Category Archives: Faith / Trusting God

Faith / Trusting God, Obeying God, Revelation

Faithful to God’s Commandments and to Yeshua (Revelation 14:8–13)

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What distinguishes God’s people in a world that continually calls us to compromise?

Key Verse:

“Here is the perseverance of the saints who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.” —Revelation 14:12 NASB

Background Context

After proclaiming the eternal gospel and calling the world to worship the Creator, Revelation 14 announces the coming judgment upon Babylon and warns against worshiping the beast or receiving his mark. These warnings remind us that every person must ultimately choose whom they will worship and where they will place their allegiance.

In the midst of these sobering announcements, John pauses to encourage believers. Rather than focusing solely on judgment, he reminds us what God’s faithful people look like. In just one verse, John gives one of the clearest descriptions of those who belong to the Lord.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Revelation 14:8–13

  8And another angel, a second one, followed, saying, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who has made all the nations drink of the wine of the passion of her immorality.”


Doom for Worshipers of the Beast

      9Then another angel, a third one, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, 10he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is mixed in full strength in the cup of His anger; and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. 11“And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever; they have no rest day and night, those who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.” 12Here is the perseverance of the saints who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.

      13And I heard a voice from heaven, saying, “Write, ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on!’” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “so that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow with them.”

Reflection on Revelation 14:8–13

Throughout Revelation, humanity is consistently presented with two paths. We are called either to worship the Creator or to worship the beast, to follow the Lamb or to follow the world. As the warnings of judgment become increasingly severe, John reminds believers that God knows those who belong to Him and that faithfulness remains possible, even in the most difficult circumstances.

At the heart of this passage is Revelation 14:12:

“Here is the perseverance of the saints who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.”

This description should immediately remind us of an earlier passage. In Revelation 12:17, John described those against whom the dragon wages war as “those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus.” Now, only two chapters later, he repeats essentially the same description. This is not an isolated statement. John intentionally emphasizes these two characteristics because together they identify God’s faithful people.

Notice that John does not present obedience and faith as opposing ideas. He does not tell us to choose between keeping God’s commandments or trusting in Yeshua. Instead, he presents both as complementary marks of genuine discipleship. God’s people trust completely in Messiah for their salvation, and because they belong to Him, they desire to walk in obedience to their Father’s instruction.

This theme is consistent throughout the New Testament. Yeshua said,

“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15)

Likewise, James writes,

“Faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.” (James 2:17)

Neither passage teaches that obedience earns our salvation. Scripture is clear that we are saved by God’s grace through faith. Rather, obedience is the natural fruit of a heart that has been transformed by that grace. We obey because we love the One who first loved us.

John also highlights the perseverance of the saints. Revelation was written to believers facing pressure, persecution, and the temptation to compromise. Their perseverance was not based on their own strength but on their confidence that God is faithful to fulfill every promise He has made. They remained steadfast because their hope rested in the Lord, not in their circumstances.

That same encouragement applies to us today. While our challenges may differ, every generation faces pressure to compromise God’s truth in favor of the world’s values. Revelation reminds us that faithful discipleship requires both steadfast faith in Yeshua and a willingness to live according to God’s ways, even when doing so is unpopular or costly.

This passage also serves as a beautiful reminder that God’s commandments and faith in Yeshua are not competing messages. Yeshua Himself summarized God’s Law by teaching us to love God with all our heart and to love our neighbor as ourselves, explaining that “on these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 22:37–40). Faith in Christ does not replace God’s instruction; it enables us to live it from transformed hearts through the power of the Holy Spirit.

As followers of the Lamb, may our lives reflect both unwavering faith and joyful obedience. These two qualities have always characterized God’s faithful people, and they continue to do so until the day our Lord returns.

Application
  • Trust fully in Yeshua as your Savior and Lord.
  • Let your love for Christ be demonstrated through joyful obedience to God’s commandments.
  • Persevere faithfully when the world encourages compromise.
  • Encourage fellow believers to remain steadfast in both faith and obedience.
  • Thank God that His grace not only saves us but also transforms us to walk in His ways.
Closing Prayer

Father, thank You for saving me through Your grace and for calling me to faithfully follow Yeshua. Strengthen my faith and give me a heart that delights in keeping Your commandments. Help me to persevere when I face trials or pressure to compromise, remembering that my hope rests securely in You. May my life be marked by steadfast faith, joyful obedience, and a deep love for You until the day I stand in Your presence. 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, Help / Serve Others, Humility, Protector / Deliverer, Strong in Our Weakness

Victory Comes from the Lord (Exodus 17)

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Where do we place our confidence when we face life’s battles—our own strength or the strength of the Lord?

Key Verse:
“So it came about when Moses held his hand up, that Israel prevailed, and when he let his hand down, Amalek prevailed.” —Exodus 17:11 NASB

Background Context:
After God miraculously provided water from the rock at Rephidim, Israel immediately faced another challenge. This time the trial did not come through thirst, but through an attack from the Amalekites. Joshua led the army into battle while Moses stood on the hill overlooking the battlefield with the staff of God in his hand. As long as Moses held up his hands, Israel prevailed. When he grew weary and lowered them, Amalek began to gain the advantage. Aaron and Hur then stood beside Moses, supporting his hands until sunset, and Israel won the battle.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Exodus 17

Water in the Rock

      1Then all the congregation of the sons of Israel journeyed by stages from the wilderness of Sin, according to the command of the LORD, and camped at Rephidim, and there was no water for the people to drink. 2Therefore the people quarreled with Moses and said, “Give us water that we may drink.” And Moses said to them, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the LORD?” 3But the people thirsted there for water; and they grumbled against Moses and said, “Why, now, have you brought us up from Egypt, to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?” 4So Moses cried out to the LORD, saying, “What shall I do to this people? A little more and they will stone me.” 5Then the LORD said to Moses, “Pass before the people and take with you some of the elders of Israel; and take in your hand your staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. 6“Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock at Horeb; and you shall strike the rock, and water will come out of it, that the people may drink.” And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel. 7He named the place Massah and Meribah because of the quarrel of the sons of Israel, and because they tested the LORD, saying, “Is the LORD among us, or not?”

Amalek Fought

8Then Amalek came and fought against Israel at Rephidim. 9So Moses said to Joshua, “Choose men for us and go out, fight against Amalek. Tomorrow I will station myself on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.” 10Joshua did as Moses told him, and fought against Amalek; and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. 11So it came about when Moses held his hand up, that Israel prevailed, and when he let his hand down, Amalek prevailed. 12But Moses’ hands were heavy. Then they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it; and Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other. Thus his hands were steady until the sun set. 13So Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.

      14Then the LORD said to Moses, “Write this in a book as a memorial and recite it to Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven.” 15Moses built an altar and named it The LORD is My Banner; 16and he said, “The LORD has sworn; the LORD will have war against Amalek from generation to generation.”

Reflection:

One of the first lessons this passage teaches is that God’s people should expect opposition. Israel had barely experienced God’s miraculous provision before they encountered an enemy. Following God does not mean we will never face difficulties. In fact, Scripture often shows the opposite. The Lord faithfully leads His people through trials while demonstrating His power and faithfulness along the way.

The outcome of this battle did not ultimately depend upon Israel’s military strength. Joshua and the soldiers fought faithfully, but the victory belonged to the Lord. Moses, standing on the hill with the staff of God, reminded everyone that their confidence was not in swords or strategy but in God’s power.

David would later express this same truth when he wrote:

“Some boast in chariots and some in horses, but we will boast in the name of the LORD, our God.” (Psalm 20:7)

Likewise, Zechariah declared:

“‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of hosts.” (Zechariah 4:6)

God often calls us to work diligently while remembering that He alone gives the victory.

Another beautiful lesson is found in Aaron and Hur. Moses grew tired. He was faithful, but he was still human. Rather than criticizing him or leaving him to struggle alone, Aaron and Hur came alongside him. They placed a stone beneath him to sit upon and held up his hands until the battle was won.

This is a wonderful picture of the body of believers. God never intended for us to walk through life’s battles alone. Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 reminds us:

“Two are better than one… For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion.”

Likewise, Paul encourages believers:

“Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)

Sometimes we are Joshua, fighting faithfully in the valley.

Sometimes we are Moses, growing weary under the weight of responsibility.

Sometimes we are Aaron or Hur, strengthening someone else whose hands have grown tired.

Each role is important, and each contributes to God’s work.

Finally, after the victory, Moses built an altar and named it “The LORD is My Banner” (Yahweh Nissi). A banner identified an army and served as a rallying point for its soldiers. Moses understood that Israel’s identity and victory were found in the Lord alone. He deserved the glory because He had provided the victory.

The same remains true for us today. Whether we face spiritual battles, personal trials, health concerns, family struggles, or seasons of uncertainty, our hope is not found in our own abilities. We faithfully do our part while trusting that the Lord is our Banner, our Defender, and our source of strength.

When we grow weary, let us remember to look to Him—and let us also remember to come alongside one another, encouraging and strengthening our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Application:

  • Trust God rather than your own strength when facing life’s battles.
  • Remember that faithful effort and dependence upon God go hand in hand.
  • Be willing to support and encourage fellow believers when they grow weary.
  • Humbly accept help from others when you need it.
  • Give God the glory for every victory He provides.

Closing Prayer:

Father, thank You for reminding me that every victory ultimately comes from You. Help me not to rely upon my own strength but to trust in Your power and Your faithfulness. When I grow weary, send others to encourage me, and help me to recognize opportunities to strengthen those around me. May my life always point others to You, my Banner, my Defender, and my source of hope. 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, Purposeful / Intentional, Revelation, Satan

Enduring Through the Opposition (Revelation 13: 1-10)

What do we do when evil seems to be winning?

Key Verse:
“Here is the perseverance and the faith of the saints.” —Revelation 13:10 NASB

Background Context:
In Revelation 12, John was shown the spiritual battle taking place behind the events of history. The dragon, identified as Satan, repeatedly opposed God’s purposes but failed to overcome them. At the end of the chapter, he went off to make war against those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus.

Now in Revelation 13:1–10, John sees a beast rising from the sea. This beast receives authority from the dragon and becomes a powerful instrument of opposition against God and His people. While the imagery is dramatic and has generated much discussion throughout history, the central message of the passage is clear: believers must remain faithful even when evil appears powerful and successful.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Reflection on Revelation 13:1–10:

One of the most sobering aspects of this passage is how impressive the beast appears. He possesses authority, influence, and power. The world marvels at him and follows him. Many people are drawn to his strength and willingly give him their allegiance.

This should not surprise us. Throughout history, people have often been tempted to place their trust in powerful leaders, governments, institutions, or movements rather than in God. Human beings are naturally attracted to displays of strength and success. Yet Revelation reminds us that appearances can be deceiving.

The beast may seem unstoppable, but Revelation is careful to show where his authority comes from. The dragon gives him power, a throne, and great authority. Even then, his authority is neither absolute nor permanent. Satan is working through the beast, but neither the dragon nor the beast can operate outside the limits God allows. Throughout Revelation, we repeatedly see that God remains sovereign even over those who oppose Him.

This theme appears throughout Scripture. In the book of Daniel, earthly kingdoms rise and fall, yet God’s kingdom remains forever. Kings and rulers may appear powerful for a season, but ultimately all authority belongs to the Lord. Revelation continues this same message. The beast may dominate the attention of the world, but he does not control history.

The beast is more than a powerful human ruler or kingdom. Revelation explicitly tells us that the dragon—Satan himself—gives the beast his power, throne, and authority. Throughout history, Satan has worked through rulers, kingdoms, governments, and systems that oppose God’s purposes. The beast represents the culmination of that rebellion, a worldly power energized by the enemy and set against God and His people.

Yet even here, Revelation reminds us that the beast’s authority is limited. Several times John notes that authority is “given” to him. He is not sovereign. He cannot act outside the boundaries God permits. The beast may appear unstoppable, but his power is temporary. Throughout Scripture, kingdoms rise and fall, rulers come and go, and empires eventually disappear. Satan’s efforts to oppose God ultimately fail because God’s kingdom alone is eternal.

The passage also warns that many people will follow the beast. This is one of the recurring themes of Revelation. Humanity is continually presented with a choice between following God and following the ways of the world. Sadly, many choose the broad path rather than the narrow one. Popularity has never been a reliable measure of truth.

For believers, the most important statement comes in verse 10:

“Here is the perseverance and the faith of the saints.”

John does not tell God’s people to panic. He does not tell them to compromise. He does not tell them to place their confidence in worldly power.

Instead, he calls them to perseverance and faith.

This has been the consistent message throughout Revelation. The faithful are not identified by their ability to control events. They are identified by their willingness to remain faithful regardless of events.

Yeshua gave a similar encouragement in John 16:33 when He said, “In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” Followers of Messiah should not be surprised by opposition or difficulty. The world often celebrates values that oppose God. Yet our confidence is not based on present circumstances. Our confidence rests in the victory of Yeshua.

This passage also challenges us to examine where we place our trust. It is easy to become consumed by political movements, influential leaders, cultural trends, or fears about the future. Revelation repeatedly redirects our attention away from human power and back toward God.

When evil appears strong, believers must remember what Revelation has already shown us. The dragon is not victorious. The beast is not sovereign. God remains on His throne.

The call of Revelation 13 is not fear.

It is faithfulness.

When the world follows after power, we are called to follow God.

When others compromise, we are called to endure.

When evil appears strong, we are called to remember that God’s victory is certain.

Application:

  • Place your trust in God rather than in worldly power.
  • Remember that popularity is not a measure of truth.
  • Remain faithful to God’s Word even when the culture moves in a different direction.
  • Do not allow fear about the future to replace trust in God’s sovereignty.
  • Practice perseverance, knowing that God’s kingdom will ultimately prevail.

Closing Prayer:

Father, help me to remain faithful when the world around me is moving away from You. Guard my heart from placing too much confidence in human power and remind me that You alone are sovereign. Give me perseverance when I face opposition and strengthen my faith when circumstances seem discouraging. Help me to keep my eyes fixed on Your kingdom and to trust that Your purposes will ultimately prevail. Thank You that Yeshua has already overcome the world. In His 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, Justice / Judgment, Psalms

Trusting God’s Justice (Psalm 58)

Have you ever looked at the world around you and wondered why wicked people seem to prosper while justice is delayed?

Key Verse:
“Surely there is a reward for the righteous; Surely there is a God who judges on earth!” —Psalm 58:11 NASB

Background Context:
Psalm 58 is one of David’s imprecatory psalms. In it, David confronts corrupt leaders and those who use their positions of authority to promote injustice rather than righteousness. As he observes evil flourishing around him, David does not take vengeance into his own hands. Instead, he brings his concerns before God and trusts Him to judge rightly.

While some of the language in this psalm is strong, its central message is not about personal revenge. It is about trusting God’s justice when human justice fails.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Psalm 58

Prayer for the Punishment of the Wicked.

For the choir director; set to Al-tashheth. A Mikhtam of David.

      1Do you indeed speak righteousness, O gods?
Do you judge uprightly, O sons of men?

      2No, in heart you work unrighteousness;
On earth you weigh out the violence of your hands.

      3The wicked are estranged from the womb;
These who speak lies go astray from birth.

      4They have venom like the venom of a serpent;
Like a deaf cobra that stops up its ear,

      5So that it does not hear the voice of charmers,
Or a skillful caster of spells.

      6O God, shatter their teeth in their mouth;
Break out the fangs of the young lions, O LORD.

      7Let them flow away like water that runs off;
When he aims his arrows, let them be as headless shafts.

      8Let them be as a snail which melts away as it goes along,
Like the miscarriages of a woman which never see the sun.

      9Before your pots can feel the fire of thorns
He will sweep them away with a whirlwind, the green and the burning alike.

      10The righteous will rejoice when he sees the vengeance;
He will wash his feet in the blood of the wicked.

      11And men will say, “Surely there is a reward for the righteous;
Surely there is a God who judges on earth!”

Reflection on Psalm 58:

David begins the psalm by confronting those who hold positions of authority. Rather than ruling with fairness and integrity, they use their power to promote wickedness and injustice. They may appear respectable on the outside, but God sees their hearts and their actions clearly.

This is an important reminder because it is easy to become discouraged when we see corruption in leadership. Whether in government, business, communities, or even religious organizations, there are times when people abuse authority for personal gain. When that happens, it can seem as though justice has disappeared.

David reminds us that God sees what others may miss. No act of corruption escapes His attention. No abuse of power is hidden from His sight. Those who believe they can act wickedly without consequence may fool others for a time, but they cannot fool God.

The psalm goes on to describe the wicked as people who have hardened themselves against God’s truth. Rather than listening to correction, they continue down a path of rebellion. This echoes a pattern we see throughout Scripture. Pharaoh repeatedly hardened his heart despite witnessing God’s power. The religious leaders who opposed Yeshua often rejected clear evidence because they were unwilling to humble themselves before God.

David’s response is instructive. He does not organize a rebellion. He does not seek personal vengeance. He does not attempt to repay evil with evil. Instead, he brings the matter before God and asks Him to act.

This reflects a principle that appears throughout Scripture. God does not forbid us from pursuing justice through proper means, but He repeatedly warns against taking personal vengeance into our own hands. As Paul later writes in Romans 12:19, “Never take your own revenge… but leave room for the wrath of God.”

Trusting God’s justice is not always easy. We often want immediate results. We want wrongs corrected quickly and visibly. Yet God sees the entire picture, and His timing is perfect even when it differs from our own expectations.

One of the most encouraging truths in Psalm 58 comes at the end. David declares that there is indeed a reward for the righteous and that there is a God who judges on earth. In other words, evil does not have the final word.

Throughout history, many wicked rulers and corrupt leaders have appeared powerful and untouchable. Yet kingdoms rise and fall. Human power fades. God’s authority remains. The final verdict belongs to Him.

This truth should encourage believers who are discouraged by the injustice they see around them. We serve a God who loves righteousness. He sees every act of faithfulness. He sees every act of injustice. Nothing escapes His notice.

While justice may sometimes seem delayed, it is never forgotten.

As followers of Yeshua, we are called to pursue righteousness, speak truth, and love justice while trusting God with the final outcome. We can rest in the knowledge that the Judge of all the earth will do what is right.

Application:

  • Bring concerns about injustice to God in prayer rather than allowing bitterness to grow.
  • Trust that God sees every act of corruption and every abuse of authority.
  • Resist the temptation to seek personal vengeance.
  • Continue pursuing righteousness even when evil appears to prosper.
  • Remember that God’s justice may be delayed, but it will never fail.

Closing Prayer:

Father, thank You that You are a righteous Judge who sees all things clearly. When I become discouraged by the injustice around me, help me to trust Your wisdom, timing, and authority. Guard my heart from bitterness and help me respond with faith rather than anger. Strengthen me to pursue righteousness and to leave ultimate judgment in Your hands. Thank You that Your justice never fails and that You remain sovereign over all the earth. 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, Hebrew Roots / Commands / Law, Peace / Rest, Sabbath / Rest, Traditions / Holidays

Rest Is an Act of Faith (Exodus 16:22-36)

Do you trust God enough to stop working for one day each week?

Key Verse:
“See, the LORD has given you the sabbath; therefore He gives you bread for two days on the sixth day.” —Exodus 16:29 NASB

Background Context:
In Exodus 16:1–21, God responded to Israel’s complaints by providing manna from heaven. Each day the people gathered exactly what they needed, learning to depend upon God for their daily provision.

Now in Exodus 16:22–36, God introduces another lesson. He instructs the people to gather twice as much manna on the sixth day and to rest on the seventh. In doing so, God teaches His people that trusting Him includes not only working when He says work, but also resting when He says rest.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Exodus 16:22-36

The Sabbath Observed

      22Now on the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for each one. When all the leaders of the congregation came and told Moses, 23then he said to them, “This is what the LORD meant: Tomorrow is a sabbath observance, a holy sabbath to the LORD. Bake what you will bake and boil what you will boil, and all that is left over put aside to be kept until morning.” 24So they put it aside until morning, as Moses had ordered, and it did not become foul nor was there any worm in it. 25Moses said, “Eat it today, for today is a sabbath to the LORD; today you will not find it in the field. 26“Six days you shall gather it, but on the seventh day, the sabbath, there will be none.”

      27It came about on the seventh day that some of the people went out to gather, but they found none. 28Then the LORD said to Moses, “How long do you refuse to keep My commandments and My instructions? 29“See, the LORD has given you the sabbath; therefore He gives you bread for two days on the sixth day. Remain every man in his place; let no man go out of his place on the seventh day.” 30So the people rested on the seventh day.

      31The house of Israel named it manna, and it was like coriander seed, white, and its taste was like wafers with honey. 32Then Moses said, “This is what the LORD has commanded, ‘Let an omerful of it be kept throughout your generations, that they may see the bread that I fed you in the wilderness, when I brought you out of the land of Egypt.’” 33Moses said to Aaron, “Take a jar and put an omerful of manna in it, and place it before the LORD to be kept throughout your generations.” 34As the LORD commanded Moses, so Aaron placed it before the Testimony, to be kept. 35The sons of Israel ate the manna forty years, until they came to an inhabited land; they ate the manna until they came to the border of the land of Canaan. 36(Now an omer is a tenth of an ephah.)

Reflection on Exodus 16:22–36:

One of the most important things to understand about the Sabbath is that it did not begin at Mount Sinai. It did not originate with Moses or with the nation of Israel. The Sabbath traces all the way back to creation itself. Genesis 2:2–3 tells us that after completing His work, God rested on the seventh day, blessed it, and sanctified it. God certainly did not need rest, but He established a pattern for mankind and set apart the seventh day as something holy and special.

As Israel traveled through the wilderness, God intentionally taught them to honor what He had established from the beginning. Before He ever spoke the Ten Commandments from Mount Sinai, He was already teaching His people about the Sabbath. This is significant because it shows that the Sabbath was not merely an afterthought or a temporary provision. God wanted His people to learn to trust Him, and one of the ways He taught that lesson was through rest.

The Israelites had spent generations as slaves in Egypt. Slaves do not determine their own schedules. Slaves work when they are told to work, and their value is often measured by their productivity. God was teaching His people a different way of life. They were no longer Pharaoh’s servants. They belonged to Him.

For six days they were to gather manna. On the sixth day they were to gather twice as much. Then on the seventh day they were to rest. The lesson was simple but profound: God would provide enough. They did not need to gather manna on the Sabbath because God had already supplied what they needed. Observing the Sabbath therefore became an act of trust. Would they believe that God had truly provided enough? Would they trust Him enough to stop working?

Some did not. Despite God’s clear instructions, some people went out on the seventh day looking for manna and found none. The Lord responded by asking, “How long do you refuse to keep My commandments and My instructions?” The issue was not simply collecting food. The issue was whether the people trusted God’s provision and were willing to obey His instruction.

This same principle remains relevant today. Many people struggle with rest because they fear falling behind. We convince ourselves that there is too much to do, too much responsibility, or too many demands on our time. Yet the Sabbath reminds us that our security does not come from endless effort. It comes from God. The Israelites could gather manna seven days a week if they wanted, but if God did not provide it, their efforts would accomplish nothing.

Centuries later, Yeshua reinforced God’s purpose for the Sabbath when He said, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27). God did not create the Sabbath because He needed something from us. He created it because we need it. We need time to rest, time to worship, time to focus on our relationship with Him, and time to invest in our families and the things that truly matter.

Some claim that the Sabbath is no longer relevant, yet we find Yeshua regularly observing it. Luke 4:16 tells us that it was His custom to attend the synagogue on the Sabbath. We likewise see the apostles continuing to gather, teach, and worship on the Sabbath throughout the book of Acts. Whatever traditions may have developed over the centuries, the Scriptures consistently present the Sabbath as a blessing rather than a burden.

Perhaps the greatest lesson of Exodus 16 is that Sabbath requires faith. It requires us to acknowledge that God can accomplish more through our obedience than we can accomplish through our striving. The same God who provided enough manna on the sixth day is the God who continues to provide for His people today. When we rest according to His design, we declare our trust in Him as our provider.

The Sabbath is not ultimately about what we stop doing. It is about remembering who God is. It is a weekly reminder that the Creator still reigns, that He is faithful to provide, and that we can trust Him completely.

Application:

  • Remember that God established the Sabbath at creation, long before Sinai.
  • Trust God’s provision enough to set aside regular time for rest and worship.
  • View the Sabbath as a gift from God rather than a burden.
  • Spend time studying what Scripture teaches about God’s purpose for the Sabbath.
  • Use times of rest to strengthen your relationship with God and your family.

Closing Prayer:

Father, thank You for creating the Sabbath as a gift and blessing for Your people. Help me to trust You enough to rest and to remember that You are my provider. Teach me to embrace the rhythms You established from the beginning and to find joy in spending dedicated time with You. Strengthen my faith to trust Your provision rather than relying solely on my own efforts. Thank You for Your faithfulness and care. 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, Guide, Hebrew Roots / Commands / Law, Obeying God, Psalms

Is God’s Law A Burden? (Psalm 119, Part 3 of 4)

This post is the third in a series of 4 about Psalm 119.

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. It was written originally in Hebrew in a literary style that begins one section after another, each with the next letter of the aleph bet (Hebrew alphabet). It is beautiful and passionate. It focuses on the law of God.

Read and digest all that it claims about the Law of God, and then ask yourself, does it describe the law as burdensome? difficult? harsh? Or does it describe it as quite different than that?

Put aside what you think you know about the law from those who do not understand it and listen to how it is described by one who understood it well and loved our heavenly Father very deeply.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Psalm 119:89-136

Meditations and Prayers Relating to the Law of God.

Lamedh.

89Forever, O LORD,
Your word is settled in heaven.

      90Your faithfulness continues throughout all generations;
You established the earth, and it stands.

      91They stand this day according to Your ordinances,
For all things are Your servants.

      92If Your law had not been my delight,
Then I would have perished in my affliction.

      93I will never forget Your precepts,
For by them You have revived me.

      94I am Yours, save me;
For I have sought Your precepts.

      95The wicked wait for me to destroy me;
I shall diligently consider Your testimonies.

      96I have seen a limit to all perfection;
Your commandment is exceedingly broad.

Mem.

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

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

      99I have more insight than all my teachers,
For Your testimonies are my meditation.

      100I understand more than the aged,
Because I have observed Your precepts.

      101I have restrained my feet from every evil way,
That I may keep Your word.

      102I have not turned aside from Your ordinances,
For You Yourself have taught me.

      103How sweet are Your words to my taste!
Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

      104From Your precepts I get understanding;
Therefore I hate every false way.

Nun.

     105Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path.

      106I have sworn and I will confirm it,
That I will keep Your righteous ordinances.

      107I am exceedingly afflicted;
Revive me, O LORD, according to Your word.

      108O accept the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD,
And teach me Your ordinances.

      109My life is continually in my hand,
Yet I do not forget Your law.

      110The wicked have laid a snare for me,
Yet I have not gone astray from Your precepts.

      111I have inherited Your testimonies forever,
For they are the joy of my heart.

      112I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes
Forever, even to the end.

Samekh.

     113I hate those who are double-minded,
But I love Your law.

      114You are my hiding place and my shield;
I wait for Your word.

      115Depart from me, evildoers,
That I may observe the commandments of my God.

      116Sustain me according to Your word, that I may live;
And do not let me be ashamed of my hope.

      117Uphold me that I may be safe,
That I may have regard for Your statutes continually.

      118You have rejected all those who wander from Your statutes,
For their deceitfulness is useless.

      119You have removed all the wicked of the earth like dross;
Therefore I love Your testimonies.

      120My flesh trembles for fear of You,
And I am afraid of Your judgments.

Ayin.

     121I have done justice and righteousness;
Do not leave me to my oppressors.

      122Be surety for Your servant for good;
Do not let the arrogant oppress me.

      123My eyes fail with longing for Your salvation
And for Your righteous word.

      124Deal with Your servant according to Your lovingkindness
And teach me Your statutes.

      125I am Your servant; give me understanding,
That I may know Your testimonies.

      126It is time for the LORD to act,
For they have broken Your law.

      127Therefore I love Your commandments
Above gold, yes, above fine gold.

      128Therefore I esteem right all Your precepts concerning everything,
I hate every false way.

Pe.

     129Your testimonies are wonderful;
Therefore my soul observes them.

      130The unfolding of Your words gives light;
It gives understanding to the simple.

      131I opened my mouth wide and panted,
For I longed for Your commandments.

      132Turn to me and be gracious to me,
After Your manner with those who love Your name.

      133Establish my footsteps in Your word,
And do not let any iniquity have dominion over me.

      134Redeem me from the oppression of man,
That I may keep Your precepts.

      135Make Your face shine upon Your servant,
And teach me Your statutes.

      136My eyes shed streams of water,
Because they do not keep Your law.

Reflecting on a few things God’s word says about the law in today’s scripture: forever you word is settled in heaven, I would have perished if Your law had not been my delight, You have revived me by Your precepts, oh how I love Your law!, Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, Your words are sweeter than honey, Your word is a lamp unto my feet, teach me Your statutes, give me understanding, I love Your commandments above gold, I esteem all Your precepts, the unfolding of Your word brings light and gives understanding to the simple, I longed for Your commandments

None of this sounds like the description of a burden, or something I can’t wait to get rid of, which is how many Christians describe or talk about following the law. It sounds like a beautiful set of instructions from the Lord, which I want to understand more… both in their original context and with regard to how they still apply to my life today.

Psalm 119, if we let it, can really be a testimony for the law of God as a wonderful gift and guide that helps us to know how God thinks we should live and what He values. Obviously, to fully understand the depths of what is in the law and how it may still apply, we need to study the Torah (1st 5 books of the Bible).  Some of the elements of the law (e.g., ceremonial law) can no longer be carried out as God specified, while there is no temple and no Levitical priesthood, but that should not discourage us from understanding and following God’s law as much as we can. Should we walk away from doing as Christ taught just because we can’t do it perfectly?

The Torah is a great place to start for any Christian, many of whom have been taught to really focus only on the New Testament. Spoiler alert… if the New Testament is the building, the Old Testament is the foundation that holds it up. They are not contradictory, but rather complementary.

Pray with me that our Creator and Father would open our eyes, and the eyes of His followers around the world, that we may behold wonderful things from His law. Give us understanding, that we may observe His law and keep it with all our heart.

To learn more:

—-

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, Provider

Learning Daily Dependence (Exodus 16:1-21)

How often do we worry about tomorrow instead of trusting God for today?

Key Verse:
“Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may test them, whether or not they will walk in My instruction.’” —Exodus 16:4 NASB

Background Context:
In Exodus 15, God delivered Israel from the bitter waters of Marah and brought them to Elim, where they found twelve springs and seventy palm trees. The Lord had once again demonstrated His faithfulness and provision.

Yet as Exodus 16 begins, the people face another challenge. Food is becoming scarce, and instead of remembering God’s recent faithfulness, they begin to complain. What follows is an important lesson not only about God’s provision, but also about learning to trust Him one day at a time.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Exodus 16:1-12

The LORD Provides Manna

      1Then they set out from Elim, and all the congregation of the sons of Israel came to the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after their departure from the land of Egypt. 2The whole congregation of the sons of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. 3The sons of Israel said to them, “Would that we had died by the LORD’S hand in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the pots of meat, when we ate bread to the full; for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.”

      4Then the LORD said to Moses, “Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may test them, whether or not they will walk in My instruction. 5“On the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather daily.” 6So Moses and Aaron said to all the sons of Israel, “At evening you will know that the LORD has brought you out of the land of Egypt; 7and in the morning you will see the glory of the LORD, for He hears your grumblings against the LORD; and what are we, that you grumble against us?”

The LORD Provides Meat

8Moses said, “This will happen when the LORD gives you meat to eat in the evening, and bread to the full in the morning; for the LORD hears your grumblings which you grumble against Him. And what are we? Your grumblings are not against us but against the LORD.”

      9Then Moses said to Aaron, “Say to all the congregation of the sons of Israel, ‘Come near before the LORD, for He has heard your grumblings.’” 10It came about as Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of the sons of Israel, that they looked toward the wilderness, and behold, the glory of the LORD appeared in the cloud. 11And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 12“I have heard the grumblings of the sons of Israel; speak to them, saying, ‘At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall be filled with bread; and you shall know that I am the LORD your God.’”

      13So it came about at evening that the quails came up and covered the camp, and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. 14When the layer of dew evaporated, behold, on the surface of the wilderness there was a fine flake-like thing, fine as the frost on the ground. 15When the sons of Israel saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. And Moses said to them, “It is the bread which the LORD has given you to eat. 16“This is what the LORD has commanded, ‘Gather of it every man as much as he should eat; you shall take an omer apiece according to the number of persons each of you has in his tent.’” 17The sons of Israel did so, and some gathered much and some little. 18When they measured it with an omer, he who had gathered much had no excess, and he who had gathered little had no lack; every man gathered as much as he should eat. 19Moses said to them, “Let no man leave any of it until morning.” 20But they did not listen to Moses, and some left part of it until morning, and it bred worms and became foul; and Moses was angry with them. 21They gathered it morning by morning, every man as much as he should eat; but when the sun grew hot, it would melt.

Reflection on Exodus 16:1–21:

One of the recurring themes throughout Exodus is how quickly the Israelites forgot what God had already done for them. Not long before this, they had witnessed the plagues in Egypt, celebrated the Passover, crossed the Red Sea on dry ground, and seen God provide water in the wilderness. Yet when hunger arose, fear quickly replaced faith.

The people began to grumble against Moses and Aaron, even suggesting that life in Egypt had been better. It is remarkable how quickly they forgot the cruelty of slavery and remembered only the comfort of having food readily available. Hardship often tempts us to view the past through rose-colored glasses while overlooking the ways God has already been working in our lives.

Before we criticize Israel too harshly, we should consider how often we respond similarly. God answers a prayer, provides for a need, or carries us through a difficult season. Then a new challenge appears, and suddenly we begin to worry as though God has never helped us before.

The wonderful truth in this passage is that God’s faithfulness is greater than our weakness. Even though the people complained, God chose to provide for them. He promised to rain bread from heaven and provide meat in the evening. The Israelites could not solve their problem, but God already had a solution prepared.

This provision was about more than food. God specifically said He was testing them to see whether they would walk in His instruction. The issue was not simply whether they would receive bread. The issue was whether they would trust the God who provided it.

Each morning, the manna appeared with the dew. The people were instructed to gather only enough for that day. If they attempted to store extra for themselves, it spoiled. God was teaching them a lesson in dependence. They could not rely on yesterday’s provision for today’s needs, nor could they hoard enough to eliminate the need to trust Him tomorrow.

This principle appears throughout Scripture. Yeshua taught His disciples to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11). He also taught them not to worry about tomorrow because the Father knows what they need (Matthew 6:25–34). God often provides what we need one day at a time so that we learn to depend on Him rather than on our own resources.

The manna also reminds us that God’s provision may not always arrive in the form we expect. The Israelites likely would have preferred established fields, barns, and permanent supplies. Instead, God gave them bread from heaven. His provision was sufficient, but it required trust.

Notice also that God provided exactly what each person needed. Those who gathered much had no excess, and those who gathered little had no shortage. This points us toward God’s faithful care for His people. He knows our needs better than we do and is fully capable of supplying them according to His wisdom and timing.

Ultimately, this passage is not primarily about manna. It is about the God who provides it. The Lord was teaching Israel that their survival depended not upon Egypt, their own efforts, or even the manna itself. Their survival depended upon Him.

The same lesson applies to us today. We often desire complete certainty about the future. We want enough resources, plans, and security to remove the need for faith. Yet God frequently calls us to trust Him one day at a time. He invites us to remember His past faithfulness, rely on His present provision, and trust Him with tomorrow.

The God who delivered Israel from Egypt was also the God who sustained them in the wilderness. And He remains faithful to provide for His people today.

Application:

  • Remember God’s past faithfulness when new challenges arise.
  • Bring your concerns to God in prayer rather than responding with complaint.
  • Trust God to provide what you need for today.
  • Resist the temptation to worry excessively about tomorrow.
  • Recognize that God’s greatest gift is not merely His provision, but His presence.

Closing Prayer:

Father, thank You for being a faithful provider. Forgive me for the times I worry and forget the ways You have already cared for me. Help me to trust You one day at a time and to rely on Your wisdom rather than my own understanding. Teach me to be grateful for Your provision and to remember that my ultimate security is found in You. Thank You for supplying my needs and for walking with me through every season of life. 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, Hebrew Roots / Commands / Law, Obeying God, Psalms, Submitted / Servant

Is God’s Law A Burden? (Psalm 119, Part 2 of 4)

This post is the second in a series of 4 about Psalm 119.

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. It was written originally in Hebrew in a literary style that begins one section after another, each with the next letter of the aleph bet (Hebrew alphabet). It is beautiful and passionate. It focuses on the law of God.

Read and digest all that it claims about the Law of God and then ask yourself, does it describe the law as burdensome? difficult? harsh? or does it describe it as quite different than that?

Put aside what you think you know about the law from those who do not understand it and listen to how it is described by one who understood it well and loved our heavenly Father very deeply.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Psalm 119:41-88

Meditations and Prayers Relating to the Law of God.

Vav.

     41May Your lovingkindnesses also come to me, O LORD,
Your salvation according to Your word;

      42So I will have an answer for him who reproaches me,
For I trust in Your word.

      43And do not take the word of truth utterly out of my mouth,
For I wait for Your ordinances.

      44So I will keep Your law continually,
Forever and ever.

      45And I will walk at liberty,
For I seek Your precepts.

      46I will also speak of Your testimonies before kings
And shall not be ashamed.

      47I shall delight in Your commandments,
Which I love.

      48And I shall lift up my hands to Your commandments,
Which I love;
And I will meditate on Your statutes.

Zayin.

49Remember the word to Your servant,
In which You have made me hope.

      50This is my comfort in my affliction,
That Your word has revived me.

      51The arrogant utterly deride me,
Yet I do not turn aside from Your law.

      52I have remembered Your ordinances from of old, O LORD,
And comfort myself.

      53Burning indignation has seized me because of the wicked,
Who forsake Your law.

      54Your statutes are my songs
In the house of my pilgrimage.

      55O LORD, I remember Your name in the night,
And keep Your law.

      56This has become mine,
That I observe Your precepts.

Heth.

57The LORD is my portion;
I have promised to keep Your words.

      58I sought Your favor with all my heart;
Be gracious to me according to Your word.

      59I considered my ways
And turned my feet to Your testimonies.

      60I hastened and did not delay
To keep Your commandments.

      61The cords of the wicked have encircled me,
But I have not forgotten Your law.

      62At midnight I shall rise to give thanks to You
Because of Your righteous ordinances.

      63I am a companion of all those who fear You,
And of those who keep Your precepts.

      64The earth is full of Your lovingkindness, O LORD;
Teach me Your statutes.

Teth.

65You have dealt well with Your servant,
O LORD, according to Your word.

      66Teach me good discernment and knowledge,
For I believe in Your commandments.

      67Before I was afflicted I went astray,
But now I keep Your word.

      68You are good and do good;
Teach me Your statutes.

      69The arrogant have forged a lie against me;
With all my heart I will observe Your precepts.

      70Their heart is covered with fat,
But I delight in Your law.

      71It is good for me that I was afflicted,
That I may learn Your statutes.

      72The law of Your mouth is better to me
Than thousands of gold and silver pieces.

Yodh.

     73Your hands made me and fashioned me;
Give me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments.

      74May those who fear You see me and be glad,
Because I wait for Your word.

      75I know, O LORD, that Your judgments are righteous,
And that in faithfulness You have afflicted me.

      76O may Your lovingkindness comfort me,
According to Your word to Your servant.

      77May Your compassion come to me that I may live,
For Your law is my delight.

      78May the arrogant be ashamed, for they subvert me with a lie;
But I shall meditate on Your precepts.

      79May those who fear You turn to me,
Even those who know Your testimonies.

      80May my heart be blameless in Your statutes,
So that I will not be ashamed.

Kaph.

     81My soul languishes for Your salvation;
I wait for Your word.

      82My eyes fail with longing for Your word,
While I say, “When will You comfort me?”

      83Though I have become like a wineskin in the smoke,
I do not forget Your statutes.

      84How many are the days of Your servant?
When will You execute judgment on those who persecute me?

      85The arrogant have dug pits for me,
Men who are not in accord with Your law.

      86All Your commandments are faithful;
They have persecuted me with a lie; help me!

      87They almost destroyed me on earth,
But as for me, I did not forsake Your precepts.

      88Revive me according to Your lovingkindness,
So that I may keep the testimony of Your mouth.

Just to reflect on a few of the things God’s word says about the law: I trust in Your word, I will keep Your law continually forever and ever, I will walk at liberty because I seek Your precepts, I shall delight in Your commandments which I love, I will lift up my hands to Your commandments which I love, I have remembered Your ordinances and comfort myself, Your statutes are my songs, I shall give thanks to You because of Your righteous ordinances,  the earth if full of Your lovingkindness teach me Your statutes, I delight in Your law, and better than gold and silver.

None of this sounds like the description of a burden, or something I can’t wait to get rid of, which is how many Christians describe or talk about following the law. It sounds like a beautiful set of instructions from the Lord, which I want to understand more… both in their original context and with regards to how they still apply to my life today. Psalm 119, if we let it, can really be a testimony for the law of God as a wonderful gift and guide that helps us to know how God thinks we should live and what He values. Obviously to fully understand the depths of what is in the law and how it may still apply, we need to study the Torah (1st 5 books of the Bible).  Some of the elements of the law (e.g. ceremonial law) can no longer be carried out as God specified while there is no temple and no Levitical priesthood, but that should not discourage us from understanding and following God’s law as much as we can. Should we walk away from doing as Christ taught just because we can’t do it perfectly?

The Torah is a great place to start for any Christian, many of whom have been taught to really focus only on the New Testament. Spoiler alert… if the New Testament is the building, the Old Testament is the foundation that holds it up. They are not contradictory, but rather complementary.

Pray with me that our Creator and Father would open our eyes, and the eyes of His followers around the world, that we may behold wonderful things from His law. Give us understanding, that we may observe His law and keep it with all our heart.

To learn more:

—-

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, Obeying God, Revelation, Satan

Holding to God’s Truth and Messiah (Revelation 12:13-17)

What kind of people does Satan most fiercely oppose?

Key Verse:
“So the dragon was enraged with the woman, and went off to make war with the rest of her children, who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus.” —Revelation 12:17 NASB

Background Context:
In Revelation 12, John is shown a dramatic picture of the spiritual battle that has unfolded throughout history. A woman gives birth to a male child, a great dragon seeks to destroy them, and God repeatedly intervenes to protect and preserve His purposes.

The woman is commonly understood to represent Israel. The imagery of the sun, moon, and twelve stars points back to Joseph’s dream in Genesis 37 and the covenant people through whom God would bring His promises into the world.

The dragon is explicitly identified as Satan.

The male child is Messiah, Yeshua, the One who is destined to rule the nations.

After repeatedly failing to destroy God’s plans, Satan turns his attention to another group described in Revelation 12:17.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Revelation 12:13-17

      13And when the dragon saw that he was thrown down to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male child. 14But the two wings of the great eagle were given to the woman, so that she could fly into the wilderness to her place, where she was nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent. 15And the serpent poured water like a river out of his mouth after the woman, so that he might cause her to be swept away with the flood. 16But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and drank up the river which the dragon poured out of his mouth. 17So the dragon was enraged with the woman, and went off to make war with the rest of her children, who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus.

Reflection on Revelation 12:13–17:
One of the most encouraging truths in Revelation 12 is that Satan never succeeds in accomplishing his ultimate goal.

He seeks to destroy Messiah.

He fails.

He persecutes the woman.

God protects her.

He attempts to overwhelm her.

God intervenes.

Throughout the chapter, the dragon is active, but God remains sovereign.

This is an important reminder for believers today. Satan is real, and spiritual warfare is real, but neither occurs outside the authority and control of God.

After failing in his attacks against the woman, the dragon becomes enraged and turns his attention toward “the rest of her children.”

John then gives a very specific description of who these people are.

They are those:

  • who keep the commandments of God
  • and hold to the testimony of Jesus

Notice carefully what Scripture says.

It does not say:

  • those who keep the commandments of God or
  • those who hold to the testimony of Jesus

It says:

  • those who keep the commandments of God and
  • those who hold to the testimony of Jesus

Throughout history, people have often attempted to separate these two ideas.

Some focus heavily on God’s commandments and instruction while rejecting Messiah.

Others focus on faith in Messiah while treating God’s commandments and instruction as largely irrelevant.

Yet Revelation presents a different picture.

God’s faithful people embrace both.

The phrase “commandments of God” is much broader than simply the Ten Commandments.

Throughout Scripture, God’s instruction reveals His character, His wisdom, and His desire for how His people should live.

When Yeshua was asked about the greatest commandment, He replied:

“YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.”

And:

“YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.”

Then He added:

“On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22:37–40)

The entire Law and the Prophets point toward these foundational truths.

God’s instruction is not merely a collection of rules.

It teaches us how to love God and how to love others according to His design.

Many people associate this emphasis on God’s commandments, instruction, and covenant faithfulness with Judaism.

Likewise, many people associate the testimony of Jesus with Christianity and faith in Messiah.

Yet Revelation 12:17 does not separate these themes.

Instead, it joins them together.

God’s faithful people are characterized by both.

They embrace God’s instruction.

They embrace God’s Messiah.

They seek to obey God and follow Yeshua.

This same description appears again later in Revelation:

“Here is the perseverance of the saints who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.” (Revelation 14:12)

The repetition should catch our attention.

God is not looking for half of the picture.

He desires a people who trust Him, obey Him, love Him, and follow His Messiah.

Perhaps this also helps explain why the dragon is enraged.

Satan is not threatened by fragments of truth.

He opposes the complete witness of God.

The enemy seeks division, compromise, and separation.

God calls His people toward unity in His truth.

Revelation 12 reminds us that faithful believers may face opposition, but they do so under the protection and sovereignty of God.

The dragon may make war against God’s people, but he cannot overthrow God’s plans.

He cannot stop God’s kingdom.

He cannot nullify God’s promises.

And he cannot separate God’s people from the God they serve.

The faithful remnant described in Revelation is not defined by perfect performance.

They are defined by a sincere commitment to both God’s truth and God’s Messiah.

That is the complete witness Satan opposes.

And that is the witness God calls us to embrace.

Application:

  • Pursue both faithful obedience to God and faith in Yeshua.
  • Study God’s instruction to better understand His character and His ways.
  • Resist attempts to separate God’s commandments from God’s Messiah.
  • Remember that genuine faith should produce a desire to obey God.
  • Stand firm when opposition comes, trusting that God remains sovereign.

Closing Prayer:

Father, thank You for revealing Yourself through Your Word and through Messiah. Help me to love You with all my heart and to love others according to Your instruction. Strengthen my faith in Yeshua and deepen my desire to walk in Your ways. Guard me from compromise and help me remain faithful to both Your truth and Your Messiah. Thank You that no attack of the enemy can overcome Your purposes. 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 Powerful / King of All, Complaining, Doubt / Lacking Faith, Faith / Trusting God, Faithful, Provider

From Praise to Complaining (Exodus 15:22-27)

Key Verse:
“There He made for them a statute and regulation, and there He tested them.” —Exodus 15:25 NASB

Background Context:
In Exodus 15:1–21, Israel celebrated God’s miraculous deliverance at the Red Sea. The people sang, worshiped, and praised the Lord for defeating Pharaoh and rescuing them from slavery.

But the journey was not over.

In Exodus 15:22–27, Israel faces its first major challenge after crossing the sea. What follows reveals an important truth about faith, testing, and learning to trust God beyond moments of victory.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Exodus 15:22-27

The LORD Provides Water

      22Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness and found no water. 23When they came to Marah, they could not drink the waters of Marah, for they were bitter; therefore it was named Marah. 24So the people grumbled at Moses, saying, “What shall we drink?” 25Then he cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a tree; and he threw it into the waters, and the waters became sweet.
There He made for them a statute and regulation, and there He tested them. 26And He said, “If you will give earnest heed to the voice of the LORD your God, and do what is right in His sight, and give ear to His commandments, and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have put on the Egyptians; for I, the LORD, am your healer.”

      27Then they came to Elim where there were twelve springs of water and seventy date palms, and they camped there beside the waters.

Reflection on Exodus 15:22–27:
One of the most surprising things about this passage is how quickly the situation changes.

Only days earlier, the people were singing songs of praise and celebrating God’s mighty deliverance.

Now they are thirsty.

After traveling three days in the wilderness without finding water, they finally discover water at Marah.

But there is a problem.

The water is bitter and cannot be consumed.

The people’s response is immediate:

They grumble.

This is the first of many wilderness tests.

And it reveals something important.

It is often easier to trust God during a miracle than during the waiting that follows.

At the Red Sea, God’s power was obvious.

At Marah, faith was required.

The people had just witnessed:

  • the plagues
  • Passover
  • the pillar of cloud and fire
  • the crossing of the sea

Yet a new difficulty quickly caused them to forget God’s recent faithfulness.

Before judging Israel too harshly, we should recognize how often we do the same thing.

God answers a prayer.
God provides for a need.
God carries us through a difficult season.

Then a new challenge arises and suddenly we become anxious, fearful, or doubtful again.

This passage reminds us that every new trial presents a choice.

Will we focus on the problem?

Or will we remember the God who has already proven Himself faithful?

Moses responds differently than the people.

Instead of complaining, he cries out to the Lord.

God then shows him a tree, which he throws into the water, and the bitter water becomes sweet.

The miracle itself is important, but so is the lesson behind it.

God was not merely providing water.

He was teaching trust.

Scripture specifically says:

“There He tested them.”

When we hear the word “test,” we often think of God trying to make life difficult.

But biblical testing is usually about revealing and strengthening faith.

God already knew what was in Israel’s heart.

The test helped reveal it to them.

The Lord then gives a promise.

If they will listen to Him and walk in His ways, He will be their healer.

This introduces an important aspect of God’s character.

The God who delivered them from Egypt was also the God who would sustain them in the wilderness.

Deliverance was not the end of their dependence on Him.

It was the beginning.

The passage ends at Elim, where there are:

  • twelve springs of water
  • seventy palm trees

What a contrast.

First bitterness.

Then abundance.

First testing.

Then refreshment.

This reminds us that God often allows seasons of testing, but He also provides seasons of encouragement and renewal.

The people could not see Elim while standing at Marah.

But God already knew where He was leading them.

The same is true for us.

Sometimes we stand in the middle of a difficult circumstance and cannot see what God is doing.

Yet He already knows the destination.

He remains faithful in both the bitter waters and the refreshing springs.

Application:

  • Remember God’s past faithfulness when facing new challenges.
  • Bring your concerns to God in prayer rather than responding with complaint.
  • View trials as opportunities for God to strengthen your faith.
  • Trust that God is working even when circumstances seem bitter.
  • Remember that God often provides refreshment after seasons of testing.

Closing Prayer:
Father, help me to trust You not only during times of victory, but also during seasons of testing. Forgive me for the times I focus more on my problems than on Your faithfulness. Strengthen my faith and teach me to bring my concerns to You in prayer. Help me remember that You are with me in both the bitter waters and the refreshing springs. Thank You for always being faithful. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

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

John Golda

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