demands of discipleship. He emphasizes the necessity of placing Him above all personal relationships and possessions. This passage highlights the importance of counting the cost and making a deliberate, informed commitment to follow Christ fully.

Luke 14:25-35

Discipleship Tested

     25Now large crowds were going along with Him; and He turned and said to them, 26“If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple. 27“Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. 28“For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it? 29“Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who observe it begin to ridicule him, 30saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ 31“Or what king, when he sets out to meet another king in battle, will not first sit down and consider whether he is strong enough with ten thousand men to encounter the one coming against him with twenty thousand? 32“Or else, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace. 33“So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions.

      34“Therefore, salt is good; but if even salt has become tasteless, with what will it be seasoned? 35“It is useless either for the soil or for the manure pile; it is thrown out. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”

Reflection on Luke 14:25-35:

  • Prioritizing Jesus Above All: Jesus makes a striking statement about hating one’s family and even one’s own life to be His disciple (Luke 14:26). This hyperbolic language underscores the necessity of placing Jesus above all personal relationships and priorities. It is not a literal call to hate but a call to supreme loyalty and devotion to Christ.
  • Carrying the Cross: True discipleship involves carrying one’s own cross and following Jesus (Luke 14:27). This signifies a willingness to endure hardship, sacrifice, and even persecution for the sake of Christ.
  • Counting the Cost: Jesus illustrates the importance of counting the cost of discipleship with two parables: a man building a tower and a king going to war (Luke 14:28-32). Both parables highlight the need for careful consideration and preparation before embarking on a commitment. This teaches us to evaluate the demands of following Jesus and to commit wholeheartedly.
  • Total Commitment: Jesus concludes by stating that anyone who does not give up all possessions cannot be His disciple (Luke 14:33). This emphasizes the necessity of holding nothing back and prioritizing Christ above all material possessions. On the other hand, if we prioritize Christ first, then all other things will be added to us in the proper context and value, (Matthew 6:33 But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.)
  • Salt and Its Value: Jesus compares His disciples to salt, which must maintain its distinctiveness to be valuable (Luke 14:34-35; Matthew 5:13). Disciples must retain their commitment and distinctiveness in the world, avoiding becoming like the non-believers by compromising their values and priorities.

Summary Key Points:

  • Supreme Loyalty to Christ: True discipleship requires placing Jesus above all personal relationships and possessions.
  • Willingness to Sacrifice: Following Jesus involves carrying our cross, symbolizing readiness to endure hardship and sacrifice.
  • Deliberate Commitment: We must count the cost of discipleship, understanding its demands and preparing to follow through.
  • Maintaining Distinctiveness: Disciples must retain their distinctiveness and commitment to Christ, avoiding compromise.

Application: Let us examine our priorities and ensure that Jesus holds the highest place in our lives. May we be willing to carry our cross, embracing the sacrifices and challenges of following Him. Let us count the cost and make a deliberate, informed commitment to discipleship, maintaining our distinctiveness and faithfulness in a world that often compromises values. By seeking first His kingdom and righteousness (Matthew 6:33), we can trust that all other things will be added to us in their proper context and value.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the call to true discipleship. Help us to place Jesus above all else in our lives, willing to carry our cross and make the necessary sacrifices to follow Him. Teach us to count the cost and commit wholeheartedly, maintaining our distinctiveness and faithfulness. May we seek Your kingdom and righteousness first, trusting in Your provision for all our needs. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Guide, Help / Serve Others, Humility, Hypocrisy, Obeying God, Purposeful / Intentional

True Righteousness: A Heart Examined (Luke 11:37-54)

Have you ever wondered what true righteousness looks like?

In our quest to live faithfully, we often focus on outward actions, but Jesus teaches us that true righteousness begins within.

Background Context: In Luke 11:37-54, Jesus confronts the Pharisees and legal experts with sharp rebukes. He criticizes their obsession with external rituals while neglecting justice, mercy, and love for God. These religious leaders were meticulous in tithing and observance of rituals but lacked compassion and sincerity in their hearts.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Luke 11:37-54

Woes upon the Pharisees

     37Now when He had spoken, a Pharisee asked Him to have lunch with him; and He went in, and reclined at the table. 38When the Pharisee saw it, he was surprised that He had not first ceremonially washed before the meal. 39But the Lord said to him, “Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and of the platter; but inside of you, you are full of robbery and wickedness. 40“You foolish ones, did not He who made the outside make the inside also? 41“But give that which is within as charity, and then all things are clean for you.

      42“But woe to you Pharisees! For you pay tithe of mint and rue and every kind of garden herb, and yet disregard justice and the love of God; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others. 43“Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the chief seats in the synagogues and the respectful greetings in the market places. 44“Woe to you! For you are like concealed tombs, and the people who walk over them are unaware of it.”

      45One of the lawyers said to Him in reply, “Teacher, when You say this, You insult us too.” 46But He said, “Woe to you lawyers as well! For you weigh men down with burdens hard to bear, while you yourselves will not even touch the burdens with one of your fingers. 47“Woe to you! For you build the tombs of the prophets, and it was your fathers who killed them. 48“So you are witnesses and approve the deeds of your fathers; because it was they who killed them, and you build their tombs. 49“For this reason also the wisdom of God said, ‘I will send to them prophets and apostles, and some of them they will kill and some they will persecute, 50so that the blood of all the prophets, shed since the foundation of the world, may be charged against this generation, 51from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the house of God; yes, I tell you, it shall be charged against this generation.’ 52“Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge; you yourselves did not enter, and you hindered those who were entering.”

      53When He left there, the scribes and the Pharisees began to be very hostile and to question Him closely on many subjects, 54plotting against Him to catch Him in something He might say.

Reflection on Luke 11:37-54: Jesus addresses the Pharisees’ hypocrisy directly, highlighting their meticulous attention to outward cleanliness while ignoring the corruption within. He points out that true purity and righteousness are not merely external but flow from a transformed heart. He compares them to whitewashed tombs—beautiful on the outside but full of decay and death inside (Luke 11:39-40).

Jesus condemns their legalism and hypocrisy, rebuking them for placing heavy burdens on others while not lifting a finger to help (Luke 11:46). He criticizes their desire for recognition and honor, warning them that true greatness comes from serving others with humility, not seeking praise (Luke 11:43).

Jesus concludes with a series of woes, denouncing their distortion of God’s Word and their role in persecuting the prophets sent by God (Luke 11:47-51). He challenges them to reconsider their priorities and warns of the judgment that awaits those who reject God’s messengers.

Jesus’ words challenge us to examine our own hearts. Are we like the Pharisees, focusing on outward appearances and religious practices while neglecting justice, mercy, and love? True righteousness requires genuine transformation from within, rooted in a deep love for God and others.

Summary Key Points:

  1. True Righteousness: It originates from a heart devoted to God, not just outward appearances.
  2. Hypocrisy: Jesus condemns hypocrisy that focuses on rituals but neglects justice, mercy, and love.
  3. Humility and Service: True greatness is found in serving others with humility, not seeking recognition.

Call to Action: Let us seek to cultivate genuine righteousness in our lives. May we prioritize loving God with our whole heart and loving our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-39). Let us examine our hearts daily, asking God to reveal any hypocrisy or pride within us, and seek His transformational power.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we humbly come before You, acknowledging our need for Your transforming grace. Examine our hearts, O God, and cleanse us from any hypocrisy or pride. Help us to walk in true righteousness, rooted in love for You and others. May our lives reflect Your light and bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

This devotional challenges us to reflect on the authenticity of our faith and our commitment to live out God’s truth in our daily lives.

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.

Blessed, Obeying God

Blessed Beyond Earthly Ties (Luke 11:27-28)

Have you ever wondered what it means to truly be blessed? In a world where blessings are often equated with material wealth or success, Jesus offers a profound insight that redirects our focus.

Background Context: In Luke 11:27-28, Jesus responds to a woman who blesses His mother for giving birth to Him. His reply unveils a deeper truth about blessings and the pathway to true fulfillment.

Luke 11:27-28

      27While Jesus was saying these things, one of the women in the crowd raised her voice and said to Him, “Blessed is the womb that bore You and the breasts at which You nursed.” 28But He said, “On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.”

Reflection on Luke 11:27-28:

  1. The Blessing of Hearing and Keeping God’s Word: Jesus shifts the focus from His physical mother to the spiritual realm. He emphasizes that those who hear and keep God’s Word are blessed (Luke 11:28). This highlights the importance of obedience and faithfulness in our relationship with God.
  2. Elevating Spiritual Realities: While honoring His earthly mother is noble, Jesus redirects attention to the greater blessing found in spiritual obedience. It underscores the eternal significance of aligning our lives with God’s will and Word.

Summary Key Points: Jesus’s response challenges us to rethink our understanding of blessings. True blessing isn’t about worldly acclaim or material possessions, but about our relationship with God. It’s found in hearing His Word and obediently living by it. This spiritual obedience leads to lasting fulfillment and the assurance of God’s favor.

Call to Action: Let us strive to prioritize our spiritual walk over earthly pursuits. Take time today to reflect on how you hear and keep God’s Word in your life. Are there areas where you can deepen your obedience and trust in Him? Embrace the blessing of aligning your life with His will.

Closing: As we seek to follow Jesus’s example of honoring God through obedience, may we experience the true depth of His blessings. Let us find joy in hearing His Word and living it out daily, knowing that in doing so, we are blessed beyond earthly measures.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the blessing of Your Word and the privilege of hearing it. Help us, Lord, to not only hear but to obey Your commands joyfully. Guide us in aligning our lives with Your will so that we may experience the fullness of Your blessings. In Jesus’s 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.

Faith / Trusting God, Obeying God, Proverbs (Wisdom & Folly), Purposeful / Intentional, Unteachable / Foolish, Wise

Trusting God’s Sovereignty in Uncertain Times (Proverbs 21)

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the state of the world or your community? It’s easy to be consumed by fear and worry amidst societal challenges, moral decay, and the complexities of daily life.

Background Context: Proverbs 21 provides timeless wisdom that reminds us of God’s ultimate sovereignty over all rulers and events. It offers insights into righteous living and the assurance that God directs the course of history according to His divine plan.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Proverbs 21

On Life and Conduct

      1The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD;
He turns it wherever He wishes.

      2Every man’s way is right in his own eyes,
But the LORD weighs the hearts.

      3To do righteousness and justice
Is desired by the LORD more than sacrifice.

      4Haughty eyes and a proud heart,
The lamp of the wicked, is sin.

      5The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage,
But everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty.

      6The acquisition of treasures by a lying tongue
Is a fleeting vapor, the pursuit of death.

      7The violence of the wicked will drag them away,
Because they refuse to act with justice.

      8The way of a guilty man is crooked,
But as for the pure, his conduct is upright.

      9It is better to live in a corner of a roof
Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.

      10The soul of the wicked desires evil;
His neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.

      11When the scoffer is punished, the naive becomes wise;
But when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.

      12The righteous one considers the house of the wicked,
Turning the wicked to ruin.

      13He who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor
Will also cry himself and not be answered.

      14A gift in secret subdues anger,
And a bribe in the bosom, strong wrath.

      15The exercise of justice is joy for the righteous,
But is terror to the workers of iniquity.

      16A man who wanders from the way of understanding
Will rest in the assembly of the dead.

      17He who loves pleasure will become a poor man;
He who loves wine and oil will not become rich.

      18The wicked is a ransom for the righteous,
And the treacherous is in the place of the upright.

      19It is better to live in a desert land
Than with a contentious and vexing woman.

      20There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise,
But a foolish man swallows it up.

      21He who pursues righteousness and loyalty
Finds life, righteousness and honor.

      22A wise man scales the city of the mighty
And brings down the stronghold in which they trust.

      23He who guards his mouth and his tongue,
Guards his soul from troubles.

      24“Proud,” “Haughty,” “Scoffer,” are his names,
Who acts with insolent pride.

      25The desire of the sluggard puts him to death,
For his hands refuse to work;

      26All day long he is craving,
While the righteous gives and does not hold back.

      27The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination,
How much more when he brings it with evil intent!

      28A false witness will perish,
But the man who listens to the truth will speak forever.

      29A wicked man displays a bold face,
But as for the upright, he makes his way sure.

      30There is no wisdom and no understanding
And no counsel against the LORD.

      31The horse is prepared for the day of battle,
But victory belongs to the LORD.

Reflection on Proverbs 21:

  1. God’s Sovereign Control: Even kings and rulers are under God’s authority and can be instruments in His hands (Proverbs 21:1). This truth encourages us to trust in God’s overarching control, even when events seem chaotic or unjust.
  2. Righteousness and Justice: God delights in righteousness and justice more than religious rituals or empty sacrifices (Proverbs 21:3, 15). He calls us to live with integrity and fairness, reflecting His character in our daily actions.
  3. The Heart’s Influence: Our motives and attitudes matter to God. He examines our hearts and weighs our actions (Proverbs 21:2, 27). Therefore, we are called to align our hearts with His will and seek His guidance in all we do.

Summary Key Points:

  • Trusting in God’s Plan: Instead of dwelling on uncertainties, trust in God’s sovereignty over all aspects of life.
  • Living Righteously: Embrace God’s commands not as burdens but as guides to walk in righteousness and justice.
  • Heart Transformation: Allow God to transform your heart so that your actions and decisions honor Him.

Call to Action:

  • Reflective Study: Take time to meditate on each verse of Proverbs 21, applying its wisdom to your current circumstances.
  • Prayerful Surrender: Surrender your fears and anxieties to God, trusting in His sovereign control over your life and the world.
  • Intentional Obedience: Commit to obeying God’s commands joyfully, knowing that they lead to a life aligned with His purposes.

Closing: As we delve into Proverbs 21, let us be reminded of God’s sovereignty and wisdom. May we live with faith, trusting His plan, and striving to embody righteousness and justice in our daily lives. Let us seek His guidance continually, knowing that in Him, we find peace and purpose.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your sovereignty over all rulers and events. Help us to trust in Your plan and to live with integrity and justice. Transform our hearts to align with Your will, that we may honor You in all we do. Grant us wisdom as we study Your Word and apply its truths to 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.

Jesus Christ / Yeshua, Obeying God, Protector / Deliverer, Repenting from Sin, Sin, Traditions / Holidays

True Freedom: Celebrating Independence Day with a Reflection on Freedom in Christ

As the United States celebrates Independence Day, we are reminded of the historic struggle for freedom from tyranny and the birth of a nation built on the ideals of liberty.

This July 4th, while enjoying the fireworks and festivities, let us also delve deeper into a more profound freedom—the spiritual liberty granted to us through Christ, which liberates us from the bondage of sin and empowers us to serve God wholeheartedly.

Historical and Spiritual Freedom: The celebration of Independence Day is not just about commemorating the past; it’s about appreciating the freedoms we enjoy today. However, it’s also an opportunity to reflect on the spiritual freedom we have in Christ, as taught in the Scriptures. This freedom does not absolve us from responsibility but calls us to live according to God’s will, under His guidance and laws.

Freedom in Christ – Not a License to Sin: The Apostle Paul discusses this concept extensively:

  • Romans 8:1-4 explains that while we are free from the “law of sin and death” thanks to Christ, this freedom is not an excuse to ignore God’s commandments. Rather, it empowers us to live righteously, aligned with the Spirit rather than the flesh.

Romans 8:1-4

1Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. 3For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, 4so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

The Misconception of Lawlessness: It’s crucial to understand that Christ’s fulfillment of the Law does not equate to its nullification. Christ himself adhered to these laws, setting an example for us to follow, not to discard. Jesus critiqued not the law itself but the Pharisees’ and Sadducees’ legalistic and burdensome interpretations that overshadowed its true purpose.

The Role of God’s Law: The psalmist in Psalm 119 expresses a deep love for God’s law, recognizing it as a source of wisdom, joy, and peace. These statutes are described not as burdens but as blessings that guide us toward righteousness and closer communion with God.

Psalm 119 (excerpts)

97O how I love Your law!
It is my meditation all the day.

98Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies,
For they are ever mine.

—

142Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness,
And Your law is truth.

143Trouble and anguish have come upon me,
Yet Your commandments are my delight.

—

162I rejoice at Your word,
As one who finds great spoil.

163I hate and despise falsehood,
But I love Your law.

164Seven times a day I praise You,
Because of Your righteous ordinances.

165Those who love Your law have great peace,
And nothing causes them to stumble.

—

171Let my lips utter praise,
For You teach me Your statutes.

172Let my tongue sing of Your word,
For all Your commandments are righteousness.

Call to Action:

  1. Reflect on True Freedom: Spend time this Independence Day reflecting on the freedom you have in Christ. Consider how this spiritual liberty influences your daily decisions and relationships.
  2. Study and Share: Dive deeper into the scriptures that discuss God’s laws and freedom in Christ. Share these insights with friends and family, perhaps during your Independence Day celebrations.
  3. Live Responsibly: Embrace the responsibility that comes with freedom. Make choices that reflect your commitment to God’s laws and the example set by Christ.
  4. Engage in Prayer and Fellowship: Use this day as an opportunity to pray for our nation and its leaders, that they may govern wisely and justly, honoring the freedoms we hold dear.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of freedom, both national and spiritual, through Christ our Savior. As we celebrate this Independence Day, let us remember the sacrifices made for our freedoms and the ultimate sacrifice Christ made to free us from sin. Help us to live lives worthy of this gift, guided by Your Spirit and committed to Your principles. Strengthen us to be bearers of Your light and truth in a world that deeply needs it. 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.

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.

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

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