Category Archives: Purposeful / Intentional

All Powerful / King of All, Faith / Trusting God, Money / Finances / Wealth, Praise / Worship / Glorify God, Protector / Deliverer, Purposeful / Intentional

Choosing God Over the Spoils (Genesis 14)

The greatest victories aren’t won by our strength—they’re given by God.

Key Verse:
“Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who has handed over your enemies to you.” —Genesis 14:19–20 NASB

Background Context:
In this chapter, Abram hears that Lot has been taken captive during a regional war. With courage, he gathers his trained men and rescues Lot along with all the captives and possessions. On his return, he meets Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of God Most High, who blesses Abram and offers bread and wine. In response, Abram gives Melchizedek a tenth of everything. When the king of Sodom offers Abram the spoils, Abram refuses, declaring that he will take nothing, so that only God receives the glory for his victory.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Genesis 14

War of the Kings

      1And it came about in the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of Goiim, 2that they made war with Bera king of Sodom, and with Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, and Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar). 3All these came as allies to the valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea). 4Twelve years they had served Chedorlaomer, but the thirteenth year they rebelled. 5In the fourteenth year Chedorlaomer and the kings that were with him, came and defeated the Rephaim in Ashteroth-karnaim and the Zuzim in Ham and the Emim in Shaveh-kiriathaim, 6and the Horites in their Mount Seir, as far as El-paran, which is by the wilderness. 7Then they turned back and came to En-mishpat (that is, Kadesh), and conquered all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites, who lived in Hazazon-tamar. 8And the king of Sodom and the king of Gomorrah and the king of Admah and the king of Zeboiim and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar) came out; and they arrayed for battle against them in the valley of Siddim, 9against Chedorlaomer king of Elam and Tidal king of Goiim and Amraphel king of Shinar and Arioch king of Ellasar—four kings against five. 10Now the valley of Siddim was full of tar pits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and they fell into them. But those who survived fled to the hill country. 11Then they took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah and all their food supply, and departed. 12They also took Lot, Abram’s nephew, and his possessions and departed, for he was living in Sodom.

      13Then a fugitive came and told Abram the Hebrew. Now he was living by the oaks of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol and brother of Aner, and these were allies with Abram. 14When Abram heard that his relative had been taken captive, he led out his trained men, born in his house, three hundred and eighteen, and went in pursuit as far as Dan. 15He divided his forces against them by night, he and his servants, and defeated them, and pursued them as far as Hobah, which is north of Damascus. 16He brought back all the goods, and also brought back his relative Lot with his possessions, and also the women, and the people.

God’s Promise to Abram

      17Then after his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley). 18And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; now he was a priest of God Most High.

19He blessed him and said,
“Blessed be Abram of God Most High,
Possessor of heaven and earth;

      20And blessed be God Most High,
Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.”
He gave him a tenth of all.

21The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give the people to me and take the goods for yourself.” 22Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have sworn to the LORD God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth, 23that I will not take a thread or a sandal thong or anything that is yours, for fear you would say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’ 24“I will take nothing except what the young men have eaten, and the share of the men who went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their share.”

Reflection on Genesis 14:
Abram could have stayed out of the conflict. Lot had chosen to live near Sodom and reaped the consequences of that decision. Yet Abram didn’t abandon him—he risked his own safety to rescue his nephew. This reflects the heart of God, who rescues us even when we wander into dangerous places by our own choices.

But Abram’s victory wasn’t because of military might—it was because of God’s hand. Melchizedek, whose name means “king of righteousness,” acknowledges this as he blesses Abram and praises God Most High for delivering his enemies into his hand. Abram responds with worship, offering a tithe and refusing the spoils of war. He would not let anyone say that Sodom made him rich—only God.

This scene points forward to something greater: Melchizedek appears as a priest-king bringing bread and wine, foreshadowing Yeshua, our ultimate Priest-King, who gives Himself for our victory.

Application:
When you experience a “victory,” do you immediately acknowledge that it came from God—or do you take the credit? Like Abram, choose to honor God as your source and provider.

Also, take a lesson from Abram’s refusal of the king of Sodom’s offer: not every gain is worth taking. Sometimes the most God-honoring choice is to walk away from what could compromise your testimony.

Finally, worship in your victories. Like Abram, lift your heart and your hands in gratitude to the One who fights for you.

Closing Prayer:
Lord, thank You for fighting my battles and delivering me from what I cannot overcome on my own. Help me to give You the glory for every victory and to refuse anything that would compromise my witness. Teach me to live with open hands, trusting that You are my true Provider and King. 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, Purposeful / Intentional, Repenting from Sin, Seeking God, Submitted / Servant, Traditions / Holidays

Dying to Live (John 12:20-26)

The path to fruitfulness always leads through surrender.

Key Verse:
“Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” —John 12:24 NASB

Background Context:
As the Passover crowd grows, some Greeks—Gentile seekers of truth—approach Philip with a simple request: “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” Their desire marks a pivotal moment in Jesus’ ministry, signaling that His mission was expanding beyond Israel. Instead of directly responding to the Greeks, Jesus speaks to a deeper reality: the time for His glorification—through death—has come. Through the image of a grain of wheat, He teaches His disciples that real life and eternal impact come not through self-preservation, but through surrender.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

John 12:20-26

Greeks Seek Jesus

     20Now there were some Greeks among those who were going up to worship at the feast; 21these then came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and began to ask him, saying, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22Philip came and told Andrew; Andrew and Philip came and told Jesus. 23And Jesus answered them, saying, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25“He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it to life eternal. 26“If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.

Reflection on John 12:20–26:
The Greeks’ request, “We wish to see Jesus,” is one of the most beautiful in the Gospel. And in response, Jesus doesn’t give them a miracle or a meeting—He gives a message: The way to see Me is through the cross.

Jesus reveals a kingdom paradox: to bear fruit, the seed must die. In the same way, His death would produce life—not just for Israel, but for all who would believe, including the Greeks who sought Him. His glorification would not come through applause, but through sacrifice.

Then He invites us into that same path: “He who loves his life loses it… he who hates his life in this world will keep it…” This isn’t a call to self-hatred—it’s a call to hold loosely the comforts and values of this world in favor of eternal purpose.

To serve Him is to follow Him—and that path leads through surrender, humility, and obedience, even when it’s costly. But the reward? “Where I am, there My servant will be also… the Father will honor him.”

Application:
What part of your life is God asking you to surrender so it can bear fruit? Are you holding tightly to something that, if laid down, could become a vessel of eternal impact?

Following Jesus means dying to self daily—not to lose our identity, but to find it fully in Him. When we die to pride, comfort, control, or fear, we make room for resurrection life to grow in and through us.

Let your prayer echo the Greeks: “We wish to see Jesus.” And be ready to see Him most clearly in the place of surrendered obedience.

Closing Prayer:
Lord, I want to see You—and to follow You. Help me to lay down what I’ve been clinging to so that my life may bear fruit for Your kingdom. Teach me to die to self, not with fear, but with faith. I trust that where You are, I will be also. 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, Seeking God

Walking with God in a Corrupt World (Genesis 5)

In a world slipping into darkness, one man chose to walk with God.

Key Verse:
“Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him.” —Genesis 5:24 NASB

Background Context:
Genesis 5 is a genealogy tracing the descendants of Adam through Seth, leading up to Noah. While it may read like a list of names and lifespans, this chapter quietly reveals something powerful: the impact of a life lived in close relationship with God. In the midst of generations that lived and died, one name stands out—Enoch. He didn’t just live. He walked with God. And God took him—he did not see death.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Genesis 5

Descendants of Adam

      1This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day when God created man, He made him in the likeness of God. 2He created them male and female, and He blessed them and named them Man in the day when they were created.

      3When Adam had lived one hundred and thirty years, he became the father of a son in his own likeness, according to his image, and named him Seth. 4Then the days of Adam after he became the father of Seth were eight hundred years, and he had other sons and daughters. 5So all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years, and he died.

      6Seth lived one hundred and five years, and became the father of Enosh. 7Then Seth lived eight hundred and seven years after he became the father of Enosh, and he had other sons and daughters. 8So all the days of Seth were nine hundred and twelve years, and he died.

      9Enosh lived ninety years, and became the father of Kenan. 10Then Enosh lived eight hundred and fifteen years after he became the father of Kenan, and he had other sons and daughters. 11So all the days of Enosh were nine hundred and five years, and he died.

      12Kenan lived seventy years, and became the father of Mahalalel. 13Then Kenan lived eight hundred and forty years after he became the father of Mahalalel, and he had other sons and daughters. 14So all the days of Kenan were nine hundred and ten years, and he died.

      15Mahalalel lived sixty-five years, and became the father of Jared. 16Then Mahalalel lived eight hundred and thirty years after he became the father of Jared, and he had other sons and daughters. 17So all the days of Mahalalel were eight hundred and ninety-five years, and he died.

      18Jared lived one hundred and sixty-two years, and became the father of Enoch. 19Then Jared lived eight hundred years after he became the father of Enoch, and he had other sons and daughters. 20So all the days of Jared were nine hundred and sixty-two years, and he died.

      21Enoch lived sixty-five years, and became the father of Methuselah. 22Then Enoch walked with God three hundred years after he became the father of Methuselah, and he had other sons and daughters. 23So all the days of Enoch were three hundred and sixty-five years. 24Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him.

      25Methuselah lived one hundred and eighty-seven years, and became the father of Lamech. 26Then Methuselah lived seven hundred and eighty-two years after he became the father of Lamech, and he had other sons and daughters. 27So all the days of Methuselah were nine hundred and sixty-nine years, and he died.

      28Lamech lived one hundred and eighty-two years, and became the father of a son. 29Now he called his name Noah, saying, “This one will give us rest from our work and from the toil of our hands arising from the ground which the LORD has cursed.” 30Then Lamech lived five hundred and ninety-five years after he became the father of Noah, and he had other sons and daughters. 31So all the days of Lamech were seven hundred and seventy-seven years, and he died.

      32Noah was five hundred years old, and Noah became the father of Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

Reflection on Genesis 5:
This chapter records the slow march toward the flood—humanity filling the earth, but also drifting from the Lord. Yet right in the middle of it, we read about Enoch. Twice it says, “Enoch walked with God.” Not just believed in God. Not just obeyed occasionally. He walked with Him—daily, closely, faithfully.

Enoch’s life is a reminder that no matter how corrupt the culture becomes, it is still possible to live a life that pleases God. Hebrews 11:5 tells us that Enoch was taken because he had this testimony: he pleased God. Before judgment came upon the world through the flood, God had already been watching for those who sought Him. And Enoch did.

While others lived long lives and died, Enoch was taken directly into God’s presence. His life declares that intimacy with God is possible—and that it matters more than how long we live or how much we accomplish.

Application:
Ask yourself: am I walking with God—or just walking near Him? Are my days marked by ongoing communion with Him, or do I treat Him as an occasional stop along the way? Enoch lived in a world where sin was growing, but he chose closeness with God over conformity with the world.

You can too. In your family, your workplace, and your private moments—choose to walk with Him. Spend time in His Word, talk to Him, listen for His voice, and obey His prompting. That’s what it means to walk with God.

Closing Prayer:
Father, I don’t just want to believe in You—I want to walk with You. Teach me to stay close, to follow Your lead, and to live a life that pleases You. In a world filled with compromise, help me remain faithful. May my walk reflect intimacy, trust, and obedience to You. In Yeshua’s name, amen.

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

John Golda

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

Creative, Marriage, Purposeful / Intentional

Formed for Fellowship, Designed for Purpose (Genesis 2:4-25)

From the dust of the ground to the depth of relationship, God’s design reveals His heart.

Key Verse:
“Then the Lord God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.” —Genesis 2:7 NASB

Background Context:
Genesis 2 zooms in on the creation account introduced in Genesis 1, offering a more intimate view of how God formed man and woman. Here we see not only the Creator’s power but also His care, His attention to detail, and His design for relationship—between God and man, and between man and woman. This chapter sets the foundation for human identity, purpose, and the sacred bond of marriage.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Genesis 2:4-25

   4This is the account of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made earth and heaven. 5Now no shrub of the field was yet in the earth, and no plant of the field had yet sprouted, for the LORD God had not sent rain upon the earth, and there was no man to cultivate the ground. 6But a mist used to rise from the earth and water the whole surface of the ground. 7Then the LORD God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. 8The LORD God planted a garden toward the east, in Eden; and there He placed the man whom He had formed. 9Out of the ground the LORD God caused to grow every tree that is pleasing to the sight and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

      10Now a river flowed out of Eden to water the garden; and from there it divided and became four rivers. 11The name of the first is Pishon; it flows around the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold. 12The gold of that land is good; the bdellium and the onyx stone are there. 13The name of the second river is Gihon; it flows around the whole land of Cush. 14The name of the third river is Tigris; it flows east of Assyria. And the fourth river is the Euphrates.

      15Then the LORD God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it. 16The LORD God commanded the man, saying, “From any tree of the garden you may eat freely; 17but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it you will surely die.”

      18Then the LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him.” 19Out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the sky, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called a living creature, that was its name. 20The man gave names to all the cattle, and to the birds of the sky, and to every beast of the field, but for Adam there was not found a helper suitable for him. 21So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then He took one of his ribs and closed up the flesh at that place. 22The LORD God fashioned into a woman the rib which He had taken from the man, and brought her to the man.

23The man said,
“This is now bone of my bones,
And flesh of my flesh;
She shall be called Woman,
Because she was taken out of Man.”

24For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh. 25And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed.

Reflection on Genesis 2:4–25:
God did not speak man into existence the way He did the rest of creation—He formed him from the dust and breathed into him His own breath. This sets humanity apart: we are not just physical beings but spiritual ones, made to reflect God’s image and live in close fellowship with Him.

God placed Adam in the garden, not for leisure, but for purpose: to cultivate and keep it. Work was not a curse—it was part of God’s good plan, giving man meaning and stewardship. But something was missing. God Himself said, “It is not good for the man to be alone.” So God formed woman—not from the ground, but from man’s own side. This signifies not ownership or hierarchy, but unity, intimacy, and partnership.

Adam recognized her immediately: “Bone of my bones, flesh of my flesh.” This was not just a moment of recognition—it was the first declaration of marriage. God created marriage to reflect His heart: unity, vulnerability without shame, and mutual love and support.

Application:
You were made for relationship—with God and with others. Are you walking in that daily intimacy with the One who formed you and gave you breath? Are you living out your purpose, cultivating the gifts and responsibilities He has entrusted to you?

If you’re married, consider how you and your spouse reflect God’s design for oneness and unity. If you’re single, know that God’s companionship and calling are just as rich and purposeful. And for all of us—let’s pursue relationships marked by honesty, humility, and holiness, just as God intended from the beginning.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for forming me with purpose and breathing life into me. Help me to walk closely with You, cultivating what You’ve given and honoring Your design in my relationships. Teach me to live with integrity, to love deeply, and to reflect Your image in all I do. 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.

Discerning / Judging, Purposeful / Intentional, Study the Word, Teachable, Traditions / Holidays

Unleavened Insights: Rediscovering the Biblical Truth of Passover

Ever wondered why some traditions feel more like habits than heartfelt celebrations? In the whirl of Easter bunnies and egg hunts, the profound biblical significance of Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread often fades into the background.

Let’s peel back the layers of tradition to uncover the rich, scriptural roots of these observances and what they truly mean for us today.

Most Christians today are familiar with Easter, but the Bible paints a different picture of how we should remember Christ’s sacrifice. Instead of eggs and bunnies, Scripture highlights Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, moments deeply significant to Yeshua (Jesus) and His disciples. There’s no biblical record of Christ celebrating Easter; instead, we see Him preparing to observe Passover, right before His crucifixion.

Tim O’Hearn offers an interesting perspective in his article, “Passover: No Leaven,” where he explores why leaven—or yeast—is avoided during Passover. Though not as authoritative as the Bible, O’Hearn’s insights encourage us to think deeply about the symbolism behind unleavened bread.

(Summarized and continued after article)

Passover: No Leaven

by Tim O’Hearn

In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the LORD’S passover. And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of unleavened bread unto the LORD: seven days ye must eat unleavened bread. In the first day ye shall have an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein. But ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD seven days: in the seventh day is an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein. (Lev. 23:5-8)

Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel. (Ex. 12:15)

Even many non-observant Jews observe Pesach (Passover). The Pesach Seder (the meal and the order of observance that goes with it) is central to Judaism. At least one aspect of it has even become a cliché in Gentile homes: spring-cleaning.

While there are many customs and laws associated with Pesach, the defining law is that there is to be no leavened bread in the household. This law governs the preparation of food, the discussion at the Seder, and even dictates the aforementioned spring-cleaning.

Because of the requirement to rid oneself of chametz (leaven), many have equated leaven with sin. Chametz, they argue, is something we need to get rid of in our lives; sin is something we need to get rid of in our lives. Therefore, leaven symbolizes sin. Sounds like a good argument. There is only one thing wrong with it.

Look at the passages above. How many days out of the year is leaven to be removed? Three hundred sixty five? No. Only seven. If leaven is bad, in and of itself, why must we only be without it for one week? If leaven is sin, are we allowed to sin all year, except for the week of Passover? I think not!

What is leaven?

The Jewish definition of leaven, dating from long before the first century, is any of the five biblical grains (and some include rice and corn) which has been exposed to moisture followed by the lapse of a certain period of time before baking in which the introduction of an agent of change may occur. Many rabbis set this time at eighteen minutes. By this definition, a bread made from wheat flour with no yeast added is considered leavened if the dough was mixed and the cook waited, for whatever reason, before baking it. It may even look exactly like unleavened bread, but it is considered leavened. This is also why wine, which is fermented, is able to be used at Passover. It is not made from a grain, so it does not fall under the prohibition against leaven. (Grain alcohols like beer and whiskey, on the other hand, would be prohibited.)

How does this definition help us to understand what leaven represents at Passover, and why it is acceptable at other times? It has to do with what bread represents.

Throughout Jewish history, and particularly since the destruction of the Second Temple, bread has represented the Torah, the word of God (Deut 8:3; Isa 55:1-4). Leaven, then, is grain that has had the opportunity for an outside element to be added and to work to change the grain. It has had time to ferment, if a fermenting agent is nearby. Does the fermenting agent make the grain unfit for consumption? No. Does it change the nature of the grain? Yes. And that is why a time is set aside each year for unleavened bread. Over time it would be easy for the teaching of God’s word, His Torah, to be fermented, changed, adulterated. Once a year God says, “Remember how it was at first. You received my pure law. Go back to the purity of your teaching. Go back to the unleavened bread of My Torah.”

Just as God gave his pure word at Sinai but in the passage of time men added agents of change to that word, so once a year God demands that we return to our roots. Is it because change is bad? No. It is just that we occasionally need a reminder that God brought Israel out with a mighty hand. In doing so, he communicated his word. That is also a part of the Passover.

The reason for the prohibition

Why was leaven originally prohibited? Perhaps if we understand that, we will understand the role leaven plays in our lives.

Years after the event commemorated by Passover, Moses explained, “Thou shalt eat no leavened bread with it; seven days shalt thou eat unleavened bread therewith, even the bread of affliction; for thou camest forth out of the land of Egypt in haste: that thou mayest remember the day when thou camest forth out of the land of Egypt all the days of thy life. (Deut 16:3)” The expressed reason is that they came out of Egypt in haste. How in haste? God told them four days in advance that they were to eat unleavened bread. Why does Moses say it is because it was in haste, if they had four days in which they could have made leavened bread? The answer is found in Ex. 12:34. “And the people took their dough before it was leavened, their kneading troughs being bound up in their clothes upon their shoulders.” Although they had four days to prepare, they immediately packed their kneading troughs. Of all the household goods they packed for the journey, the kneading trough was important enough not to pack last. As a result they had to bake unleavened loaves for four days. Actually, it turned out to be forty years before they needed the kneading troughs, but they could not know that yet.

The “haste” of Israel was not a blind rushing out of Egypt. Instead it was a planned and long awaited exodus. When the time came, the people were so eager to make haste that they packed in advance, and had to do without some things as a result. One of those things was leavened bread. A modern analogy, though imperfect, might be the wife who, preparing for a trip, reminds the family after having done the laundry not to wear anything they plan on taking with them. Other clothes, equally good, have to be worn. For the Israelites, other bread, equally good, had to be eaten.

Every year the Passover is a reminder that God will take His people out of bondage and give them a better land. The unleavened bread does not represent the bondage to sin. Instead it represents the eagerness of the people to leave that bondage. So in prohibiting leavened bread for seven days out of the year, perhaps God is reminding us that we need to set priorities. We need to be packed and ready for our trip to the world to come.

Leaven in the Christian scriptures

I think that if we look at the ways Jesus and Paul, themselves rabbis, used leaven, we will find that even in the first century of the Christian Era leaven did not represent sin, but something entirely different. Jesus even likened the kingdom of heaven to leaven (Matt 13:33; Lk 13:21), which hardly sounds like the totally negative thing many have tried to make it.

Perhaps the best known discourses of Jesus concerning leaven, though, are the times he warns his disciples against “the leaven of the Pharisees,” Sadducees, and Herod (Matt 16:6-12; Mk 8:15-21; Lk 12:1). In the Luke passage he calls it “hypocrisy.” In the Matthew passage, the writer says he was speaking of the “doctrine” of the Pharisees. By doctrine, however, he is not speaking of all the teachings of these holy men. In Matt 22:2-3, Jesus even commands his disciples to follow the teachings of the Pharisees, because the teachings are from Moses. Instead, the leaven of the Pharisees must be those things they do that don’t accord with their teachings. This accords with the idea, previously expressed, that once a year (at least) we need to examine our teachings and bring them back to the unfermented grain of God’s word.

When Paul spoke of leaven, it was always in the context of the Passover. Even in Galatians 5:9, where Pesach is not mentioned, it is the concept that even the minutest amount of leaven makes a loaf unfit for Passover that is expressed.

The other passage where Paul speaks of leaven is 1 Cor 5:1-8. The context is a discussion of the church glorying in one of their own who was living incestuously. In verse 6 he uses the same phrase as in Galatians 5, and in the same way. He continues by saying that Christians should consider every day as Passover, because our lamb has been sacrificed. Therefore, we need to constantly clean house lest any leaven be found. He does talk of the “leaven of malice and wickedness,” but he also speaks of the “old leaven” in a way that implies not that it is sin but any change from the pure word of God.

Why is leaven only prohibited for seven days out of the year? It is obviously not that leaven is in itself sinful. Instead we might as easily ask why Passover was designated to be observed once a year. God knows that man is a forgetful being. So at varying times throughout the year, but especially at Passover, God is telling us in varying ways to remember. Passover, with its unleavened bread and its ceremonies, is but one of God’s reminders that we are not in control.

Key Summary Points:

  • Biblical Foundation: Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread are deeply rooted in Scripture, marking significant events leading up to Christ’s sacrifice.
  • Symbolism of Leaven: Leaven in the Bible is not inherently bad but is used to symbolize external influences that can change or corrupt. During Passover, removing leaven represents returning to the purity of God’s teachings.
  • Historical Context: Leaven was avoided during Passover not just for symbolic reasons but also because of practical ones—the Israelites left Egypt in haste, symbolizing a quick and decisive break from the past.

Call to Action:

  1. Reflect on Tradition: This Passover, take time to consider which of your traditions are biblically grounded and which might need rethinking.
  2. Engage with Scripture: Read Exodus 12 and Leviticus 23 to better understand the origins and meanings of Passover and Unleavened Bread.
  3. Participate Actively: Consider hosting or joining a Passover Seder that focuses on the scriptural reasons behind the observance, enhancing your understanding of this pivotal event.
  4. Share Insights: Discuss with friends or family why leaven is avoided during Passover. Share articles, like Tim O’Hearn’s, that explore these themes to spark meaningful conversations.
  5. Purify Practices: Use this season as an opportunity to remove ‘spiritual leaven’ from your life—habits or influences that may have subtly shifted your focus away from God’s truths.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, as we approach the season of Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, inspire us to delve deeper into the truths of Your Word. Help us to discern the traditions that bring us closer to You and to let go of those that do not. Ignite in us a passion for authenticity in our faith practices, reminding us of the significance of each element of our observance. May our spirits be attuned to the lessons of purity and readiness that these feasts teach us. In the name of Yeshua, who fulfilled the Passover once and for all, 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.

Purposeful / Intentional, Seeking God, Share the Good News, Teachable

The First Disciples—Seeking, Finding, and Following Yeshua (John 1:35-51)

When Yeshua calls, how do we respond?

John 1:35-51 gives us a glimpse into the very first moments of Yeshua’s public ministry—when His first disciples were drawn to Him. Each person encountered Him in a unique way, yet the pattern remained the same: seeking, recognizing, and following. These first followers did not hesitate; they responded immediately, inviting others to do the same.

Key Verse:
“Philip found Nathanael and said to him, ‘We have found Him of whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.’” – John 1:45 (NASB)

Background Context:
At this point, John the Baptist had already identified Yeshua as the Lamb of God. His disciples, recognizing the significance of this statement, began to follow Yeshua. Andrew, one of John’s disciples, quickly sought out his brother Simon (Peter) and declared, “We have found the Messiah.” Philip did the same, telling Nathanael, “Come and see.”

Nathanael, initially skeptical, questioned whether anything good could come from Nazareth. However, his doubts vanished when Yeshua demonstrated supernatural knowledge about him. Seeing this, Nathanael declared Yeshua to be the Son of God and the King of Israel. Yeshua responded by promising that even greater things were yet to come.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

John 1:35-51

Jesus’ Public Ministry, First Converts 

      35Again the next day John was standing with two of his disciples, 36and he looked at Jesus as He walked, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!”37The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. 38And Jesus turned and saw them following, and said to them, “What do you seek?” They said to Him, “Rabbi (which translated means Teacher), where are You staying?” 39He said to them, “Come, and you will see.” So they came and saw where He was staying; and they stayed with Him that day, for it was about the tenth hour. 40One of the two who heard John speak and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41He found first his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which translated means Christ). 42He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John; you shall be called Cephas” (which is translated Peter).

      43The next day He purposed to go into Galilee, and He found Philip. And Jesus said to him, “Follow Me.” 44Now Philip was from Bethsaida, of the city of Andrew and Peter. 45Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” 46Nathanael said to him, “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.”47Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” 48Nathanael said to Him, “How do You know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” 49Nathanael answered Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel.” 50Jesus answered and said to him, “Because I said to you that I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” 51And He said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see the heavens opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

Reflection on John 1:35-51

Beholding the Lamb of God

  • John the Baptist continued to point others to Yeshua, showing humility in directing his own disciples toward the Messiah.
  • His statement, “Behold, the Lamb of God,” emphasized that Yeshua came to take away sin, fulfilling the sacrificial system of the Torah.

An Invitation to Seek and See

  • When Andrew and another disciple followed Yeshua, He asked them, “What do you seek?” This is a question for all of us. Are we truly seeking Yeshua and His truth, or are we looking for something else?
  • Yeshua’s response, “Come, and you will see,” reveals that faith requires an active pursuit. When we seek Him, He reveals Himself to us.

A Chain Reaction—Disciples Bringing Others

  • Andrew found Peter and brought him to Yeshua.
  • Philip found Nathanael and told him about Yeshua, saying, “Come and see.”
  • Discipleship is not just about personal faith; it involves bringing others to Yeshua.

Overcoming Skepticism

  • Nathanael initially doubted, but his skepticism disappeared when Yeshua demonstrated knowledge of him beyond human ability.
  • Many people today are skeptical about Yeshua. Like Philip, we don’t need to argue; we simply invite them to “Come and see.”

Summary Key Points

  • When Yeshua calls, we must respond with faith and obedience.
  • True discipleship involves seeking Yeshua and bringing others to Him.
  • Skepticism can turn to faith when we personally encounter Yeshua.
  • Yeshua sees and knows us completely, even before we come to Him.

Application

  • Ask yourself: Are you actively seeking Yeshua in your life?
  • Consider who in your life you can invite to “come and see” Yeshua.
  • If you have doubts, bring them to Yeshua in prayer—He will reveal Himself in His time.
  • Study the Scriptures as the first disciples did, recognizing that Yeshua is the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for revealing Your Son, Yeshua, to us. Help us to seek Him wholeheartedly and to share the good news with others. Give us the courage to invite people to “come and see” who He truly is. Remove our doubts and strengthen our faith, knowing that greater things are yet to come. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

Like the first disciples, may we seek, find, and follow Yeshua with joy—and lead others to Him along the way!

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, Jesus Christ / Yeshua, Purposeful / Intentional, Seeking God, Study the Word

Grafted Into the Family of God (John 1:6-13)

Do you recognize and honor the deep roots of your faith?

John 1:6-13 reminds us of the role of John the Baptist as a witness to the Light, Yeshua the Messiah. While many of God’s chosen people did not receive Him, those who did were given the right to become children of God. As Gentile believers, we are not a replacement for Israel but are grafted into the rich heritage of God’s people. Our faith is deeply rooted in the Hebraic foundations, and we should seek to understand and embrace them rather than creating new traditions apart from God’s original ways.

Key Verse:
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name.” – John 1:12 (NASB)

Background Context:
The Gospel of John begins by emphasizing the deity of Yeshua and His mission to bring light to a dark world. John the Baptist was sent as a forerunner to testify about the Messiah. Yet, despite His coming to His own people, many did not receive Him. However, those who did were welcomed into God’s family. Paul further expands on this in Romans 11, where he explains that Gentile believers are grafted in to the olive tree of Israel—not replacing the natural branches but becoming part of the same covenant blessings. This challenges us to embrace the fullness of God’s Word, both Old and New Testament, as one continuous revelation of His truth.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

John 1:6-13

The Witness John

      6There came a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7He came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe through him. 8He was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light.

      9There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. 10He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. 12But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, 13who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

Romans 11:17-24

  17But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became partaker with them of the rich root of the olive tree, 18do not be arrogant toward the branches; but if you are arrogant, remember that it is not you who supports the root, but the root supports you. 19You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” 20Quite right, they were broken off for their unbelief, but you stand by your faith. Do not be conceited, but fear; 21for if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you, either. 22Behold then the kindness and severity of God; to those who fell, severity, but to you, God’s kindness, if you continue in His kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off.23And they also, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. 24For if you were cut off from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and were grafted contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these who are the natural branches be grafted into their own olive tree?

Reflection on John 1:6-13 and Romans 11:17-24

John the Baptist: A Witness to the Light (John 1:6-8)

  • John was sent “to testify about the Light” so that all might believe through him (John 1:7).
  • He made it clear that he was not the Light but pointed people to Yeshua. We are called to do the same, leading others to Him with both our words and our lives.

The True Light and the Rejection of the Messiah (John 1:9-11)

  • Yeshua is the “true Light which enlightens every man” (John 1:9). He came to His own, but many of them did not receive Him.
  • This rejection did not mean God abandoned Israel; rather, He extended salvation to all who would believe in Him.

Becoming Children of God (John 1:12-13)

  • Those who receive Yeshua “are born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:13). Our spiritual heritage is not based on lineage but on faith in Messiah.

The Olive Tree: Being Grafted In (Romans 11:17-24)

  • Paul warns against arrogance toward the natural branches (Israel). The root supports us; we do not support the root (Romans 11:18).
  • God’s covenant with Israel remains, and those who turn to Yeshua will be restored.
  • We, as Gentiles, should humbly embrace the heritage we have been grafted into, learning from the Old Testament and the ways God has revealed Himself to His people.

Summary Key Points

  • John the Baptist’s mission was to prepare the way for Yeshua, pointing others to Him.
  • Yeshua came first to His own people, and while many rejected Him, those who received Him became children of God.
  • As Gentile believers, we are grafted into the family of God, not replacing Israel but joining in the covenant blessings.
  • We should honor and embrace the Hebraic roots of our faith, understanding the Old Testament as foundational to our belief in Yeshua.
  • The Bible is one continuous revelation, and both the Old and New Testaments are essential to our spiritual growth.

Application

  • Be a witness like John the Baptist—live in a way that points others to Yeshua.
  • Reject any belief that disregards or replaces Israel; instead, seek to learn from God’s dealings with His people.
  • Spend time studying the Old Testament to understand the full picture of God’s redemptive plan.
  • Recognize that being grafted into God’s family comes with a responsibility to live according to His ways, not creating our own traditions apart from His Word.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of salvation through Yeshua, the true Light. Help me to be a faithful witness, pointing others to Him through my words and actions. Teach me to embrace the fullness of Your Word, understanding the rich heritage of my faith. Keep me from arrogance, and give me a heart that seeks to learn from Your dealings with Israel. May I walk in humility, truth, and obedience, bringing glory to Your name. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

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

John Golda

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

Blessed, Obeying God, Purposeful / Intentional

Prioritizing God’s Kingdom (Haggai 1)

Are you putting God first in your life, or are other things taking His place?

Haggai 1 is a powerful call to examine our priorities. The people of Judah had returned from exile and focused on rebuilding their own homes while neglecting the temple of the Lord. Through the prophet Haggai, God confronts their misplaced priorities and calls them to put Him first.

Key Verse:
“Now then, the Lord of armies says this: ‘Consider your ways!’” – Haggai 1:5 (NASB)

Background Context:
Haggai prophesied during a time when the Jewish people had returned from Babylonian exile. They had started rebuilding the temple but soon became distracted by their own comfort and security. As a result, they faced hardship—crops failed, resources were scarce, and their efforts seemed fruitless. God, through Haggai, urged them to refocus on His work, promising blessings when they made Him their priority.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Haggai 1

Haggai Begins Temple Building

      1In the second year of Darius the king, on the first day of the sixth month, the word of the LORD came by the prophet Haggai to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, saying, 2“Thus says the LORD of hosts, ‘This people says, “The time has not come, even the time for the house of the LORD to be rebuilt.”’” 3Then the word of the LORD came by Haggai the prophet, saying, 4“Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses while this house lies desolate?” 5Now therefore, thus says the LORD of hosts, “Consider your ways! 6“You have sown much, but harvest little; you eat, but there is not enough to be satisfied; you drink, but there is not enough to become drunk; you put on clothing, but no one is warm enough; and he who earns, earns wages to put into a purse with holes.”

      7Thus says the LORD of hosts, “Consider your ways! 8“Go up to the mountains, bring wood and rebuild the temple, that I may be pleased with it and be glorified,” says the LORD. 9“You look for much, but behold, it comes to little; when you bring it home, I blow it away. Why?” declares the LORD of hosts, “Because of My house which lies desolate, while each of you runs to his own house. 10“Therefore, because of you the sky has withheld its dew and the earth has withheld its produce. 11“I called for a drought on the land, on the mountains, on the grain, on the new wine, on the oil, on what the ground produces, on men, on cattle, and on all the labor of your hands.”

      12Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the LORD their God and the words of Haggai the prophet, as the LORD their God had sent him. And the people showed reverence for the LORD. 13Then Haggai, the messenger of the LORD, spoke by the commission of the LORD to the people saying, “ ‘I am with you,’ declares the LORD.” 14So the LORD stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people; and they came and worked on the house of the LORD of hosts, their God, 15on the twenty-fourth day of the sixth month in the second year of Darius the king.

Reflection on Haggai 1

Misplaced Priorities (Haggai 1:1-6)

  • The people focused on rebuilding their houses while neglecting God’s house (Haggai 1:2-4). They had time for their own needs but not for God’s work. Do you ever find yourself too busy for God, putting your desires ahead of His will?
  • They worked hard but saw little return (Haggai 1:5-6). No matter how much they did, it never seemed to be enough. When we neglect God’s priorities, we often feel unfulfilled.

A Call to Action (Haggai 1:7-11)

  • God urges them to “Consider your ways!” (Haggai 1:7). Self-reflection is necessary to recognize when we are drifting from God’s will.
  • They were experiencing hardship because they had ignored God’s house (Haggai 1:9-11). God sometimes allows difficulties to get our attention and bring us back to Him.

Obedience Leads to Blessing (Haggai 1:12-15)

  • The people responded with obedience (Haggai 1:12). Instead of making excuses, they listened to God’s word. Are you willing to take action when God convicts your heart?
  • God encouraged them, saying “I am with you” (Haggai 1:13). When we step out in faith to follow Him, He strengthens and blesses us.

Summary Key Points

  • It’s easy to get distracted by personal pursuits and neglect God’s work.
  • When we put our priorities above God’s, we will feel unfulfilled.
  • God calls us to examine our ways and realign with His purpose.
  • Obedience brings blessing and the assurance of His presence.

Application

  • Evaluate your priorities—are there areas where you have placed your own desires above God’s will?
  • Ask God to reveal distractions in your life that keep you from serving Him.
  • Take steps to put God first, whether in your time, finances, or commitments.
  • Trust that when you obey, God will provide and bless your efforts.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to examine my heart and consider my ways. Forgive me for times when I have placed my desires above Your will. Teach me to seek You first and to trust that You will take care of all my needs. May I be faithful in building Your kingdom and not just my own. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

All Powerful / King of All, Eternal, Faith / Trusting God, Protector / Deliverer, Purposeful / Intentional, Seeking God, Worry/Anxiety

Serving God with Humility and Strength (1 Peter 5)

Are you serving God willingly, with humility and trust?

1 Peter 5 offers wisdom on how to lead, serve, and stand firm in faith. Peter exhorts leaders to shepherd God’s people with willingness, calls believers to humility, and warns of the enemy’s schemes. Above all, he reminds us that after suffering, God Himself will strengthen and establish us.

Key Verse:
“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:6-7 (NASB)

Background Context:
Peter closes his letter with instructions for both leaders and the church, encouraging them to live with humility, vigilance, and steadfast faith. He acknowledges the suffering believers face but reminds them that God will restore them. This passage is both a call to service and a promise of hope for all who remain faithful in Christ.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

1 Peter 5

Serve God Willingly

      1Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, 2shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; 3nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. 4And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 5You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.

      6Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, 7casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. 8Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. 10After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. 11To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen.

      12Through Silvanus, our faithful brother (for so I regard him), I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it! 13She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings, and so does my son, Mark. 14Greet one another with a kiss of love.
Peace be to you all who are in Christ.

Reflection on 1 Peter 5:

Serve God with Willingness and Humility (1 Peter 5:1-5)

  • Shepherd God’s People with a Willing Heart
    Peter exhorts leaders to care for God’s flock, not out of obligation but with eagerness (1 Peter 5:2). Leadership in God’s kingdom is not about power but about serving as Christ did. Are you serving God and others willingly, or out of duty?

  • Lead by Example, Not by Force
    True spiritual leaders influence others through example, not control (1 Peter 5:3). Jesus, the Chief Shepherd, will reward those who serve faithfully (1 Peter 5:4). Are you leading others with humility and grace?

  • Clothe Yourself in Humility
    Peter instructs both young and old to be humble toward one another, for “God is opposed to the proud but gives grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5). Pride distances us from God, but humility draws us closer. Are you embracing humility in your interactions with others?

Trust in God’s Care and Resist the Enemy (1 Peter 5:6-9)

  • Cast Your Anxiety on Him
    Humility also means trusting God with our burdens (1 Peter 5:6-7). He cares deeply for us, and we do not have to carry our worries alone. Are you giving your anxieties to God or trying to handle them yourself?

  • Be Alert to the Enemy’s Attacks
    Peter warns that “the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). We must stay spiritually sober and vigilant. Are you guarding your heart and mind against the enemy’s deception?

  • Stand Firm in Your Faith
    Suffering is not unique to us; believers around the world endure the same trials (1 Peter 5:9). Knowing we are not alone helps us stand firm. Are you persevering in faith despite difficulties?

God’s Promise to Restore and Strengthen (1 Peter 5:10-11)

  • God Himself Will Restore You
    After a season of suffering, “the God of all grace” will perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish us (1 Peter 5:10). Trials are temporary, but God’s restoration is eternal. Do you trust that God is working in your trials to strengthen you?

  • God’s Dominion Is Forever
    Peter ends with a declaration of God’s eternal reign (1 Peter 5:11). No matter what we face, He is sovereign. Are you resting in the knowledge that He is in control?

Summary Key Points:

  • Serve God with willingness and humility: Leadership is about serving, not ruling.
  • Cast your burdens on Him: Trust that God cares for you.
  • Be alert and resist the enemy: Stay firm in faith and do not be deceived.
  • Suffering is temporary, but God’s restoration is eternal: He will strengthen and establish you.
  • God reigns forever: Trust in His sovereignty over all things.

Application:

  • Examine your heart—are you serving God with a willing spirit?
  • Humble yourself before God, casting your worries on Him instead of carrying them alone.
  • Stay spiritually alert, recognizing the enemy’s schemes, and stand firm in faith.
  • Trust that God’s grace will sustain you through trials and that He will strengthen and restore you.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for calling me to serve You with humility and faithfulness. Help me to cast my burdens on You, knowing that You care for me. Strengthen me to resist the enemy’s attacks and to stand firm in faith. I trust that You will restore, confirm, and establish me in Your perfect timing. To You be the glory forever. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

John Golda

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

Persecution / Glorifying God, Purposeful / Intentional

Be Zealous for Good, Stand Firm in Faith (1 Peter 3:12-22)

Are you willing to stand for righteousness, even when the world opposes you?

1 Peter 3:12-22 calls believers to be passionate about doing good, even in the face of intimidation and suffering. As followers of Yeshua, we are to live differently from the world, boldly standing for truth, while also being ready to share the hope we have in Christ with gentleness and reverence.

Key Verse:
“But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE TROUBLED, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.” – 1 Peter 3:14-15 (NASB)

Background Context:
Peter was writing to believers who were experiencing persecution for their faith. In a culture that rejected God’s ways, they were slandered for their righteous living. Peter encourages them to remain steadfast, reminding them that suffering for righteousness is a blessing. He points to Yeshua’s own suffering as our example—He endured persecution, yet through His sacrifice, He brought salvation.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

1 Peter 3:12-22

     13Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? 14But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE TROUBLED, 15but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; 16and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. 17For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong. 18For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit; 19in which also He went and made proclamation to the spirits now in prison, 20who once were disobedient, when the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water. 21Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you—not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, after angels and authorities and powers had been subjected to Him.

Reflection on 1 Peter 3:12-22:

Be Passionate About Goodness (1 Peter 3:13-14)

  • Peter asks, “Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good?” (1 Peter 3:13). Most of the time, righteous living leads to favor, but there are times when standing for truth results in opposition.
  • Even if we suffer for righteousness, we are blessed (1 Peter 3:14). YHWH honors those who are faithful to Him, even in trials. Are you willing to stand firm in righteousness, even when it costs you?

Defend the Hope Within You (1 Peter 3:15-16)

  • We are called to sanctify Christ as Lord in our hearts (1 Peter 3:15). This means setting Him apart as the ultimate authority in our lives, above the opinions of the world.
  • Be ready to give a defense for your faith, but do so with gentleness and reverence (1 Peter 3:15). We are not called to argue or attack but to lovingly present the truth of the Gospel.
  • Keeping a good conscience means living in such a way that, even if others slander us, our integrity will put them to shame (1 Peter 3:16). Does your life reflect a testimony of righteousness that cannot be refuted?

Suffering for Righteousness Is Better Than Compromise (1 Peter 3:17-18)

  • Peter reminds us that it is better to suffer for doing good than for doing wrong (1 Peter 3:17). If we must face trials, let it be because of our faithfulness to YHWH, not because of sin.
  • Yeshua suffered for the unjust to bring us to God (1 Peter 3:18). When we endure suffering for righteousness, we follow in His footsteps. Are you willing to embrace suffering for the sake of righteousness?

The Victory of Christ (1 Peter 3:19-22)

  • Just as God was patient in the days of Noah, He is patient now, giving people time to repent (1 Peter 3:20).
  • Baptism is a symbol of salvation—not a physical cleansing but an appeal to God for a good conscience through Yeshua’s resurrection (1 Peter 3:21).
  • Yeshua reigns victorious at the right hand of God, with all authorities and powers subjected to Him (1 Peter 3:22). Even in suffering, we can rest in the victory of our Messiah.

Summary Key Points:

  • Be passionate about righteousness—live in a way that honors God, even in opposition.
  • Be ready to defend your faith with gentleness and respect.
  • Expect to suffer for doing good but know that it is better than compromising truth.
  • Yeshua suffered unjustly to save us—we follow His example.
  • Our hope is in Christ’s victory—He reigns over all authorities and powers.

Application:

  • Examine your life—are you standing for righteousness, even when it’s unpopular?
  • Prepare your heart to give an answer for your faith, but do so with humility and love.
  • Do not fear intimidation—trust in YHWH’s justice and remain faithful.
  • Reflect on Christ’s suffering—let it encourage you to endure trials for righteousness.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, help me to be zealous for what is good and to stand firm in righteousness. Give me the courage to speak truth with gentleness and reverence, always pointing others to the hope I have in Yeshua. Strengthen me in times of opposition, and remind me that suffering for Your name is a blessing. May my life reflect Your holiness and bring glory to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

John Golda

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