Category Archives: Hearing from God

Dreams, Faith / Trusting God, His Timing Not Ours, His Ways Are Not Our Ways, Purposeful / Intentional, Tribulation

Trusting God When Hope Delays (Genesis 40)

What do you do when God gives you clarity and purpose — yet your circumstances do not change?

Key Verse:
“Yet the chief cupbearer did not remember Joseph, but forgot him.” —Genesis 40:23 NASB

Background Context:
Genesis 40 takes place while Joseph is imprisoned unjustly in Egypt. Though confined, Joseph continues to serve faithfully. He is placed in charge of Pharaoh’s chief cupbearer and chief baker, both of whom are troubled by dreams. God gives Joseph understanding to interpret their dreams accurately, revealing restoration for one and judgment for the other.

Joseph asks only one thing in return — that the cupbearer remember him when restored. Yet, after the dream comes true, Joseph is forgotten for two full years.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Genesis 40

      1Then it came about after these things, the cupbearer and the baker for the king of Egypt offended their lord, the king of Egypt. 2Pharaoh was furious with his two officials, the chief cupbearer and the chief baker. 3So he put them in confinement in the house of the captain of the bodyguard, in the jail, the same place where Joseph was imprisoned. 4The captain of the bodyguard put Joseph in charge of them, and he took care of them; and they were in confinement for some time. 5Then the cupbearer and the baker for the king of Egypt, who were confined in jail, both had a dream the same night, each man with his own dream and each dream with its own interpretation. 6When Joseph came to them in the morning and observed them, behold, they were dejected. 7He asked Pharaoh’s officials who were with him in confinement in his master’s house, “Why are your faces so sad today?” 8Then they said to him, “We have had a dream and there is no one to interpret it.” Then Joseph said to them, “Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell it to me, please.”

      9So the chief cupbearer told his dream to Joseph, and said to him, “In my dream, behold, there was a vine in front of me; 10and on the vine were three branches. And as it was budding, its blossoms came out, and its clusters produced ripe grapes. 11“Now Pharaoh’s cup was in my hand; so I took the grapes and squeezed them into Pharaoh’s cup, and I put the cup into Pharaoh’s hand.” 12Then Joseph said to him, “This is the interpretation of it: the three branches are three days; 13within three more days Pharaoh will lift up your head and restore you to your office; and you will put Pharaoh’s cup into his hand according to your former custom when you were his cupbearer. 14“Only keep me in mind when it goes well with you, and please do me a kindness by mentioning me to Pharaoh and get me out of this house. 15“For I was in fact kidnapped from the land of the Hebrews, and even here I have done nothing that they should have put me into the dungeon.”

      16When the chief baker saw that he had interpreted favorably, he said to Joseph, “I also saw in my dream, and behold, there were three baskets of white bread on my head; 17and in the top basket there were some of all sorts of baked food for Pharaoh, and the birds were eating them out of the basket on my head.” 18Then Joseph answered and said, “This is its interpretation: the three baskets are three days; 19within three more days Pharaoh will lift up your head from you and will hang you on a tree, and the birds will eat your flesh off you.”

      20Thus it came about on the third day, which was Pharaoh’s birthday, that he made a feast for all his servants; and he lifted up the head of the chief cupbearer and the head of the chief baker among his servants. 21He restored the chief cupbearer to his office, and he put the cup into Pharaoh’s hand; 22but he hanged the chief baker, just as Joseph had interpreted to them. 23Yet the chief cupbearer did not remember Joseph, but forgot him.

Reflection on Genesis 40:
Joseph’s circumstances are difficult, but his character remains steady. Even in prison, Joseph notices the distress of others and seeks to help them. His focus is not on self-pity, but on service. This alone speaks volumes about his faith.

When asked to interpret the dreams, Joseph immediately gives glory to God. He does not claim special ability or insight of his own. He understands that gifts from God are meant to be used humbly and faithfully, wherever we are placed.

The dreams are fulfilled exactly as Joseph said — one man restored, the other executed. God’s word proves true. For a moment, it appears that Joseph’s suffering may finally end. He asks the cupbearer to remember him, not out of entitlement, but out of hope.

Then comes the quiet heartbreak of the chapter: Joseph is forgotten.

This moment is deeply human. Joseph did everything right. He remained faithful. He spoke truth. He served others. And still, nothing changed. The prison doors did not open. Time passed. Silence followed.

Genesis 40 teaches us that God’s faithfulness is not measured by immediate outcomes. Sometimes God fulfills part of His plan while asking us to wait longer for the rest. Delay does not mean denial. Forgetfulness by people does not mean forgetfulness by God.

In God’s perfect timing, Joseph’s waiting would place him exactly where he needed to be when Pharaoh himself would need an answer no one else could give. God was not late — He was preparing.

Application:

  • Remain faithful where you are. God sees obedience even when others forget.

  • Serve others willingly. Faithfulness is not suspended during waiting seasons.

  • Give God the credit. Use His gifts humbly, wherever He places you.

  • Do not lose heart when hope delays. God’s timing is purposeful, not careless.

  • Trust God over people. Human forgetfulness cannot derail God’s plan.

  • Wait with endurance. God is often doing more than you can see.

Closing Prayer:
Father, help me remain faithful when waiting feels long and answers feel delayed. Teach me to trust You when people forget and circumstances remain unchanged. Strengthen my heart to serve faithfully, give You glory, and believe that You are working even in silence. I place my hope in Your timing, knowing You never forget Your people. 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.

Evidence in Scripture, Jesus Christ / Yeshua, Loving / Kind, Miracles, Miracles

Breakfast by the Sea (John 21:1-14)

Even after conquering death, Yeshua came back to serve, to provide, and to restore His disciples — showing that true greatness is always wrapped in humility.

Have you ever stopped to marvel that the risen Lord of all creation still chose to serve His friends breakfast by the sea?

Key Verse:
“Jesus said to them, ‘Come and have breakfast.’ None of the disciples ventured to question Him, ‘Who are You?’ knowing that it was the Lord.” —John 21:12 NASB

Background Context:
After Yeshua’s resurrection, several of His disciples returned to Galilee. Unsure of what to do next, Peter said, “I’m going fishing.” The others joined him, but after working all night, they caught nothing. At daybreak, a man on the shore called out, instructing them to cast their net on the right side of the boat — and suddenly, the net overflowed with fish. John recognized Him first: “It is the Lord!” Peter, eager as always, jumped into the water to reach Him. When they arrived on shore, they found a fire burning, fish laid upon it, and bread prepared — breakfast made by the resurrected Messiah Himself.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

John 21:1-14

Jesus Appears at the Sea of Galilee

     1After these things Jesus manifested Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and He manifested Himself in this way. 2Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. 3Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will also come with you.” They went out and got into the boat; and that night they caught nothing.

      4But when the day was now breaking, Jesus stood on the beach; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5So Jesus said to them, “Children, you do not have any fish, do you?” They answered Him, “No.” 6And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right-hand side of the boat and you will find a catch.” So they cast, and then they were not able to haul it in because of the great number of fish. 7Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord.” So when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put his outer garment on (for he was stripped for work), and threw himself into the sea. 8But the other disciples came in the little boat, for they were not far from the land, but about one hundred yards away, dragging the net full of fish.

      9So when they got out on the land, they saw a charcoal fire already laid and fish placed on it, and bread. 10Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have now caught.” 11Simon Peter went up and drew the net to land, full of large fish, a hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not torn.

Jesus Provides

     12Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples ventured to question Him, “Who are You?” knowing that it was the Lord. 13Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and the fish likewise. 14This is now the third time that Jesus was manifested to the disciples, after He was raised from the dead.

Reflection on John 21:1–14:
It’s hard to miss the miraculous in this passage — Yeshua has risen from the dead! The very fact that He stands alive before His disciples fulfills prophecy and confirms the hope of resurrection for all who believe. Yet, beyond the miracle, there’s something profoundly tender here. The risen Savior doesn’t appear in majesty or thunder from heaven — He shows up on a quiet shore with breakfast ready.

Even after conquering death, Yeshua continues to model the servant’s heart. He provides a miraculous catch where the disciples’ efforts failed, then cooks the fish Himself. The Creator who spoke the seas into being kneels to serve His followers once more. It’s a breathtaking display of humility, patience, and love.

This moment also proves beyond doubt that His resurrection was not imaginary or symbolic. As the Gospels tell us, He appeared to many over forty days, speaking, eating, and walking among them. The risen Messiah was physically present — living, breathing, and serving.

Yeshua’s example reminds us that service is not beneath greatness — it is greatness. Even in His glorified state, He remains the Good Shepherd who provides for His sheep. When our nets are empty, He fills them. When we are weary, He feeds us. When we wander in confusion, He gently calls us back with provision and grace.

Application:

  • Don’t grow numb to the miracle. Never lose your awe that Jesus truly rose from the dead — this truth changes everything.

  • Serve as He served. True followers of Yeshua reflect His humility and love through acts of care and compassion.

  • Trust His provision. Even when your efforts fail, remember that He stands on the shore, ready to guide and provide.

  • Recognize His presence in simple moments. A fire on the beach. A meal shared. The risen Savior meeting you in the ordinary.

Like the disciples, you may sometimes return to what’s familiar — to “go fishing” again. But Yeshua stands ready to meet you there, to fill your emptiness, and to serve you in love so that you may serve others in His name.

Closing Prayer:
Lord Yeshua, thank You for Your patience and compassion. Even after rising from the grave, You came to serve, provide, and restore. Help me never to take Your resurrection for granted or to forget the humility that defines Your greatness. Teach me to serve others with the same love You’ve shown me and to trust that You are always near — providing, guiding, and calling me to deeper fellowship with You. In Your holy 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, Faith / Trusting God, Hebrew Roots / Commands / Law, Jesus Christ / Yeshua, Prophecy, Submitted / Servant, Through Prophets, Traditions / Holidays, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

The Day of the Lord Will Come (Zechariah 14)

The day of the LORD is not a myth or metaphor—it is a coming reality. Will we be found worshiping Him in truth when He stands once more on the Mount of Olives?

Key Verse:
“And the Lord will be king over all the earth; on that day the Lord will be the only one, and His name the only one.” —Zechariah 14:9 (NASB)

Background Context:
Zechariah 14 describes a climactic moment in biblical prophecy—the day of the LORD. It begins with a battle against Jerusalem, but quickly turns to God’s dramatic intervention. The Mount of Olives splits, living waters flow out of the city, and YHWH becomes King over all the earth. The chapter also contains a clear picture of future worship: all nations will come up to Jerusalem year after year to celebrate the Feast of Booths (Sukkot). Judgment is reserved for those who refuse. Zechariah 14 paints a future of both awe and accountability, with Yeshua reigning as King.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Zechariah 14

God Will Battle Jerusalem’s Foes

      1Behold, a day is coming for the LORD when the spoil taken from you will be divided among you. 2For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle, and the city will be captured, the houses plundered, the women ravished and half of the city exiled, but the rest of the people will not be cut off from the city. 3Then the LORD will go forth and fight against those nations, as when He fights on a day of battle. 4In that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which is in front of Jerusalem on the east; and the Mount of Olives will be split in its middle from east to west by a very large valley, so that half of the mountain will move toward the north and the other half toward the south. 5You will flee by the valley of My mountains, for the valley of the mountains will reach to Azel; yes, you will flee just as you fled before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Then the LORD, my God, will come, and all the holy ones with Him!

      6In that day there will be no light; the luminaries will dwindle. 7For it will be a unique day which is known to the LORD, neither day nor night, but it will come about that at evening time there will be light.

      8And in that day living waters will flow out of Jerusalem, half of them toward the eastern sea and the other half toward the western sea; it will be in summer as well as in winter.

God Will Be King over All

9And the LORD will be king over all the earth; in that day the LORD will be the only one, and His name the only one.

      10All the land will be changed into a plain from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem; but Jerusalem will rise and remain on its site from Benjamin’s Gate as far as the place of the First Gate to the Corner Gate, and from the Tower of Hananel to the king’s wine presses. 11People will live in it, and there will no longer be a curse, for Jerusalem will dwell in security.

      12Now this will be the plague with which the LORD will strike all the peoples who have gone to war against Jerusalem; their flesh will rot while they stand on their feet, and their eyes will rot in their sockets, and their tongue will rot in their mouth. 13It will come about in that day that a great panic from the LORD will fall on them; and they will seize one another’s hand, and the hand of one will be lifted against the hand of another. 14Judah also will fight at Jerusalem; and the wealth of all the surrounding nations will be gathered, gold and silver and garments in great abundance. 15So also like this plague will be the plague on the horse, the mule, the camel, the donkey and all the cattle that will be in those camps.

      16Then it will come about that any who are left of all the nations that went against Jerusalem will go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to celebrate the Feast of Booths. 17And it will be that whichever of the families of the earth does not go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, there will be no rain on them. 18If the family of Egypt does not go up or enter, then no rain will fall on them; it will be the plague with which the LORD smites the nations who do not go up to celebrate the Feast of Booths. 19This will be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all the nations who do not go up to celebrate the Feast of Booths.

      20In that day there will be inscribed on the bells of the horses, “HOLY TO THE LORD.” And the cooking pots in the LORD’S house will be like the bowls before the altar. 21Every cooking pot in Jerusalem and in Judah will be holy to the LORD of hosts; and all who sacrifice will come and take of them and boil in them. And there will no longer be a Canaanite in the house of the LORD of hosts in that day.

Reflection on Zechariah 14:
This powerful chapter reminds us that Yeshua is not only our Redeemer—He is our returning King. When He ascended from the Mount of Olives in Acts 1, the angels said He would return in the same way. Zechariah 14 confirms it: He will stand once again on that mountain, not as a suffering servant, but as a victorious ruler.

The scene is filled with contrasts: judgment and mercy, terror and hope. For those who oppose God, it is a day of reckoning. But for those who follow Him, it is a day of rejoicing.

One important aspect that often goes unnoticed is the mention of Sukkot (the Feast of Booths). Even in this future age, the nations are commanded to go up to Jerusalem to keep this biblical feast. This is a clear indication that God’s appointed times (Leviticus 23) were never intended to be temporary “Jewish traditions.” They are YHWH’s moedim—His appointed times—and will be kept even in the age to come. Yeshua celebrated them. So will we.

So what do we do now? We prepare. We align our lives with the will of the coming King. We keep His Word. We honor His ways, including His appointed times. We live not for this age, but in expectation of the one to come.

Application:
Don’t be lulled into thinking that everything will always go on as it is. The day of the LORD will come. Ask yourself: Are you living today in a way that honors the King who will reign tomorrow?

Have you embraced His ways or are you clinging to the traditions and comforts of man? Will you be among those worshiping Him in Jerusalem—or among those resisting His rule?

Choose now to submit to the King of Kings. Study His Word. Keep His commands. Celebrate His appointed times. Look for His return.

Closing Prayer:
Father, I believe You are coming again in glory, and I want to be found ready. Cleanse me from compromise and help me live as one who belongs to Your kingdom. Teach me to walk in Your truth and to honor Your ways now, so I may rejoice when the day of the LORD comes. In the name of Yeshua, my King, I pray. Amen.

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

John Golda

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

Miracles, Miracles

The Bread That Satisfies (John 6:1-14)

We often underestimate what God can do with what little we have to offer.

Key Verse:
“Jesus then took the loaves, and having given thanks, He distributed to those who were seated; likewise also of the fish as much as they wanted.” —John 6:11 (NASB)

Background Context:
The feeding of the five thousand is the only miracle—aside from the resurrection—that is recorded in all four gospels. This moment is not just about physical provision but is rich with spiritual significance. Yeshua had crossed the Sea of Galilee and was followed by a crowd drawn by His miracles. It was near Passover, a time when many were thinking about deliverance and provision, harkening back to Israel’s exodus from Egypt. With a massive crowd and no obvious supply of food, Jesus tests His disciples’ faith, particularly Philip’s. Despite their uncertainty, a small boy’s humble offering becomes the instrument through which Yeshua miraculously feeds the multitude.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

John 6:1-14

Five Thousand Fed

      1After these things Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee (or Tiberias). 2A large crowd followed Him, because they saw the signs which He was performing on those who were sick. 3Then Jesus went up on the mountain, and there He sat down with His disciples. 4Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was near. 5Therefore Jesus, lifting up His eyes and seeing that a large crowd was coming to Him, said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread, so that these may eat?” 6This He was saying to test him, for He Himself knew what He was intending to do. 7Philip answered Him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, for everyone to receive a little.” 8One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to Him, 9“There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are these for so many people?” 10Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. 11Jesus then took the loaves, and having given thanks, He distributed to those who were seated; likewise also of the fish as much as they wanted. 12When they were filled, He said to His disciples, “Gather up the leftover fragments so that nothing will be lost.” 13So they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten. 14Therefore when the people saw the sign which He had performed, they said, “This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world.”

Reflection on John 6:1–14:
This miracle challenges both our expectations and our faith. The disciples saw the crowd and immediately focused on what they lacked. Philip calculated cost. Andrew noted the small supply. Neither anticipated divine provision. But Yeshua, knowing what He would do, used their doubt as a teaching moment.

How often do we face overwhelming needs—our own or those of others—and feel we have nothing meaningful to offer? We compare our limited resources to the magnitude of the need and assume it’s not enough. But in the hands of Yeshua, even a small offering becomes more than sufficient. He gave thanks—not for abundance, but for what was available—and it became a feast.

Also noteworthy is Yeshua’s instruction to gather the leftovers. He wastes nothing. Not only did He provide in abundance, but He honored the process, underscoring that God’s provision is not to be squandered.

This passage ends with the people recognizing something powerful: “This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world.” Their minds turned to Moses’ words in Deuteronomy 18:15 about a prophet like him whom God would raise up. Their hunger had been filled, and their hearts were stirred, even if many would later miss the deeper spiritual message behind the miracle.

Application:
Do not discount the small things you can offer to God. Your time, gifts, and obedience—though they may feel insignificant—can be multiplied for great impact in the kingdom. When you see needs around you, don’t let doubt keep you from stepping forward in faith. Bring what you have to Yeshua, and trust Him to use it. And when He provides, receive with gratitude and steward it well.

Closing Prayer:
Father, we thank You for being our faithful provider. Teach us not to underestimate Your power or to withhold what little we have out of fear. Help us to walk in faith, trusting that You can use our humble offerings to meet the needs around us. May we be generous, grateful, and obedient, just as Yeshua gave thanks and multiplied the loaves. In His name we pray, amen.

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

John Golda

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

Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Through Prophets

The Rejected Shepherd (Zechariah 11)

Sometimes God’s greatest judgment is to give people exactly what they ask for.

Key Verse:
“So I took the thirty shekels of silver and threw them to the potter in the house of the Lord.” —Zechariah 11:13 (NASB)

Background Context:
Zechariah 11 is a prophetic and symbolic chapter filled with sorrow and warning. It portrays the tragic rejection of God’s appointed Shepherd—ultimately pointing forward to the rejection of Yeshua the Messiah. The chapter begins with a poetic lament over a coming destruction and shifts to a parable in which Zechariah takes on the role of a shepherd appointed by God to care for a doomed flock. The shepherd attempts to guide and protect, but the sheep detest him. The climax comes when the shepherd is dismissed and paid a mere thirty pieces of silver—an amount dripping with insult—echoing the price Judas would later accept to betray Yeshua. God instructs Zechariah to throw the silver to the potter, a prophetic sign fulfilled in Matthew 27 when the blood money was used to buy a potter’s field.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Zechariah 11

The Doomed Flock

      1Open your doors, O Lebanon,
That a fire may feed on your cedars.

      2Wail, O cypress, for the cedar has fallen,
Because the glorious trees have been destroyed;
Wail, O oaks of Bashan,
For the impenetrable forest has come down.

      3There is a sound of the shepherds’ wail,
For their glory is ruined;
There is a sound of the young lions’ roar,
For the pride of the Jordan is ruined.

      4Thus says the LORD my God, “Pasture the flock doomed to slaughter. 5“Those who buy them slay them and go unpunished, and each of those who sell them says, ‘Blessed be the LORD, for I have become rich!’ And their own shepherds have no pity on them. 6“For I will no longer have pity on the inhabitants of the land,” declares the LORD; “but behold, I will cause the men to fall, each into another’s power and into the power of his king; and they will strike the land, and I will not deliver them from their power.”

      7So I pastured the flock doomed to slaughter, hence the afflicted of the flock. And I took for myself two staffs: the one I called Favor and the other I called Union; so I pastured the flock. 8Then I annihilated the three shepherds in one month, for my soul was impatient with them, and their soul also was weary of me. 9Then I said, “I will not pasture you. What is to die, let it die, and what is to be annihilated, let it be annihilated; and let those who are left eat one another’s flesh.” 10I took my staff Favor and cut it in pieces, to break my covenant which I had made with all the peoples. 11So it was broken on that day, and thus the afflicted of the flock who were watching me realized that it was the word of the LORD. 12I said to them, “If it is good in your sight, give me my wages; but if not, never mind!” So they weighed out thirty shekels of silver as my wages. 13Then the LORD said to me, “Throw it to the potter, that magnificent price at which I was valued by them.” So I took the thirty shekels of silver and threw them to the potter in the house of the LORD. 14Then I cut in pieces my second staff Union, to break the brotherhood between Judah and Israel.

      15The LORD said to me, “Take again for yourself the equipment of a foolish shepherd. 16“For behold, I am going to raise up a shepherd in the land who will not care for the perishing, seek the scattered, heal the broken, or sustain the one standing, but will devour the flesh of the fat sheep and tear off their hoofs.

      17“Woe to the worthless shepherd
Who leaves the flock!
A sword will be on his arm
And on his right eye!
His arm will be totally withered
And his right eye will be blind.”

Reflection on Zechariah 11:
This chapter is a sobering mirror held up to the human heart—one that often resists the very guidance meant to save it. Zechariah, in his role as shepherd, symbolically experiences what God has felt through Israel’s repeated rejections. He breaks the two staffs, “Favor” and “Union,” signifying the withdrawal of divine grace and the shattering of unity among the people.

The rejected Shepherd is clearly foreshadowing Yeshua. Though He came to feed and protect the flock, He was despised and sold for thirty pieces of silver. This was not an accident—it was fulfillment. But it should never be seen as merely ancient history. The heart that refuses correction, that mocks God’s word, that prefers the leadership of self over the Shepherd of our souls, still repeats this rejection today.

This chapter also warns of false shepherds—those who devour and exploit the flock rather than care for it. When people turn from God’s true leadership, they often get what they think they want, but it leads to ruin. Zechariah 11 reminds us that choosing to reject the Shepherd has consequences.

Application:
Take a moment to examine your heart. Are you following the voice of the Good Shepherd, or have you been resisting His direction in favor of your own way? Do not repeat the pattern of rejection. Embrace Yeshua fully, not only as Savior but as Shepherd—the one who leads, disciplines, and protects. Pray for discernment, so you are not misled by false shepherds. Hold fast to the Shepherd who laid down His life for you.

Closing Prayer:
Father, we acknowledge the pain that comes from rejecting Your guidance. We thank You for Yeshua, the true Shepherd, who was despised and rejected so that we could be redeemed. Forgive us for the times we have hardened our hearts or preferred our own way over Yours. Help us listen to Your voice, trust in Your leadership, and never take lightly the sacrifice made for us. Guard us from false shepherds and keep our feet on the path of life. In the name of Yeshua, our Shepherd and King, 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, Prophecy, Prophecy, Through Prophets

The Coming King and the Promise of Peace (Zechariah 9)

How humbling that our victorious King comes not on a warhorse, but on a donkey.

Key Verse:
“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; He is righteous and endowed with salvation, humble, and mounted on a donkey, even on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” —Zechariah 9:9 (NASB)

Background Context:
Zechariah 9 opens with prophetic declarations of judgment against Israel’s enemies and transitions into a triumphant promise for God’s people. In verse 9, we see one of the clearest Old Testament prophecies fulfilled by Yeshua in the New Testament—His humble entry into Jerusalem on a donkey (Matthew 21:5). This chapter contrasts worldly power with the righteousness and humility of our true King, who brings not just political peace, but eternal salvation.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Zechariah 9

Prophecies against Neighboring Nations

      1The burden of the word of the LORD is against the land of Hadrach, with Damascus as its resting place (for the eyes of men, especially of all the tribes of Israel, are toward the LORD),

      2And Hamath also, which borders on it;
Tyre and Sidon, though they are very wise.

      3For Tyre built herself a fortress
And piled up silver like dust,
And gold like the mire of the streets.

      4Behold, the Lord will dispossess her
And cast her wealth into the sea;
And she will be consumed with fire.

      5Ashkelon will see it and be afraid.
Gaza too will writhe in great pain;
Also Ekron, for her expectation has been confounded.
Moreover, the king will perish from Gaza,
And Ashkelon will not be inhabited.

      6And a mongrel race will dwell in Ashdod,
And I will cut off the pride of the Philistines.

      7And I will remove their blood from their mouth
And their detestable things from between their teeth.
Then they also will be a remnant for our God,
And be like a clan in Judah,
And Ekron like a Jebusite.

      8But I will camp around My house because of an army,
Because of him who passes by and returns;
And no oppressor will pass over them anymore,
For now I have seen with My eyes.

      9Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion!
Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem!
Behold, your king is coming to you;
He is just and endowed with salvation,
Humble, and mounted on a donkey,
Even on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

      10I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim
And the horse from Jerusalem;
And the bow of war will be cut off.
And He will speak peace to the nations;
And His dominion will be from sea to sea,
And from the River to the ends of the earth.

Deliverance of Judah and Ephraim

11As for you also, because of the blood of My covenant with you,
I have set your prisoners free from the waterless pit.

      12Return to the stronghold, O prisoners who have the hope;
This very day I am declaring that I will restore double to you.

      13For I will bend Judah as My bow,
I will fill the bow with Ephraim.
And I will stir up your sons, O Zion, against your sons, O Greece;
And I will make you like a warrior’s sword.

      14Then the LORD will appear over them,
And His arrow will go forth like lightning;
And the Lord GOD will blow the trumpet,
And will march in the storm winds of the south.

      15The LORD of hosts will defend them.
And they will devour and trample on the sling stones;
And they will drink and be boisterous as with wine;
And they will be filled like a sacrificial basin,
Drenched like the corners of the altar.

      16And the LORD their God will save them in that day
As the flock of His people;
For they are as the stones of a crown,
Sparkling in His land.

      17For what comeliness and beauty will be theirs!
Grain will make the young men flourish, and new wine the virgins.

Reflection on Zechariah 9:
Zechariah’s prophecy captures both the majesty and the meekness of the Messiah. Unlike earthly kings who dominate by force, Yeshua comes clothed in humility. His arrival on a donkey signified not weakness, but fulfillment—He was the Prince of Peace entering to bring a different kind of victory.

Verse 10 promises that this King will bring peace to the nations and rule from sea to sea. This is no local ruler—this is the King of kings. His reign is not marked by oppression, but by release. He sets prisoners free (v. 11), and He offers hope to those in despair (v. 12), calling them “prisoners of hope.”

What a powerful phrase—prisoners of hope. It means that even when our circumstances seem to confine us, we are still held by the promise of what God will do. This is not blind optimism. It’s anchored expectation in a King who is faithful.

The chapter ends with assurance that the LORD will protect and exalt His people. He doesn’t just rescue—He restores with abundance. The blessings of grain and new wine symbolize joy, provision, and celebration. Our King is not just victorious in battle; He is generous in peace.

Application:
Have you embraced the humble, saving King? Let His example reshape how you lead, serve, and love. Are you clinging to hope, even when life feels confined or uncertain? Remember that you are a prisoner of hope, not despair. Let this prophecy fuel your trust in Yeshua, who has already come in meekness and will come again in glory.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for sending us a King unlike any other—righteous, humble, and full of salvation. Teach us to walk in His ways. May we be marked by the peace and hope that only He can give. Let us trust in His victory and remain anchored as prisoners of hope until He comes again. 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, Healer, Hebrew Roots / Commands / Law, Miracles, Traditions / Holidays

Do You Want to Be Made Well? (John 5:1-17)

Healing begins not just with a touch—but with a choice. Yeshua asks each of us, “Do you want to be made well?”

Key Verse:
“Jesus said to him, ‘Get up, pick up your pallet and walk.’” —John 5:8 (NASB)

Background Context:
John 5 opens with Yeshua in Jerusalem during one of the biblical feasts, one of the appointed times (moedim) established by God in the Torah. These were not simply “Jewish holidays” but holy convocations of the Lord (Leviticus 23). Yeshua’s participation reaffirms their ongoing importance—He honored these set-apart times, and as His followers, we too should take seriously what God has called holy.

At the pool of Bethesda, we encounter a man who had been ill for thirty-eight years. Though the details about the stirring of the waters are debated in ancient manuscripts, the focus is clear—Yeshua saw the man, knew his condition, and offered him a question that cuts to the heart: “Do you wish to get well?”

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

John 5:1-17

The Healing at Bethesda

      1After these things there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

      2Now there is in Jerusalem by the sheep gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew Bethesda, having five porticoes. 3In these lay a multitude of those who were sick, blind, lame, and withered, [waiting for the moving of the waters; 4for an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool and stirred up the water; whoever then first, after the stirring up of the water, stepped in was made well from whatever disease with which he was afflicted.] 5A man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. 6When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he had already been a long time in that condition, He said to him, “Do you wish to get well?” 7The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, but while I am coming, another steps down before me.” 8Jesus said to him, “Get up, pick up your pallet and walk.” 9Immediately the man became well, and picked up his pallet and began to walk.
Now it was the Sabbath on that day. 10So the Jews were saying to the man who was cured, “It is the Sabbath, and it is not permissible for you to carry your pallet.” 11But he answered them, “He who made me well was the one who said to me, ‘Pick up your pallet and walk.’” 12They asked him, “Who is the man who said to you, ‘Pick up your pallet and walk’?” 13But the man who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had slipped away while there was a crowd in that place. 14Afterward Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, “Behold, you have become well; do not sin anymore, so that nothing worse happens to you.” 15The man went away, and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well. 16For this reason the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because He was doing these things on the Sabbath. 17But He answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I Myself am working.”

Reflection on John 5:1–17:
Sometimes our afflictions—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—become so familiar that we stop pursuing healing. We learn to cope, explain, or blame. This man had every reason to feel hopeless: decades of suffering and no one to help him into the water. But Yeshua’s question wasn’t about the pool—it was about faith, desire, and trust. The healing came not from a method, but from the Messiah.

Yeshua’s command was simple and powerful: “Get up.” And immediately the man was healed.

Yet, instead of rejoicing, some focused on the “rule-breaking.” The healing happened on the Sabbath, and religious leaders were more concerned about a man carrying his mat than the miracle that just occurred. They missed the presence and power of God in their midst because of their hardened hearts.

Still, Yeshua didn’t avoid the confrontation. He declared that His Father is always working—and so is He. Healing, mercy, restoration—these are the works of God, even on the Sabbath. And when He found the man again, Yeshua added a pointed command: “Do not sin anymore, so that nothing worse happens to you.” Healing is not just physical—it demands a change in heart and direction.

Application:
Are there areas in your life where you’ve stopped believing healing is possible? Are you waiting for the “perfect condition” instead of turning to Yeshua directly? He is asking you today, “Do you want to be made well?” Respond in faith. Obey His voice. And when He heals, don’t go back to the patterns of sin that once held you.

Also take note: Yeshua honored the holy days God appointed. If He is our example, shouldn’t we take time to understand and observe what He observed?

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for the mercy and healing You offer through Your Son. Help me to trust You even in long seasons of struggle. Strengthen my faith so that when You call, I rise in obedience. Teach me to walk in righteousness and leave behind every sin that hinders. Open my heart to Your appointed times and help me to honor what You have declared holy. 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, Praise / Worship / Glorify God, Submitted / Servant, Visions

The Crown and the Branch (Zechariah 6)

God is not finished with His people—He is building His temple, and Yeshua is both King and High Priest.

Key Verse:
“It is He who will build the temple of the Lord, and He who will bear the honor and sit and rule on His throne. Thus, He will be a priest on His throne, and the counsel of peace will be between the two offices.” —Zechariah 6:13 (NASB)

Background Context:
Zechariah 6 concludes the prophet’s visions with a powerful image: four chariots emerging between two bronze mountains, representing God’s judgment being carried out over the whole earth. The vision reminds us that God is sovereign and active in bringing justice and order to the nations.

But the chapter’s second part turns to a prophetic moment of hope. Joshua the high priest is crowned, not as a political king, but as a symbol of “the Branch” — a Messianic title pointing directly to Yeshua. This Branch will build the temple of the Lord, not a physical one made by human hands, but a spiritual temple made of living stones—His people. Yeshua will serve as both King and High Priest, roles previously divided under the old covenant.

This dual role is significant. As King, Yeshua rules in righteousness; as High Priest, He intercedes for us before the Father. In Him, justice and mercy meet.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Zechariah 6

The Four Chariots

      1Now I lifted up my eyes again and looked, and behold, four chariots were coming forth from between the two mountains; and the mountains were bronze mountains. 2With the first chariot were red horses, with the second chariot black horses, 3with the third chariot white horses, and with the fourth chariot strong dappled horses. 4Then I spoke and said to the angel who was speaking with me, “What are these, my lord?” 5The angel replied to me, “These are the four spirits of heaven, going forth after standing before the Lord of all the earth, 6with one of which the black horses are going forth to the north country; and the white ones go forth after them, while the dappled ones go forth to the south country. 7“When the strong ones went out, they were eager to go to patrol the earth.” And He said, “Go, patrol the earth.” So they patrolled the earth. 8Then He cried out to me and spoke to me saying, “See, those who are going to the land of the north have appeased My wrath in the land of the north.”

      9The word of the LORD also came to me, saying, 10“Take an offering from the exiles, from Heldai, Tobijah and Jedaiah; and you go the same day and enter the house of Josiah the son of Zephaniah, where they have arrived from Babylon.

The Symbolic Crowns

      11“Take silver and gold, make an ornate crown and set it on the head of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest. 12“Then say to him, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts, “Behold, a man whose name is Branch, for He will branch out from where He is; and He will build the temple of the LORD. 13“Yes, it is He who will build the temple of the LORD, and He who will bear the honor and sit and rule on His throne. Thus, He will be a priest on His throne, and the counsel of peace will be between the two offices.”’ 14“Now the crown will become a reminder in the temple of the LORD to Helem, Tobijah, Jedaiah and Hen the son of Zephaniah. 15“Those who are far off will come and build the temple of the LORD.” Then you will know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you. And it will take place if you completely obey the LORD your God.

Reflection on Zechariah 6:
This chapter gives us a profound glimpse into the identity and mission of the Messiah. He is not just our Savior—He is our King and our High Priest. No one else can unite these roles. His rule is perfect, and His intercession is eternal.

The coronation of Joshua foreshadowed the crowning of Yeshua, who wears many crowns (Revelation 19:12). The message is clear: God is establishing His kingdom, and it is through Yeshua alone that true peace, justice, and restoration come.

Are we letting Yeshua reign fully in our lives—not just as our Redeemer, but as our Ruler? Are we trusting in His ongoing intercession on our behalf?

Application:
Consider the areas of your life where you may still be clinging to control. Submit those areas to Yeshua, not only as your Savior but also as your King. Trust that He is building His temple—including you as part of it—and shaping you into His likeness. Worship Him with awe and reverence, knowing that His priesthood never ends.

Closing Prayer:
Yeshua, You are both my King and my High Priest. I praise You for ruling with justice and interceding with compassion. Help me to submit every part of my life to Your authority and trust in Your ongoing work in me. Use me as a living stone in Your temple and help me reflect Your holiness to the world. In Your name I pray, amen.

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

John Golda

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

Holy / Set Apart, Lying / Deceiving, Repenting from Sin, Stealing / Theft, Visions, Wickedness / Evil

The Flying Scroll: A Warning Against Sin (Zechariah 5)

Sin will not go unnoticed or unpunished in the eyes of the Lord.

Key Verse:
“Then he said to me, ‘This is the curse that is going forth over the face of the whole land; surely everyone who steals will be purged away according to the writing on one side, and everyone who swears falsely will be purged away according to the writing on the other side.’” —Zechariah 5:3 (NASB)

Background Context:
Zechariah 5 presents two powerful visions: a flying scroll and a woman in a basket. These visions emphasize God’s coming judgment against sin among His people. The flying scroll represents a curse against those who commit two specific offenses: stealing and bearing false witness—both direct violations of God’s commandments. The imagery underscores that sin corrupts the land and its people, and God will not allow it to remain.

The second vision shows wickedness being personified and sealed inside a basket, carried away to a distant land—likely symbolizing Babylon—showing that sin will ultimately be removed from among God’s people and dealt with according to His perfect justice.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Zechariah 5

The Flying Scroll

      1Then I lifted up my eyes again and looked, and behold, there was a flying scroll. 2And he said to me, “What do you see?” And I answered, “I see a flying scroll; its length is twenty cubits and its width ten cubits.” 3Then he said to me, “This is the curse that is going forth over the face of the whole land; surely everyone who steals will be purged away according to the writing on one side, and everyone who swears will be purged away according to the writing on the other side. 4“I will make it go forth,” declares the LORD of hosts, “and it will enter the house of the thief and the house of the one who swears falsely by My name; and it will spend the night within that house and consume it with its timber and stones.”

      5Then the angel who was speaking with me went out and said to me, “Lift up now your eyes and see what this is going forth.” 6I said, “What is it?” And he said, “This is the ephah going forth.” Again he said, “This is their appearance in all the land 7(and behold, a lead cover was lifted up); and this is a woman sitting inside the ephah.” 8Then he said, “This is Wickedness!” And he threw her down into the middle of the ephah and cast the lead weight on its opening. 9Then I lifted up my eyes and looked, and there two women were coming out with the wind in their wings; and they had wings like the wings of a stork, and they lifted up the ephah between the earth and the heavens. 10I said to the angel who was speaking with me, “Where are they taking the ephah?” 11Then he said to me, “To build a temple for her in the land of Shinar; and when it is prepared, she will be set there on her own pedestal.”

Reflection on Zechariah 5:
This chapter reminds us that sin is not a small thing to be ignored or tolerated. YHWH sees all and will bring judgment upon unrepentant sin. Even among His people, God calls for righteousness, honesty, and faithfulness.

While we are saved by grace through Yeshua, we are still called to live holy lives, demonstrating obedience to God’s ways. This vision should stir in us a healthy fear of the Lord and a deep commitment to repent of any sin we are tolerating in our lives. It should also encourage us that God will not allow wickedness to flourish forever. He will purify His people.

Application:
Examine your heart honestly. Are there areas where sin has crept in—perhaps through dishonesty, selfishness, or compromised integrity? Bring these before the Lord in repentance. Ask for His cleansing and strength to walk uprightly. Be diligent to remove sin from your life rather than making excuses for it. Trust that God’s refining work is for your good and His glory.

Closing Prayer:
Father, I acknowledge that nothing is hidden from Your sight. I ask You to reveal any hidden sin in my heart and help me to repent fully. Cleanse me by Your Spirit and make me holy as You are holy. Strengthen me to walk in truth and righteousness, reflecting Your light to the world around me. 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.

Church / Body of Christ, Hebrew Roots / Commands / Law, Jesus (hearing from God), Obeying God, Seeking God, Study the Word

The Law, Grace, and Truth—All Working Together (John 1:14-18)

Have we misunderstood what Yeshua said about the Law?

Many today believe that grace through Yeshua replaced the Law given through Moses. However, Scripture tells a different story—one of fulfillment, not replacement. The Law was given through Moses, but grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. These two are not in opposition but work together as part of God’s unchanging plan. Yeshua Himself made it clear that He did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it, and not even the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished.

Key Verse:
“For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.” – John 1:17 (NASB)

Background Context:
John 1:14-18 reveals the incredible truth that the Word—Yeshua—became flesh and dwelt among us. He brought grace and truth, fulfilling what had been spoken of Him throughout the Scriptures. This does not mean that He replaced the Law, but rather, that He embodied its perfect fulfillment.

Matthew 5:17-19 reinforces this by explicitly stating that Yeshua did not come to abolish the Law, but to fulfill it. He warns that anyone who annuls even the least of the commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, while those who keep and teach them will be great. This passage directly contradicts the modern misconception that the Law is obsolete.

Peter also warned that Paul’s writings were hard to understand and that many misinterpret them to their own destruction (2 Peter 3:14-16). If a seeming contradiction arises between Paul’s letters and Yeshua’s direct words, should we not take Yeshua’s words as our foundation? After all, He is the living Word of God.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

John 1:14-18

The Word Made Flesh

      14And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.15John testified about Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.’” 16For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace. 17For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. 18No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him.

Matthew 5:17-19

   17“Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. 18“For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. 19“Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

Reflection on John 1:14-18 and Matthew 5:17-19

Grace and Truth in Christ (John 1:14-18)

  • Yeshua, the Word made flesh, came full of grace and truth—not replacing the Law but completing it.
  • Grace does not mean lawlessness; it means receiving undeserved favor while still being called to obedience.

The Law Still Stands (Matthew 5:17-19)

  • Yeshua explicitly states that He did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it.
  • The Law remains in effect until all is accomplished, which includes His return and the final restoration of all things.
  • Our obedience to YHWH’s commands directly impacts our standing in the kingdom of heaven.

Misinterpretation of Paul’s Writings

  • Peter warns that Paul’s letters are difficult to understand and that many distort them (2 Peter 3:14-16).
  • If we find something in Paul’s writings that appears to contradict Yeshua, we must be diligent in our study and align our understanding with Yeshua’s clear words.

Are We Testing What We Have Been Taught?

  • Many church traditions teach that the Law is no longer relevant, but Yeshua’s words challenge that assumption.
  • We must be diligent to study Scripture for ourselves rather than simply accepting traditions that contradict it.

Summary Key Points

  • Yeshua did not replace the Law but fulfilled it, demonstrating its true purpose.
  • The Law remains in effect until all is accomplished—Yeshua’s return and final restoration.
  • Those who keep and teach God’s commandments will be great in His kingdom.
  • Paul’s writings should be carefully interpreted in light of Yeshua’s direct teaching.
  • We must test church traditions and teachings against Scripture to ensure they align with God’s unchanging truth.

Application

  • Spend time studying both the Old and New Testaments to see how they fit together.
  • When faced with difficult teachings, ask yourself, Does this align with Yeshua’s words?
  • Strive to walk in obedience to God’s commands, knowing that grace empowers us to live righteously, not lawlessly.
  • Pray for discernment to distinguish between biblical truth and man-made traditions.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word, which is both grace and truth. Help me to fully understand Yeshua’s teachings and to follow His example. Give me wisdom and discernment as I study Scripture so that I do not fall into misunderstanding. Let me walk in obedience, not because I am earning salvation, but because I love You and desire to honor You. May my life reflect Your ways and bring others closer 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.