Category Archives: Character of God

Am I on the path?, Hebrew Roots / Commands / Law, His Ways Are Not Our Ways, Is the Old Testament Relevant Today?, Seeking God, Study the Word, Teachable

Understanding The Law – What Does It Mean Today?

Today’s teaching is longer than most, but it is important. I encourage you to read it all the way through and truly reflect on it in prayer. It may challenge some of what you have accepted. Test it against the scripture. Ask YHWH to lead you.  The more you pursue a personal relationship with our Father, through Yeshua, based on Biblical truth… the more likely you will have to challenge and be set apart from even some common teachings in the church.

I would like to start in prayer:

Father, please open my eyes to any blind spots I may have in regards to following You instead of the traditions of man. Help me to study Your word and be Spirit-led. Help me not to get defensive to cling to what I have always known, but rather challenge everything against Your unchanging word and be willing to change my current understanding as needed to grow closer to You. Amen. 

—

There is much confusion about what the law means to Christians today. Many teachers of Christianity say that the law (and essentially all the instructions of the Old Testament) no longer apply now that Yeshua has come, died for us, and been resurrected. They proclaim that we are covered in grace and no longer in “bondage” to the law. In order to support this case, people point to passages from Acts and the letters of Paul but ignore or disregard the Old Testament, the earthly ministry of Yeshua, and many other writings of Paul where he is clearly teaching that we should uphold the law. Further, they must ignore that Paul encourages others to follow his example, which is modeled after the example of Yeshua and includes adherence to the law. It can be confusing for sure and at times Paul seems on the surface to contradict himself.

If we test scripture, we realize that those who teach against the law are inconsistent. They are saying the law is null and void but still teaching that we should follow parts of the law and discard others. Do not murder? Do not covet? Do not have idols? Do not commit adultery? These are all part of the law of YHWH. So, too, is tithing… recognizing the law goes beyond the 10 commandments. We should not arbitrarily pick and choose which elements of the law to follow and which to disregard. We should take greater care to challenge and understand what scripture says about which we should still be following vs. trusting the traditions of men taught widely in churches.

People were similarly confused in the early church. So much so that Peter even warned us.

[2 Peter 3:15-18]

15 And remember, our Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved. This is what our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you with the wisdom God gave him— 16 speaking of these things in all of his letters. Some of his comments are hard to understand, and those who are ignorant and unstable have twisted his letters to mean something quite different, just as they do with other parts of Scripture. And this will result in their destruction.

17 You already know these things, dear friends. So be on guard; then you will not be carried away by the errors of these wicked people and lose your own secure footing. 18 Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen.

We should not simply dismiss the seeming contradictions and pick the scripture that feels most comfortable following. Instead, each of us should evaluate and seek to understand this complex and foundational issue. But whom should we trust? The Christian majority? Scholars and teachers? A particular respected or popular teacher? or the word of God in the Bible, which would include the example Yeshua set in His earthly ministry?

The answer, I hope is fairly straightforward… we should trust in the word of God, in Yeshua, rather than the doctrine of men. It is fine to listen to the teachings of scholars and pastors, but we must test everything ourselves against scripture. This can take time and be hard, but that is no excuse just to take someone else’s word for it without testing. To do so demonstrates a lack of diligence or lack of respect for the importance of following Yeshua. If we fail to truly seek to understand what is right because it is hard, it certainly does not show a love for God and that He is a priority in our lives. (Yes, you should test what I teach as well, comparing it to the scriptures. Do not take my word for it, but rather seek to understand the methodology and truth revealed from studying scripture.)

First, let’s deal with the belief that the majority can not be wrong. If you claim to be Christian, then you already accept that premise to be false. The majority of the world rejects Yeshua as God and savior. Well then… perhaps it is the majority of God’s people, backed by scholars and teachers, that can not be wrong? Again, that would be contradictory to the foundation of Christianity itself. The most respected teachers and scholars of the law, with centuries of tradition on their side, were the Pharisees and Sadducees at the time of Jesus’ earthly ministry. They persecuted and killed Yeshua, denying that He was God. Thus, as Christians, we once again already believe that the religious majority of God’s people along with the scholars and teachers (complete with centuries of tradition) were wrong. Perhaps then we believe that the Christian majority after the death of Christ can not be wrong. Once again, we can look to the Protestant Reformation as an example of true believers fighting against the wrong teaching and doctrine of the church. We have much to be thankful for that now we have God’s word available for all of us to read plainly in our own language instead of hidden away behind closed doors, written in Latin, and kept from the people. How can we possibly hope to know and follow God’s instruction fully if we are not allowed access to His word except for a few minutes a week and that is even only told to us through another person based on what they choose to share? In fact, God commanded us to study and know His word and to use it as a test to identify false teachers. This is a command we can only do properly if we have access to His word.

[Deuteronomy 13:1-5] 13 [a]“Suppose there are prophets among you or those who dream dreams about the future, and they promise you signs or miracles, 2 and the predicted signs or miracles occur. If they then say, ‘Come, let us worship other gods’—gods you have not known before— 3 do not listen to them. The Lord your God is testing you to see if you truly love him with all your heart and soul. 4 Serve only the Lord your God and fear him alone. Obey his commands, listen to his voice, and cling to him. 5 The false prophets or visionaries who try to lead you astray must be put to death, for they encourage rebellion against the Lord your God, who redeemed you from slavery and brought you out of the land of Egypt. Since they try to lead you astray from the way the Lord your God commanded you to live, you must put them to death. In this way you will purge the evil from among you.

No teacher in all the history of God’s people is infallible with the notable exception of Yeshua. Yeshua, in fact, as recorded in the book of John was the very word of God made flesh.

[John 1:1-18] 1 In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He existed in the beginning with God. 3 God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. 4 The Word gave life to everything that was created,[a] and his life brought light to everyone. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.[b]

6 God sent a man, John the Baptist,[c] 7 to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. 8 John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light. 9 The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.

10 He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. 11 He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. 12 But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. 13 They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.

14 So the Word became human[d] and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness.[e] And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.

15 John testified about him when he shouted to the crowds, “This is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘Someone is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.’”

16 From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another.[f] 17 For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is himself God,[g] is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us.

Yeshua is in fact eternal and is the word of God made flesh to dwell among us. So we should pay special attention to what He teaches about the law, and how he acts with regard to the law. In this, we will find the truth. Let us explore what God’s word says about the law. Is it bondage? Has it changed with the death and resurrection of Yeshua?

Yeshua is incredibly clear… He specifically warns us not to misunderstand why He came. He tells us to obey God’s law and teach it to others. Does this make sense if God’s law is obsolete as so many churches teach?

[Matthew 5:17-19] 17 “Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. 18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved. 19 So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God’s laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Yeshua further clarifies the subject of the law by clearly stating it is not bondage but rather God’s instructions on how to love God and love one another.

[Matthew 22:35-40] 35 One of them, an expert in religious law, tried to trap him with this question: 36 “Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?”

37 Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’[e] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[f] 40 The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”

The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on loving God and loving one another. That does not sound like bondage at all! Why would God come as Jesus to die to set us free from the law… from loving God and loving others? This makes no sense. (You can read more about what God’s word says about the law throughout the Old Testament, such as Psalm 119.)

Yeshua went on to instruct his disciples in the great commission to teach others to observe ALL that He commanded them. This includes the teachings of the Old Testament including the law, which Yeshua taught and observed without fail. Please note that this is after Yeshua died and was risen! Yeshua did not cancel the law, but rather confirmed its importance.

[Matthew 28:19-20] 19“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Clearly, we must reconsider the misconception that Yeshua came to “set us free from the law”.

This is confirmed in several other scriptures in Old and New Testament. I have included but a few.

[Deuteronomy 11:26-28] 26 “Look, today I am giving you the choice between a blessing and a curse! 27 You will be blessed if you obey the commands of the Lord your God that I am giving you today. 28 But you will be cursed if you reject the commands of the Lord your God and turn away from him and worship gods you have not known before.

[Psalm 19:7-13] 7 The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 8 The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living. 9 Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the Lord are true; each one is fair. 10 They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb. 11 They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them.

12 How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults. 13 Keep your servant from deliberate sins! Don’t let them control me. Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin.

[1 John 2:3-6] 3 And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments. 4 If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth. 5 But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him. 6 Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.

[1John 5:2-3] 2 We know we love God’s children if we love God and obey his commandments. 3 Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome.

[James 1:25] 25 But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.

Paul encourages those in Corinth to follow His example, which was modeled after Yeshua. Both Yeshua and Paul followed the law. Would it then make sense that Paul teaches to disregard the law? In fact, Paul teaches explicitly the importance of following the law! Keep in mind that when he writes 2 Timothy 3:16-17 there is not yet a New Testament. He must, therefore, be referring to the Old Testament. Is he contradicting himself with regard to how he teaches about God’s law? A detailed study of the context in Paul’s letter is necessary to understand properly what Paul is teaching.

[1 Corinthians 11:1] 1 And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.

[Romans 3:31] 31 Well then, if we emphasize faith, does this mean that we can forget about the law? Of course not! In fact, only when we have faith do we truly fulfill the law.

[Romans 7:7] 7 Well then, am I suggesting that the law of God is sinful? Of course not! In fact, it was the law that showed me my sin. I would never have known that coveting is wrong if the law had not said, “You must not covet.”[c]

[Romans 7:12] 12 But still, the law itself is holy, and its commands are holy and right and good.

[2 Timothy 3:16-17] 16All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

One of the most referenced scriptures by those who say we are no longer under the Mosaic law is Romans 6:14. However, careful study of context shows that Paul is not referring to Mosaic law, but rather what he refers to as the law of sin and death, as clarified in Romans 8:1-2.

[Romans 6:14] 14 For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace.

[Romans 8:1-2] 8 Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life [a]in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.

To study more deeply about what Paul really taught about the law, we encourage you to visit 119Ministries.com and watch their video series on the “Pauline Paradox”.

Yeshua did not come to set us free from the law. The law is perfect. The law sets us free. The law is God’s instruction on how to love Him and one another. Why would He want to set us free from this?

Yeshua came to set us free from the curse we receive when we fail to live up to God’s law perfectly. All of us fall short of perfectly executing God’s law. Jesus came to take our punishment so that we could be redeemed… be forgiven.

[John 3:16-21] 16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave[g] his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. 17 God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.

18 “There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son. 19 And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. 20 All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. 21 But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.[h]”

So we know that we do not need to follow the law to be saved… to find salvation. Salvation comes through Yeshua alone by grace, through faith, and not by works. So Yeshua now holds in our place the judgment and condemnation for our failures to properly follow the law. He has paid the price on our behalf.

To learn more about why Yeshua came to live among us, died, was buried, and rose again… please read our teaching about The Message of The Cross.

So why then should we still follow the law?

We follow the law not to achieve salvation, but because we are saved! We follow the law because God commanded it and because it was His instruction for how to love God and love one another. We follow the law to show God we love Him. The law is not then canceled or no longer valid, but rather it serves us still as God’s guide and instruction for our lives. The entire Bible is relevant and applicable to our lives today as we seek to know, love, and serve God.

Make note, not all commandments can or should be followed today.  As an example, some are relating to the Levitical priesthood or the earthly temple and thus can not apply anymore. Hebrews 10   confirms that Yeshua’s sacrifice means we no longer need to sacrifice animals for the forgiveness of sin. However, by and large, there are many commandments that are being discarded by Christians today that still apply and that we should be following.

To learn more consider our teachings:

and consider learning from other ministries or study material:

 

Shalom. Teaching by John in service to Christ

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.

Love, Loving / Kind, Marriage, Song of Solomon

Covenant Love, Sealed Upon the Heart (Song of Solomon 8)

What kind of love survives time, pressure, and testing?

Key Verse:
“Set me as a seal over your heart, as a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death… Many waters cannot quench love, nor will rivers overflow it.” —Song of Solomon 8:6–7 NASB

Background Context:
Song of Solomon 8 brings the relationship full circle. The early longing, the seasons of distance, the celebration of intimacy — all culminate in a declaration about the nature of covenant love. The tone is mature, steady, and deeply rooted. This is no longer merely romantic admiration; it is enduring commitment.

The chapter closes not with drama, but with strength and resolve.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Song of Solomon 8

The Lovers Speak

    1“Oh that you were like a brother to me
Who nursed at my mother’s breasts.
If I found you outdoors, I would kiss you;
No one would despise me, either.

      2“I would lead you and bring you
Into the house of my mother, who used to instruct me;
I would give you spiced wine to drink from the juice of my pomegranates.

      3“Let his left hand be under my head
And his right hand embrace me.”

      4“I want you to swear, O daughters of Jerusalem,
Do not arouse or awaken my love
Until she pleases.”

      5“Who is this coming up from the wilderness
Leaning on her beloved?”

“Beneath the apple tree I awakened you;
There your mother was in labor with you,
There she was in labor and gave you birth.

      6“Put me like a seal over your heart,
Like a seal on your arm.
For love is as strong as death,
Jealousy is as severe as Sheol;
Its flashes are flashes of fire,
The very flame of the LORD.

      7“Many waters cannot quench love,
Nor will rivers overflow it;
If a man were to give all the riches of his house for love,
It would be utterly despised.”

      8“We have a little sister,
And she has no breasts;
What shall we do for our sister
On the day when she is spoken for?

      9“If she is a wall,
We will build on her a battlement of silver;
But if she is a door,
We will barricade her with planks of cedar.”

      10“I was a wall, and my breasts were like towers;
Then I became in his eyes as one who finds peace.

      11“Solomon had a vineyard at Baal-hamon;
He entrusted the vineyard to caretakers.
Each one was to bring a thousand shekels of silver for its fruit.

      12“My very own vineyard is at my disposal;
The thousand shekels are for you, Solomon,
And two hundred are for those who take care of its fruit.”

      13“O you who sit in the gardens,
My companions are listening for your voice—
Let me hear it!”

      14“Hurry, my beloved,
And be like a gazelle or a young stag
On the mountains of spices.”

Reflection on Song of Solomon 8:
The bride begins by expressing a desire for uninhibited affection — love that is not restrained by social hesitation but confidently expressed. What follows is a profound declaration about covenant commitment.

“Set me as a seal upon your heart.” A seal represented ownership, protection, and permanence. This is not fleeting emotion. It is lasting devotion. Love here is described as strong as death — unrelenting, unbreakable, and enduring.

“Many waters cannot quench love.” Trials, misunderstandings, time, hardship — none of these extinguish covenant love when it is anchored properly. Rivers may rise, but true love remains.

The passage also reminds us that love cannot be purchased. It is not a transaction. It is chosen, cultivated, and guarded.

In marriage, Song of Solomon 8 teaches that love matures into steadfastness. Passion deepens into permanence. Covenant love withstands pressure because it is sealed intentionally.

Spiritually, this chapter reflects the enduring love of God toward His people — and the call for our wholehearted devotion in return. His love is not casual. It is covenantal. It does not dissolve under pressure.

The book closes with longing and pursuit still alive. Love is not stagnant. It continues to seek, to grow, and to deepen.

Application:

  • Guard covenant love as something sacred and permanent.

  • Remember that enduring love requires intentional commitment.

  • Do not treat love as transactional — it cannot be bought.

  • Allow trials to strengthen, not weaken, devotion.

  • Respond to God’s steadfast love with wholehearted loyalty.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for love that endures. Teach me to cherish covenant commitment and to guard it faithfully. Strengthen my devotion in marriage and in my walk with You. Seal my heart with steadfast love that cannot be shaken. In Yeshua’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.

Jesus Christ / Yeshua, Marriage, Praise / Worship / Glorify God, Psalms, Self Control, Submitted / Servant

The Bride and the King (Psalm 45)

What does it mean to belong to a King whose throne is eternal?

Key Verse:
“Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; a scepter of uprightness is the scepter of Your kingdom.” —Psalm 45:6 NASB

Background Context:
Psalm 45 is labeled a wedding song, likely composed for a royal marriage in Israel’s history. Yet as the psalm unfolds, the language exceeds any merely human king. The king is described in exalted, even divine terms. The New Testament later applies part of this psalm directly to Messiah (see Hebrews 1:8–9), revealing its prophetic dimension.

This psalm celebrates not only a royal union, but the reign of a righteous King and the beauty of covenant loyalty.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Psalm 45

For the choir director; according to the Shoshannim. A Maskil of the sons of Korah. A Song of Love.

      1My heart overflows with a good theme;
I address my verses to the King;
My tongue is the pen of a ready writer.

      2You are fairer than the sons of men;
Grace is poured upon Your lips;
Therefore God has blessed You forever.

      3Gird Your sword on Your thigh, O Mighty One,
In Your splendor and Your majesty!

      4And in Your majesty ride on victoriously,
For the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness;
Let Your right hand teach You awesome things.

      5Your arrows are sharp;
The peoples fall under You;
Your arrows are in the heart of the King’s enemies.

      6Your throne, O God, is forever and ever;
A scepter of uprightness is the scepter of Your kingdom.

      7You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;
Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You
With the oil of joy above Your fellows.

      8All Your garments are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia;
Out of ivory palaces stringed instruments have made You glad.

      9Kings’ daughters are among Your noble ladies;
At Your right hand stands the queen in gold from Ophir.

      10Listen, O daughter, give attention and incline your ear:
Forget your people and your father’s house;

      11Then the King will desire your beauty.
Because He is your Lord, bow down to Him.

      12The daughter of Tyre will come with a gift;
The rich among the people will seek your favor.

      13The King’s daughter is all glorious within;
Her clothing is interwoven with gold.

      14She will be led to the King in embroidered work;
The virgins, her companions who follow her,
Will be brought to You.

      15They will be led forth with gladness and rejoicing;
They will enter into the King’s palace.

      16In place of your fathers will be your sons;
You shall make them princes in all the earth.

      17I will cause Your name to be remembered in all generations;
Therefore the peoples will give You thanks forever and ever.

Reflection on Psalm 45:
The psalmist begins with overflow — his heart is stirred with a good theme. He writes not mechanically, but with joy. The King is described as handsome, gracious in speech, mighty in battle, and righteous in rule. His throne is eternal, and justice marks His reign.

These descriptions stretch beyond earthly monarchy. A king whose throne is “forever and ever” and who is addressed as God points forward to a greater fulfillment. This is a picture of Messiah — a righteous ruler whose authority is rooted in truth and humility.

The psalm then turns to the bride. She is called to leave her former identity and cleave to the king. She is adorned in splendor and brought with joy into the royal palace. The imagery is rich with covenant language: devotion, honor, belonging.

In marriage, Psalm 45 celebrates loyalty, honor, and the joy of covenant union. It portrays marriage not as convenience, but as dignity and shared purpose.

Spiritually, it reveals the relationship between Messiah and His people. The King reigns in righteousness, and His bride responds with devotion and beauty shaped by His presence. To belong to this King is to share in His glory and future.

Psalm 45 reminds us that faith is not merely survival — it is celebration. Our King is righteous, eternal, and worthy of praise. And we are invited into covenant with Him.

Application:

  • Rejoice in the righteous reign of Messiah.

  • Honor covenant commitments with dignity and joy.

  • Align your life under the authority of the eternal King.

  • Leave behind former loyalties that compete with devotion to Him.

  • Let your worship overflow from a heart stirred by His beauty.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for the righteous King whose throne is forever. Help me honor You with loyalty, devotion, and joy. Shape my heart to celebrate Your reign and live in covenant faithfulness. May my life reflect the beauty of belonging to You. In Yeshua’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, Faithful, Hope, Prayer, Psalms, Purposeful / Intentional, Seeking God, Tribulation, Worry/Anxiety

Faith When God Feels Silent (Psalm 44)

What do you do when you’ve remained faithful—yet suffering still comes?

Key Verse:
“All this has come upon us, but we have not forgotten You, and we have not dealt falsely with Your covenant.” —Psalm 44:17 NASB

Background Context:
Psalm 44, attributed to the sons of Korah, reflects the voice of God’s people during a season of defeat and humiliation. Unlike earlier psalms of personal lament, this one speaks corporately. The community remembers God’s mighty works in the past—how He drove out nations and established Israel in the land. Yet their present experience feels drastically different.

They are suffering not because of open rebellion, but despite apparent faithfulness. This tension gives Psalm 44 its raw honesty and theological depth.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Psalm 44

Former Deliverances and Present Troubles.

For the choir director. A Maskil of the sons of Korah.

      1O God, we have heard with our ears,
Our fathers have told us
The work that You did in their days,
In the days of old.

      2You with Your own hand drove out the nations;
Then You planted them;
You afflicted the peoples,
Then You spread them abroad.

      3For by their own sword they did not possess the land,
And their own arm did not save them,
But Your right hand and Your arm and the light of Your presence,
For You favored them.

      4You are my King, O God;
Command victories for Jacob.

      5Through You we will push back our adversaries;
Through Your name we will trample down those who rise up against us.

      6For I will not trust in my bow,
Nor will my sword save me.

      7But You have saved us from our adversaries,
And You have put to shame those who hate us.

      8In God we have boasted all day long,
And we will give thanks to Your name forever.

Selah.

      9Yet You have rejected us and brought us to dishonor,
And do not go out with our armies.

      10You cause us to turn back from the adversary;
And those who hate us have taken spoil for themselves.

      11You give us as sheep to be eaten
And have scattered us among the nations.

      12You sell Your people cheaply,
And have not profited by their sale.

      13You make us a reproach to our neighbors,
A scoffing and a derision to those around us.

      14You make us a byword among the nations,
A laughingstock among the peoples.

      15All day long my dishonor is before me
And my humiliation has overwhelmed me,

      16Because of the voice of him who reproaches and reviles,
Because of the presence of the enemy and the avenger.

      17All this has come upon us, but we have not forgotten You,
And we have not dealt falsely with Your covenant.

      18Our heart has not turned back,
And our steps have not deviated from Your way,

      19Yet You have crushed us in a place of jackals
And covered us with the shadow of death.

      20If we had forgotten the name of our God
Or extended our hands to a strange god,

      21Would not God find this out?
For He knows the secrets of the heart.

      22But for Your sake we are killed all day long;
We are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.

      23Arouse Yourself, why do You sleep, O Lord?
Awake, do not reject us forever.

      24Why do You hide Your face
And forget our affliction and our oppression?

      25For our soul has sunk down into the dust;
Our body cleaves to the earth.

      26Rise up, be our help,
And redeem us for the sake of Your lovingkindness.

Reflection on Psalm 44:
The psalm begins with remembrance. The people recount stories passed down from their fathers—how God acted powerfully on their behalf. Victory was never attributed to their own strength, but to God’s hand and favor. Their identity is rooted in divine deliverance.

But the tone shifts abruptly. Now, they feel rejected and scattered. Enemies mock them. They experience loss, shame, and defeat. The painful contrast between past victory and present suffering raises a difficult question: Why?

What makes this psalm unique is its insistence that they have not abandoned God. They declare that they have not forgotten His covenant, nor turned to false gods. Yet hardship continues. This is not the consequence of rebellion, but the mystery of suffering.

Still, they do not walk away. Instead, they cry out more boldly. The psalm ends with a plea: “Rise up, be our help, and redeem us for the sake of Your lovingkindness.” Their appeal is grounded not in their merit, but in God’s covenant love.

Psalm 44 teaches that faith does not deny confusion or pain. It holds on to God even when answers are unclear. Honest lament is not faithlessness—it is covenant trust refusing to let go.

Application:

  • Remember God’s past faithfulness when present circumstances feel confusing.

  • Bring honest questions to God rather than withdrawing from Him.

  • Resist the temptation to measure God’s love by current outcomes.

  • Anchor hope in God’s covenant character, not your own performance.

  • Continue praying boldly, even when heaven feels silent.

Closing Prayer:
Father, when circumstances confuse me and suffering feels undeserved, help me hold fast to You. Remind me of Your past faithfulness and strengthen my trust in Your covenant love. Teach me to cry out honestly without turning away. Rise up, Lord, and redeem according to Your lovingkindness. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

Forgive Others / Seek Forgiveness, Holy Spirit / Ruach HaKodesh, Obeying God, Repenting from Sin

Beyond New Year’s Resolutions: Finding True Renewal in Christ

Have you ever set a New Year’s resolution, only to find yourself straying from it just a few weeks later? You’re not alone.

The start of a new year often brings with it the desire for a fresh start—promises to break bad habits, adopt healthier ones, and somehow erase past mistakes.

But how are these resolutions holding up? Are they drawing you nearer to God, or are they focused on more superficial gains?

The Power of True Change

While many of these resolutions falter by February, returning to old ways, there exists a path to genuine transformation, available any time of the year. This path is through Yeshua, Jesus Christ. Through Him, we receive forgiveness for our sins. By repenting, asking for forgiveness, believing in His sacrifice for us, and submitting ourselves to God, we are promised a new beginning—a true clean start that comes with divine power to sustain us.

The Prodigal Son: A Story of Return and Renewal

The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) beautifully illustrates God’s readiness to forgive and embrace us upon our return to Him. It serves as a vivid reminder that no sin is too great to be forgiven and that God eagerly awaits our humble return, much like the father awaited his lost son. This story encourages us to come home to God without delay, emphasizing His willingness to receive us back into His arms at any moment, not just in January.

The Holy Spirit: Our Guide and Helper

Upon our return to God and acceptance into His family, He gifts us the Holy Spirit to guide us (John 16:5-15). The Holy Spirit empowers our repentance and supports us in our journey, ensuring we are never alone. This divine assistance is crucial for our spiritual renewal and growth.

Forgiveness and Obedience: Keys to Renewal

Scriptures such as Isaiah 1:18-20, Daniel 9:7-14, and Acts 3:19-21 emphasize the importance of repentance and obedience to God’s word for forgiveness. These passages reassure us of God’s promise to cleanse us from our sins, offering us a fresh start. However, they also remind us of the consequences of continued rebellion against Him.

Reflecting on God’s Promises

Ephesians 1:3-14, Colossians 1:13-14, 1 John 1:9-10, and Psalm 103:1-13 are just a few examples of the many scriptures that speak of God’s forgiveness and the renewal He offers us. They invite us to meditate on the depth of God’s love and the breadth of His mercy, encouraging us to embrace the clean start available to us in Christ at any time.

Invitation to Transformation

As we reflect on these truths, let us consider the areas of our lives in need of God’s transformative power. How can the promise of forgiveness and the guidance of the Holy Spirit lead us toward a genuine fresh start? Let us approach God in prayer, seeking His strength and wisdom to make changes that draw us closer to Him.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

Remember, a true clean start is not confined to the turning of a calendar year but is found in the grace and love of our Lord, Jesus Christ. This opportunity for renewal is available to us at any moment, offering not just a temporary change but a lasting transformation. Let us embrace this divine gift, stepping into the new life God has prepared for us.

Engage and Share

Share your thoughts, experiences, or prayer requests in the comments below. Let’s encourage one another as we pursue genuine change and renewal in Christ. Tag someone who needs to hear about the promise of a fresh start today. Together, let’s walk in the power and promise of God’s unwavering love and forgiveness.

Closing Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we stand at the crossroads of old habits and new beginnings, we turn our hearts to You, seeking the true renewal that only comes through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You for the promise of forgiveness, the gift of Your Spirit, and the endless grace You pour out on us each day.

Lord, guide us away from the fleeting resolutions of this world and lead us into the everlasting transformation You offer. Help us to lay down our burdens, sins, and failures at Your feet, embracing the clean start You provide at any moment, not just as the calendar turns.

Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, that we may walk in Your ways, embodying Your love, righteousness, and truth. Strengthen us to resist the temptations that pull us away from You, and keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.

As we move forward, let Your will be done in our lives. May we serve as vessels of Your love and light to others, sharing the hope and renewal we’ve found in You.

In Jesus’ Name, we pray, Amen.

To learn more about following Yeshua, continue reading The Message of the Cross.

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

John Golda

Faith / Trusting God, Faithful, Hope

Where My Hope Truly Lies (Genesis 49:29-33)

How do you want your life—and your faith—to speak at the very end?

Key Verse:
“There I buried Leah.” —Genesis 49:31 NASB

Background Context:
After pronouncing prophetic words over his sons, Jacob turns to a final, deeply personal instruction. He speaks not about the future of the tribes, but about his own death. Though he has lived his final years in Egypt—safe, provided for, and honored—Jacob makes a deliberate request regarding where he is to be buried.

His words connect him intentionally to Abraham and Isaac and to the land God promised them. This moment is not about sentiment or tradition; it is a final declaration of faith.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Genesis 49:29-33

29Then he charged them and said to them, “I am about to be gathered to my people; bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite, 30in the cave that is in the field of Machpelah, which is before Mamre, in the land of Canaan, which Abraham bought along with the field from Ephron the Hittite for a burial site. 31“There they buried Abraham and his wife Sarah, there they buried Isaac and his wife Rebekah, and there I buried Leah— 32the field and the cave that is in it, purchased from the sons of Heth.” 33When Jacob finished charging his sons, he drew his feet into the bed and breathed his last, and was gathered to his people.

Reflection on Genesis 49:29–33:
Jacob’s final instruction is striking in its clarity and restraint. He does not ask to be buried in Egypt, despite its prosperity and comfort. Instead, he requests burial in the cave of Machpelah, the burial place of Abraham, Isaac, Sarah, Rebekah—and Leah. This is a conscious act of covenant alignment.

Jacob’s choice reveals where his hope truly rests. Egypt has sustained him, but it is not his home. The land promised by God still defines his identity, even though he will not see its full fulfillment in his lifetime. Jacob dies believing that God’s promises remain sure beyond his own years.

There is no fear in his words. No urgency. No regret. Scripture presents Jacob as a man at peace—having spoken truth, passed on blessing, and now entrusting the future to God. After giving this instruction, Jacob draws his feet into the bed and breathes his last. The quietness of the moment is intentional. Faith does not always end with spectacle; sometimes it ends with settled confidence.

Jacob’s final act reminds us that faith is not only about how we live, but how we finish. He chooses promise over comfort, covenant over convenience, and hope over what is immediately visible.

Application:

  • Examine where your ultimate hope is anchored.

  • Refuse to let present comfort redefine eternal identity.

  • Live—and finish—with confidence in God’s promises, even when unseen.

  • Align your life with God’s covenant purposes, not temporary success.

  • Trust that God’s faithfulness extends beyond your lifetime.

Closing Prayer:
Father, teach me to live with my eyes fixed on Your promises rather than present comfort. Help me walk faithfully today and finish well when my time comes. Anchor my hope in what You have promised and strengthen my trust in You beyond what I can see. In Yeshua’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 the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father in your life? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

All Powerful / King of All, Faith / Trusting God, His Timing Not Ours, His Ways Are Not Our Ways, Purposeful / Intentional, Strong in Our Weakness

Fruitful Under Pressure (Genesis 49:22-27)

How does God shape strength when life has already tested it deeply?

Key Verse:
“The archers bitterly attacked him, and shot at him and harassed him; but his bow remained firm, and his arms were agile, from the hands of the Mighty One of Jacob.” —Genesis 49:23–24 NASB

Background Context:
As Jacob nears the end of his prophetic blessings, he turns to Joseph and Benjamin. Joseph’s blessing is the longest and most personal, reflecting both his suffering and God’s sustaining power. Benjamin’s blessing, though brief, is vivid and forceful. Together, they close Genesis 49 with a picture of strength that is neither self-made nor reckless, but shaped by God’s hand.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Genesis 49:22-27

Reflection on Genesis 49:22–27:
Joseph is described as fruitful—yet his fruitfulness did not come easily. Jacob recalls opposition, betrayal, and attack. Joseph’s life was marked by injustice and hardship, yet he did not collapse under pressure. His strength endured because it was anchored in God, not circumstance.

Jacob is careful to credit the source of Joseph’s resilience. Joseph’s arms remained steady not because of personal resolve alone, but because of “the Mighty One of Jacob.” God did not remove the arrows; He strengthened the one who endured them. Blessing followed suffering, not avoidance of it.

The abundance spoken over Joseph—blessings of heaven above and depths below—reveals a life that God restored fully. What was once stripped away is now multiplied. God’s faithfulness proves greater than the harm done by others.

Benjamin’s blessing closes the chapter with intensity. He is described as a warrior, fierce and decisive. While Joseph represents perseverance refined by hardship, Benjamin represents strength that must be directed wisely. Together, they remind us that God uses different kinds of strength—but all must remain submitted to Him.

Genesis 49 ends not with sentiment, but with sober hope. God’s purposes move forward through flawed people, through suffering, through strength refined by dependence on Him. The future of Israel rests not on human ability, but on God’s sustaining power.

Application:

  • Trust God to strengthen you when life wounds rather than weakens you.

  • Remember that endurance rooted in God produces lasting fruit.

  • Give God credit for resilience that outlasts hardship.

  • Allow God to shape and guide your strength wisely.

  • Believe that God’s blessings are not canceled by past suffering.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for being the source of strength when life is heavy and painful. Help me endure with faith, trusting that You are shaping fruitfulness even in hardship. Teach me to rely on You, give You glory for every victory, and submit my strength fully to Your will. In Yeshua’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.

Faithful, Kindness / Gentleness, Love, Marriage, Song of Solomon

I Am My Beloved’s (Song of Solomon 6)

When insecurity whispers doubt, whose voice do you choose to believe?

Key Verse:
“I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine.” —Song of Solomon 6:3 NASB

Background Context:
Song of Solomon 6 follows a season of distance and longing. After missed connection and deep desire in chapter 5, this chapter opens with reassurance. The beloved is not lost, and love has not withdrawn. Instead, the relationship moves toward restoration, affirmation, and renewed confidence. What was strained is now steadied—not through blame, but through assurance of belonging.

This chapter reflects both the healing of marital intimacy and the faithful, restoring love of God toward His people.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Song of Solomon 6

Mutual Delight in Each Other

1“Where has your beloved gone,
O most beautiful among women?
Where has your beloved turned,
That we may seek him with you?”

      2“My beloved has gone down to his garden,
To the beds of balsam,
To pasture his flock in the gardens
And gather lilies.

      3“I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine,
He who pastures his flock among the lilies.”

      4“You are as beautiful as Tirzah, my darling,
As lovely as Jerusalem,
As awesome as an army with banners.

      5“Turn your eyes away from me,
For they have confused me;
Your hair is like a flock of goats
That have descended from Gilead.

      6“Your teeth are like a flock of ewes
Which have come up from their washing,
All of which bear twins,
And not one among them has lost her young.

      7“Your temples are like a slice of a pomegranate
Behind your veil.

      8“There are sixty queens and eighty concubines,
And maidens without number;

      9But my dove, my perfect one, is unique:
She is her mother’s only daughter;
She is the pure child of the one who bore her.
The maidens saw her and called her blessed,
The queens and the concubines also, and they praised her, saying,

      10‘Who is this that grows like the dawn,
As beautiful as the full moon,
As pure as the sun,
As awesome as an army with banners?’

      11“I went down to the orchard of nut trees
To see the blossoms of the valley,
To see whether the vine had budded
Or the pomegranates had bloomed.

      12“Before I was aware, my soul set me
Over the chariots of my noble people.”

      13“Come back, come back, O Shulammite;
Come back, come back, that we may gaze at you!”

“Why should you gaze at the Shulammite,
As at the dance of the two companies?

Reflection on Song of Solomon 6:
The chapter begins with a question from others: “Where has your beloved gone?” The answer is calm and confident. He has not disappeared. He is tending his garden. Love is present, active, and purposeful. The fear of abandonment that marked the previous chapter is replaced by clarity.

The beloved woman then makes a powerful declaration: “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine.” This is covenant language. It is settled, mutual, and secure. She does not say this because everything has been perfect, but because love has proven faithful.

The husband responds with affirmation rather than correction. He speaks beauty, value, and delight over his wife. Where insecurity once lingered, reassurance now flows freely. Love restores confidence instead of punishing vulnerability.

In marriage, this chapter teaches us that intimacy is strengthened not by perfection, but by reassurance. Love that heals does not rehearse past failures—it affirms present belonging. Confidence grows when love is spoken clearly and consistently.

Spiritually, this chapter reflects God’s heart toward His people. Seasons of distance do not negate covenant. God’s love remains secure even when our confidence wavers. He restores by reminding us who we are and to whom we belong. Our identity is not shaped by our failures, but by His faithfulness.

Song of Solomon 6 reminds us that love matures when it moves from anxiety to assurance—from fear of loss to confidence in belonging.

Application:

  • Rest in the security of covenant love rather than fear of rejection.

  • Speak reassurance intentionally in relationships that have felt strained.

  • Allow love to rebuild confidence instead of rehearsing insecurity.

  • Remember your identity is rooted in belonging, not performance.

  • Trust that God’s love restores rather than withdraws.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for love that reassures and restores. When insecurity rises or confidence falters, remind me that I belong to You and You have not withdrawn Your love. Teach me to speak reassurance, receive grace, and rest in the security of covenant love. In Yeshua’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.

All Knowing, All Powerful / King of All, Blessed, Church / Body of Christ, Faith / Trusting God, His Ways Are Not Our Ways

Called Differently, Used Faithfully (Genesis 49:13-21)

Does your understanding of faith leave room for God to work through difference rather than sameness?

Key Verse:
“Dan shall judge his people, as one of the tribes of Israel.” —Genesis 49:16 NASB

Background Context:
After the central promise given to Judah, Jacob turns to several of his sons in shorter, varied blessings. Unlike earlier sections, these words are brief and diverse in tone. They describe different strengths, tendencies, and callings rather than a single dominant theme. Together, they paint a picture of a people shaped by God for many purposes within one covenant family.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Genesis 49:13-21

  13“Zebulun will dwell at the seashore;
And he shall be a haven for ships,
And his flank shall be toward Sidon.

      14“Issachar is a strong donkey,
Lying down between the sheepfolds.

      15“When he saw that a resting place was good
And that the land was pleasant,
He bowed his shoulder to bear burdens,
And became a slave at forced labor.

      16“Dan shall judge his people,
As one of the tribes of Israel.

      17“Dan shall be a serpent in the way,
A horned snake in the path,
That bites the horse’s heels,
So that his rider falls backward.

      18“For Your salvation I wait, O LORD.

      19“As for Gad, raiders shall raid him,
But he will raid at their heels.

      20“As for Asher, his food shall be rich,
And he will yield royal dainties.

      21“Naphtali is a doe let loose,
He gives beautiful words.

Reflection on Genesis 49:13–21:
Jacob’s words to Zebulun, Issachar, Dan, Gad, Asher, and Naphtali are concise but intentional. Each son is portrayed with distinct characteristics—location, temperament, strength, or role. None are presented as superior to the others; each contributes differently to the future of Israel.

Zebulun is associated with trade and access, positioned near the sea. Issachar is described as strong but burden-bearing, willing to shoulder responsibility. Dan is depicted as a judge—bringing order, though not without complexity. Gad faces opposition yet presses on. Asher enjoys abundance, and Naphtali is marked by freedom and eloquence.

In the middle of these blessings, Jacob pauses with a brief prayer: “For Your salvation I wait, O LORD.” This interruption is revealing. It reminds us that no tribe’s strength—whether power, provision, or position—can replace dependence on God. Diversity of role does not eliminate the need for divine salvation.

This section of Genesis 49 teaches us that God does not shape His people identically. Some are called to lead, some to labor, some to defend, some to provide. What matters is not comparison, but faithfulness. God’s covenant advances through varied gifts working together, not through uniformity.

Application:

  • Embrace the role God has given you without comparison or envy.

  • Recognize that faithfulness looks different across people and callings.

  • Resist measuring spiritual value by visibility or prominence.

  • Trust God’s design for diversity within His people.

  • Anchor your hope in God’s salvation, not personal strength or position.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for creating Your people with purpose and variety. Help me embrace the calling You have given me without comparison or insecurity. Teach me to value faithfulness over prominence and to trust that You are working through every role You assign. In Yeshua’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.

Blessed, Grace / Forgiveness, Repenting from Sin

When a Repentant Heart Leads to God’s Purpose (Genesis 49: 8-12)

What does God do when grace meets repentance—and transforms failure into leadership?

Key Verse:
“The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes, and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples.” —Genesis 49:10 NASB

Background Context:
After addressing Reuben, Simeon, and Levi, Jacob turns to Judah. This shift is intentional and striking. Judah is not the firstborn, nor is his past spotless. Yet what follows is the most expansive and hopeful blessing in the chapter. Jacob’s words move beyond individual destiny and into royal and messianic promise.

This passage marks a turning point in Genesis. Leadership, authority, and future hope are now clearly associated with Judah.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Genesis 49:8-12

  8“Judah, your brothers shall praise you;
Your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies;
Your father’s sons shall bow down to you.

      9“Judah is a lion’s whelp;
From the prey, my son, you have gone up.
He couches, he lies down as a lion,
And as a lion, who dares rouse him up?

      10“The scepter shall not depart from Judah,
Nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet,
Until Shiloh comes,
And to him shall be the obedience of the peoples.

      11“He ties his foal to the vine,
And his donkey’s colt to the choice vine;
He washes his garments in wine,
And his robes in the blood of grapes.

      12“His eyes are dull from wine,
And his teeth white from milk.

Reflection on Genesis 49:8–12:
Jacob begins Judah’s blessing with praise. This alone is significant. Judah’s earlier failures are not ignored by Scripture, but they are no longer defining. Judah had once suggested selling Joseph and later walked through personal brokenness and repentance. Now, Jacob speaks of leadership, strength, and honor flowing from him.

Judah is described as a lion—strong, confident, and victorious. His brothers will praise him, and authority will rest with him. This blessing establishes Judah as the tribe of leadership, not by entitlement, but by transformation. God’s purposes are not bound to perfection, but to hearts willing to change.

The language then moves beyond tribal leadership to something far greater. Jacob speaks of a scepter that will not depart and a ruler who will come—Shiloh. This is a clear prophetic promise pointing forward. Authority, kingship, and obedience of the peoples will ultimately be fulfilled through one who comes from Judah’s line.

The imagery that follows is rich with abundance, peace, and blessing. Judah’s future is marked not by scarcity, but by fullness. These are not merely political promises; they are covenantal ones. God is revealing that redemption and rule will come together through this lineage.

Genesis 49 reminds us that God weaves His greatest promises through unexpected people. Judah’s blessing points forward to a King whose reign is righteous, whose authority is eternal, and whose kingdom brings restoration.

Application:

  • Remember that past failure does not disqualify a repentant heart.

  • Trust God’s ability to redeem and repurpose your story.

  • Recognize that true leadership flows from character shaped by God.

  • Place your hope in God’s promised King, not human power.

  • Live in confidence that God’s plans move forward faithfully across generations.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for Your redeeming grace and faithful promises. Help me trust that You can transform failure into purpose and use my life according to Your will. Anchor my hope in the coming King and shape my heart to walk in humility, obedience, and faith. In Yeshua’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 the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.