Depression / Discouragement, Discipline / Guidance From God, Kindness / Gentleness, Seeking God, Tribulation

Grieving in Silence (Lamentations 2)

Have you ever found yourself speechless in the face of overwhelming tragedy, unable to find the words to express your grief?

In Lamentations 2, we enter into the profound silence that follows the devastation of Jerusalem, as the city’s inhabitants grapple with the unimaginable horrors that have befallen them. Join us as we journey through this poignant chapter, wrestling with the weight of sorrow and seeking solace amidst the silence.

Reconnect: As we delve into Lamentations 2, we are confronted with the stark reality of Jerusalem’s destruction and the profound silence that envelops the city in its aftermath. The once-vibrant metropolis now lies in ruins, its streets deserted and its people left to grapple with the agony of loss and despair. In this chapter, we encounter themes of mourning, lamentation, and the haunting echoes of a once-thriving city now reduced to silence.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Lamentations 2

God’s Anger over Israel

1How the Lord has covered the daughter of Zion
With a cloud in His anger!
He has cast from heaven to earth
The glory of Israel,
And has not remembered His footstool
In the day of His anger.

      2The Lord has swallowed up; He has not spared
All the habitations of Jacob.
In His wrath He has thrown down
The strongholds of the daughter of Judah;
He has brought them down to the ground;
He has profaned the kingdom and its princes.

      3In fierce anger He has cut off
All the strength of Israel;
He has drawn back His right hand
From before the enemy.
And He has burned in Jacob like a flaming fire
Consuming round about.

      4He has bent His bow like an enemy;
He has set His right hand like an adversary
And slain all that were pleasant to the eye;
In the tent of the daughter of Zion
He has poured out His wrath like fire.

      5The Lord has become like an enemy.
He has swallowed up Israel;
He has swallowed up all its palaces,
He has destroyed its strongholds
And multiplied in the daughter of Judah
Mourning and moaning.

      6And He has violently treated His tabernacle like a garden booth;
He has destroyed His appointed meeting place.
The LORD has caused to be forgotten
The appointed feast and sabbath in Zion,
And He has despised king and priest
In the indignation of His anger.

      7The Lord has rejected His altar,
He has abandoned His sanctuary;
He has delivered into the hand of the enemy
The walls of her palaces.
They have made a noise in the house of the LORD
As in the day of an appointed feast.

      8The LORD determined to destroy
The wall of the daughter of Zion.
He has stretched out a line,
He has not restrained His hand from destroying,
And He has caused rampart and wall to lament;
They have languished together.

      9Her gates have sunk into the ground,
He has destroyed and broken her bars.
Her king and her princes are among the nations;
The law is no more.
Also, her prophets find
No vision from the LORD.

      10The elders of the daughter of Zion
Sit on the ground, they are silent.
They have thrown dust on their heads;
They have girded themselves with sackcloth.
The virgins of Jerusalem
Have bowed their heads to the ground.

      11My eyes fail because of tears,
My spirit is greatly troubled;
My heart is poured out on the earth
Because of the destruction of the daughter of my people,
When little ones and infants faint
In the streets of the city.

      12They say to their mothers,
“Where is grain and wine?”
As they faint like a wounded man
In the streets of the city,
As their life is poured out
On their mothers’ bosom.

      13How shall I admonish you?
To what shall I compare you,
O daughter of Jerusalem?
To what shall I liken you as I comfort you,
O virgin daughter of Zion?
For your ruin is as vast as the sea;
Who can heal you?

      14Your prophets have seen for you
False and foolish visions;
And they have not exposed your iniquity
So as to restore you from captivity,
But they have seen for you false and misleading oracles.

      15All who pass along the way
Clap their hands in derision at you;
They hiss and shake their heads
At the daughter of Jerusalem,
“Is this the city of which they said,
‘The perfection of beauty,
A joy to all the earth’?”

      16All your enemies
Have opened their mouths wide against you;
They hiss and gnash their teeth.
They say, “We have swallowed her up!
Surely this is the day for which we waited;
We have reached it, we have seen it.”

      17The LORD has done what He purposed;
He has accomplished His word
Which He commanded from days of old.
He has thrown down without sparing,
And He has caused the enemy to rejoice over you;
He has exalted the might of your adversaries.

      18Their heart cried out to the Lord,
“O wall of the daughter of Zion,
Let your tears run down like a river day and night;
Give yourself no relief,
Let your eyes have no rest.

      19“Arise, cry aloud in the night
At the beginning of the night watches;
Pour out your heart like water
Before the presence of the Lord;
Lift up your hands to Him
For the life of your little ones
Who are faint because of hunger
At the head of every street.”

      20See, O LORD, and look!
With whom have You dealt thus?
Should women eat their offspring,
The little ones who were born healthy?
Should priest and prophet be slain
In the sanctuary of the Lord?

      21On the ground in the streets
Lie young and old;
My virgins and my young men
Have fallen by the sword.
You have slain them in the day of Your anger,
You have slaughtered, not sparing.

      22You called as in the day of an appointed feast
My terrors on every side;
And there was no one who escaped or survived
In the day of the LORD’S anger.
Those whom I bore and reared,
My enemy annihilated them.

Summary Key Points:

  1. A City Laid Waste: Lamentations 2 paints a harrowing picture of Jerusalem’s devastation, describing the city as a desolate wasteland laid waste by the hand of God. The once-glorious capital now lies in ruins, its walls breached, its temple defiled, and its people left to wander the streets in search of solace.
  2. Divine Judgment and Desolation: The destruction of Jerusalem is seen as a manifestation of divine judgment, a consequence of the city’s rebellion and sin. God’s wrath is depicted as fierce and relentless, sparing no one in its path as it lays waste to the once-proud city and its inhabitants.
  3. The Silence of Grief: Amidst the ruins of Jerusalem, we encounter the profound silence of grief, as the city’s inhabitants are left speechless in the face of unimaginable tragedy. The streets that once echoed with the sounds of life and laughter now lie silent, haunted by the memories of what once was.

Call to Action:

  1. Sit in Silence and Lament: Take time to sit in silence and lament the brokenness and suffering in our world, acknowledging the pain and sorrow that exists both individually and collectively. Allow yourself to grieve honestly and openly, knowing that God hears the cries of the brokenhearted and offers comfort in times of distress.
  2. Seek God’s Presence in the Silence: In the midst of the silence, seek God’s presence and companionship, knowing that He is near to the brokenhearted and the downtrodden. Find solace in His promises of comfort and restoration, trusting that He is able to bring beauty from ashes and joy from mourning.
  3. Bear Witness to the Suffering of Others: As you lament the brokenness in our world, commit to bearing witness to the suffering of others and extending compassion and support wherever it is needed. Stand in solidarity with those who are marginalized and oppressed, advocating for justice and mercy in the midst of despair.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts, mourning the brokenness and suffering in our world. As we sit in silence and lament, we pray for Your presence to surround us, bringing comfort and hope in the midst of despair. Help us to bear witness to the suffering of others, extending Your love and compassion to all who are in need. 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.

Discipline / Guidance From God, Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Hope, Seeking God

A Cry in the Darkness (Lamentations 1)

Have you ever felt the weight of despair pressing down on your soul, enveloping you in darkness?

In Lamentations 1, we encounter the raw, poignant expressions of grief and anguish as Jerusalem mourns the devastation of its beloved city. Join us as we journey through this somber chapter, exploring the depths of sorrow and the glimmers of hope amidst the ruins.

Reconnect: As we delve into Lamentations 1, we immerse ourselves in the lament of Jerusalem, grappling with the aftermath of destruction and the profound sense of loss experienced by its inhabitants. In the midst of despair, we uncover themes of mourning, reflection, and a yearning for restoration that resonate with the human experience of suffering.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Lamentations  1

The Sorrows of Zion

1How lonely sits the city
That was full of people!
She has become like a widow
Who was once great among the nations!
She who was a princess among the provinces
Has become a forced laborer!

      2She weeps bitterly in the night
And her tears are on her cheeks;
She has none to comfort her
Among all her lovers.
All her friends have dealt treacherously with her;
They have become her enemies.

      3Judah has gone into exile under affliction
And under harsh servitude;
She dwells among the nations,
But she has found no rest;
All her pursuers have overtaken her
In the midst of distress.

      4The roads of Zion are in mourning
Because no one comes to the appointed feasts.
All her gates are desolate;
Her priests are groaning,
Her virgins are afflicted,
And she herself is bitter.

      5Her adversaries have become her masters,
Her enemies prosper;
For the LORD has caused her grief
Because of the multitude of her transgressions;
Her little ones have gone away
As captives before the adversary.

      6All her majesty
Has departed from the daughter of Zion;
Her princes have become like deer
That have found no pasture;
And they have fled without strength
Before the pursuer.

      7In the days of her affliction and homelessness
Jerusalem remembers all her precious things
That were from the days of old,
When her people fell into the hand of the adversary
And no one helped her.
The adversaries saw her,
They mocked at her ruin.

      8Jerusalem sinned greatly,
Therefore she has become an unclean thing.
All who honored her despise her
Because they have seen her nakedness;
Even she herself groans and turns away.

      9Her uncleanness was in her skirts;
She did not consider her future.
Therefore she has fallen astonishingly;
She has no comforter.
“See, O LORD, my affliction,
For the enemy has magnified himself!”

      10The adversary has stretched out his hand
Over all her precious things,
For she has seen the nations enter her sanctuary,
The ones whom You commanded
That they should not enter into Your congregation.

      11All her people groan seeking bread;
They have given their precious things for food
To restore their lives themselves.
“See, O LORD, and look,
For I am despised.”

      12“Is it nothing to all you who pass this way?
Look and see if there is any pain like my pain
Which was severely dealt out to me,
Which the LORD inflicted on the day of His fierce anger.

      13“From on high He sent fire into my bones,
And it prevailed over them.
He has spread a net for my feet;
He has turned me back;
He has made me desolate,
Faint all day long.

      14“The yoke of my transgressions is bound;
By His hand they are knit together.
They have come upon my neck;
He has made my strength fail.
The Lord has given me into the hands
Of those against whom I am not able to stand.

      15“The Lord has rejected all my strong men
In my midst;
He has called an appointed time against me
To crush my young men;
The Lord has trodden as in a wine press
The virgin daughter of Judah.

      16“For these things I weep;
My eyes run down with water;
Because far from me is a comforter,
One who restores my soul.
My children are desolate
Because the enemy has prevailed.”

      17Zion stretches out her hands;
There is no one to comfort her;
The LORD has commanded concerning Jacob
That the ones round about him should be his adversaries;
Jerusalem has become an unclean thing among them.

      18“The LORD is righteous;
For I have rebelled against His command;
Hear now, all peoples,
And behold my pain;
My virgins and my young men
Have gone into captivity.

      19“I called to my lovers, but they deceived me;
My priests and my elders perished in the city
While they sought food to restore their strength themselves.

      20“See, O LORD, for I am in distress;
My spirit is greatly troubled;
My heart is overturned within me,
For I have been very rebellious.
In the street the sword slays;
In the house it is like death.

      21“They have heard that I groan;
There is no one to comfort me;
All my enemies have heard of my calamity;
They are glad that You have done it.
Oh, that You would bring the day which You have proclaimed,
That they may become like me.

      22“Let all their wickedness come before You;
And deal with them as You have dealt with me
For all my transgressions;
For my groans are many and my heart is faint.”

Summary Key Points:

  1. Desolation and Devastation: Lamentations 1 paints a vivid picture of Jerusalem’s desolation, portraying the city as a widow bereft of her children. The once-thriving metropolis now lies in ruins, its streets deserted and its glory faded. The depth of despair is palpable as the inhabitants mourn the loss of their home and heritage.
  2. Divine Judgment and Lamentation: The lament of Jerusalem is intertwined with reflections on divine judgment, as the people grapple with the consequences of their rebellion against God. The city’s downfall is seen as a direct result of its disobedience, leading to a profound sense of remorse and repentance among its inhabitants.
  3. Hope Amidst Suffering: Despite the overwhelming despair depicted in Lamentations 1, there are glimpses of hope scattered throughout the text. Amidst the devastation, the people cling to the belief in God’s faithfulness and mercy, expressing confidence in His ability to eventually restore and redeem their broken city.

Call to Action:

  1. Acknowledge and Express Grief: Take time to acknowledge and express your grief and sorrow, recognizing that it is a natural part of the human experience. Allow yourself to lament and pour out your heart before God, knowing that He hears the cries of the brokenhearted and offers comfort in times of distress.
  2. Reflect on Personal and Collective Sin: Use the lament of Jerusalem as an opportunity for personal and collective reflection on sin and its consequences. Consider areas of disobedience in your own life and in society, and seek forgiveness and reconciliation where needed.
  3. Cling to Hope in God’s Faithfulness: Even in the darkest moments, cling to the hope found in God’s faithfulness and promises. Trust that He is able to bring beauty from ashes and restoration from ruin, and anchor your faith in His unchanging character and love.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts, echoing the lament of Jerusalem as we mourn the brokenness and suffering in our world. Amidst the darkness, we cling to the hope found in Your faithfulness and mercy, trusting that You are able to bring healing and restoration to the broken places. Help us to lament with honesty and humility, and to find comfort and strength in Your presence. 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.

Proverbs (Wisdom & Folly), Wise

Wisdom’s Call (Proverbs 8)

Have you ever felt a stirring within, a call to discern between right and wrong, wisdom beckoning you to follow her voice in the midst of life’s complexities?

Reconnect: In Proverbs 8, Solomon personifies wisdom, depicting her as a woman calling out to all who will listen, offering guidance and insight in the pursuit of righteous living.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Proverbs 8

The Commendation of Wisdom

1Does not wisdom call,
And understanding lift up her voice?

2On top of the heights beside the way,
Where the paths meet, she takes her stand;

3Beside the gates, at the opening to the city,
At the entrance of the doors, she cries out:

4“To you, O men, I call,
And my voice is to the sons of men.

5“O naive ones, understand prudence;
And, O fools, understand wisdom.

6“Listen, for I will speak noble things;
And the opening of my lips will reveal right things.

7“For my mouth will utter truth;
And wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

8“All the utterances of my mouth are in righteousness;
There is nothing crooked or perverted in them.

9“They are all straightforward to him who understands,
And right to those who find knowledge.

10“Take my instruction and not silver,
And knowledge rather than choicest gold.

11“For wisdom is better than jewels;
And all desirable things cannot compare with her.

12“I, wisdom, dwell with prudence,
And I find knowledge and discretion.

13“The fear of the LORD is to hate evil;
Pride and arrogance and the evil way
And the perverted mouth, I hate.

14“Counsel is mine and sound wisdom;
I am understanding, power is mine.

15“By me kings reign,
And rulers decree justice.

16“By me princes rule, and nobles,
All who judge rightly.

17“I love those who love me;
And those who diligently seek me will find me.

18“Riches and honor are with me,
Enduring wealth and righteousness.

19“My fruit is better than gold, even pure gold,
And my yield better than choicest silver.

20“I walk in the way of righteousness,
In the midst of the paths of justice,

21To endow those who love me with wealth,
That I may fill their treasuries.

22“The LORD possessed me at the beginning of His way,
Before His works of old.

23“From everlasting I was established,
From the beginning, from the earliest times of the earth.

24“When there were no depths I was brought forth,
When there were no springs abounding with water.

25“Before the mountains were settled,
Before the hills I was brought forth;

26While He had not yet made the earth and the fields,
Nor the first dust of the world.

27“When He established the heavens, I was there,
When He inscribed a circle on the face of the deep,

28When He made firm the skies above,
When the springs of the deep became fixed,

29When He set for the sea its boundary
So that the water would not transgress His command,
When He marked out the foundations of the earth;

30Then I was beside Him, as a master workman;
And I was daily His delight,
Rejoicing always before Him,

31Rejoicing in the world, His earth,
And having my delight in the sons of men.

32“Now therefore, O sons, listen to me,
For blessed are they who keep my ways.

33“Heed instruction and be wise,
And do not neglect it.

34“Blessed is the man who listens to me,
Watching daily at my gates,
Waiting at my doorposts.

35“For he who finds me finds life
And obtains favor from the LORD.

36“But he who sins against me injures himself;
All those who hate me love death.”

Summary Key Points:

  1. Wisdom’s Presence and Prominence: Solomon vividly portrays wisdom as present from the beginning, before the earth’s foundations were laid. She stands at the crossroads and the city gates, inviting all to heed her voice and walk in her ways.
  2. The Value of Wisdom: Through allegory and imagery, Solomon extols the incomparable worth of wisdom, emphasizing that those who find her find life and obtain favor from the Lord. Wisdom brings riches, honor, and lasting prosperity to those who embrace her teachings.
  3. The Source of Wisdom: Solomon emphasizes that wisdom comes from the fear of the Lord, from humility and reverence before God. It is through a deep relationship with God that true wisdom is acquired, guiding individuals along the path of righteousness.
  4. Embracing Wisdom’s Counsel: Solomon urges his listeners to listen to wisdom’s instruction and heed her rebuke, for her words lead to life and protection. Those who reject wisdom invite destruction upon themselves, while those who embrace her find true fulfillment and security.

Call to Action: Let us heed the call of wisdom by:

  • Seeking God earnestly in prayer, asking for wisdom and discernment in our daily decisions.
  • Diligently studying God’s Word, where wisdom’s counsel is revealed, and applying its principles to our lives.
  • Embracing humility and reverence before God, recognizing that true wisdom comes from a deep relationship with Him.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, grant us the wisdom to discern between right and wrong, to walk in the path of righteousness guided by Your Word. May we heed the call of wisdom, embracing her teachings and finding favor in Your sight. In Jesus’ name, 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.

 

Help / Serve Others, Interceding for Others, Leadership, Learning To Pray Effectively, Psalms, Purposeful / Intentional

A Prayer for Justice and Righteousness (Psalm 72)

Have you ever prayed for a world filled with justice, righteousness, and peace, where the needs of the oppressed are met, and the vulnerable are protected?

In Psalm 72, we encounter a heartfelt prayer for the reign of a righteous king who embodies God’s justice and compassion, offering hope for a world transformed by His divine rule.

Reconnect: As we delve into Psalm 72, we find ourselves drawn into the vision of a kingdom characterized by righteousness, justice, and peace. This psalm paints a vivid picture of God’s ideal ruler, whose reign brings blessing and prosperity to all people, especially the poor and marginalized.

(Summarized and continued after the scripture)

Psalm 72

The Reign of the Righteous King.

A Psalm of Solomon.

     1Give the king Your judgments, O God,
And Your righteousness to the king’s son.

      2May he judge Your people with righteousness
And Your afflicted with justice.

      3Let the mountains bring peace to the people,
And the hills, in righteousness.

      4May he vindicate the afflicted of the people,
Save the children of the needy
And crush the oppressor.

      5Let them fear You while the sun endures,
And as long as the moon, throughout all generations.

      6May he come down like rain upon the mown grass,
Like showers that water the earth.

      7In his days may the righteous flourish,
And abundance of peace till the moon is no more.

      8May he also rule from sea to sea
And from the River to the ends of the earth.

      9Let the nomads of the desert bow before him,
And his enemies lick the dust.

      10Let the kings of Tarshish and of the islands bring presents;
The kings of Sheba and Seba offer gifts.

      11And let all kings bow down before him,
All nations serve him.

      12For he will deliver the needy when he cries for help,
The afflicted also, and him who has no helper.

      13He will have compassion on the poor and needy,
And the lives of the needy he will save.

      14He will rescue their life from oppression and violence,
And their blood will be precious in his sight;

      15So may he live, and may the gold of Sheba be given to him;
And let them pray for him continually;
Let them bless him all day long.

      16May there be abundance of grain in the earth on top of the mountains;
Its fruit will wave like the cedars of Lebanon;
And may those from the city flourish like vegetation of the earth.

      17May his name endure forever;
May his name increase as long as the sun shines;
And let men bless themselves by him;
Let all nations call him blessed.

      18Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel,
Who alone works wonders.

      19And blessed be His glorious name forever;
And may the whole earth be filled with His glory.
Amen, and Amen.

      20The prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended.

Summary Key Points:

  1. A Prayer for the King: Psalm 72 opens with a prayer for the king, petitioning God to endow him with wisdom, righteousness, and compassion. The psalmist expresses hope that the king will rule with justice and defend the cause of the oppressed, bringing prosperity and abundance to the land.
  2. The King’s Reign: Throughout the psalm, we glimpse the attributes of the ideal king whose reign embodies God’s justice and righteousness. He champions the cause of the poor and needy, delivering them from oppression and violence. Under his rule, peace flourishes, and the land prospers.
  3. The Impact of Righteous Rule: The psalmist envisions the far-reaching effects of righteous governance, with the king’s rule extending from sea to sea, encompassing all nations and peoples. The entire earth is transformed by the king’s reign, as righteousness and peace abound in every corner of creation.

Call to Action: As we meditate on the message of Psalm 72, let us:

  1. Pray for Righteous Leadership: Like the psalmist, let us pray for leaders who govern with wisdom, righteousness, and compassion. May we intercede for those in positions of authority, asking God to grant them the insight and integrity to rule justly and mercifully.
  2. Advocate for Justice: In our communities and societies, let us be advocates for justice and champions of the oppressed. May we speak out against injustice and work tirelessly to ensure that all people are treated with dignity, fairness, and respect.
  3. Live Righteously: As followers of God, let us embody the principles of righteousness and compassion in our own lives. May our words and actions reflect God’s love and mercy, as we strive to bring about His kingdom of justice and peace here on earth.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the vision of justice and righteousness presented in Psalm 72. Grant us the courage to pray for righteous leadership, the strength to advocate for justice, and the humility to live righteously in our own lives. May Your kingdom come, and Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 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.

Children, Humility, Jesus Christ / Yeshua, Obeying God, Study the Word

Growing in Wisdom: Jesus as Our Example (Luke 2:39-52)

Have you ever marveled at the growth and development of a child, witnessing their journey from infancy to maturity? In Luke 2:39-52, we are granted a glimpse into Jesus’ formative years, where He embodies the perfect balance of humility and wisdom, setting an example for us all.

Reconnect: Reflecting on Luke 2:39-52, we revisit Jesus’ upbringing in Nazareth, observing His growth in wisdom and stature. As we delve into this passage, let’s glean insights from His childhood that continue to resonate with us today.

(Summarized and continued after the scripture)

Luke 2:39-52

Return to Nazareth

     39When they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city of Nazareth. 40The Child continued to grow and become strong, increasing in wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.

Visit to Jerusalem

     41Now His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42And when He became twelve, they went up there according to the custom of the Feast; 43and as they were returning, after spending the full number of days, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. But His parents were unaware of it, 44but supposed Him to be in the caravan, and went a day’s journey; and they began looking for Him among their relatives and acquaintances. 45When they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem looking for Him. 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. 48When they saw Him, they were astonished; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You treated us this way? Behold, Your father and I have been anxiously looking for You.” 49And He said to them, “Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house?” 50But they did not understand the statement which He had made to them. 51And He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and He continued in subjection to them; and His mother treasured all these things in her heart.

      52And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

Summary Key Points:

  1. Rooted in Obedience to God: Mary and Joseph faithfully adhered to Jewish customs, presenting Jesus at the temple and fulfilling the requirements of the Law. Their obedience reflects a commitment to honoring God’s commands and nurturing Jesus in His identity as the Son of God.
  2. Growing in Wisdom and Favor: Despite His divine nature, Jesus underwent a process of growth and maturation, progressing in wisdom and stature before God and humanity. His example underscores the importance of continuous growth and development in our own lives, both spiritually and intellectually.
  3. Seeking Understanding in God’s House: At the age of twelve, Jesus engages in deep theological discussions with the teachers in the temple, demonstrating His profound understanding of Scripture. His inclination towards spiritual pursuits reminds us of the value of seeking wisdom and knowledge in God’s Word.

Call to Action:

  1. Cultivate Humility and Obedience: Like Jesus, let us cultivate humility and obedience in our relationship with God, surrendering to His will and faithfully following His commands.
  2. Commit to Growth and Learning: Embrace a posture of continuous growth and learning, seeking wisdom and understanding in God’s Word and through spiritual disciplines such as prayer, meditation, and study.
  3. Engage in Spiritual Community: Find opportunities to engage with like-minded believers and mentors who can encourage and challenge you in your faith journey. Participate in discussions, Bible studies, and fellowship gatherings to deepen your understanding of God’s truth.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the example of Jesus, who grew in wisdom and stature before You and humanity. Help us to emulate His humility, obedience, and commitment to learning as we navigate our own journeys of faith. May we continually seek wisdom and understanding in Your Word, drawing closer to You with each passing day. Amen.

Compassionate, Encouragement, Faith / Trusting God, Jesus Christ / Yeshua, Submitted / Servant

God’s Abundant Encouragement (Luke 2:21-38)

Have you ever embarked on a journey that seemed daunting, only to find unexpected encouragement along the way? In Luke 2:21-38, we witness Mary and Joseph’s challenging journey as they navigate the early days of Jesus’ life, encountering both trials and divine encouragement at every turn.

Reconnect: As we delve into Luke 2:21-38, let’s remember the journey of Mary and Joseph, from the hardships of travel to Bethlehem to the moments of divine intervention and encouragement they experienced along the way.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Luke 2:21-38

Jesus Presented at the Temple

     21And when eight days had passed, before His circumcision, His name was then called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.

      22And when the days for their purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord 23(as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “EVERY firstborn MALE THAT OPENS THE WOMB SHALL BE CALLED HOLY TO THE LORD”), 24and to offer a sacrifice according to what was said in the Law of the Lord, “A PAIR OF TURTLEDOVES OR TWO YOUNG PIGEONS.”

      25And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to carry out for Him the custom of the Law, 28then he took Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said,

      29“Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace,
According to Your word;

      30For my eyes have seen Your salvation,

      31Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples,

      32A LIGHT OF REVELATION TO THE GENTILES,
And the glory of Your people Israel.”

      33And His father and mother were amazed at the things which were being said about Him. 34And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed— 35and a sword will pierce even your own soul—to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”

      36And there was a prophetess, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years and had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, serving night and day with fastings and prayers. 38At that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.

Summary Key Points:

  1. Embracing God’s Call Amid Challenges: Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem was marked by hardship, yet they remained obedient to God’s call, trusting in His provision and guidance.
  2. Divine Encouragement in Times of Need: Throughout their journey and beyond, God provided abundant encouragement to Mary and Joseph, sending angels, Elizabeth, shepherds, and now Simeon and Anna to affirm the significance of Jesus’ birth and mission.
  3. Simeon’s Prophetic Confirmation: Simeon, a righteous and devout man, is moved by the Spirit to recognize Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promise of salvation. His words of prophecy affirm Jesus’ identity as the long-awaited Messiah.
  4. Anna’s Testimony of Redemption: Anna, a prophetess, joins Simeon in praising God and proclaiming Jesus’ significance to all who awaited the redemption of Jerusalem. Her testimony underscores the profound impact of Jesus’ birth on the lives of those who longed for God’s deliverance.

Call to Action:

  1. Embrace God’s Call, Despite Challenges: Like Mary and Joseph, let us trust in God’s guidance and provision, even when the journey ahead seems difficult. May we find strength in His promises and remain obedient to His calling in our lives.
  2. Seek Divine Encouragement: In times of trial and uncertainty, let us turn to God for encouragement, knowing that He provides abundantly for those who trust in Him. May we be open to receiving encouragement from unexpected sources, recognizing God’s hand at work in our lives.
  3. Proclaim Jesus’ Redemption: Just as Simeon and Anna testified to the significance of Jesus’ birth, let us boldly proclaim His redemptive work to those around us. May our words and actions reflect the hope and salvation found in Christ alone.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your abundant encouragement and provision in our lives. As we journey through life’s challenges, help us to trust in Your guidance and remain faithful to Your calling. May we be open to receiving Your encouragement and boldly proclaim the redemption found in Jesus Christ. 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, Fear / Reverence for God, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

Embracing God’s Call: Lessons from the Nativity (Luke 2:1-20)

Have you ever pondered the challenges of obedience in the face of adversity, especially when called to fulfill a task that seems beyond your capacity? In Luke 2:1-20, we encounter the profound narrative of Jesus’ birth, a testament to the unwavering faith and obedience of Mary and Joseph amidst difficult circumstances.

Reconnect: As we delve into Luke 2:1-20, the culmination of the Nativity narrative, we’re reminded of the remarkable journey that led to the birth of Christ.

(Summarized and continued after the scripture)

Luke 2:1-20

Jesus’ Birth in Bethlehem

     1Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. 2This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city. 4Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, 5in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. 6While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. 7And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

      8In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. 9And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. 10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; 11for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12“This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

      14“Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”

      15When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” 16So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. 17When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. 18And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. 19But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.

Summary Key Points:

  1. The Birth of Jesus: Luke 2:1-20 opens with the remarkable account of Jesus’ birth, unfolding against the backdrop of Roman rule and Jewish expectation. In the humble setting of a Bethlehem stable, the Son of God enters the world, fulfilling ancient prophecies and ushering in a new era of hope and salvation.
  2. The Angelic Announcement: Angels appear to shepherds in the fields, proclaiming the joyous news of Christ’s birth. Their celestial chorus heralds the arrival of the long-awaited Savior, inviting all to witness the fulfillment of God’s promises and to rejoice in the gift of Emmanuel, “God with us.”
  3. The Response of Mary and Joseph: Mary and Joseph, entrusted with the care of the newborn King, marvel at the miraculous events surrounding His birth. Despite the humble circumstances, they embrace their role in God’s redemptive plan, treasuring and pondering the significance of Jesus’ arrival in their hearts.
  4. The Adoration of the Shepherds: The humble shepherds, chosen as the first witnesses to Christ’s birth, respond with awe and reverence. They hasten to Bethlehem, eager to behold the newborn Messiah, and depart with hearts filled with wonder and praise for the miraculous signs they have seen.
  5. Embracing God’s Call Amid Challenges: Mary and Joseph’s obedience to God’s call to bear and nurture Jesus exemplifies faithfulness amidst adversity. Despite the hardships and uncertainties they faced, they trusted in God’s providence and willingly embraced His plan, demonstrating courage and resilience in fulfilling their divine purpose.

Call to Action:

  • Reflect on the profound mystery of Christ’s incarnation and its significance for our lives today.
  • Embrace the message of hope and redemption proclaimed through the birth of Jesus, inviting Him to dwell in our hearts anew.
  • When faced with daunting challenges or difficult tasks that God calls us to, let us remember Mary and Joseph’s example of obedience and perseverance. Even when the path seems uncertain or arduous, may we trust in God’s faithfulness and follow His lead with unwavering faith.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, as we reflect on the nativity story in Luke 2:1-20, we are reminded of Your boundless love and grace revealed in the birth of Your Son, Jesus Christ. May His humble beginnings inspire us to embrace humility and gratitude, and may His presence fill our lives with hope and joy. We also ask, inspired by Mary and Joseph, that you would help us embrace whatever you call us to do, even when it is hard and we don’t have all the answers for how it will work out. In Jesus’ name, 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.

All Knowing, All Powerful / King of All, Depression / Discouragement, Faith / Trusting God, Humility, Repenting from Sin, Tribulation, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

Reflections on Job’s Journey: Lessons from Job 42

Have you ever found yourself at the end of a long and arduous journey, looking back on the challenges faced and the lessons learned along the way?

Job’s final chapter invites us to reflect on his remarkable journey of faith and resilience.

Reconnect: Job 42 marks the culmination of Job’s story, where he humbly submits to God’s sovereignty and receives restoration and blessing. As we conclude our exploration of Job’s narrative, let us glean wisdom from the profound truths unveiled throughout this book.

(Summarized and continued after the scripture)

Job 42

Job’s Confession

      1Then Job answered the LORD and said,

      2“I know that You can do all things,
And that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.

      3‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’
“Therefore I have declared that which I did not understand,
Things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.”

      4‘Hear, now, and I will speak;
I will ask You, and You instruct me.’

      5“I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear;
But now my eye sees You;

      6Therefore I retract,
And I repent in dust and ashes.”

God Displeased with Job’s Friends

      7It came about after the LORD had spoken these words to Job, that the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, “My wrath is kindled against you and against your two friends, because you have not spoken of Me what is right as My servant Job has. 8“Now therefore, take for yourselves seven bulls and seven rams, and go to My servant Job, and offer up a burnt offering for yourselves, and My servant Job will pray for you. For I will accept him so that I may not do with you according to your folly, because you have not spoken of Me what is right, as My servant Job has.” 9So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went and did as the LORD told them; and the LORD accepted Job.

God Restores Job’s Fortunes

      10The LORD restored the fortunes of Job when he prayed for his friends, and the LORD increased all that Job had twofold. 11Then all his brothers and all his sisters and all who had known him before came to him, and they ate bread with him in his house; and they consoled him and comforted him for all the adversities that the LORD had brought on him. And each one gave him one piece of money, and each a ring of gold. 12The LORD blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning; and he had 14,000 sheep and 6,000 camels and 1,000 yoke of oxen and 1,000 female donkeys. 13He had seven sons and three daughters. 14He named the first Jemimah, and the second Keziah, and the third Keren-happuch. 15In all the land no women were found so fair as Job’s daughters; and their father gave them inheritance among their brothers. 16After this, Job lived 140 years, and saw his sons and his grandsons, four generations. 17And Job died, an old man and full of days.

Summary Key Points:

  1. Job’s Humble Acknowledgment: In this final chapter, Job responds to God’s inquiry with humility and reverence, acknowledging the limitations of his understanding and the majesty of God’s power. He confesses his previous lack of knowledge and repents in dust and ashes before the Almighty.
  2. God’s Restoration and Blessing: Despite Job’s suffering and questioning, God graciously restores him, doubling his previous blessings and granting him a long life filled with prosperity and familial joy. This serves as a testament to God’s faithfulness and his ability to redeem even the most dire circumstances.
  3. Reflections on Job’s Journey: Job’s story is one of profound faith tested by adversity, yet ultimately strengthened through perseverance and trust in God’s sovereignty. Throughout the book, we witness Job’s unwavering commitment to righteousness and his relentless pursuit of understanding amidst profound suffering.
  4. Lessons from Job’s Experience: As we reflect on Job’s journey, we are reminded of the importance of faithfulness in the face of adversity, the necessity of humility before God’s wisdom, and the assurance of God’s faithfulness even in the midst of life’s greatest trials.

Call to Action: Let us take to heart the lessons learned from Job’s experience by:

  • Cultivating unwavering faith and trust in God’s sovereignty, even in the midst of life’s greatest challenges.
  • Embracing humility and repentance before God, recognizing our finite understanding in light of His infinite wisdom.
  • Seeking restoration and blessing through faithful obedience to God’s will, knowing that He is faithful to redeem and restore those who trust in Him.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank you for the profound truths unveiled through the story of Job. Grant us the faith and humility to trust in Your sovereignty, even in the midst of life’s trials. May we find strength and restoration in Your presence, knowing that You are faithful to sustain us through every season of life. In Jesus’ name, 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.

Summary Key Points:

  1. Job’s Humble Acknowledgment: In this final chapter, Job responds to God’s inquiry with humility and reverence, acknowledging the limitations of his understanding and the majesty of God’s power. He confesses his previous lack of knowledge and repents in dust and ashes before the Almighty.
  2. God’s Restoration and Blessing: Despite Job’s suffering and questioning, God graciously restores him, doubling his previous blessings and granting him a long life filled with prosperity and familial joy. This serves as a testament to God’s faithfulness and his ability to redeem even the most dire circumstances.
  3. Reflections on Job’s Journey: Job’s story is one of profound faith tested by adversity, yet ultimately strengthened through perseverance and trust in God’s sovereignty. Throughout the book, we witness Job’s unwavering commitment to righteousness and his relentless pursuit of understanding amidst profound suffering.
  4. Lessons from Job’s Experience: As we reflect on Job’s journey, we are reminded of the importance of faithfulness in the face of adversity, the necessity of humility before God’s wisdom, and the assurance of God’s faithfulness even in the midst of life’s greatest trials.

Call to Action: Let us take to heart the lessons learned from Job’s experience by:

  • Cultivating unwavering faith and trust in God’s sovereignty, even in the midst of life’s greatest challenges.
  • Embracing humility and repentance before God, recognizing our finite understanding in light of His infinite wisdom.
  • Seeking restoration and blessing through faithful obedience to God’s will, knowing that He is faithful to redeem and restore those who trust in Him.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank you for the profound truths unveiled through the story of Job. Grant us the faith and humility to trust in Your sovereignty, even in the midst of life’s trials. May we find strength and restoration in Your presence, knowing that You are faithful to sustain us through every season of life. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

 

All Powerful / King of All, Fear / Reverence for God, His Timing Not Ours, His Ways Are Not Our Ways, Tribulation, Worry/Anxiety, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

The Unfathomable Power of God (Job 41)

Have you ever been confronted with the incomprehensible power and majesty of God, leaving you humbled by the realization of His unfathomable greatness?

In Job 41, we encounter God’s vivid description of the Leviathan, a mighty creature that serves as a powerful symbol of His sovereignty over all creation.

Reconnect: Job’s journey through suffering and questioning leads him to a profound encounter with God’s presence and power. In the midst of his anguish, God reveals Himself in all His splendor, challenging Job to consider the mysteries of His creation and the limits of human understanding and embrace humility before God.

(Summarized and continued  after scripture)

Job 41

God’s Power Shown in Creatures

1“Can you draw out Leviathan with a fishhook?
Or press down his tongue with a cord?

      2“Can you put a rope in his nose
Or pierce his jaw with a hook?

      3“Will he make many supplications to you,
Or will he speak to you soft words?

      4“Will he make a covenant with you?
Will you take him for a servant forever?

      5“Will you play with him as with a bird,
Or will you bind him for your maidens?

      6“Will the traders bargain over him?
Will they divide him among the merchants?

      7“Can you fill his skin with harpoons,
Or his head with fishing spears?

      8“Lay your hand on him;
Remember the battle; you will not do it again!

      9“Behold, your expectation is false;
Will you be laid low even at the sight of him?

      10“No one is so fierce that he dares to arouse him;
Who then is he that can stand before Me?

      11“Who has given to Me that I should repay him?
Whatever is under the whole heaven is Mine.

      12“I will not keep silence concerning his limbs,
Or his mighty strength, or his orderly frame.

      13“Who can strip off his outer armor?
Who can come within his double mail?

      14“Who can open the doors of his face?
Around his teeth there is terror.

      15“His strong scales are his pride,
Shut up as with a tight seal.

      16“One is so near to another
That no air can come between them.

      17“They are joined one to another;
They clasp each other and cannot be separated.

      18“His sneezes flash forth light,
And his eyes are like the eyelids of the morning.

      19“Out of his mouth go burning torches;
Sparks of fire leap forth.

      20“Out of his nostrils smoke goes forth
As from a boiling pot and burning rushes.

      21“His breath kindles coals,
And a flame goes forth from his mouth.

      22“In his neck lodges strength,
And dismay leaps before him.

      23“The folds of his flesh are joined together,
Firm on him and immovable.

      24“His heart is as hard as a stone,
Even as hard as a lower millstone.

      25“When he raises himself up, the mighty fear;
Because of the crashing they are bewildered.

      26“The sword that reaches him cannot avail,
Nor the spear, the dart or the javelin.

      27“He regards iron as straw,
Bronze as rotten wood.

      28“The arrow cannot make him flee;
Slingstones are turned into stubble for him.

      29“Clubs are regarded as stubble;
He laughs at the rattling of the javelin.

      30“His underparts are like sharp potsherds;
He spreads out like a threshing sledge on the mire.

      31“He makes the depths boil like a pot;
He makes the sea like a jar of ointment.

      32“Behind him he makes a wake to shine;
One would think the deep to be gray-haired.

      33“Nothing on earth is like him,
One made without fear.

      34“He looks on everything that is high;
He is king over all the sons of pride.”

Summary Key Points:

  1. God’s Description of Leviathan: In Job 41, God invites Job to consider the Leviathan, a fearsome creature of the deep. Through vivid imagery and detailed description, God illustrates the Leviathan’s strength, invincibility, and untamable nature, emphasizing His authority over even the most formidable forces of the natural world.
  2. Leviathan as a Symbol of God’s Sovereignty: Scholars interpret the Leviathan as a symbolic representation of God’s unrivaled power and sovereignty. Just as the Leviathan is beyond human control, so too is God beyond the grasp of human comprehension. His ways are higher than ours, and His power knows no bounds.
  3. Job’s Response: Faced with God’s vivid depiction of the Leviathan and the revelation of His incomprehensible greatness, Job responds with humility and reverence. He acknowledges the limits of his understanding and surrenders to God’s sovereignty, recognizing that only God holds the answers to life’s deepest mysteries.

Call to Action: As we reflect on the portrayal of the Leviathan in Job 41, let us:

  1. Embrace Humility: Like Job, let us humbly acknowledge the limits of our understanding and the unfathomable greatness of God. May we approach Him with reverence and awe, recognizing His sovereignty over all creation.
  2. Trust in God’s Sovereignty: In moments of uncertainty and doubt, let us trust in the sovereignty of God, knowing that He is in control of all things. May we find peace in His unfailing power and rest in the assurance of His perfect plan.
  3. Stand in Awe: As we contemplate the majesty of God revealed in Job 41, let us stand in awe of His greatness and offer Him our heartfelt worship and praise.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we stand in awe of Your unfathomable power and sovereignty revealed in the portrayal of the Leviathan. Help us to embrace humility, trust in Your sovereignty, and stand in reverent awe of Your greatness. May our lives bring glory to Your name, now and forevermore. 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.

Adultery / Sex Outside Marriage, Discerning / Judging, Proverbs (Wisdom & Folly), Purposeful / Intentional, Unteachable / Foolish, Wise

Guarding Against Sexual Temptation (Proverbs 7)

Have you ever found yourself enticed by the allure of temptation, drawn into its snare by the promise of pleasure or fulfillment?

Proverbs 7 presents a sobering warning against the dangers of yielding to seduction and urges us to guard our hearts and minds against the lures of sin.

Reconnect: In Proverbs 7, Solomon imparts wisdom to his son, cautioning him against the enticing words of an immoral woman. This passage serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of discernment and self-control in the face of temptation.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Proverbs 7

The Wiles of the Harlot

1My son, keep my words
And treasure my commandments within you.

      2Keep my commandments and live,
And my teaching as the apple of your eye.

      3Bind them on your fingers;
Write them on the tablet of your heart.

      4Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,”
And call understanding your intimate friend;

      5That they may keep you from an adulteress,
From the foreigner who flatters with her words.

      6For at the window of my house
I looked out through my lattice,

      7And I saw among the naive,
And discerned among the youths
A young man lacking sense,

      8Passing through the street near her corner;
And he takes the way to her house,

      9In the twilight, in the evening,
In the middle of the night and in the darkness.

      10And behold, a woman comes to meet him,
Dressed as a harlot and cunning of heart.

      11She is boisterous and rebellious,
Her feet do not remain at home;

      12She is now in the streets, now in the squares,
And lurks by every corner.

      13So she seizes him and kisses him
And with a brazen face she says to him:

      14“I was due to offer peace offerings;
Today I have paid my vows.

      15“Therefore I have come out to meet you,
To seek your presence earnestly, and I have found you.

      16“I have spread my couch with coverings,
With colored linens of Egypt.

      17“I have sprinkled my bed
With myrrh, aloes and cinnamon.

      18“Come, let us drink our fill of love until morning;
Let us delight ourselves with caresses.

      19“For my husband is not at home,
He has gone on a long journey;

      20He has taken a bag of money with him,
At the full moon he will come home.”

      21With her many persuasions she entices him;
With her flattering lips she seduces him.

      22Suddenly he follows her
As an ox goes to the slaughter,
Or as one in fetters to the discipline of a fool,

      23Until an arrow pierces through his liver;
As a bird hastens to the snare,
So he does not know that it will cost him his life.

      24Now therefore, my sons, listen to me,
And pay attention to the words of my mouth.

      25Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways,
Do not stray into her paths.

      26For many are the victims she has cast down,
And numerous are all her slain.

      27Her house is the way to Sheol,
Descending to the chambers of death.

Summary Key Points:

  1. The Seduction of Temptation: Solomon vividly describes the encounter between his son and the immoral woman, emphasizing her cunning tactics and persuasive words. Through this narrative, he highlights the deceptive nature of temptation and its ability to ensnare even the most unsuspecting.
  2. The Consequences of Yielding: The consequences of giving in to temptation are dire, as Solomon warns of the devastating effects of moral compromise. He paints a vivid picture of the ultimate outcome for those who succumb to the allure of sin, emphasizing the importance of resisting its temptations.
  3. The Call to Wisdom and Discernment: In light of the dangers posed by temptation, Solomon urges his son to embrace wisdom and discernment. He emphasizes the importance of heeding instruction and following the path of righteousness, which leads to life and blessings.

Call to Action:

As we reflect on Proverbs 7, let us:

  • Guard Our Hearts: Be vigilant and discerning when faced with temptation, guarding our hearts against the seductive allure of sin.
  • Seek Wisdom: Cultivate a heart of wisdom and discernment, seeking guidance from God’s Word and the counsel of the wise.
  • Flee from Temptation: Follow the example of Joseph in the Bible and flee from temptation, refusing to entertain its advances or compromise our integrity.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we acknowledge the ever-present dangers of temptation and the allure of sin in our lives. Grant us the strength and discernment to resist temptation and walk in the path of righteousness. May Your Word be a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path, guiding us away from the snares of the enemy. In Your name, 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.

Sharing God's word through devotionals and other resources. Helping you study the Bible and apply it to your life. Helping young children to enjoy the Bible at our Kid Zone.