Core Teaching, Discipline / Correction, Faith / Trusting God, Guide, Jesus Christ / Yeshua, Obeying God, Purposeful / Intentional, Share the Good News, Study the Word, Submitted / Servant, Teachable

The Great Commission – Personal Discipleship Plan

This teaching is really a core part of our personal walk with Yeshua. Please take the time to read through it prayerfully, even though it may be a bit longer than average.

At Hearing From Jesus, we take the commands of our Lord very seriously and that certainly includes The Great Commission. In fact, it is this command that most directly inspires our ministry. We want to obey Yeshua and make disciples of all the nations.

Besides being the command of our Lord, it is also a natural desire we have in gratitude to Yahweh for His grace and forgiveness and also out of love for other people, who may be headed for eternal separation from Him in hell, unless they hear and study the true word of God.

Matthew 28:16-20

16But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated. 17When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful. 18And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

To learn more about the Great Commission given to us by Yeshua, we recommend you study our teaching, The Great Commission – Make Disciples Of All The Nations, before continuing with this teaching on building a personal discipleship plan.

Whether Hearing From Jesus is a primary source for your personal study and growth with the Lord or just another valuable reference site, we have structured our ministry to help you become a disciple, a learner, of Christ and then to prepare to go and make disciples of others. This last point is important… it should not be our goal to do the absolute minimum we can and still get into Heaven. Those who have this attitude are far from the kingdom of Heaven. Our goal is to grow spiritually to the point that we are feeding ourselves from Yahweh’s word and growing in our relationship with Him from now until we die. It is a journey that we never finish, but it transforms us along the way to become more like our Messiah and less like our old sinful nature. We are to learn well enough to then teach others effectively and help them become disciples as well… so they can , in turn, teach others.

Overwhelming? It can be. So, how do we begin such a task?

Let us begin by studying and then following the example of Yeshua. Likewise, we can review how others, like Paul or Moses or Elijah practiced discipleship. In all the examples I just mentioned, these servants of Yahweh knew the ultimate authority was the Creator, not a religious authority figure or scholars or traditions. We must seek to develop a personal relationship with Yahweh. We must not cling to traditions of men, even if they are taught by religious authority figures. The Pope, like the earthly head of every religion, is quite fallible and what he teaches must be tested against the word of Yah in the Bible. Sadly it often contradicts God’s word. We must test everything against the truth of the scripture and seek Yahweh in prayer consistently. To be a disciple of Christ we must be willing to put Him first, above and before all other parts of our lives and it will be hard. We must lose our own lives in order to find true life with Jesus.

Matthew 10:34-39

34“Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35“For I came to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; 36and a man’s enemies will be the members of his household.

37“He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. 38“And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. 39“He who has found his life will lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake will find it.

Yeshua did not attend formal schooling or study at seminary. These things may be helpful, but are not necessary and for most of us, not practical. Yeshua studied the scriptures rigorously and with devotion since He was as child. So knowledgeable was He, that when He was twelve, He was amazing the scholars and teachers of the law.

Luke 2:46-47

46Then, after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. 47And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers.

If you are coming to know Yeshua later in life, do not worry. Use the time our Father has given you and get started studying (not just reading) the Bible consistently today. He will reveal much to a devoted disciple through His word. Yeshua’s disciples certainly did not start studying scripture as children but God used them in a mighty way!

Yeshua had a powerful prayer life. Communicating with the Father to receive instruction through prayer is essential to live as an effective disciple. Yeshua did not pray when convenient… when He had time. Yeshua stayed up late and got up early. Consistent prayer is essential to staying submitted to the Father’s will rather than our own. To study more about Yeshua’s prayer life, I recommend reading Experiencing Prayer with Jesus, by Henry and Norman Blackaby.

When it was time for His public ministry to begin, Yeshua found a small set of disciples, or followers. He had an inner circle in which He invested much time (Peter, James, John) and He had a wider group, but still small, that included all twelve disciples. He invested much time in the twelve, but not as much as He invested in the closer circle of three. Yeshua also taught the masses who sought to hear God’s word. He never turned away those who were genuinely seeking the word of God.

We must recognize that Yeshua forced no one to be a disciple or to listen to His message. Instead He choose people as disciples who came enthusiastically and willingly. They were eager to learn and they were not rebelling against Yah, insisting on clutching onto their traditions or their personal lives before meeting Yeshua. They were willing to put Yeshua as a priority above all other things. They left much behind of what they knew to follow Him. Others whom he invited, such as the rich young ruler introduced in Matthew 19:16, could not put him first and thus chose not to follow him.

Yeshua made time for people and demonstrated compassion, but also remained focused on going about doing God’s work. He dealt with mockers appropriately so as not to let them distract Him from getting to those who wanted to hear. Yeshua would reply to those trying to trick Him, but only to provide a teachable moment and an opportunity for them to hear truth and repent, and then He would move on.

In three years He created a team of disciples who could go out and teach others. This is what disciple means… Yeshua does not call us to just remain a “baby” in the faith, needing constant care and feeding. Rather He calls us to be disciples who can learn and teach others to learn. Those others then teach more and there is a multiplying effect that has dramatically impacted the world over the last two thousand years… starting from the humble beginnings of a poor carpenter who taught truth and stood up against the established teachers and scholars of the time and against centuries of traditions of men which were put above the commands of God.

We will briefly comment regarding Moses, Elijah, and Paul but of course you can study and learn more about them by reading the scriptures.

Moses trained judges to be prepared to help meet the needs of the people in order to properly lead such a large number of people. [Exodus 18:17-26]

Elijah invested time to disciple Elisha, who became his successor. [1Kings 19:19-21]

Paul managed his disciples over a wider geography, across many different cities and regions. He taught to crowds, big and small, on his missionary journeys. However, he clearly had a close circle of disciples with whom he traveled and invested significant time and a wider circle of individuals whom he discipled through occasional visits and more frequently through correspondence (e.g. letters).

So… what do we learn from Yeshua and some significant servants of Yahweh? What is a practical way to begin?

We must all begin with study of the scripture and prayer. We must develop a strong personal relationship with the Father. Do not get in a hurry to be the teacher. Yeshua did not start discipling others immediately, he studied from time of child and started with disciples at 30 years old. His disciples spent three years under His instruction and care before going out to disciple others on their own. They maintained a support structure often going out in pairs and coming back to consult with one another.

Most of us need to identify resources and techniques for studying scripture, and possibly find a teacher or disciple who is further on the journey than we are to help lead the way and answer questions. We must learn to feed ourselves with Yah’s help, still listening to the wise, but testing all they teach against scripture.

When you are ready, start seeking those you can invest time and relationship in to come together to study Yah’s word with commitment and devotion. Seek your disciples, without giving up or forsaking your relationship with your teacher or with the Father. Keep feeding yourself and continue on the journey to know, love, and serve Yahweh or you will not be effective in leading others. Even if you do not feel comfortable guiding a Bible study on your own, set up a Bible study anyway. You can use material from our ministry or from other teachers who have already prepared and shared the message of God’s word. Just remember to test everything against the whole of scripture using your own discernment and prayer… as even good teachers have some doctrine incorrect… and some of it quite significant.

After a time, do not rush it, and staying connected to the disciples you study with… each of you perhaps in pairs can also set up separate small groups to disciple others. Invest in more than just Bible study, but in life activities and support one another. Do not tolerate among your disciples those who would tempt you to sloth or to disregard and rebel against God’s word by rationalizing sin or worldly culture as acceptable. Do not tolerate among your close disciples those that refuse to submit to Yahweh and repent of their sin, clinging to their sin nature and refusing to change behaviors to honor God. Follow Jesus’ instructions found in Matthew 18:15-17.

15“If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. 16“But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every fact may be confirmed. 17“If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.

Listen, also, to your fellow disciples when they point out to you your sin… for the wise listen to good advice with thanksgiving and become wiser. A fool despises correction.

Stay focused. Consider writing down a plan for your personal discipleship both as a learner and as a teacher. Review periodically, perhaps a few times a year, to evaluate your progress and commitment to this mission. Pray for our Father’s help frequently… “and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Please reach out to us with questions through our Contact Us page. Our intent is to teach you and support you in becoming a disciple, not just to give you a word from the scriptures daily… though that is a great start.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, please lead me in Your word with wisdom and courage. Help me to develop the passion to pursue the truth and depth of Your word. Give me a humble heart so that I may learn from others, even as I become more mature spiritually. Help also prepare me to lead others and to go forth and make disciples. To You be all the glory and honor. Amen. 

Shalom

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.

Am I on the path?, Core Teaching, Hebrew Roots / Commands / Law, Jesus (hearing from God), Obeying God, Share the Good News, Submitted / Servant

The Great Commission – Make Disciples Of All The Nations

This is an important core teaching, so please take some extra time to read through it as it is a bit longer than perhaps an average post. It is worth it. Pray for the LORD to speak to you and guide you as you reflect on the message.

Yahweh came down to live among us in the person of Yeshua (Hebrew name of Jesus). Both fully man and fully God, He demonstrated a perfect sinless life of devotion and submission to the Father. He set a perfect example for us to learn from and replicate. Then Yeshua fulfilled the purpose for which He came through His suffering, death, and resurrection… providing a path for those of us who accept Him as Lord to be reconciled with our Father regarding the punishment of our sins.

After His resurrection, Yeshua gave a clear command to His disciples regarding what He wanted them to do. We should study this command and obey it as well. It not only applies to the disciples who walked with Yeshua during His earthly ministry, but to all who truly submit to Yeshua as Messiah and therefore commit to do His work and obey His will and honor His kingdom. The command may not be easy to follow, but neither was dying on the cross easy. Yeshua’s command should be very important to each of us that declare Him “Lord”.

Matthew 28:16-20

16But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated. 17When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful. 18And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Those of us who serve Christ have our marching orders, a mission if you will. Yeshua did not say… “Live comfortably and according to your own desires. When you feel like it and when it is convenient and easy, please consider telling others about me.” Not at all. Quite the opposite. Jesus commands us to go and make disciples of all the world! Do not think that this was easy for the disciples either, but rather it was a challenging task. Let’s examine the command a little more closely as we begin.

“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.”

This statement clearly confirms to us that Yeshua has the full authority to speak for God. Yeshua’s tone is different now from earlier in His earthly ministry when He consistently said He could do only His Father’s will. He absolutely has authority over us and to refuse to obey His command is to rebel. You either obey or rebel. There is no “comfortable” middle ground where we sort of obey, but not fully.

But what is He asking us to do when He says, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations.”

“Go”

“Go” certainly seems clear. It is an action very different from “wait”. We should take action to fulfill the request, not wait for people to come to us and ask about Yeshua.

“therefore”

“Therefore” refers to the sentence preceding… because Yeshua has all authority, He has authority over us and He is commanding us to perform this mission. We either obey or rebel. There is no comfortable and convenient middle ground.

“…and make disciples…”

To make “disciples” is to make “learners”, people who can learn about Yahweh and then, once ready, teach others. We are not commanded to make “converts”, who accept Yeshua, but then require constant care and feeding (spiritually) from a pastor or other members of the body of Christ. We are to first lead them to conversion and then prepare the new followers of Christ to be able to “feed” themselves, growing in their relationship with the Lord for the rest of their lives. This obviously implies that we, too, must learn first how to feed ourselves and become mature disciples of Yeshua, seeking and submitting to the Father and obeying His word while constantly learning to know Him more intimately.

“…of all the nations…”

Of whom are we to make disciples? Just those like us? Just those nearby or just those far away? No. We are to make disciples of “all the nations”. To accomplish this we will clearly have to work together as the body of Christ, united in one mission… one purpose… each using the gifts and abilities Yahweh has given us to fulfill this great commission. Everyone must participate; no one can sit on the sidelines just watching and letting others complete the mission. Notice He does not command us to make disciples of all the people… as many will reject Him and we can not force someone to accept Yeshua. But we are to bring the message around the world so all can hear the good news of the gospel.

“…baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit…”

Baptism is important because it represents a public proclamation of submission to our Creator. Yeshua commands us to publicly acknowledge Him before others. There is no such thing as a private or secret faith. Such faith is not faith at all. Many ask if the name of Yahweh matters… YES, the name matters. God revealed through Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is very different than other false gods and false representations of God. God revealed through Father, Son, ands Holy Spirit is, by definition, different than even the incorrect Jewish belief that worships the God of the Old Testament (which is correct), but rejects Yeshua as God (incorrect). All religions are not equal. Only one is correct. This is not opinion. They contradict one another. Those who accept Yeshua will have eternal life with Yahweh, those who follow other gods will be separated from Him for eternity in hell… as a result of their own choice to reject Him. If this is a hard teaching and you want to reject it, your argument is not with me, but with our Father, Himself.

“…teaching them to observe all that I commanded you…”

How can we teach others if we do not first learn ourselves? We must study and seek Yahweh consistently and for a lifetime. Do not only read the Bible in a year. Read it over and over for a lifetime. Focus on understanding and applying rather than just reading a target number of pages in an arbitrary timeline such as a year. Reading scripture was not helpful to the Pharisees and religious leaders as they were not truly applying it correctly. They read it, and memorized it, but did not fully understand and apply it correctly. Truly there was more rejoicing in heaven for the sinners who repented and sought forgiveness in Yeshua, despite not knowing the scriptures well, than for all the “learned” and “well read” scholars that refused to submit to Yahweh. That said, when we submit to Yeshua, we must take on the serious work of reading scripture and understanding it and applying it in our lives.

Note also that Yeshua commands us to obey and teach others to obey “all that I commanded you”. All means all. Those truly submitted to Christ do not get to pick and choose which of His teachings they want to follow and which they reject because they do not like them or understand them or because they are unpopular. Righteousness is unpopular. So is holiness. So was Yeshua. Seek to please the Father rather than men. Obey and teach all that Yeshua commanded.

Just for clarity, this includes observing the laws given by Yahweh through Moses in the Torah, or first 5 books of the Bible, to the extent they have not been fulfilled by Yeshua. (We should be careful in studying what has been fulfilled and what has not. Yeshua clearly states he did not come to abolish the law.)

Matthew 5:17-19

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

The earthly ministry of Yeshua did not change right and wrong so as to lead us away from following Yahweh’s law or “set us free” from Yahweh’s law. Rather Yeshua constantly lived the example of honoring the law including things like honoring Sabbath and celebrating Passover, which have been incorrectly tossed aside by mainstream Christianity today. For more on this subject, read our teaching on Understanding The Law – What Does It Mean For Us Today?

“… and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

It is amazing and at times overwhelming how much significance is contained inside this command from Yeshua, commonly called the Great Commission. To obey such a command may seem a daunting or intimidating task. So, too, it must have seemed to the disciples when Yeshua first commanded them. That is why He finishes by assuring them that He will be with them throughout this mission and beyond.

We now have the benefit of seeing the successes and failures of God’s people in living out the Great Commission 2000 years later. While individuals and groups of people often fail, God has none the less used many courageous servants to spread the good news of the gospel across the world. (For more on the gospel, read our teaching The Message Of The Cross – Salvation.)

But there is much more work to be done. The mission is not complete. Now it is our turn!

How do we begin such a task? Study and follow the example of Jesus Christ. Likewise, we can study how others, like Paul or Moses or Elijah practiced discipleship to share God’s word. We explore this in more detail in our teaching, The Great Commission – Personal Discipleship Plan.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father help draw me near to You and open my eyes to Your wonderful ways. Let me not live for men or for myself, but rather for You. Help show me how to live out the great commission consistent with Your calling for me. Amen. 

Shalom

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.

Love, Marriage, Patient

From Longing to Covenant (Song of Solomon 3:6-11)

What changes when love moves from private longing to public commitment?

Key Verse:
“Go forth, O daughters of Zion, and gaze on King Solomon with the crown with which his mother has crowned him on the day of his wedding, and on the day of his gladness of heart.” —Song of Solomon 3:11 NASB

Background Context:
Song of Solomon 3:6–11 marks a clear transition from the quiet vulnerability of longing to a public celebration of love and commitment. The imagery shifts dramatically — from searching at night to a royal procession in daylight.

Solomon is now presented not merely as a beloved, but as a king. The scene depicts honor, protection, covenant, and joy. Love that was once sought and held privately is now affirmed openly before others.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Song of Solomon 3:6-11

Solomon’s Wedding Day

6“What is this coming up from the wilderness
Like columns of smoke,
Perfumed with myrrh and frankincense,
With all scented powders of the merchant?

      7“Behold, it is the traveling couch of Solomon;
Sixty mighty men around it,
Of the mighty men of Israel.

      8“All of them are wielders of the sword,
Expert in war;
Each man has his sword at his side,
Guarding against the terrors of the night.

      9“King Solomon has made for himself a sedan chair
From the timber of Lebanon.

      10“He made its posts of silver,
Its back of gold
And its seat of purple fabric,
With its interior lovingly fitted out
By the daughters of Jerusalem.

      11“Go forth, O daughters of Zion,
And gaze on King Solomon with the crown
With which his mother has crowned him
On the day of his wedding,
And on the day of his gladness of heart.”

Reflection on Song of Solomon 3:6–11:
The passage opens with awe and wonder. The beloved approaches surrounded by splendor, protection, and fragrance. This is not the secrecy of longing, but the confidence of commitment. Love has moved from uncertainty to assurance.

The imagery of Solomon’s carriage surrounded by mighty men emphasizes protection and responsibility. This love is not reckless or fragile — it is guarded. Covenant love involves intentional care, security, and responsibility, not merely emotion.

The crown Solomon wears highlights joy and honor. This moment is not marked by shame or fear, but by celebration. Love, when pursued God’s way and in proper time, leads to gladness rather than regret.

Spiritually, this passage reflects how God desires our relationship with Him to mature. What begins as longing grows into confidence. What is sought privately is eventually affirmed publicly. God honors love that waits, grows, and commits according to His design.

This section also serves as a reminder that love is not meant to remain hidden or uncertain forever. When love matures, it is celebrated. It brings joy not only to those involved, but to the community around them.

Song of Solomon 3 ends by showing the beauty of love fulfilled — not rushed, not forced, but honored in its proper time.

Application:

  • Honor commitment. Love is strengthened through covenant, not secrecy.

  • Value protection. Healthy love includes responsibility and care.

  • Wait for God’s timing. Love celebrated too early often leads to pain.

  • Rejoice in what God establishes. Love done God’s way brings joy.

  • Let love mature. True love grows from longing to lasting commitment.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for designing love with purpose, protection, and joy. Teach me patience to wait for Your timing and wisdom to honor love as You intended. Help me value commitment over impulse and celebration over secrecy. May my relationships reflect Your faithfulness and bring You glory. 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.

Consequences of Sin, Forgive Others / Seek Forgiveness, Learning To Pray Effectively, Psalms, Repenting from Sin

A Broken Heart Before a Holy God (Psalm 38)

Have you ever felt the crushing weight of guilt — knowing you have no excuses left and nowhere to hide?

Key Verse:
“For my iniquities are gone over my head; as a heavy burden they weigh too heavy for me.” —Psalm 38:4 NASB

Background Context:
Psalm 38 is a psalm of David written during a time of deep personal distress. David is not suffering because of random hardship or persecution, but because of his own sin. This psalm records the raw cry of a man under conviction — physically weakened, emotionally isolated, and spiritually aware that his suffering is connected to his rebellion against God.

Unlike some psalms where David protests innocence, here he openly confesses guilt. He acknowledges God’s righteous discipline and throws himself fully on the mercy of the Lord.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Psalm 38

Prayer of a Suffering Penitent.

A Psalm of David, for a memorial.

1O LORD, rebuke me not in Your wrath,
And chasten me not in Your burning anger.

      2For Your arrows have sunk deep into me,
And Your hand has pressed down on me.

      3There is no soundness in my flesh because of Your indignation;
There is no health in my bones because of my sin.

      4For my iniquities are gone over my head;
As a heavy burden they weigh too much for me.

      5My wounds grow foul and fester
Because of my folly.

      6I am bent over and greatly bowed down;
I go mourning all day long.

      7For my loins are filled with burning,
And there is no soundness in my flesh.

      8I am benumbed and badly crushed;
I groan because of the agitation of my heart.

      9Lord, all my desire is before You;
And my sighing is not hidden from You.

      10My heart throbs, my strength fails me;
And the light of my eyes, even that has gone from me.

      11My loved ones and my friends stand aloof from my plague;
And my kinsmen stand afar off.

      12Those who seek my life lay snares for me;
And those who seek to injure me have threatened destruction,
And they devise treachery all day long.

      13But I, like a deaf man, do not hear;
And I am like a mute man who does not open his mouth.

      14Yes, I am like a man who does not hear,
And in whose mouth are no arguments.

      15For I hope in You, O LORD;
You will answer, O Lord my God.

      16For I said, “May they not rejoice over me,
Who, when my foot slips, would magnify themselves against me.”

      17For I am ready to fall,
And my sorrow is continually before me.

      18For I confess my iniquity;
I am full of anxiety because of my sin.

      19But my enemies are vigorous and strong,
And many are those who hate me wrongfully.

      20And those who repay evil for good,
They oppose me, because I follow what is good.

      21Do not forsake me, O LORD;
O my God, do not be far from me!

      22Make haste to help me,
O Lord, my salvation!

Reflection on Psalm 38:
David does not minimize his sin. He does not blame others, justify his behavior, or soften the language. He describes his guilt as overwhelming, his strength as failing, and his relationships as strained. Sin, when left unconfessed, affects every part of life — body, mind, and spirit.

Yet even in this broken state, David does not turn away from God. He turns toward Him. Though he recognizes God’s discipline, he also trusts God’s mercy. His suffering becomes the very reason he seeks the Lord more earnestly.

David also experiences isolation. Friends distance themselves, enemies take advantage, and his voice seems unheard. This reflects a painful truth: sin often leads to loneliness. But David models the right response — silence before accusers and hope placed in God alone.

The psalm does not end with resolution, but with trust. David waits for the Lord to answer. He does not demand immediate relief; he submits himself to God’s timing and justice. Conviction, when rightly received, does not push us away from God — it pulls us closer.

Psalm 38 teaches us that repentance is not just about feeling bad, but about turning back to God with humility. God’s discipline is never meant to destroy, but to restore.

Application:

  • Acknowledge sin honestly. Confession begins with truth, not excuses.

  • Do not run from conviction. God disciplines those He loves.

  • Recognize sin’s weight. Unconfessed sin affects every area of life.

  • Turn toward God, not away. Brokenness is an invitation to repentance.

  • Wait on the Lord. Healing and restoration come in His time.

  • Trust God’s mercy. Discipline is not rejection — it is love.

Closing Prayer:
Father, search my heart and reveal anything that separates me from You. Give me humility to confess my sin and courage to turn away from it. Help me receive Your discipline not as rejection, but as loving correction meant to restore me. I wait on You, trusting in Your mercy and grace. 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.

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

Trusting God When Hope Delays (Genesis 40)

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

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

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

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

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Genesis 40

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Application:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

John Golda

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

Faith / Trusting God, Learning To Pray Effectively, Purposeful / Intentional, Repenting from Sin

That You May Know (1 John 5:13–21)

Do you live with quiet confidence in your salvation — or lingering uncertainty about where you stand with God?

Key Verse:
“These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.” —1 John 5:13 NASB

Background Context:
John closes his letter by clearly stating his purpose: assurance. He writes so that believers may know they have eternal life. This final section weaves together confidence in salvation, confidence in prayer, discernment regarding sin, protection from the evil one, and a final warning to remain faithful to the true God.

John’s tone is pastoral and urgent. He wants believers to live securely in Christ, pray confidently according to God’s will, and remain alert in a world filled with deception.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

1 John 5:13–21

This Is Written That You May Know

      13These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life. 14This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him.

      16If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask and God will for him give life to those who commit sin not leading to death. There is a sin leading to death; I do not say that he should make request for this. 17All unrighteousness is sin, and there is a sin not leading to death.

      18We know that no one who is born of God sins; but He who was born of God keeps him, and the evil one does not touch him. 19We know that we are of God, and that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. 20And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.

      21Little children, guard yourselves from idols.

Reflection on 1 John 5:13–21:
John begins with reassurance. Eternal life is not something believers must guess at or hope for — it is something they can know. This confidence is rooted not in personal achievement, but in faith in the name of the Son of God.

From that assurance flows confidence in prayer. John reminds believers that God hears prayers offered according to His will. This does not mean we manipulate God through prayer, but that our requests are shaped by His Word and character. Prayer becomes an act of alignment, not control.

John then addresses the difficult topic of sin among believers. He encourages prayer for those who stumble, emphasizing restoration rather than condemnation. At the same time, he warns against taking sin lightly. The believer’s life is meant to be marked by repentance and transformation, not casual tolerance of wrongdoing.

When John speaks of sin leading to death and sin not leading to death, we should remember an important truth: the penalty for all sin is death. It is only through Christ that sin can be forgiven and no longer lead to death. John is not minimizing sin, nor is he creating a category where sin is harmless. Rather, he is emphasizing the difference Christ makes.

John appears to be encouraging believers to pray for brothers or sisters they see sinning — trusting that God will forgive and restore them when prayer aligns with His will. At the same time, Scripture also warns us of what Yeshua described as the unpardonable sin — blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. This is not a momentary failure or a struggle with temptation, but a continued and willful rejection of the Spirit’s testimony and work, which can also be thought of as the rejection of Yeshua as Lord.

Yeshua said:
“Any sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven people, but blasphemy against the Spirit shall not be forgiven.” (Matthew 12:31–32)

When we consider this warning alongside John’s use of the word brother, it seems likely that John is referring to believers who stumble but have not rejected the Spirit. For such cases, prayer is not only appropriate but also effective. God hears, forgives, and restores according to His will.

This passage, therefore, calls us not to fear but to discern wisely, intercede faithfully, and remain anchored in Christ. God desires repentance and restoration, and He invites His people to participate through prayer.

John reassures believers again: those born of God are protected. The evil one does not have ultimate power over them. Christ guards His people, even as they live in a world under the influence of darkness.

The letter ends with a short but powerful command: “Little children, guard yourselves from idols.” This is not a sudden change of subject. Idols are anything that competes with God for our trust, devotion, or identity — including false ideas about who God is. After emphasizing truth, love, obedience, and assurance, John warns believers not to trade the true God for substitutes.

1 John ends not with fear, but with clarity. God has given understanding so that we may know Him who is true — and live in His Son, Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.

Application:

  • Live with assurance. God wants you to know you have eternal life.

  • Pray with confidence. Align your requests with God’s will and trust that He hears you.

  • Intercede for others. Pray for believers who stumble, seeking restoration, not condemnation.

  • Take sin seriously. Grace leads to repentance, not complacency.

  • Trust God’s protection. The evil one does not have the final word.

  • Guard against idols. Refuse anything that competes with devotion to the true God.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for the assurance of eternal life through Your Son. Help me live with confidence rooted in Your promises, not in fear or doubt. Teach me to pray according to Your will, to intercede faithfully for others, and to walk in repentance and truth. Guard my heart from idols, and keep me anchored in You, the true God and source of eternal life. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

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

John Golda

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

Faith / Trusting God, Father / Yahweh, Jesus Christ / Yeshua, Obeying God, Salvation, Truth

Faith That Overcomes the World (1 John 5:1-12)

What does it truly mean to overcome the world — is it power, influence, success, or something far deeper?

Key Verse:
“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world — our faith.” —1 John 5:4 NASB

Background Context:
As John nears the conclusion of his letter, he draws together several key themes: faith, obedience, love, and assurance. He reminds believers that faith in Jesus as the Messiah is not merely intellectual agreement, but the beginning of a transformed life.

John emphasizes that loving God results in obedience to His commandments, which are not burdensome because they flow from a new nature. He then highlights God’s own testimony concerning His Son — a testimony confirmed by the Spirit, the water, and the blood — affirming that eternal life is found only in Jesus Christ.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

1 John 5:1-12

Overcoming the World

      1Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and whoever loves the Father loves the child born of Him. 2By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and observe His commandments. 3For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome. 4For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.

      5Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? 6This is the One who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ; not with the water only, but with the water and with the blood. It is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. 7For there are three that testify: 8the Spirit and the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement. 9If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater; for the testimony of God is this, that He has testified concerning His Son. 10The one who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself; the one who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has given concerning His Son. 11And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life.

Reflection on 1 John 5:1–12:
John begins with identity. Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God. This new birth changes how we relate to God and to others. Love for God naturally produces love for His children, and love for God is expressed through obedience to His commandments.

John is careful to clarify that obedience is not burdensome. This does not mean obedience is effortless, but that it is no longer oppressive. When our hearts are aligned with God, His ways are no longer experienced as chains but as life-giving truth.

John then speaks of victory. Overcoming the world does not mean escaping hardship or dominating culture. It means remaining faithful to God in a world that resists Him. This victory is not achieved by human strength, but through faith — faith rooted in who Jesus is and what He has done.

The testimony John refers to is crucial. Faith is not a blind leap. God Himself has testified about His Son. The Spirit bears witness, confirming truth within believers. The water and the blood point to the historical reality of Jesus’ life, ministry, death, and resurrection. Christianity is grounded in real events, witnessed and recorded.

John draws a clear line: eternal life is found in the Son. To have the Son is to have life; to reject Him is to remain without it. There is no alternative path offered here — only a gracious invitation to trust God’s testimony.

This passage reassures believers that faith, obedience, and assurance are woven together. Our confidence does not rest in our perfection, but in God’s faithful witness and the transforming power of new birth.

Application:

  • Rest in your new identity. You are born of God through faith in Christ.

  • Let love lead to obedience. God’s commandments are life-giving, not oppressive.

  • Understand victory rightly. Overcoming the world means remaining faithful, not avoiding trials.

  • Anchor your faith in truth. God’s testimony is historical, reliable, and Spirit-confirmed.

  • Cling to Christ. Eternal life is found only in the Son.

  • Walk with confidence. Faith produces assurance rooted in God’s promise, not your performance.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for the gift of new life through faith in Your Son. Strengthen my trust in Your testimony and help me walk in obedience born from love, not obligation. Teach me what it truly means to overcome the world by remaining faithful to You. Anchor my confidence in Christ alone, and let my life reflect the victory You have already secured. 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.

Core Teaching, Learning To Pray Effectively, Salvation, Satan, Spiritual Warfare

Spiritual Warfare – the Battle Is Real

The most basic rule of warfare is perhaps that if you don’t realize or accept there is an enemy moving against you, you will most probably lose. If you don’t fight back with an effective strategy, you will lose even if you take on the enemy. If you don’t properly identify your enemy, you will develop the wrong strategy.

In Ephesians 6:10-18 Paul provides us important guidance about the reality of spiritual warfare. Too often Christians dismiss spiritual warfare and focus only on the things we can see and touch. This leaves us vulnerable to Satan’s attacks. If we do not recognize the true enemy, we will struggle to win against him.

Ephesians 6:10-18

10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, 19and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, 20for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Some key points upon which to reflect:

  • Our strength comes from the Lord, not ourselves
  • The devil is real and he has strategies he uses to lie, cheat and destroy. He will use more than one strategy against us.
  • Warfare does not always take place in physical world, sometimes it is in the spiritual world. Consider the book of Job.
  • Just putting on one or two pieces of the armor of God is not enough, we need to put on all of them.
  • Prayer and a relationship with Jesus is necessary! Jesus tells us to pray daily and to pray specifically to not let us yield to temptation, and to be rescued from the evil one. Matthew 6:9-13
  • We are to stay alert and pray for others in addition to ourselves. Pray for those preach the gospel that they would preach boldly!

Let’s explore what it really means to put on the full armor of God.

Truth can simply be defined as the real facts about something. Surprisingly the world today proposes that truth is relative when it comes to God or how we live… “True for you but not for me”, etc. This is no more accurate than saying “If I do not believe in gravity, I will not fall off a ladder.” Gravity is true whether or not I believe in or accept it. God lovingly and in great detail shares truth in the Bible and reveals it in the world around us. There is absolute truth.

Righteousness is characterized by living consistently with God’s standards of morality, justice, virtue, etc. As God’s standard is Himself, it is a lofty bar. We will never achieve it to perfection but He is the standard and reference point none the less. We should keep our eyes on Jesus and seek help from the Holy Spirit to keep changing to be more like Him.

The peace that comes from knowing the good news is not a promise that we will avoid conflicts and trials, but rather an affirmation that when we have relationship with Jesus Christ we know He is with us in this life and that we have eternal life on the other side of this world. We can have peace through the mightiest storms.

Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. Hebrews 11:1. In this context Paul reminds us that we must trust in God even when we are under attack by Satan. Just because we can not recognize how God is working in the situation does not mean that He is not there. We can be confident He is with us.

Salvation is deliverance from sin and its consequence, which is death. It is not enough to know or acknowledge Jesus Christ. Even Satan and his demons do that. By asking and accepting Jesus into our lives and repenting from our sinful ways we receive salvation through grace.

The sword of the spirit, or word of God, is what Jesus Himself used to defeat Satan when He was tempted in the wilderness. Matthew 4:1-11. We must know the word of God before the attack comes just as a soldier must train and be prepared before he goes to battle.

To be effective we must understand and use all of this equipment daily. It ceases to become “something we do” and becomes “how we do everything” in our lives.

Remember to heed Paul’s warning and guidance for prayer. The battle is not ours alone, but the Lord’s!

18With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, help me focus on the real enemy, Satan, rather than thinking of others in the physical as my enemy. Thank You for Your guidance and power to resist him. Help us as Your people in the application of putting on the full armor as You instruct. Let not the enemy divide Your people, but rather bring us together to resist him and glorify Your name. Amen. 

 Shalom

Devotion by John in service to Christ

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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.

Depression / Discouragement, Faith / Trusting God, Obeying God, Purposeful / Intentional, Tribulation

Doing Right Even When It Costs You (Genesis 39:11-23)

Have you ever done the right thing — only to suffer for it anyway?

Key Verse:
“But the LORD was with Joseph and extended kindness to him, and gave him favor in the sight of the chief jailer.” —Genesis 39:21 NASB

Background Context:
After repeatedly resisting temptation, Joseph is falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife. Her accusation is believed without investigation, and Joseph is thrown into prison. From a human perspective, Joseph’s situation could not be more unjust: he chose righteousness, yet suffered severe consequences.

Yet Scripture once again emphasizes a crucial truth — the LORD was with Joseph. Though stripped of freedom, Joseph is not stripped of God’s presence. Even in prison, God continues to bless Joseph’s faithfulness and prepares him for what lies ahead.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Genesis 39:11-23

11Now it happened one day that he went into the house to do his work, and none of the men of the household was there inside. 12She caught him by his garment, saying, “Lie with me!” And he left his garment in her hand and fled, and went outside. 13When she saw that he had left his garment in her hand and had fled outside, 14she called to the men of her household and said to them, “See, he has brought in a Hebrew to us to make sport of us; he came in to me to lie with me, and I screamed. 15“When he heard that I raised my voice and screamed, he left his garment beside me and fled and went outside.” 16So she left his garment beside her until his master came home. 17Then she spoke to him with these words, “The Hebrew slave, whom you brought to us, came in to me to make sport of me; 18and as I raised my voice and screamed, he left his garment beside me and fled outside.”

Joseph Imprisoned

      19Now when his master heard the words of his wife, which she spoke to him, saying, “This is what your slave did to me,” his anger burned. 20So Joseph’s master took him and put him into the jail, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined; and he was there in the jail. 21But the LORD was with Joseph and extended kindness to him, and gave him favor in the sight of the chief jailer. 22The chief jailer committed to Joseph’s charge all the prisoners who were in the jail; so that whatever was done there, he was responsible for it. 23The chief jailer did not supervise anything under Joseph’s charge because the LORD was with him; and whatever he did, the LORD made to prosper.

Reflection on Genesis 39:11–23:
Joseph’s integrity leads directly to injustice. He flees from sin, leaving behind his cloak, only to have that very evidence used against him. This moment teaches a hard but vital lesson: obedience to God does not guarantee immediate reward or protection from suffering.

Joseph is powerless to defend himself. His voice is not recorded. His character, proven over time, is overshadowed by a false accusation. Yet God does not intervene to prevent the prison — instead, He enters it with Joseph.

The text repeats a phrase we have already seen: “The LORD was with Joseph.” God’s presence does not remove hardship, but it transforms it. In prison, Joseph once again serves faithfully. He does not grow bitter or withdraw. He works diligently, and God grants him favor with the chief jailer.

Soon, Joseph is entrusted with responsibility even behind bars. What looks like a setback is actually preparation. God is shaping Joseph’s character, endurance, and leadership for a role far greater than Joseph can yet imagine.

This passage reassures us that God is never absent in unjust suffering. Silence does not mean abandonment. Delay does not mean denial. God is working even when obedience seems costly and unseen.

Genesis 39 ends not with Joseph’s release, but with his faithfulness intact. God’s purposes are still unfolding — quietly, patiently, and powerfully.

Application:

  • Choose righteousness even when it costs you. Obedience honors God regardless of outcome.

  • Trust God in injustice. He sees what others ignore or distort.

  • Remain faithful in confinement. God can work powerfully even in restricted circumstances.

  • Resist bitterness. Suffering does not have to harden your heart.

  • Serve where you are. Faithfulness in small places prepares you for greater ones.

  • Remember God’s presence. He is with you in every trial.

Closing Prayer:
Father, when doing what is right leads to suffering, help me trust You instead of growing bitter. Remind me that You are with me even in injustice and silence. Give me strength to remain faithful, humble, and obedient in every circumstance. Use my trials to shape my character and prepare me for Your purposes. I place my trust in You, knowing You never abandon Your people. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

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

John Golda

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

Marriage, Patient, Seeking God, Song of Solomon

When Love Feels Distant (Song of Solomon 3:1-5)

Have you ever experienced a season where love felt uncertain or distant — where your heart longed for reassurance and closeness?

Key Verse:
“I found him whom my soul loves; I held on to him and would not let him go.” —Song of Solomon 3:4 NASB

Background Context:
Song of Solomon 3:1–5 shifts into a more vulnerable emotional space. The bride describes a night filled with longing and restlessness as she searches for her beloved. Unlike earlier passages filled with delight and affirmation, this section captures anxiety, absence, and the desire for reassurance.

This passage ends with a familiar refrain, reminding us once again that love must not be awakened or forced outside of its proper time. The tension between longing and restraint remains central to the message.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Song of Solomon 3:1-5

The Bride’s Troubled Dream

1“On my bed night after night I sought him
Whom my soul loves;
I sought him but did not find him.

      2‘I must arise now and go about the city;
In the streets and in the squares
I must seek him whom my soul loves.’
I sought him but did not find him.

      3“The watchmen who make the rounds in the city found me,
And I said, ‘Have you seen him whom my soul loves?’

      4“Scarcely had I left them
When I found him whom my soul loves;
I held on to him and would not let him go
Until I had brought him to my mother’s house,
And into the room of her who conceived me.”

      5“I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem,
By the gazelles or by the hinds of the field,
That you will not arouse or awaken my love
Until she pleases.”

Reflection on Song of Solomon 3:1–5:
The bride’s search begins in the quiet of night — a time often associated with vulnerability and fear. She longs for the presence of the one she loves but cannot find him. Her distress is real and emotional, not dramatic or exaggerated. Love here is not effortless; it is deeply felt and sometimes uncertain.

Rather than remaining passive, the bride rises and searches. She moves through the city, asking the watchmen if they have seen her beloved. This shows intentional pursuit. Love does not always wait — sometimes it seeks. Yet even in her searching, there is restraint. She is not driven by panic, but by devotion.

When she finds him, her response is telling. She holds him and does not let go. The insecurity of absence gives way to reassurance through presence. Love is strengthened not by possession, but by restored closeness and trust.

Spiritually, this passage reflects seasons when God may feel distant. There are times when believers sincerely seek Him and feel delayed or unanswered. Scripture does not shame this longing. Instead, it affirms the pursuit of God during moments of uncertainty.

Yet the passage ends with wisdom. The repeated warning not to awaken love before its proper time reminds us that desire, though good, must remain under discipline. Longing does not justify forcing outcomes. Whether in marriage, relationships, or our walk with God, love matures best when it respects God’s timing.

This passage teaches us that emotional longing is not weakness. It becomes strength when it leads us to seek, to trust, and to wait wisely.

Application:

  • Do not fear seasons of longing. They often deepen love rather than diminish it.

  • Seek intentionally. When closeness feels distant, pursue with humility and patience.

  • Hold fast to what is restored. Reassurance strengthens commitment.

  • Avoid forcing outcomes. Love grows best within God’s timing.

  • Trust God in the silence. Absence does not mean abandonment.

  • Balance desire with wisdom. Longing must remain guided by restraint.

Closing Prayer:
Father, when I experience seasons of longing or uncertainty, help me seek You rather than retreat in fear. Teach me patience, trust, and restraint as I wait for Your timing. Strengthen my heart to hold fast to what You restore and to honor love as You designed it. Let my longing lead me closer to You, not ahead of 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.

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