Category Archives: Holy / Set Apart

Hebrew Roots / Commands / Law, Holy / Set Apart, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

Honor the Name You Bear (Exodus 20:7)

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Does the way you live bring honor to the name of the God you claim to follow?

Key Verse:

“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain.” — Exodus 20:7 (NASB)

Background Context:

In Scripture, a person’s name represented far more than the sounds used to identify them. A name reflected a person’s character, reputation, and identity. This was especially true of God’s name. Throughout Exodus, the Lord repeatedly declared, “I am the LORD,” revealing Himself as the covenant-keeping God who alone redeemed Israel from slavery.

Having called Israel to worship Him alone and to worship Him rightly, God now commanded them to honor His holy name. As His covenant people, they would carry His name before the nations, and their lives were to reflect the holiness of the God they served.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Exodus 20:7

   7“You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain.

Reflection on Exodus 20:7:

God’s third commandment is often understood only as a prohibition against using His name as profanity. While that certainly dishonors the Lord, the command reaches much deeper. To take God’s name “in vain” is to treat His holy name as empty, trivial, or meaningless. Since His name represents His character and authority, this command calls His people to honor Him in both their words and their lives.

Throughout Exodus, God repeatedly acted “so that you may know that I am the LORD.” His mighty works revealed His holiness, His faithfulness, and His power. His name became known because of who He is and what He has done. Israel was now called to represent that name faithfully among the nations. The way they lived would either bring honor to God’s reputation or bring dishonor upon it.

This command also reminds us that our words matter. God’s name should never be spoken carelessly, flippantly, or deceitfully. In the ancient world, people often invoked a deity’s name to strengthen promises, make oaths, or lend authority to their own words. God warned His people never to misuse His name for selfish purposes or falsehood. His name is holy because He is holy.

Yet the command reaches beyond speech. Those who belong to God bear His name before the world. Today, those who call themselves Christians identify themselves with Christ. When our lives contradict the God we profess to serve, we misrepresent His character before others. Our conduct either adorns the gospel or obscures it. The Lord desires that His people reflect His truth, integrity, mercy, and holiness in every area of life.

This truth should not produce fear but reverence. God has graciously chosen to place His name upon His people. What an incredible privilege that the Creator of heaven and earth calls us His own. Rather than treating that privilege lightly, we should desire to honor Him in everything we say and do.

The third commandment ultimately reminds us that God’s name is precious because God Himself is precious. Every time we speak His name, pray in His name, or identify ourselves as His followers, we are representing the One who redeemed us. May our words and our lives consistently point others to the beauty and holiness of the God whose name we bear.

Application:

  • Speak God’s name with reverence and gratitude rather than carelessness.
  • Let your words reflect the holiness and truthfulness of the God you serve.
  • Consider whether your daily life brings honor to the name of Christ.
  • Remember that you represent God wherever you go.
  • Ask the Lord to help your character reflect His character more faithfully.

Closing Prayer:

Father, Your name is holy, and I thank You for calling me to belong to You. Forgive me for the times I have dishonored Your name through careless words or inconsistent living. Help me to speak of You with reverence and to represent You faithfully in every part of my life. May my words, my actions, and my character bring honor to Your name and point others to Your goodness. 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, Faith / Trusting God, Fear / Reverence for God, Holy / Set Apart, Obeying God, Praise / Worship / Glorify God, Purposeful / Intentional, Revelation, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

Faithful in an Unfaithful World (Revelation 13-17)

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When you think about the book of Revelation, what stands out most—its symbols and prophecies, or its call to remain faithful to Jesus?

Key Verse:

“These are the ones who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.” — Revelation 14:12 (NASB)

Background Context:

As we pause after Revelation 17, it is worth stepping back before continuing the story. Chapters 13 through 17 contain some of the most recognizable images in the book—the beast, the mark, the three angels, the song of Moses and the Lamb, the bowls of wrath, and Babylon the Great. Yet beneath these dramatic visions runs a single, consistent message.

John is not merely revealing future events. He is preparing God’s people to live faithfully in a world that increasingly opposes Him. Every vision presents another opportunity to choose where our allegiance truly belongs.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Revelation 13-17

Reflection on Revelation 13–17:

The conflict that unfolds in these chapters is not simply between political powers or earthly kingdoms. At its heart, it is a battle for worship and allegiance. Revelation 13 presents the beast demanding worship that belongs to God alone. The pressure is immense, and those who refuse face persecution. From the very beginning of this section, John reminds believers that following the Lamb may require courage, endurance, and unwavering faith.

Chapter 14 shifts our attention from the world’s demands to heaven’s perspective. While the nations fear earthly rulers, God’s people are called to fear Him instead. John describes the saints as those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Yeshua. Their identity is not found in political influence or worldly success but in steadfast obedience and trust. Even as judgment is announced, God’s people are encouraged to persevere.

In chapter 15, the faithful stand victorious beside the sea of glass, singing the song of Moses and the song of the Lamb. That beautiful picture reminds us that God’s plan of redemption has always been one story. The God who delivered Israel from Egypt is the same God who delivers His people through the Lamb. Moses and the Lamb are not competing voices but part of the same unfolding work of salvation, revealing God’s faithfulness from generation to generation.

Chapter 16 contrasts two very different responses to God’s activity. Again and again, those who oppose Him refuse to repent, even as His judgments are poured out. In the middle of that chapter, however, Yeshua speaks directly to His followers: “Blessed is the one who stays awake and keeps his clothes.” While the world hardens its heart, believers are called to remain spiritually alert, faithful, and prepared for His return. Revelation is far less concerned with satisfying our curiosity about prophetic details than with shaping our character as disciples.

Chapter 17 reveals another danger. Babylon does not conquer primarily through violence but through seduction. She offers wealth, power, luxury, and the false promise of satisfaction apart from God. The faithful are called to recognize her deception and refuse to give their hearts to what cannot last. Even the mighty kingdoms that support her prove to be temporary, but the Lamb remains Lord of lords and King of kings, and those who belong to Him are described as called, chosen, and faithful.

When these chapters are viewed together, a beautiful portrait begins to emerge. John is not describing different groups of believers but painting the same faithful remnant from several angles. They refuse to worship the beast. They fear God rather than men. They keep God’s commandments and hold fast to the testimony of Yeshua. They sing the song of Moses and the song of the Lamb. They remain spiritually awake. They resist the seduction of Babylon. They are called, chosen, and faithful. Each vision adds another brushstroke until the character of God’s people becomes unmistakably clear.

This theme also brings us back to the opening chapters of Revelation. Before John showed us beasts, bowls, or Babylon, Yeshua spoke to seven churches. Again and again, He called them to overcome, to hold fast, to remain faithful, and to keep His works until the end. Chapters 13 through 17 do not introduce a new message; they show us why those exhortations matter. The pressures facing the churches have now expanded onto the world stage, but the call remains exactly the same: remain faithful to the Lamb.

Perhaps that is one of the greatest lessons Revelation has to offer. Many people approach this book asking, “Can I identify every symbol or predict every future event?” John repeatedly asks a different question: Will you remain faithful to Jesus? The purpose of Revelation is not merely to satisfy our curiosity about the future but to strengthen our commitment in the present. Whatever challenges God’s people may face, the Lamb has already secured the victory. Our calling is to follow Him with steadfast faith until the day we see Him face to face.

Application:

  • Examine where your highest allegiance truly belongs.
  • Choose daily to fear God rather than the pressures of the world.
  • Remain faithful in both small and great acts of obedience.
  • Guard your heart against the subtle compromises that Babylon represents.
  • Remember that the victory belongs to the Lamb, and those who remain faithful will share in His triumph.

Closing Prayer:

Father, thank You for reminding me that Revelation is not merely a book about future events but a call to faithful living today. Help me to worship You alone, to keep Your commandments, and to hold fast to the testimony of Yeshua. Guard my heart from compromise and from the empty promises of this world. Strengthen me to remain spiritually awake, steadfast, and faithful until the day I stand before the Lamb in victory. 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.

Fear / Reverence for God, Holy, Holy / Set Apart, Seeking God, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

Prepare Your Heart to Meet with God (Exodus 19:7–15)

How intentionally do we prepare ourselves when we come before the Lord?

Key Verse:

“Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their garments.’” —Exodus 19:10 NASB

Background Context:

After calling Israel to be His treasured possession, a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation, the people responded with one voice, saying, “All that the LORD has spoken we will do.” Before speaking the Ten Commandments, however, God instructed Moses to prepare the people. They were to consecrate themselves, wash their garments, and be ready to meet with the Lord on the third day as He descended upon Mount Sinai.

These instructions were not given because clean clothes could make sinful people holy. Rather, the outward preparation symbolized a much deeper inward reality. God was teaching His people that approaching His holy presence requires reverence, humility, and hearts that are set apart for Him.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Exodus 19:7-15

      7So Moses came and called the elders of the people, and set before them all these words which the LORD had commanded him. 8All the people answered together and said, “All that the LORD has spoken we will do!” And Moses brought back the words of the people to the LORD. 9The LORD said to Moses, “Behold, I will come to you in a thick cloud, so that the people may hear when I speak with you and may also believe in you forever.” Then Moses told the words of the people to the LORD.

      10The LORD also said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their garments; 11and let them be ready for the third day, for on the third day the LORD will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. 12“You shall set bounds for the people all around, saying, ‘Beware that you do not go up on the mountain or touch the border of it; whoever touches the mountain shall surely be put to death. 13‘No hand shall touch him, but he shall surely be stoned or shot through; whether beast or man, he shall not live.’ When the ram’s horn sounds a long blast, they shall come up to the mountain.” 14So Moses went down from the mountain to the people and consecrated the people, and they washed their garments. 15He said to the people, “Be ready for the third day; do not go near a woman.”

Reflection on Exodus 19:7–15:

One of the striking features of this passage is that God did not immediately appear before the people. Instead, He instructed Moses to prepare them over several days. Their clothing was to be washed, boundaries were established around the mountain, and the people were called to consecrate themselves before the Lord.

These outward actions pointed to an inward truth.

God has always been concerned with the condition of the heart.

Throughout Scripture, external acts of worship are meant to reflect an internal posture of faith, humility, and repentance. Washing garments did not remove sin, but it reminded Israel that they were about to stand before a holy God and should not approach Him casually.

David expressed this desire centuries later when he prayed:

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10)

Likewise, James writes:

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” (James 4:8)

The emphasis remains the same. God desires hearts that are devoted to Him.

Another important lesson is found in the boundaries God established around Mount Sinai. The people were not free to approach God however they wished. His holiness required that they come according to His instruction.

Our culture often encourages us to approach God on our own terms, defining worship according to personal preference rather than according to His Word. Yet Scripture consistently reminds us that God is holy. He lovingly invites us into His presence, but He also teaches us how to approach Him with reverence and awe.

The writer of Hebrews echoes this truth:

“Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:28–29)

The good news is that through Yeshua we have confidence to enter God’s presence. Hebrews tells us:

“Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus…” (Hebrews 10:19)

What a remarkable contrast.

At Sinai, the people were instructed to remain at a distance because of God’s holiness.

Through Messiah, the barrier created by sin has been removed, and we are invited to draw near to our Father. Yet the holiness of God has not changed. Our privilege of access should deepen our reverence, not diminish it.

This passage also challenges us to consider how we prepare ourselves for worship. It is easy to rush into prayer, Bible study, or gathered worship while our minds are distracted by countless other concerns. Israel spent days preparing to meet with the Lord. While we no longer prepare through ceremonial washing, we should still prepare our hearts through repentance, prayer, gratitude, and a desire to hear God’s voice.

God is worthy of our thoughtful preparation because He is worthy of our wholehearted worship.

May we never approach His presence casually.

Instead, may we come with humble hearts, grateful for the privilege of drawing near through our great High Priest, Yeshua the Messiah.

Application:

  • Take time to prepare your heart before prayer, worship, and studying God’s Word.
  • Ask God to reveal anything that needs repentance before coming into His presence.
  • Remember that God’s holiness has not changed, even though we now have access through Christ.
  • Approach worship with reverence, gratitude, and expectation.
  • Thank God that through Yeshua you are invited to draw near to Him with confidence.

Closing Prayer:

Father, thank You for inviting me into Your presence through Yeshua. Help me never to approach You casually or take Your holiness for granted. Prepare my heart to worship You with reverence, humility, and gratitude. Search me, cleanse me, and draw me ever closer to You. May my worship always reflect the honor and glory You deserve. 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.

Hebrew Roots / Commands / Law, Holy / Set Apart, Obeying God

Called to be a Holy Nation (Exodus 19:1-6)

What kind of people has God called us to be?

Key Verse:

“Now then, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own possession among all the peoples, for all the earth is Mine; and you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” —Exodus 19:5–6a NASB

Background Context:

Three months after leaving Egypt, Israel arrived at Mount Sinai. Here, God would establish His covenant with the nation and soon give His Law through Moses. Before speaking the Ten Commandments, however, God reminded His people of what He had already done for them and revealed His purpose for calling them. Israel was not chosen because of its greatness but because of God’s grace. He redeemed them so they could belong to Him and represent Him before the nations.

It is also important to remember that the people gathered at Mount Sinai were not only the descendants of Jacob. When Israel departed Egypt, “a mixed multitude also went up with them” (Exodus 12:38). Men and women from other nations had witnessed the Lord’s mighty works, chose to leave Egypt behind, and joined themselves to the people of God. Together, this covenant community stood before the mountain to hear the Lord speak.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Exodus 19:1-8

   1In the third month after the sons of Israel had gone out of the land of Egypt, on that very day they came into the wilderness of Sinai. 2When they set out from Rephidim, they came to the wilderness of Sinai and camped in the wilderness; and there Israel camped in front of the mountain. 3Moses went up to God, and the LORD called to him from the mountain, saying, “Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob and tell the sons of Israel: 4‘You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings, and brought you to Myself. 5‘Now then, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own possession among all the peoples, for all the earth is Mine; 6and you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the sons of Israel.

Reflection on Exodus 19:1–6:

As Israel gathered at the foot of Mount Sinai, they stood at one of the most significant moments in biblical history. God had delivered them from slavery, protected them through the wilderness, provided manna from heaven, brought water from the rock, and given them victory over their enemies. Before giving them His commandments, He first reminded them of His grace.

The Lord said:

“You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings, and brought you to Myself.” (Exodus 19:4)

Those final words are beautiful.

God did not simply deliver Israel from Egypt.

He delivered them to Himself.

The purpose of redemption has always been relationship. God’s desire was not merely to rescue His people from bondage but to bring them into covenant fellowship with Him. The same is true for us today. Through Yeshua, we are not simply rescued from the penalty of sin—we are invited into a restored relationship with our heavenly Father.

This pattern is found throughout Scripture. God acts first in grace, and His people respond in loving obedience. Israel did not earn their deliverance by perfectly keeping God’s commandments. They were redeemed first, and then God taught them how to live as His covenant people.

Likewise, we are saved by God’s grace through faith, not by our works (Ephesians 2:8–9). Yet Paul immediately continues by saying that we are “created in Christ Jesus for good works” (Ephesians 2:10). Obedience does not earn our salvation; it is the grateful response of those who have already been redeemed.

God then gives His people an incredible calling:

“You shall be My own possession among all the peoples… and you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.”

A priest represents God before others. Israel was called to display God’s character so that the surrounding nations would come to know Him. Their holiness was never intended to make them proud or isolated, but to make God’s glory visible to the world.

It is also worth remembering who was standing at the foot of Mount Sinai.

Scripture tells us that a mixed multitude had come out of Egypt with Israel (Exodus 12:38). God’s covenant community already included people from more than one nation who had chosen to follow the God of Israel. Later, God would make this principle even clearer by declaring:

“The same law shall apply to the native as to the stranger who sojourns among you.” (Exodus 12:49)

And again:

“There is to be one statute for you and for the stranger who sojourns with you, a perpetual statute throughout your generations.” (Numbers 15:15–16)

From the beginning, God demonstrated that His instruction was given to His covenant people, which included not only those born into Israel but also those from the nations who joined themselves to Him in faith. This foreshadows the beautiful picture we see fulfilled through Messiah, as God calls people from every tribe, tongue, and nation into His family.

Peter intentionally echoes this passage when writing to believers:

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9)

Peter is not inventing a new calling. He is reminding believers that through Messiah they now share in the same mission—to belong to God, reflect His character, and proclaim His greatness to the world.

Notice that God’s invitation includes both privilege and responsibility. His people are His treasured possession, and He calls them to listen to His voice and keep His covenant. Relationship and obedience have never been enemies. Throughout Scripture, those who love the Lord desire to walk in His ways because they know His commandments reveal His wisdom, His holiness, and His love.

The world should see something different in those who belong to God. Our priorities, our words, our relationships, and our obedience should point others to the One who has redeemed us.

Just as God brought Israel to Himself at Mount Sinai, He has brought us to Himself through Yeshua. May we joyfully embrace the privilege of belonging to Him and faithfully live as His representatives in the world.

Application:

  • Thank God for redeeming you and bringing you into a relationship with Him.
  • Remember that God’s grace always precedes our obedience.
  • Live as one of God’s people, reflecting His holiness and love in your daily life.
  • Look for opportunities to represent God well before those around you.
  • Rejoice that through Messiah, God is drawing people from every nation into His covenant family.

Closing Prayer:

Father, thank You for redeeming me and bringing me into a relationship with You through Yeshua. Thank You that Your grace reached me long before I deserved it. Help me to joyfully walk in Your ways, not to earn Your love, but because You have already made me Your own. May my life reflect Your holiness and point others to Your goodness. Use me as Your representative in the world, proclaiming Your greatness to all who will hear. 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.

Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Holy / Set Apart, Obeying God, Revelation, Worldliness

Follow the Lamb Wherever He Goes (Revelation 14:1-5)

When the world offers countless voices to follow, who are we truly following?

Key Verse:
“These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes.” —Revelation 14:4b NASB

Background Context:
After revealing the rise of the beast, the false prophet, and the deception that leads many to worship them, John is given a new vision. He sees the Lamb standing on Mount Zion with 144,000 who bear His Father’s name on their foreheads. This scene provides a beautiful contrast to the previous chapter. While many receive the mark of the beast and follow him, these believers are identified by their unwavering allegiance to the Lamb.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Revelation 14:1-5

The Lamb and the 144,000 on Mount Zion

      1Then I looked, and behold, the Lamb was standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand, having His name and the name of His Father written on their foreheads. 2And I heard a voice from heaven, like the sound of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder, and the voice which I heard was like the sound of harpists playing on their harps. 3And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders; and no one could learn the song except the one hundred and forty-four thousand who had been purchased from the earth. 4These are the ones who have not been defiled with women, for they have kept themselves chaste. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These have been purchased from among men as first fruits to God and to the Lamb. 5And no lie was found in their mouth; they are blameless.

Reflection:

One of the beautiful patterns throughout Revelation is that whenever darkness seems overwhelming, God reminds His people that He is still at work.

After the frightening scenes of Revelation 13, John immediately sees the Lamb.

The beast is not the final word.

The Lamb is.

Standing with Him are 144,000 who have His Father’s name written on their foreheads. In the previous chapter, those who followed the beast received his mark. Here, God’s people are identified not by the beast but by the name of their Father. Once again, Revelation presents humanity as belonging to one of two kingdoms. Every person ultimately identifies with either the Lamb or the beast.

The emphasis of this passage is not on the number itself but on the identity and character of those who belong to God. They are marked as His own, set apart for His purposes, and secure in His presence.

John hears a new song that no one else can learn. Throughout Scripture, a “new song” often celebrates God’s mighty acts of redemption and deliverance (Psalm 40:3; Psalm 96:1). Those who have experienced God’s saving work have a testimony that cannot be manufactured. Their worship flows from lives transformed by His grace.

Perhaps the most striking description comes in verse 4:

“These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes.”

This is the defining characteristic of God’s people.

They follow.

They do not simply admire the Lamb.

They do not merely acknowledge who He is.

They follow Him.

Following the Lamb means trusting Him when the path is easy and when it is difficult. It means remaining faithful when the world pressures us to compromise. It means obeying His Word even when His ways differ from the values of our culture.

Yeshua gave this same invitation during His earthly ministry:

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27)

He also said:

“If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.” (Luke 9:23)

Following Christ has never been merely a statement of belief. It is a daily decision to walk in His footsteps.

John also describes these believers as those “in whose mouth no lie was found.” Their lives reflect integrity because they belong to the One who is “the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). In a world increasingly characterized by deception—as Revelation 13 vividly demonstrated—God’s people are called to be people of truth.

The contrast between Revelation 13 and Revelation 14 could not be greater.

One group follows the beast.

The other follows the Lamb.

One bears the beast’s mark.

The other bears the Father’s name.

One is deceived by the world.

The other remains faithful to God.

Every day we are faced with the same choice. While the final fulfillment of Revelation still lies ahead, the call to discipleship is present today. We are continually deciding whose voice we will listen to and whose example we will follow.

May we be known as those who follow the Lamb wherever He leads.

Application:

  • Examine whether your daily decisions reflect a life that follows the Lamb.
  • Find your identity in belonging to God rather than in the values of the world.
  • Choose truth and integrity, even when deception is popular.
  • Worship God with gratitude for His redeeming work in your life.
  • Remain faithful to Christ, trusting Him wherever He leads.

Closing Prayer:

Father, thank You for calling me to belong to You through the Lamb, Yeshua. Help me to follow Him faithfully wherever He leads, trusting Your wisdom above my own. Guard my heart from the deception of the world and strengthen me to live with integrity and truth. May my life continually reflect that I bear Your name and belong to Your kingdom. 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.

Holy / Set Apart, Intgegrity / Honesty

Can People Trust Your Word? (Matthew 5:33-37)

Would the people around you trust your word without needing a promise?

Key Verse:
“But let your statement be, ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no’; anything beyond these is of evil.” —Matthew 5:37 NASB

Background Context:
In Matthew 5:33–37, Yeshua teaches about honesty, integrity, and truthfulness as part of the Sermon on the Mount. Rather than focusing merely on outward vows or religious formulas, He addresses the deeper issue of whether a person’s character and words can be trusted consistently.

At the time, people often strengthened their statements by swearing oaths or vows to convince others they were telling the truth. But Yeshua teaches that His followers should live with such integrity that additional vows are unnecessary.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Matthew 5:33-37

     33“Again, you have heard that the ancients were told, ‘YOU SHALL NOT MAKE FALSE VOWS, BUT SHALL FULFILL YOUR VOWS TO THE LORD.’ 34“But I say to you, make no oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, 35or by the earth, for it is the footstool of His feet, or by Jerusalem, for it is THE CITY OF THE GREAT KING. 36“Nor shall you make an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. 37“But let your statement be, ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no’; anything beyond these is of evil.

Reflection on Matthew 5:33–37:
Yeshua says something simple, yet deeply challenging:

“Let your statement be, ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no.’”

In other words:

  • say what you mean
  • mean what you say
  • and live in a way that makes your words trustworthy

This goes beyond avoiding lies.

It speaks to integrity.

A person of integrity does not need dramatic promises, exaggerated assurances, or repeated vows for others to believe them. Their consistent character gives weight to their words.

Yeshua contrasts this with the practice of making vows:

  • “By heaven”
  • “By earth”
  • “By Jerusalem”

People were attaching extra language to their promises in order to appear more trustworthy.

But Yeshua points to a deeper issue:
Why should extra wording be necessary at all?

If we feel the need to say:

  • “I promise…”
  • “I swear…”
  • “Trust me…”

then it may be worth reflecting honestly on why others need that reassurance.

Have we become inconsistent?
Do we often fail to follow through?
Have our words lost credibility through repeated disappointment?

This is not meant to produce shame, but conviction and growth.

Scripture repeatedly emphasizes truthfulness and integrity.

Proverbs 12:22 tells us that “lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight.”

James 5:12 echoes the teaching of Yeshua almost directly:
“Let your yes be yes, and your no, no…”

God cares deeply about truthfulness because our words reflect our hearts.

This applies to:

  • commitments
  • relationships
  • work
  • parenting
  • marriage
  • friendships
  • and our witness to others

Trust is built slowly through consistent honesty and follow-through.

And trust can be damaged when our words repeatedly fail to align with our actions.

Yeshua is calling His followers to something higher than outward religious speech.

He is calling us to become people whose character is trustworthy every day.

Not just when making vows.
Not just in important moments.
But consistently.

As followers of Christ, our words should reflect:

  • honesty
  • humility
  • reliability
  • and integrity

Because our speech says much about the condition of our hearts.

Application:

  • Speak truthfully and honestly in all situations.
  • Follow through on commitments you make to others.
  • Reflect honestly on whether your words have become trustworthy over time.
  • Avoid making exaggerated promises to compensate for inconsistency.
  • Ask God to shape your character so your words reflect integrity consistently.

Closing Prayer:
Father, help me to live with honesty and integrity in my words and actions. Teach me to speak truthfully and to follow through faithfully on my commitments. Reveal any areas where my words and actions are inconsistent, and help me grow into a person whose character reflects Your truth. Let my “yes” mean yes and my “no” mean no. 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.

Holy / Set Apart, Purposeful / Intentional, Salvation, Submitted / Servant, Traditions / Holidays

Do You Truly Belong to God (Exodus 12: 42-51)

Is your relationship with God based on true commitment—or just proximity to spiritual things?

Key Verse:
“There shall be one law for the native and for the stranger who sojourns among you.” —Exodus 12:49 NASB

Background Context:
In Exodus 12:29–42, God brings judgment upon Egypt and delivers Israel exactly as He promised. The Passover becomes a night to be remembered throughout future generations.

Now in Exodus 12:42–51, God gives further instructions concerning who may participate in the Passover. The focus shifts from deliverance itself to covenant identity and what it means to truly belong to God’s people.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Ordinance of the Passover

      42It is a night to be observed for the LORD for having brought them out from the land of Egypt; this night is for the LORD, to be observed by all the sons of Israel throughout their generations.

      43The LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “This is the ordinance of the Passover: no foreigner is to eat of it; 44but every man’s slave purchased with money, after you have circumcised him, then he may eat of it. 45“A sojourner or a hired servant shall not eat of it. 46“It is to be eaten in a single house; you are not to bring forth any of the flesh outside of the house, nor are you to break any bone of it. 47“All the congregation of Israel are to celebrate this. 48“But if a stranger sojourns with you, and celebrates the Passover to the LORD, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near to celebrate it; and he shall be like a native of the land. But no uncircumcised person may eat of it. 49“The same law shall apply to the native as to the stranger who sojourns among you.”

      50Then all the sons of Israel did so; they did just as the LORD had commanded Moses and Aaron. 51And on that same day the LORD brought the sons of Israel out of the land of Egypt by their hosts.

Reflection on Exodus 12:42–51:
“This is a night to be observed for the LORD…”

God begins by emphasizing remembrance.

What happened in Egypt was not meant to become a distant historical event. It was to remain central in the identity of His people. Future generations were to remember how God delivered them and what He had done on their behalf.

But then the focus shifts.

God gives instructions concerning who may eat the Passover meal.

At first, the instructions may seem strict or exclusionary. Foreigners and those outside the covenant were not automatically permitted to participate.

Why?

Because Passover was not just a cultural celebration.

It was a covenant meal.

Participation represented identification with God’s people and submission to the covenant He had established.

This is important.

God was teaching Israel that belonging to Him was not casual. It was not merely about living near His people or observing their practices from a distance.

It involved commitment.

At the same time, we also see something beautiful in this passage.

Outsiders were not permanently excluded.

A foreigner who desired to join himself to the covenant could do so. If he and his household embraced the covenant fully, he could participate in the Passover and be treated “like a native of the land.”

This reveals an important truth about God’s heart.

God’s covenant was not ultimately about ethnicity—it was about belonging to Him.

There was not one standard for Israelites and another for everyone else.

“There shall be one law for the native and for the stranger…”

God’s standard was the same for all.

This points forward to a greater truth fulfilled in Yeshua. Salvation is offered to people from every nation, tribe, and background—but it is not based on casual association with faith. God calls people into true relationship, commitment, and surrender to Him (Galatians 3:28–29; Ephesians 2:11–19).

This passage challenges us to examine our own hearts.

It is possible to be around spiritual things without truly belonging to God.

We may:

  • attend church
  • know Scripture
  • grow up around believers
  • participate outwardly

And yet never fully surrender ourselves to Him.

God does not call us into shallow association.

He calls us into covenant relationship.

The chapter ends with a beautiful statement:

“Thus the sons of Israel did; they did just as the LORD had commanded…”

Again we see the right response:

Obedience.
Trust.
Commitment.

Deliverance was not meant to end in freedom alone.

It was meant to lead to belonging.

And the same is true for us today.

Application:

  • Examine whether your relationship with God is based on true commitment or mere familiarity.
  • Remember that God calls us into covenant relationship, not casual association.
  • Recognize that God’s invitation is open to all who truly come to Him.
  • Respond to God with obedience and surrender.
  • Reflect regularly on what God has done and allow it to shape your identity.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for calling me into relationship with You. Help me not to settle for outward association without true surrender. Teach me to belong fully to You with a heart of obedience and commitment. Thank You for Your invitation to all who come to You in faith. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

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

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing 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, Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Holy / Set Apart, Miracles, Miracles, Obeying God, Strong in Our Weakness, Submitted / Servant

Partial Obedience or Set Apart? (Exodus 8:20–32)

Are you fully obeying God—or trying to meet Him halfway?

Key Verse:
“But on that day I will set apart the land of Goshen, where My people are living, so that no swarms of flies will be there, in order that you may know that I, the LORD, am in the midst of the land.” —Exodus 8:22 NASB

Background Context:
In Exodus 8:1–19, God continues to demonstrate His authority through the plagues of frogs and gnats. Pharaoh has resisted, delayed, and hardened his heart, even when the evidence of God’s power became undeniable.

Now in Exodus 8:20–32, a new development takes place. God not only brings judgment—He begins to clearly distinguish between His people and Egypt. At the same time, Pharaoh shifts his strategy from resistance to compromise.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Exodus 8:20-32

      20Now the LORD said to Moses, “Rise early in the morning and present yourself before Pharaoh, as he comes out to the water, and say to him, ‘Thus says the LORD, “Let My people go, that they may serve Me. 21“For if you do not let My people go, behold, I will send swarms of flies on you and on your servants and on your people and into your houses; and the houses of the Egyptians will be full of swarms of flies, and also the ground on which they dwell. 22“But on that day I will set apart the land of Goshen, where My people are living, so that no swarms of flies will be there, in order that you may know that I, the LORD, am in the midst of the land. 23“I will put a division between My people and your people. Tomorrow this sign will occur.”’” 24Then the LORD did so. And there came great swarms of flies into the house of Pharaoh and the houses of his servants and the land was laid waste because of the swarms of flies in all the land of Egypt.

      25Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron and said, “Go, sacrifice to your God within the land.” 26But Moses said, “It is not right to do so, for we will sacrifice to the LORD our God what is an abomination to the Egyptians. If we sacrifice what is an abomination to the Egyptians before their eyes, will they not then stone us? 27“We must go a three days’ journey into the wilderness and sacrifice to the LORD our God as He commands us.” 28Pharaoh said, “I will let you go, that you may sacrifice to the LORD your God in the wilderness; only you shall not go very far away. Make supplication for me.” 29Then Moses said, “Behold, I am going out from you, and I shall make supplication to the LORD that the swarms of flies may depart from Pharaoh, from his servants, and from his people tomorrow; only do not let Pharaoh deal deceitfully again in not letting the people go to sacrifice to the LORD.”

      30So Moses went out from Pharaoh and made supplication to the LORD. 31The LORD did as Moses asked, and removed the swarms of flies from Pharaoh, from his servants and from his people; not one remained. 32But Pharaoh hardened his heart this time also, and he did not let the people go.

Reflection on Exodus 8:20–32:
God again sends Moses to Pharaoh with the same command: “Let My people go.” The message has not changed, even though Pharaoh has repeatedly refused to listen.

This time, God introduces something new.

He declares that He will set apart the land of Goshen, where the Israelites live. While Egypt will be filled with swarms of flies, God’s people will be protected.

This is a powerful statement.

God is making a clear distinction between those who belong to Him and those who do not. This is not random judgment—it is intentional, controlled, and purposeful.

Through this, God reveals that He is not distant or removed, but actively present and involved.

“I am in the midst of the land.”

The plague comes as described. Egypt is filled with corruption and destruction from the swarms of flies, while Goshen is spared.

At this point, Pharaoh responds differently.

He calls for Moses and Aaron and offers a compromise:

“Go, sacrifice to your God within the land.”

This may sound reasonable at first, but it falls short of God’s command. God had said to let the people go—not to stay in Egypt and worship on Pharaoh’s terms.

This is the beginning of negotiated obedience.

Moses refuses. He explains that obeying Pharaoh’s terms would not align with what God has commanded and would even create further conflict.

Pharaoh then offers a second compromise:

“I will let you go… only you shall not go very far away.”

Again, this is close—but not complete.

This reflects a common spiritual struggle.

Instead of outright rejecting God, Pharaoh attempts to control the terms of obedience. He is willing to allow some form of worship—but only within limits that he defines.

This is often how compromise appears in our own lives.

We may be willing to follow God—but only to a point.
We may obey—but not fully.
We may surrender—but still try to hold onto control.

But God does not call for partial obedience.

He calls for full surrender.

Moses agrees to pray for relief, but he also warns Pharaoh not to deal deceitfully again. God removes the flies, just as He promised.

And once again, Pharaoh hardens his heart.

Even after experiencing both judgment and mercy, he refuses to submit.

This passage highlights two key truths:

God clearly distinguishes those who belong to Him.
God does not accept compromise in obedience.

Pharaoh’s problem was not lack of opportunity—it was refusal to fully surrender.

The same question applies to us:

Are we obeying God fully—or trying to follow Him on our own terms?

Application:

  • Examine areas where you may be compromising instead of fully obeying God.
  • Recognize that God calls for complete obedience, not partial surrender.
  • Trust that being set apart by God is both protection and purpose.
  • Be aware of the temptation to follow God on your own terms.
  • Respond to God with full obedience, not negotiation.

Closing Prayer:
Father, help me to follow You fully and not hold back areas of my life. Reveal any place where I am compromising or trying to obey on my own terms. Give me the strength to surrender completely to You and trust in Your ways. Thank You for setting Your people apart and for being present in the midst of our lives. 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.

Hebrew Roots / Commands / Law, Holy / Set Apart, Traditions / Holidays, Worldliness

Reconsidering St. Patrick’s Day: A Call to Focus on God’s Appointed Times

In today’s world, where cultural and religious traditions intermingle, St. Patrick’s Day stands as a testament to this blend of Christian roots and pagan practices.

However, it’s essential to peel back the layers of this celebration to understand its true significance and how it aligns with our faith.

The Legacy of St. Patrick

St. Patrick, by all accounts, was a remarkable missionary to Ireland whose life story is one of faith, perseverance, and dedication to spreading the word of Christ. Despite facing immense adversity, he chose to turn toward the Lord, shaping the spiritual landscape of Ireland indelibly. While St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated in his honor, it’s crucial to remember the man behind the legend—a missionary who embodied Christ’s teachings.

Modern Celebrations: A Critical Reflection

When we think of St. Patrick’s Day today, images of green rivers, parades, and shamrocks dominate our perception. Yet, none of these symbols or activities bear any relation to Patrick’s mission or Christian teachings. This dissonance prompts us to question how a day meant to honor a saint’s devotion to God has drifted so far from its spiritual moorings.

The Influence of Pagan Traditions

History shows us that the inclusion of pagan customs in Christian celebrations was not uncommon, with holidays like St. Patrick’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Christmas, and Easter showcasing this blend. This strategy aimed to assimilate non-believers, yet it often diluted the Christian essence of these celebrations. It’s a poignant reminder that our celebrations should not stray from the core of our faith to accommodate cultural populism.

A Call for Pure Worship

In light of this, how should we, as followers of Christ, approach St. Patrick’s Day? The answer lies in focusing on the aspects of the holiday that truly honor God’s work through Patrick’s missionary efforts. By consciously shifting our attention away from secular traditions, we can celebrate in a manner that genuinely reflects our faith.

Embracing Biblical Holy Days

The Bible delineates God’s appointed times, the Moedim, which offer us a blueprint for holy celebration. Unlike holidays marred by pagan influences, these days are divinely ordained, offering us a clear path to honor God. Observing these holy days not only aligns us with biblical teachings but also connects us more deeply with the heritage of our faith.

I would encourage you to consider learning more about Yahweh’s appointed times, or holy days. Consider our short teaching on Celebrating God’s Holy Days, which also contains links to ministries that can help you with further study in this area.

Spiritual Encouragement and Reflection

As we navigate our celebrations and daily lives, let us be guided by the Holy Spirit, seeking to honor Christ in all we do. Reflecting on “What did Jesus do?” rather than “What would Jesus do?” can provide us with a clearer model for our actions, emphasizing the importance of following Jesus’ example and observing the traditions He and His disciples upheld.

A Final Invitation

Before you partake in any celebration, ask yourself: Does this honor Christ, or does it distract from His message? We invite you to delve deeper into understanding and celebrating God’s holy days. Through our teachings and resources, you can explore the richness of these celebrations and their significance in our faith.

As we reconsider our approach to St. Patrick’s Day and other holidays, let’s strive to align our celebrations with the teachings of Christ, embracing the holy days appointed by God. In doing so, we not only honor our faith but also draw closer to the essence of what it means to be a follower of Christ.

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.

Drunkenness, Holy / Set Apart, Idols / False Gods, Traditions / Holidays, Worldliness

What is Mardi Gras and Should Christians Celebrate It?

What is Mardi Gras and why do so many Christians celebrate it? I grew up in a Catholic church and never could quite figure out how people could say that Mardi Gras was a “Christian holiday”. People broadly seemed to have accepted the concept that Christ wants us to embrace wild parties, drunkenness, public nudity, gluttony and other sinful behavior as a precursor to a period of repentance which follows.

Some may say that they only celebrate the parades, or they don’t participate or support the more offensive parts of Mardi Gras. However, it is all linked together as different levels of engagement in a clearly pagan festival. Does God like it if we only participate a little in some fun activities focused around a false god? What if we don’t do the “child sacrifice” but only dance before the idol or have a party on the day others sacrifice to the false god?

If it is not obvious enough that celebrating Mardi Gras is not a way to edify, honor, or lift up Christ then try a more academic exercise. Where in scripture did Jesus demonstrate or teach that we should sin greatly before a period of repentance? It’s not there. In fact, the opposite.

The call to repentance is real, but not the call to sin before it.

This does not even begin to touch on the focus that Mardi Gras puts on pagan gods associated with parades and other events.

Matthew 4:17

      17From that time Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Romans 6

      1What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? 2May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it? 3Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? 4Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. 5For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection, 6knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; 7for he who has died is freed from sin.

      8Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, 9knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, is never to die again; death no longer is master over Him. 10For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. 11Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.

      12Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts, 13and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. 14For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace.

      15What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? May it never be! 16Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness? 17But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed, 18and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. 19I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness, resulting in further lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification.

      20For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21Therefore what benefit were you then deriving from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the outcome of those things is death. 22But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life. 23For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

We are called to righteousness and not to sin. How then can those in the church widely accept and embrace sin as a “Christian holiday”? The answer is that we have not followed the Lord’s instructions. He commands us not to learn the ways of the pagans and not to celebrate as they do. But all too often our common cultural holidays have been greatly influenced by pagan celebrations. The church has chosen to accept and blend pagan practices alongside or in place of how the Lord wants us to worship Him.

What Is Mardi Gras?

When Christianity arrived in Rome, religious leaders decided to incorporate these popular local traditions into the new faith, an easier task than abolishing them altogether. As a result, the excess and debauchery of the Mardi Gras season became a prelude to Lent, the 40 days of fasting and penance between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday.

Along with Christianity, Mardi Gras spread from Rome to other European countries, including France, Germany, Spain and England.

http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/mardi-gras

Deuteronomy 12:1-5

   1“These are the statutes and the judgments which you shall carefully observe in the land which the LORD, the God of your fathers, has given you to possess as long as you live on the earth. 2“You shall utterly destroy all the places where the nations whom you shall dispossess serve their gods, on the high mountains and on the hills and under every green tree. 3“You shall tear down their altars and smash their sacred pillars and burn their Asherim with fire, and you shall cut down the engraved images of their gods and obliterate their name from that place. 4“You shall not act like this toward the LORD your God. 5“But you shall seek the LORD at the place which the LORD your God will choose from all your tribes, to establish His name there for His dwelling, and there you shall come.

In order to choose to follow the Lord His way, which is the only true way to follow Him, then we must turn away from and reject pagan celebrations which have been blended with or replaced God’s instructions for how we are to worship Him and how we are to live. Let us not make excuses, accepting the lifestyle of the pagans as our own, no matter how long the family traditions have been established. When we start making exceptions, we often end up with things like Mardi Gras… many who claim to be Christian accept it and would defend it… but none can justify it based on scripture or God’s word. It has become part of the culture based on a historical choices and family traditions. Let us seek the Lord and the Lord’s way alone to live submitted to Him. Let us not blend with the ways of the pagans but rather turn back to our Lord wholeheartedly and without hesitation.

—-

Have you submitted your life to Jesus Christ? Are you living today filled with the peace and joy of truly knowing and following Jesus Christ? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.