Category Archives: Seeking God

Revelation, Seeking God, Submitted / Servant

Hear the Invitation, Hold to His Word, and Be Ready (Revelation 22:17–21)

Leave a comment

After everything Revelation has shown us, are we responding to God’s invitation, holding faithfully to what He has said, and living ready for Yeshua’s return?

Key Verse

“The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires, take the water of life without cost.” — Revelation 22:17 (NASB)

Background Context

In Revelation 22:1–5, John saw the river of life, the tree of life, and God’s servants dwelling forever in His presence. In verses 6–11, Yeshua called His people to keep the words of this prophecy and live ready for His return. Then in verses 12–16, He declared that He is coming with His reward and reminded us that our choices and deeds matter.

Now in Revelation 22:17–21, the vision reaches its conclusion. After warnings of judgment and extraordinary promises of restoration, Scripture ends with an open invitation to receive the water of life, a serious warning to preserve God’s Word faithfully, and a final promise from Yeshua that He is coming.

Revelation does not leave us merely wondering what we have seen. It calls us to respond.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Revelation 22:17-21

      17The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost.

      18I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues which are written in this book; 19and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book.

      20He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming quickly.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

      21The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.

Reflection on Revelation 22:17–21:

The first word of this final section is remarkably appropriate: “Come.” The Spirit and the bride say it, and everyone who hears is encouraged to join the invitation. Then the invitation becomes personal: “Let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires, take the water of life without cost.”

Throughout Revelation, we have encountered serious warnings about sin, compromise, deception, judgment, and the consequences of rejecting God. Yet the book does not close with God delighting in keeping people out of His kingdom. It closes with an invitation to come.

That invitation is offered “without cost.” This echoes Isaiah 55:1: “Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money come, buy and eat.” We cannot purchase the life God offers or earn our way into His kingdom. The Lamb has paid the price we could not pay. Those who thirst are invited to come and receive.

But receiving God’s gift does not mean we are free to redefine His truth. Immediately following the invitation comes one of Scripture’s strongest warnings about altering God’s Word. John warns anyone hearing the prophecy not to add to it or take away from it.

The immediate context is specifically “the words of the prophecy of this book,” so we should not ignore that original meaning. Revelation itself must not be altered to suit our preferences. Yet the principle is consistent with God’s earlier warnings concerning His instruction. In Deuteronomy 4:2, Israel was told, “You shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor take away from it.”

Both errors remain tempting. We can add requirements God has not commanded and present our traditions or preferences as though they carry His authority. But we can also take away from what God has said by ignoring, redefining, or creating an assumption of freedom where He has established restrictions. Faithfulness requires humility in both directions.

Our responsibility is not to reshape God’s Word into what we wish He had said. It is to hear what He actually says and respond accordingly.

Then, almost at the very end of Scripture, Yeshua speaks once more: “Yes, I am coming quickly.”

John does not respond with another question about the timing. He does not ask for another vision or a more detailed prophetic chart. His response is simple: “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.”

That response carries greater weight after everything Revelation has shown us. For Yeshua to return means the defeat of His enemies, judgment of rebellion, resurrection of the dead, destruction of death itself, restoration of creation, and the fulfillment of God’s promise to dwell forever among His people.

Peter tells us that looking forward to God’s coming judgment and restoration should affect the way we live now: “What sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness” (2 Peter 3:11). Longing for Yeshua’s return is not merely excitement about future events. It should produce present faithfulness.

Revelation began by calling God’s people to hear and keep what was written. It ends by inviting the thirsty to come, warning us to preserve God’s words faithfully, and reminding us that Yeshua is returning.

The question at the end of Revelation is therefore not simply, “Do you understand the prophecy?”

It is much more personal: Have you come to Yeshua for life? Are you holding faithfully to God’s Word? And are you living in such a way that you can genuinely say, “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus”?

Application

  • If you are thirsty for the life God offers, respond to His invitation rather than assuming there will always be another opportunity to come.
  • Hold faithfully to what God has actually said, neither adding human requirements nor removing His restrictions to create freedom He has not given.
  • Let expectation of Yeshua’s return produce greater holiness, obedience, and faithfulness in how you live today.
  • Ask whether you are living in a way that allows you to sincerely pray, “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.”

Closing Prayer

Father, thank You for the invitation to come and receive the water of life that I could never purchase or earn. Help me hold faithfully to Your Word without adding my own requirements or removing what You have commanded. Give me wisdom to recognize compromise and courage to obey even when Your ways conflict with my preferences or the world around me. Help me live ready for Yeshua’s return, faithfully serving You until He comes. May the desire of my heart truly be, “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.” 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.

Grace / Forgiveness, Hebrew Roots / Commands / Law, Obeying God, Seeking God

Live Like Your Choices Matter (Revelation 22:12–16)

Leave a comment

If Yeshua says He is coming and will reward each person according to what they have done, should that change the way we think about the choices we make today?

Key Verse

“Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to reward each one as his work deserves.” — Revelation 22:12 (NASB)

Background Context

In Revelation 21, John saw the new heaven, new earth, and New Jerusalem, where YHWH will dwell forever among His people. In Revelation 22:1–5, he saw the river and tree of life and learned that the curse will finally be removed. Then in Revelation 22:6–11, Yeshua declared, “Behold, I am coming quickly,” and pronounced a blessing on those who keep the words of this prophecy.

Now in Revelation 22:12–16, Yeshua repeats His promise that He is coming quickly, but adds an important statement: He is bringing His reward with Him, “to reward each one as his work deserves.” He then identifies Himself as the Alpha and Omega and describes the distinction between those who enter the New Jerusalem and those who remain outside.

As Revelation approaches its final words, it continues emphasizing something we have seen throughout the book: what we believe about Yeshua should be visible in how we live.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Revelation 22:12–16

      12“Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done. 13“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”

      14Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter by the gates into the city. 15Outside are the dogs and the sorcerers and the immoral persons and the murderers and the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices lying.

      16“I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.”

Reflection on Revelation 22:12–16:

Yeshua begins this section with a statement that deserves careful attention: “My reward is with Me, to reward each one as his work deserves.” Revelation does not treat our deeds as insignificant. We saw the same truth at the Great White Throne, where the dead were judged “according to their deeds” (Revelation 20:12). Now Yeshua repeats that principle as part of His final message to the churches.

We should hold this together with the rest of Scripture rather than allowing one truth to erase another. We do not earn redemption by accumulating enough good deeds. Salvation is God’s provision through Yeshua. Yet Scripture also does not teach that because salvation cannot be earned, our actions no longer matter. Yeshua repeatedly called His followers to obedience, perseverance, repentance, and faithfulness. Our deeds reveal something about what we truly believe and whom we have chosen to follow.

Paul expresses the same accountability in 2 Corinthians 5:10: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive compensation for his deeds done through the body, in accordance with what he has done, whether good or bad.” Grace should never become an excuse to live as though our choices are irrelevant. Instead, receiving God’s grace should transform the way we live.

Yeshua then declares, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” The One who promises to return and recompense according to deeds is not merely another messenger within the vision. He stands over the entire story. Human kingdoms have risen and fallen throughout Revelation, Babylon has collapsed, the beast has been defeated, and Satan has been judged. Yeshua remains.

Verses 14–15 then draw a sharp distinction between those who enter the city and those who remain outside. There is an important textual difference worth recognizing here. The NASB and many modern translations read, “Blessed are those who wash their robes,” while the textual tradition behind the KJV reads, “Blessed are they that do his commandments.” We should be cautious about building a doctrine exclusively upon either wording. Yet neither reading undermines the broader message Revelation has consistently given us. God’s people are cleansed through the Lamb, and those who belong to Him are repeatedly characterized by faithful obedience.

Earlier Revelation described God’s people as “those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus” (Revelation 14:12). Revelation does not ask us to choose between trusting the Lamb and obeying God’s commandments. The redeemed are called to both faith and faithfulness.

Yeshua closes the section by identifying Himself as “the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” He is both the fulfillment of God’s promises concerning David and the One whose coming signals the dawning of God’s kingdom in its fullness. The churches receiving Revelation could therefore remain faithful even when the surrounding world appeared to belong to someone else.

The same challenge comes to us. We live among countless voices telling us that obedience can wait, compromise is harmless, and our private choices do not really matter. Revelation tells us something very different. Yeshua sees how we live, calls His people to overcome, and says He is coming again.

We should not obey because we believe we can earn His salvation. We should obey because we belong to Him, trust Him, and know that the choices we make before Him truly matter.

Application

  • Examine whether your everyday choices reflect the faith in Yeshua that you profess.
  • Do not use grace as a reason to dismiss obedience to God’s commandments; let God’s grace produce greater faithfulness in your life.
  • When compromise seems insignificant, remember that Yeshua repeatedly teaches that our deeds matter to Him.
  • Live with Yeshua’s return in view, choosing today what you will be glad to have chosen when you stand before Him.

Closing Prayer

Father, thank You for the salvation You have provided through Yeshua that I could never earn for myself. Help me never to misuse Your grace as an excuse to ignore Your instruction. Teach me to live as though my choices truly matter because Your Word says they do. Show me where compromise has entered my life, and give me courage to repent and obey You. Help me remain faithful while I wait for Yeshua’s return, so that my life reflects that I truly belong to Him. 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, Praise / Worship / Glorify God, Purposeful / Intentional, Revelation, Seeking God, Submitted / Servant

Don’t Just Read Revelation – Live Ready (Revelation 22:6–11)

Leave a comment

Has studying Revelation changed the way you live, or has it simply given you more information about what is coming?

Key Verse

“And behold, I am coming quickly. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” — Revelation 22:7 (NASB)

Background Context

In Revelation 21, John saw the new heaven, new earth, and New Jerusalem, where YHWH will dwell among His people. In Revelation 22:1–5, he saw the river of life and tree of life and learned that the curse will finally be gone. God’s servants will see His face, serve Him, and reign forever.

Now in Revelation 22:6–11, the book begins moving toward its final appeal. The angel assures John that these words are “faithful and true,” and Yeshua declares, “I am coming quickly.”

But Revelation does not end by encouraging God’s people merely to understand its visions. Verse 7 pronounces a blessing on the one who “keeps” the words of the prophecy. The message of Revelation calls for a response.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Revelation 22:6-11

    6And he said to me, “These words are faithful and true”; and the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, sent His angel to show to His bond-servants the things which must soon take place.

      7“And behold, I am coming quickly. Blessed is he who heeds the words of the prophecy of this book.”

      8I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed me these things. 9But he said to me, “Do not do that. I am a fellow servant of yours and of your brethren the prophets and of those who heed the words of this book. Worship God.”

The Final Message

      10And he said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near. 11“Let the one who does wrong, still do wrong; and the one who is filthy, still be filthy; and let the one who is righteous, still practice righteousness; and the one who is holy, still keep himself holy.”

Reflection on Revelation 22:6–11:

The angel begins by assuring John, “These words are faithful and true.” That matters after everything John has witnessed. Revelation has shown events almost beyond imagination: beasts and kingdoms, tremendous judgments, Babylon’s fall, Messiah’s return, Satan’s final defeat, the resurrection and judgment, and finally the restoration of all things. God does not ask His people to build their hope upon John’s imagination. He assures them that what He has revealed can be trusted.

Then Yeshua says, “Behold, I am coming quickly.” Nearly two thousand years have passed since those words were recorded, so “quickly” should not be understood as though Yeshua were providing His disciples with a date on a calendar. Scripture repeatedly warns us that God’s perspective on time is different from ours. Peter writes that “with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day,” before explaining that what may appear to us as delay reflects God’s patience and desire for people to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:8–9).

The proper response, therefore, is not to calculate a date but to live ready.

Yeshua does not say, “Blessed is the one who successfully figures out every detail of this prophecy.” He says, “Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” Revelation was given to change how God’s people live.

That takes us back to the opening chapter. Revelation 1:3 pronounced a blessing on those who read and hear the words of the prophecy and “heed the things which are written in it.” Now, as the book closes, essentially the same message appears again. The blessing forms a frame around Revelation: hear what God has revealed and respond faithfully.

What have we repeatedly been told to do throughout this book? Worship YHWH rather than the powers of this world. Hold firmly to the testimony of Yeshua. Refuse the compromise represented by Babylon. Resist deception. Keep God’s commandments. Repent when we have wandered. Endure when faithfulness becomes costly. Remain ready for Messiah’s return.

John himself then demonstrates how easily even someone receiving extraordinary revelation can become confused. Overwhelmed by what he has seen and heard, he falls down to worship the angel. The angel immediately stops him: “Do not do that.” He identifies himself as a fellow servant and gives John the proper instruction: “Worship God.”

John had already made essentially the same mistake in Revelation 19:10 and received the same correction. That repetition is instructive. No messenger, teacher, spiritual leader, experience, or created being should receive the devotion that belongs to YHWH. Even when God uses someone powerfully, our attention should ultimately be directed toward Him.

Finally, John is told, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near.” This contrasts with Daniel, who was told to seal up portions of his prophecy until the time of the end (Daniel 12:4). Revelation is not presented as a message God’s people should hide away until some future generation. Its warnings, encouragement, and calls to faithfulness were meant to be heard.

That remains true for us. We can become so fascinated with identifying symbols, arranging timelines, and debating interpretations that we miss one of Revelation’s clearest purposes. Understanding prophecy matters, but knowledge that does not produce faithfulness has missed something essential.

After everything we have studied in Revelation, the question is becoming increasingly personal: What difference has this book made in how we live?

Yeshua is coming. We may not know when, but we know what He has told us to do while we wait.

Application

  • Study Revelation to understand God’s truth, but continually ask how what you learn should change the way you live.
  • Live ready for Yeshua’s return rather than becoming consumed with trying to determine a date God has not given us.
  • Keep worship directed toward YHWH rather than allowing spiritual leaders, messengers, or experiences to receive devotion that belongs to Him.
  • Identify one recurring instruction from Revelation—repentance, endurance, obedience, rejecting compromise, or faithful witness—that God is calling you to apply more deliberately.

Closing Prayer

Father, thank You for giving us Revelation not merely to tell us what will happen, but to teach us how to live faithfully while we wait for Yeshua’s return. Help me hear Your Word and keep it rather than being satisfied simply with understanding more about prophecy. Guard me from deception, compromise, and misplaced worship. Show me where the message of Revelation needs to change the way I live today, and help me remain faithful and ready whenever Yeshua returns. 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.

Peace / Rest, Purposeful / Intentional, Revelation, Seeking God

Live Now for the Life God Is Restoring (Revelation 22:1–5)

Leave a comment

If God’s plan ends with His people living in His presence, serving Him, and seeing His face, how should that future shape what you pursue today?

Key Verse

“There will no longer be any curse; and the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His bond-servants will serve Him.” — Revelation 22:3 (NASB)

Background Context

In Revelation 21:1–8, John saw a new heaven and new earth and heard YHWH declare, “Behold, I am making all things new.” In Revelation 21:9–27, John was shown the New Jerusalem in greater detail. Its greatest treasure was not its gold, pearls, or precious stones, but the presence of God and the Lamb.

Now in Revelation 22:1–5, John sees what flows from God’s throne and what life in His presence will be like. The imagery reaches all the way back to Genesis. The tree of life that appeared in Eden appears again, but now there is no serpent, no separation from God, and “no longer… any curse.”

The story that began with humanity losing access to the tree of life ends with God’s redeemed people dwelling with Him and freely receiving life from Him.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Revelation 22:1-5

The River and the Tree of Life

      1Then he showed me a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb, 2in the middle of its street. On either side of the river was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3There will no longer be any curse; and the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His bond-servants will serve Him; 4they will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads. 5And there will no longer be any night; and they will not have need of the light of a lamp nor the light of the sun, because the Lord God will illumine them; and they will reign forever and ever.

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, Joy / Happiness / Rejoicing, Praise / Worship / Glorify God, Sabbath / Rest, Seeking God, Thankfulness, Traditions / Holidays

Embracing Sukkot: Dwelling with God from the Wilderness to the Kingdom

Leave a comment

Imagine a celebration that not only reminisces about God’s past miracles but also joyously anticipates the glorious return of Yeshua. Sukkot is just that—a divine festival that combines profound gratitude with holy anticipation.”

Sukkot, also known as the Feast of Tabernacles or Booths, invites us into a vivid scriptural experience that celebrates God’s past providence and anticipates the future kingdom. This festival is not merely a historical observance but a vibrant, living event that draws us nearer to the heart of God, reminding us of His constant presence and His ultimate plan for humanity.

Historical and Prophetic Significance: Sukkot serves as a dual memorial: first, it commemorates the Israelites’ wandering in the desert, living in temporary shelters, and second, it looks forward to the Messianic age, when Yeshua will dwell among us once again. As described in Leviticus 23:37-44, this festival is deeply rooted in both gratitude for harvest and remembrance of dependence on God during the Israelites’ wilderness journey.

Practical Observance: While we may not all construct booths or dwell in tents as ancient Israel did, embracing this festival can take many forms. Starting as simply as camping out in our living rooms to setting up tents in our backyards, each act revives the essence of Sukkot—recognizing our transient journey on earth and God’s continual provision.

Future Fulfillment: Sukkot also points us toward the future kingdom when Yeshua returns to establish His reign. Revelation 20 offers a prophetic glimpse into this era, painting a picture of a time when God will dwell physically among His people, wiping away every tear and ushering in an era of unmatched peace and joy.

Deepening Our Understanding: As we prepare for Sukkot, delving into the Scriptures enriches our understanding and celebration. Reflect on these passages and consider how they speak to both the historical context of Sukkot and its future fulfillment in Christ:

  • Leviticus 23:37-44 – Details the observance of Sukkot as a time of joy and rest, highlighting its significance in the Jewish liturgical year.
  • John 7 – Chronicles Yeshua’s own observance of the Feast of Booths, emphasizing its importance and prophetic fulfillment in His ministry.
  • Several passages in the Book of Revelation describe Jesus’ return to dwell among us, each highlighting different aspects of His Second Coming and the establishment of His kingdom on earth. Here are a few key scriptures:
    1. Revelation 19:11-16 – This passage describes the appearance of Jesus Christ returning as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. It depicts Him riding a white horse, symbolizing victory and justice, coming to defeat the forces of evil in a final battle.
    2. Revelation 20:1-6 – This section discusses the binding of Satan and the reign of Christ for a thousand years, often referred to as the Millennium. This period is characterized by peace and righteousness, with Jesus ruling directly over the earth.
    3. Revelation 21:1-4 – This passage provides a vision of the new heaven and new earth after the final judgment. Here, God’s dwelling is with humanity, and He will live among them. This portrays a restored relationship between God and His people, with no more death, mourning, crying, or pain.
    4. Revelation 22:1-5 – The final chapter of Revelation describes the river of life and the tree of life in the New Jerusalem. It emphasizes the eternal presence of God and the Lamb among their people, and how His servants will serve Him and reign forever.

    These scriptures collectively paint a picture of Jesus’ return and His eternal reign, providing a foundational hope for Christian eschatology and worship practices related to the anticipation of His coming.

Resources for Further Study:

Conclusion: As you step into the celebration of Sukkot this year, let it be more than just a ritual; let it be a renewal of your heart and mind as you dwell in the temporary shelters of this world, looking forward to the eternal dwelling place prepared by Yeshua.

Call to Action: Begin this Sukkot by setting up a space that reflects both humility and celebration. Engage with the provided resources, share insights with your community, and let every aspect of your observance draw you closer to the heart of God.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, as we observe Sukkot, we thank You for Your everlasting presence and providence. Inspire us to truly dwell in Your presence, reflecting on our journey with You and anticipating the glorious return of Yeshua. May our celebrations honor You and deepen our faith as we await Your kingdom. In the name of Yeshua, we pray, Amen.

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

John Golda

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

Hebrew Roots / Commands / Law, Repenting from Sin, Sabbath / Rest, Seeking God, Traditions / Holidays

Yom Kippur Reflections: Scriptural Depths for Atonement and Repentance

As Yom Kippur approaches, it’s vital to embrace the profound spiritual significance this day holds. This sacred occasion is more than a day of fasting; it is a day of introspection, repentance, and seeking reconciliation with our Creator through the atonement provided by Yeshua.

Beyond the fast lies a deeper calling on Yom Kippur: to humble ourselves wholly before God, reflecting deeply on our lives through His Word.”

Heartfelt Repentance: Yom Kippur offers us a chance to reflect on our spiritual journey, acknowledging our sins and turning away from them. This day isn’t about external rituals like avoiding leather shoes or perfume; it’s about an internal transformation—a genuine humbling of our hearts before God.

Scriptural Guidance: A friend recently shared how scripture profoundly impacts her family’s observance of Yom Kippur, and I am compelled to pass on that wisdom. Each scripture not only guides us but also molds our understanding of true repentance and divine forgiveness.

  • Daniel 9:4-19 (Daniel): Daniel’s heartfelt prayer and confession reveal the intensity of true repentance and the earnest seeking of God’s mercy and forgiveness.
  • 1 Chronicles 16:8-38 (David): This Psalm of Thanksgiving reminds us of the joy and gratitude that accompanies the acknowledgment of God’s ongoing works and promises.
  • 1 Samuel 2:1-10 (Hannah): Hannah’s song exalts God’s holiness and sovereignty, emphasizing that true strength and victories in life come from Him.
  • Luke 1:46-55 (Mary): Mary’s song reflects deep spiritual insight into God’s care for the humble and His mighty deeds for those who fear Him.

Additional scriptures you may find enriching:

Embracing the Days of Awe: As we live out the ten Days of Awe leading up to Yom Kippur, let these scriptures not just be read but deeply pondered. Allow them to stir a renewal within, guiding each of us closer to the heart of God.

Additional Resources: For those eager to delve deeper into the meaning of Yom Kippur and how it interlinks with other scriptural teachings, here are some resources:

 

  • JacobsTent.org is a fellowship that meets in Tennessee and live streams events for Moedim and regular Sabbath services weekly. It is more than just a study, but brings you in to be part of a fellowship worshipping and learning together.

Conclusion: Yom Kippur is a divine invitation to come closer to our Creator, to examine our lives through the lens of His Word, and to embrace His forgiveness and grace fully. Let’s use this time to reflect, repent, and rejoice in the redemption Yeshua offers.

Call to Action: Begin your preparations for Yom Kippur by selecting one or two of the suggested scriptures to study each day. Share these insights with family or a study group, discussing how these truths affect your spiritual walk.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, as we approach Yom Kippur, we seek to humble ourselves truly before You. Thank You for the gift of atonement through Yeshua, allowing us to come boldly yet humbly before Your throne. May Your Word light our paths, and may our spirits be aligned with Your will. Help us to live out the repentance You desire, transforming our lives to reflect Your holiness. 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, Is the Old Testament Relevant Today?, Repenting from Sin, Seeking God, Traditions / Holidays

Preparing Our Hearts for Yom Kippur: Reflective Scripture Readings

The period from Yom Teruah to Yom Kippur, often referred to as the Days of Awe, is a sacred time intended for deep reflection and repentance. As we approach Yom Kippur, it’s essential to come before God with a humble and contrite heart, acknowledging our sins and recognizing the profound gift of forgiveness offered through Yeshua.

“In these Days of Awe, let’s turn our hearts to Scripture, allowing God’s word to mold us and draw us nearer to Him.”

The Importance of Reflection:
Yom Kippur is not just about seeking forgiveness; it’s about recognizing the immense sacrifice Yeshua made on our behalf. It’s a day to celebrate the grace we’ve received—grace we could never earn. This holy day calls us to humility and gratitude, reminding us of the cost of our redemption.

Scripture Readings for Yom Kippur Preparation:
To enrich your observance of Yom Kippur, consider the following Scripture readings leading up to the day. These passages help set our minds on the themes of atonement, repentance, and God’s unfailing mercy:

Using Resources Wisely:
As you explore these scriptures, remember to discern between biblical instruction and traditional practices. While tradition can enrich our understanding, Scripture should always guide our observance:

 

  • JacobsTent.org is a fellowship that meets in Tennessee and live streams events for Moedim and regular Sabbath services weekly. It is more than just a study, but brings you in to be part of a fellowship worshipping and learning together.

Conclusion:
As we engage with these scriptures, let us approach Yom Kippur not with a spirit of fear but with a heart filled with gratitude for the grace and forgiveness that Yeshua has extended to us. Let this time be one of genuine reflection, leading to real change in our lives as we align more closely with God’s will.

Call to Action:
Begin your preparation for Yom Kippur today by choosing one or more scriptures from the list to study each day. Share insights with your family or study group, and come together to discuss how these truths impact your walk with Christ.

Closing Prayer:
Father, as we enter the solemn Days of Awe and approach Yom Kippur, we thank You for the forgiveness and new life found in Yeshua. Help us to study Your Word with open hearts and minds, ready to be transformed. Let us hold fast to what is scriptural, using tradition wisely to enhance our understanding but not to overshadow Your truth. Guide us in true repentance and lead us into a more profound relationship with 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.

Purposeful / Intentional, Seeking God

Live Each Day in God’s Presence (Exodus 25:23–30)

Is God’s presence something you think about only during worship and prayer, or does knowing He is with you shape the ordinary parts of your day?

Key Verse

“You shall set the bread of the Presence on the table before Me at all times.” — Exodus 25:30 (NASB)

Background Context

In Exodus 25:1–9, YHWH began giving Moses instructions for the tabernacle because He desired to dwell among His people. In Exodus 25:10–22, He described the Ark of the Covenant and the mercy seat, where He promised, “There I will meet with you.”

Now in Exodus 25:23–30, YHWH describes another piece of furniture for the sanctuary: a gold-covered table that would hold “the bread of the Presence.” Later instructions explain that twelve loaves were to be placed there regularly before YHWH, representing Israel’s twelve tribes (Leviticus 24:5–9).

The tabernacle was steadily teaching Israel an important reality: the God who rescued them from Egypt intended to dwell in their midst.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Exodus 25:23–30

The Table of Showbread

      23“You shall make a table of acacia wood, two cubits long and one cubit wide and one and a half cubits high. 24“You shall overlay it with pure gold and make a gold border around it. 25“You shall make for it a rim of a handbreadth around it; and you shall make a gold border for the rim around it. 26“You shall make four gold rings for it and put rings on the four corners which are on its four feet. 27“The rings shall be close to the rim as holders for the poles to carry the table. 28“You shall make the poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold, so that with them the table may be carried. 29“You shall make its dishes and its pans and its jars and its bowls with which to pour drink offerings; you shall make them of pure gold. 30“You shall set the bread of the Presence on the table before Me at all times.

Reflection on Exodus 25:23–30:

Like the ark, the table was to be constructed according to God’s specific instructions. It was made of acacia wood, overlaid with pure gold, and equipped with rings and poles so that it could travel with Israel. Even as God’s people moved through the wilderness, the objects associated with His dwelling were designed to move with them. YHWH was not merely the God they had encountered at Mount Sinai. His presence would remain central as they continued their journey.

Upon this table Israel was commanded to keep “the bread of the Presence” before YHWH continually. Leviticus 24 later explains that twelve loaves were arranged before Him every Sabbath. The bread represented Israel before YHWH and was also part of His provision for the priests who served in the sanctuary. Week after week, this visible reminder remained in God’s dwelling place.

That continual presence is worth noticing. Israel’s relationship with YHWH was not supposed to be occasional. They did not belong to Him only during a festival, sacrifice, or moment of crisis. Their entire community lived before Him continually. The bread remained “before Me at all times.”

We can easily divide our lives differently. We may think consciously about God while reading Scripture, praying, or gathering with other believers, then move into work, family responsibilities, finances, recreation, and ordinary decisions almost as though those portions of life exist separately from Him. Yet Scripture describes a much more comprehensive relationship with God. David wrote, “I have set the LORD continually before me” (Psalm 16:8). Living before God means recognizing that every part of life is lived in His presence.

The bread also naturally reminds us of God’s provision. Israel had already learned this lesson dramatically in the wilderness when YHWH provided manna day after day. Their survival depended upon what He supplied. Later, Yeshua would teach His disciples to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11), reminding us that even the ordinary necessities we easily take for granted ultimately come from our Father.

We should be careful not to make every detail of the tabernacle into a symbolism Scripture itself does not establish. But the larger picture is clear: YHWH wanted His people near Him, and He was the One who sustained them. His presence and His provision were woven into the regular rhythm of Israel’s worship.

That remains a valuable perspective for us. We need God not merely for extraordinary crises but for ordinary Tuesdays. The meal on our table, the strength to work, the wisdom to make decisions, and the opportunities before us are all reasons to depend upon Him and give thanks.

Living in God’s presence means bringing the ordinary parts of life under our awareness of Him—trusting His provision, seeking His direction, and remembering throughout the day that we belong to Him.

Application

  • Practice remembering YHWH’s presence during ordinary activities, not only during prayer, worship, or times of difficulty.
  • Thank God regularly for everyday provision that can easily become taken for granted.
  • Bring your work, relationships, decisions, and responsibilities before God rather than treating them as separate from your faith.
  • Depend upon God daily instead of turning to Him only when your own resources seem insufficient.

Closing Prayer

Father, thank You that You desire Your people to live in Your presence. Help me not to confine my awareness of You to worship, prayer, or moments when I desperately need help. Teach me to recognize Your presence throughout the ordinary parts of my day and to remember that everything I have ultimately comes from Your hand. Give me gratitude for Your provision, dependence upon You for what I need, and a heart that seeks to live faithfully before You each day. 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.

Justice / Judgment, Merciful, Obeying God, Seeking God

Meet with God on His Terms Rather than Yours (Exodus 25:10–22)

Do we approach God on our own terms, or do we trust the way He has provided for sinful people to draw near to Him?

Key Verse

“There I will meet with you; and from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim which are upon the ark of the testimony, I will speak to you.” — Exodus 25:22 (NASB)

Background Context

In Exodus 24, Israel formally entered into covenant with YHWH, and Moses went up Mount Sinai to receive further instruction. In Exodus 25:1–9, God called the people to willingly contribute materials for a sanctuary because He desired to dwell among them.

Now in Exodus 25:10–22, YHWH begins describing the tabernacle itself, starting not with the outer structure but with one of its most important objects: the Ark of the Covenant.

The ark would eventually stand in the Most Holy Place. Inside would be the testimony God gave Moses. Above it was the kapporet, commonly translated mercy seat or atonement cover, overshadowed by two cherubim. It was there that YHWH promised to meet with Moses and speak to His people.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Exodus 25:10-22

Ark of the Covenant

      10“They shall construct an ark of acacia wood two and a half cubits long, and one and a half cubits wide, and one and a half cubits high. 11“You shall overlay it with pure gold, inside and out you shall overlay it, and you shall make a gold molding around it. 12“You shall cast four gold rings for it and fasten them on its four feet, and two rings shall be on one side of it and two rings on the other side of it. 13“You shall make poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold. 14“You shall put the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark, to carry the ark with them. 15“The poles shall remain in the rings of the ark; they shall not be removed from it. 16“You shall put into the ark the testimony which I shall give you.

      17“You shall make a mercy seat of pure gold, two and a half cubits long and one and a half cubits wide. 18“You shall make two cherubim of gold, make them of hammered work at the two ends of the mercy seat. 19“Make one cherub at one end and one cherub at the other end; you shall make the cherubim of one piece with the mercy seat at its two ends. 20“The cherubim shall have their wings spread upward, covering the mercy seat with their wings and facing one another; the faces of the cherubim are to be turned toward the mercy seat. 21“You shall put the mercy seat on top of the ark, and in the ark you shall put the testimony which I will give to you. 22“There I will meet with you; and from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim which are upon the ark of the testimony, I will speak to you about all that I will give you in commandment for the sons of Israel.

Reflection on Exodus 25:10–22:

The detail in God’s instructions is immediately noticeable. The ark was to have specific dimensions, be made from acacia wood, covered with gold, equipped with rings and poles for carrying, and constructed according to the pattern YHWH gave Moses. Even the poles were to remain in their rings. Israel was not being invited to design God’s dwelling place according to whatever seemed meaningful to them. The God who desired to dwell among them also determined how He was to be approached.

Inside the ark, Moses was to place “the testimony which I shall give you.” God’s covenant instruction stood at the center of Israel’s relationship with Him. The God who rescued Israel also taught them how His redeemed people should live. As we have seen throughout Exodus, grace and obedience were never intended to compete with one another. YHWH redeemed Israel first, and the people He redeemed were then called to walk according to His ways.

But above the testimony was something especially significant: the mercy seat. Later, in Leviticus 16, we learn that on the Day of Atonement the high priest would enter the Most Holy Place and sprinkle sacrificial blood on and before this mercy seat. God’s righteous standard had not disappeared, nor was sin simply ignored. Instead, YHWH Himself provided a means of atonement so that sinful people could remain in covenant relationship with a holy God.

This points us toward what God would ultimately accomplish through Yeshua. Hebrews 9 connects the tabernacle, the ark, the mercy seat, and the sacrificial system with Messiah’s greater work. Yeshua did not enter an earthly sanctuary with the blood of another sacrifice; He entered through His own blood, obtaining eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:11–12). What the tabernacle pictured repeatedly, Yeshua accomplished in a far greater and lasting way.

That makes God’s statement in verse 22 particularly beautiful: “There I will meet with you.” The purpose of all these instructions was not simply religious ceremony. YHWH wanted to dwell among His people and communicate with them. Yet because He is holy and humanity is sinful, He provided the way for that relationship to be possible.

There is an important lesson here for us. We sometimes want God on our terms. We want His presence without His holiness, His mercy without repentance, or relationship with Him while retaining the right to decide for ourselves what obedience should look like. Exodus does not allow us to separate these things.

At the same time, we should not miss the tremendous grace in the passage. The holy God did not simply tell sinful people that they could never approach Him. He provided the way for them to come near.

Yeshua later said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). We do not have to invent a path into God’s presence or wonder whether our efforts are good enough to get us there. God Himself has provided the way.

We do not make God accessible by approaching Him however we choose. We draw near because He has graciously shown us how—and ultimately provided that way through Yeshua.

Application

  • Approach YHWH according to what He has revealed in His Word rather than reshaping worship and obedience around personal preference.
  • Take God’s standards seriously while remembering that His mercy does not ignore sin—He has provided atonement for it.
  • Place your confidence in Yeshua rather than your own goodness as the basis for drawing near to God.
  • Remember that God’s desire is relationship: the holy God who tells us how to approach Him is also the God who says, “There I will meet with you.”

Closing Prayer

Father, thank You that although You are perfectly holy, You have provided a way for sinful people to draw near to You. Help me never to treat Your holiness casually or attempt to reshape Your ways according to my preferences. Thank You for the mercy You have shown and for the redemption You have provided through Yeshua. Teach me to walk faithfully according to Your Word and to treasure the extraordinary privilege of knowing You and living in Your presence. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

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

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

Fear / Reverence for God, Purposeful / Intentional, Revelation, Seeking God

Build Your Life Around What Will Last Forever (Revelation 21:9–27)

What are you investing your life in today—and how much of it will still matter in God’s eternal kingdom?

Key Verse

“I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.” — Revelation 21:22 (NASB)

Background Context

John has just seen the first heaven and earth pass away and heard God declare, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Now one of the seven angels invites John to see “the bride, the wife of the Lamb.”

John is carried to a great and high mountain, where he sees the holy city, Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God. The city radiates God’s glory and is described with extraordinary dimensions, precious stones, gates of pearl, and streets like transparent gold.

Yet the physical beauty points toward something greater. The defining characteristic of the New Jerusalem is not what the city possesses, but Who is there.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Revelation 21:9–27

      9Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues came and spoke with me, saying, “Come here, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.”

The New Jerusalem

10And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, 11having the glory of God. Her brilliance was like a very costly stone, as a stone of crystal-clear jasper. 12It had a great and high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels; and names were written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel. 13There were three gates on the east and three gates on the north and three gates on the south and three gates on the west. 14And the wall of the city had twelve foundation stones, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

      15The one who spoke with me had a gold measuring rod to measure the city, and its gates and its wall. 16The city is laid out as a square, and its length is as great as the width; and he measured the city with the rod, fifteen hundred miles; its length and width and height are equal. 17And he measured its wall, seventy-two yards, according to human measurements, which are also angelic measurements. 18The material of the wall was jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass. 19The foundation stones of the city wall were adorned with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation stone was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, chalcedony; the fourth, emerald; 20the fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, topaz; the tenth, chrysoprase; the eleventh, jacinth; the twelfth, amethyst. 21And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; each one of the gates was a single pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.

      22I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. 23And the city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb. 24The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it. 25In the daytime (for there will be no night there) its gates will never be closed; 26and they will bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it; 27and nothing unclean, and no one who practices abomination and lying, shall ever come into it, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

Reflection on Revelation 21:9–27:

John is told that he will be shown “the bride, the wife of the Lamb,” but what he is shown is the holy city, New Jerusalem. The imagery brings together God’s people and the place where they dwell with Him. Earlier in Revelation, Babylon was pictured as a corrupt woman who represented a rebellious world system. Now the contrast is complete. Babylon has fallen, while the bride belongs faithfully to the Lamb and reflects the glory of God.

The city’s description emphasizes completeness and order. It has twelve gates bearing the names of Israel’s twelve tribes and twelve foundation stones bearing the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. The picture connects God’s work through Israel and through the apostles within the unfolding story of redemption. This is not a kingdom created by human achievement. It is the fulfillment of what God has been accomplishing throughout His redemptive plan.

John then describes extraordinary wealth: jasper, gold, pearls, and precious stones. Things people spend their lives pursuing and accumulating are portrayed almost as ordinary construction materials in God’s city. Gold is pavement. A pearl is a gate. What humanity treats as ultimate treasure becomes secondary when compared with the glory of God’s presence.

That should challenge the way we evaluate what is valuable now. Money, possessions, accomplishments, and recognition can all have legitimate places in our lives, but they make terrible foundations for our identity and purpose. If something we spend decades pursuing will one day be little more than pavement, perhaps we should be careful about allowing it to become the center of our lives.

Then John notices something surprising: there is no temple in the city. Throughout Scripture, the tabernacle and later the temple represented God’s dwelling among His people. Access to His presence was carefully regulated because sinful humanity could not casually approach a holy God. But in the New Jerusalem, John says, “the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.” There is no separate place people must enter to encounter God because His presence fills everything.

This connects beautifully with what we have been studying in Exodus. YHWH is about to give Moses detailed instructions for building the tabernacle so that He may dwell among Israel. Revelation shows us where that story ultimately leads. The tabernacle and temple pointed toward something greater: God dwelling permanently and openly among His redeemed people.

The city does not even need the sun or moon for its light because “the glory of God has illuminated it, and its lamp is the Lamb.” The nations walk by that light, and the gates never need to close. Nothing unclean or deceptive enters, and there is no threat requiring the city to protect itself against another Babylon, beast, or enemy.

Yet the passage again ends with an important distinction. Those who enter are “only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” The magnificent city is ultimately the home of people who belong to the Lamb.

Revelation therefore invites us to reconsider what we are building our lives around. The kingdoms, possessions, recognition, and pleasures of this present world will pass away. YHWH’s kingdom will not.

If we know what will last forever, wisdom means investing our lives in what will still matter when everything temporary is gone.

Application

  • Examine what receives most of your time, energy, and attention, and ask whether those priorities reflect what God says will endure.
  • Enjoy material blessings without allowing possessions, wealth, or accomplishments to become the treasure around which you build your life.
  • Make knowing YHWH and following Yeshua your greatest pursuit, because God’s presence is the greatest treasure of the coming kingdom.
  • Live faithfully as someone who belongs to the Lamb rather than adopting the values of the temporary kingdom around you.

Closing Prayer

Father, help me see what is truly valuable from Your perspective. Keep me from building my life around possessions, accomplishments, recognition, or anything else that will eventually pass away. Thank You for the promise that You will dwell forever among Your people and that nothing sinful, painful, or threatening will remain. Help me live faithfully as someone who belongs to the Lamb and invest the life You have given me in things that will matter in Your eternal 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.