All Powerful / King of All, Justice / Judgment, Praise / Worship / Glorify God, Psalms, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

The Sovereign God: A Psalm of Victory (Psalm 76)

Psalm 76 resounds with the triumphant declaration of God’s sovereignty and His power to deliver His people from their enemies. In a world filled with turmoil and uncertainty, this psalm offers a powerful reminder of God’s steadfast presence and His ultimate victory.

Reconnect:
As we delve into Psalm 76, we are reminded of the overarching theme of God’s sovereignty and His role as the divine warrior who defends His people and establishes justice. This theme echoes throughout the Scriptures, providing assurance and hope to believers in every generation.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Psalm 76

The Victorious Power of the God of Jacob.

For the choir director; on stringed instruments. A Psalm of Asaph, a Song.

1God is known in Judah;
His name is great in Israel.

      2His tabernacle is in Salem;
His dwelling place also is in Zion.

      3There He broke the flaming arrows,
The shield and the sword and the weapons of war.

Selah.

      4You are resplendent,
More majestic than the mountains of prey.

      5The stouthearted were plundered,
They sank into sleep;
And none of the warriors could use his hands.

      6At Your rebuke, O God of Jacob,
Both rider and horse were cast into a dead sleep.

      7You, even You, are to be feared;
And who may stand in Your presence when once You are angry?

      8You caused judgment to be heard from heaven;
The earth feared and was still

      9When God arose to judgment,
To save all the humble of the earth.

Selah.

      10For the wrath of man shall praise You;
With a remnant of wrath You will gird Yourself.

      11Make vows to the LORD your God and fulfill them;
Let all who are around Him bring gifts to Him who is to be feared.

      12He will cut off the spirit of princes;
He is feared by the kings of the earth.

Summary Key Points:

  1. God’s Victorious Presence:
    Psalm 76 begins with a proclamation of God’s victory and His glorious presence in the midst of His people. From Zion, the city of God, He shines forth in splendor, scattering the enemies of His chosen ones.
  2. The Fear of God:
    The psalmist emphasizes the awe-inspiring power of God, which evokes reverence and fear among the nations. Even the mightiest warriors are rendered helpless before His majesty, and the rulers of the earth tremble at His presence.
  3. Divine Judgment and Deliverance:
    Amidst the chaos of battle, God arises to bring judgment upon the wicked and deliverance to the righteous. His righteous judgment is executed with precision, and His people find refuge and strength in Him.

Call to Action:

  1. Acknowledge God’s Sovereignty:
    Take time to reflect on the sovereignty of God in your life and in the world around you. Surrender your fears and anxieties to Him, knowing that He reigns supreme over all circumstances.
  2. Walk in Obedience and Reverence:
    Cultivate a lifestyle of obedience and reverence toward God, recognizing His authority and power. Let your actions and attitudes reflect a heart that honors and glorifies Him in all things.
  3. Trust in God’s Deliverance:
    Place your trust in God’s faithfulness to deliver His people from every trial and adversity. Lean on His promises and hold fast to the assurance that He is fighting on your behalf, leading you to victory.

Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your sovereignty and Your mighty power displayed throughout the ages. Grant us the faith to trust in Your deliverance and the courage to stand firm in the face of adversity. May Your name be exalted and glorified in all the earth, both 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.

Discerning / Judging, Teachable, Wise

Renewing the Wineskins: Embracing God’s Truth (Luke 5:33-39)

Jesus shares a profound metaphor about new wine and new wineskins, challenging conventional thinking and inviting us to embrace God’s renewing work in our lives.

Let’s explore the significance of this metaphor and its relevance for us today.

Reconnect:
Building upon the previous encounters recorded in Luke chapter 5, where Jesus calls unexpected individuals to discipleship and challenges societal norms, we now delve into a conversation about fasting and the nature of God’s kingdom. This dialogue reflects Jesus’ ongoing mission to challenge the common religious practices established by men and invite people into a deeper understanding of God’s transformative work.

(Summarized and continued after the scripture)

Luke 5:33-39

  33And they said to Him, “The disciples of John often fast and offer prayers, the disciples of the Pharisees also do the same, but Yours eat and drink.” 34And Jesus said to them, “You cannot make the attendants of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is with them, can you? 35“But the days will come; and when the bridegroom is taken away from them, then they will fast in those days.” 36And He was also telling them a parable: “No one tears a piece of cloth from a new garment and puts it on an old garment; otherwise he will both tear the new, and the piece from the new will not match the old. 37“And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise the new wine will burst the skins and it will be spilled out, and the skins will be ruined. 38“But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins. 39“And no one, after drinking old wine wishes for new; for he says, ‘The old is good enough.’”

Summary Key Points:

  1. A Paradigm Shift in Understanding:
    Jesus introduces the metaphor of new wine and new wineskins to illustrate the incompatibility between old religious practices defined by man and the realities of God’s kingdom. This metaphor signifies a paradigm shift in understanding and invites us to embrace God’s renewal rather than clinging to outdated man-made traditions.
  2. Embracing Flexibility and Adaptability:
    The imagery of new wine and new wineskins emphasizes the need for flexibility and adaptability in our spiritual journey. Just as new wine requires new wineskins to contain its fermenting process, God’s transformative work in our lives demands openness to change and willingness to let go of rigid structures and points of view.
  3. Invitation to Embrace Renewal:
    Jesus’ words challenge us to examine our own lives and attitudes toward change. Are we resistant to God’s renewal, holding onto familiar but outdated practices? Or are we willing to embrace the new work that God is doing, even if it requires stepping out of our comfort zones?

Call to Action:

  1. Embrace God’s Renewing Work:
    Let us cultivate a spirit of openness and receptivity to God’s renewal in our lives, recognizing that His transformative power brings about growth and maturity in our faith journey.
  2. Release Old Paradigms:
    Prayerfully examine areas of your life where you may be clinging to old paradigms or traditions that hinder God’s work of renewal. Surrender them to Him and allow Him to reshape your perspective according to His kingdom values.
  3. Stay Flexible and Responsive:
    Commit to staying flexible and responsive to the leading of the Holy Spirit, trusting that God’s plans for renewal far exceed our own understanding. Remain open to new ways of experiencing His presence and participating in His kingdom work.

Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your constant work of renewal in our lives and in Your kingdom. Help us to release old mindsets and practices that hinder Your transformative work, and grant us the grace to embrace the new wine of Your Spirit with open hearts and minds. May Your kingdom come and Your will be done in our lives and in the world around us. 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, Grace / Forgiveness, Grace / Patience, His Ways Are Not Our Ways, Obeying God, Repenting from Sin, Submitted / Servant

Called to Follow: Embracing Unexpected Discipleship (Luke 5:27-32)

Have you ever considered who Jesus calls to follow Him? Luke 5:27-32 reveals a surprising choice in Levi, a tax collector, as one of Jesus’ closest disciples.

This selection challenges our notions of who is worthy of discipleship and invites us to embrace the unexpected in our own journey of following Christ.

Reconnect:
Continuing from the earlier passages in Luke chapter 5, where Jesus called fishermen to be His disciples, we now encounter the unexpected call of Levi, a tax collector. This event underscores that God’s choices and plans are often different from our own and challenges societal norms regarding who is deserving of God’s invitation to discipleship and who He will call to serve in prominent positions or missions.

(Summarized and continued after the scripture)

Luke 5:27-32

Call of Levi (Matthew)

     27After that He went out and noticed a tax collector named Levi sitting in the tax booth, and He said to him, “Follow Me.” 28And he left everything behind, and got up and began to follow Him.

      29And Levi gave a big reception for Him in his house; and there was a great crowd of tax collectors and other people who were reclining at the table with them. 30The Pharisees and their scribes began grumbling at His disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with the tax collectors and sinners?” 31And Jesus answered and said to them, “It is not those who are well who need a physician, but those who are sick. 32“I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”

Summary Key Points:

  1. Embracing Unexpected Callings:
    Jesus defies social expectations by choosing Levi, a tax collector, as one of His disciples. This demonstrates God’s willingness to call and use individuals from all walks of life, regardless of their past or societal status.
  2. Reaching Out to Sinners:
    The selection of Levi emphasizes Jesus’ mission to reach out to sinners and outcasts. He doesn’t shy away from those deemed unworthy by society but extends His grace and invitation to all who are willing to follow Him.
  3. Transformative Response:
    Levi’s immediate response to Jesus’ call highlights the transformative power of encountering Christ. Despite his past as a tax collector, Levi leaves everything behind to follow Jesus, exemplifying true discipleship rooted in faith and obedience.

Call to Action:

  1. Extend Grace to All:
    Like Jesus, let us extend grace and compassion to those deemed unworthy or marginalized by society, recognizing that God’s invitation to discipleship is open to all.
  2. Respond with Obedience:
    When God calls us to follow Him, may we respond with obedience and wholehearted commitment, leaving behind anything that hinders our walk with Him.
  3. Seek Transformative Encounters:
    Pray for transformative encounters with Christ that deepen your faith and prompt you to respond in radical obedience and repentance, regardless of societal expectations or personal limitations.

Closing Prayer:
Gracious Father, thank You for Your inclusive love and grace that extends to all, regardless of our past or shortcomings. Help us to embrace unexpected callings and respond with obedience, faith, and repentance as we follow You. May our lives reflect Your transformative power and love to those around us. Amen.

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

John Golda

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

Discerning / Judging, Healer, Humility, Jesus Christ / Yeshua, Miracles, Teachable

Recognizing God’s Power: The Healing of the Paralytic (Luke 5:17-26)

Have you ever been so focused on your expectations that you missed a miracle right before your eyes?

In Luke 5:17-26, we encounter a profound account of Jesus healing a paralytic. However, the response to this miraculous event varies among those who witness it.

Reconnect:
In the preceding verses of Luke chapter 5, we witness Jesus calling His first disciples, Simon Peter, James, and John, to follow Him. These fishermen leave everything behind to become fishers of men, illustrating the radical nature of discipleship. The healing of the paralytic in Luke 5:17-26 serves as a continuation of Jesus’ ministry, demonstrating His authority and power to forgive sins. It’s essential to understand this event within the broader context of Jesus’ mission to bring salvation and restoration to humanity.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Luke 5:17-26

   17One day He was teaching; and there were some Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting there, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem; and the power of the Lord was present for Him to perform healing. 18And some men were carrying on a bed a man who was paralyzed; and they were trying to bring him in and to set him down in front of Him. 19But not finding any way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down through the tiles with his stretcher, into the middle of the crowd, in front of Jesus. 20Seeing their faith, He said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven you.” 21The scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, “Who is this man who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?” 22But Jesus, aware of their reasonings, answered and said to them, “Why are you reasoning in your hearts? 23“Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins have been forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? 24“But, so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins,”—He said to the paralytic—“I say to you, get up, and pick up your stretcher and go home.” 25Immediately he got up before them, and picked up what he had been lying on, and went home glorifying God. 26They were all struck with astonishment and began glorifying God; and they were filled with fear, saying, “We have seen remarkable things today.”

Summary Key Points:

  1. Miracle in the Midst: The paralyzed man’s friends demonstrate extraordinary faith by lowering him through the roof to Jesus. Jesus not only heals the man physically but also forgives his sins, revealing His divine authority. Witnessing this miraculous healing leaves the crowd astonished and glorifying God.
  2. Religious Bias and Blindness: While some are filled with wonder and praise, others, particularly the religious leaders, respond with skepticism and criticism. The Pharisees and teachers of the law are so entrenched in their religious practices and expectations that they fail to recognize the divine power at work. Their focus on Jesus’ choice of words blinds them to the undeniable evidence of God’s presence and authority.
  3. Openness to God’s Revelation: This passage challenges us to examine our own hearts and biases, asking whether we, too, might miss God’s miracles because they don’t align with our expectations. We are called to pray for the Spirit’s guidance, that we may remain open and receptive to God’s revelation, even when it comes in unexpected ways. Let us cultivate a spirit of humility and openness, acknowledging that God’s ways are higher than ours, and His power transcends our understanding.

Call to Action:

  1. Acknowledge Divine Power: Recognize and celebrate the miraculous works of God in your life and the lives of others, regardless of how they may challenge your preconceptions.
  2. Pray for Discernment: Pray for the Spirit’s guidance to help you discern God’s presence and leading, especially in moments when His revelation may come in unexpected ways.
  3. Remain Open and Humble: Cultivate a heart of humility and openness, allowing God to work in your life according to His will, even if it defies your expectations.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, open our eyes to see Your miraculous works and our hearts to receive Your revelation, even when it comes in unexpected ways. Grant us the humility to acknowledge Your divine power and the discernment to recognize Your leading. May we walk in faith and obedience, glorifying Your name in all we do. 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.

Healer, Jesus Christ / Yeshua, Learning To Pray Effectively, Miracles, Prayer, Purposeful / Intentional

Embracing the Practice of Prayer: Following Jesus’ Example

In our fast-paced lives, it’s easy to fall into the trap of busyness, neglecting the essential practice of prayer. Yet, as we delve into Luke 5:12-16, we’re reminded of Jesus’ profound example of prioritizing prayer amidst His bustling ministry.

Reconnect: As we delve into Luke 5:12-16, it’s essential to reconnect with the broader context of Luke’s Gospel. In the preceding verses, we witness Jesus calling His first disciples and performing miraculous signs, including the extraordinary catch of fish. This sets the stage for the passage we’re exploring, where Jesus demonstrates His authority not only through physical healing but also through the discipline of prayer.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Luke 5:12-16

      12While He was in one of the cities, behold, there was a man covered with leprosy; and when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and implored Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” 13And He stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” And immediately the leprosy left him. 14And He ordered him to tell no one, “But go and show yourself to the priest and make an offering for your cleansing, just as Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.” 15But the news about Him was spreading even farther, and large crowds were gathering to hear Him and to be healed of their sicknesses. 16But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray.

Summary Key Points:

  1. Healing and Compassion: Jesus encounters a man covered in leprosy, a condition not only physically debilitating but also socially isolating. Despite the risks of defilement, Jesus reaches out, touching the man and offering healing and restoration.
  2. A Pattern of Prayer: Amidst His ministry’s demands and the crowds clamoring for His attention, Jesus regularly withdraws to pray. He seeks solace in the wilderness, finding communion with the Father, reaffirming the importance of intimate communication with God.
  3. Prioritizing Spiritual Renewal: Jesus’ dedication to prayer underscores its vital role in His life. Despite the urgency of His mission, He recognizes the need for spiritual nourishment, carving out moments of solitude to commune with God.

Call to Action:

  1. Make Time for Prayer: Let us emulate Jesus’ commitment to prayer by carving out intentional moments in our daily lives to commune with God, seeking His guidance and strength.
  2. Prioritize Spiritual Renewal: Recognize the importance of spiritual nourishment amidst life’s busyness. Set aside distractions and dedicate time to cultivate intimacy with God through prayer and reflection.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach us to follow Jesus’ example of prioritizing prayer in our lives. Grant us the wisdom to recognize the profound significance of communion with You, even amidst the demands of our daily routines. May prayer be the anchor that grounds us in Your presence and empowers us to walk in Your ways. Amen.

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

John Golda

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

Justice / Judgment, Praise / Worship / Glorify God, Psalms, Thankfulness

Acknowledge God’s Justice and Sovereignty with Thanksgiving (Psalm 75)

Have you ever found yourself grappling with the injustices of the world, longing for God’s intervention and righteousness to prevail?

In Psalm 75, we encounter a powerful declaration of God’s sovereignty and justice, offering reassurance amidst the turmoil of human affairs, and calling us to express gratitude for His righteous judgment.

Reconnect: As we delve into Psalm 75, it’s essential to reconnect with the broader context of the psalmist’s message. The psalm serves as a powerful reminder of God’s sovereignty and righteous judgment, echoing themes found throughout the Scriptures.

This psalm prompts us to reflect on our relationship with God, acknowledging His authority over our lives and the world. Through prayerful contemplation and study, we can deepen our understanding of God’s justice and sovereignty, leading us to respond with gratitude and trust in His righteous ways.

(Summarized and continued after the scripture)

Psalm 75

     1We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks,
For Your name is near;
Men declare Your wondrous works.

      2“When I select an appointed time,
It is I who judge with equity.

      3“The earth and all who dwell in it melt;
It is I who have firmly set its pillars.

Selah.

      4“I said to the boastful, ‘Do not boast,’
And to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up the horn;

      5Do not lift up your horn on high,
Do not speak with insolent pride.’”

      6For not from the east, nor from the west,
Nor from the desert comes exaltation;

      7But God is the Judge;
He puts down one and exalts another.

      8For a cup is in the hand of the LORD, and the wine foams;
It is well mixed, and He pours out of this;
Surely all the wicked of the earth must drain and drink down its dregs.

      9But as for me, I will declare it forever;
I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.

      10And all the horns of the wicked He will cut off,
But the horns of the righteous will be lifted up.

Summary Key Points:

  1. Acknowledgment of God’s Judgment: The psalmist begins by affirming God’s role as the ultimate Judge, declaring His righteous judgment over the earth and all its inhabitants. (Psalm 75:1)
  2. Thanksgiving for Divine Intervention: Amidst the warnings to the wicked, there is an underlying theme of thanksgiving for God’s intervention and the establishment of justice. (Psalm 75:2-3)
  3. Warning to the Arrogant: A stern warning is issued to the arrogant and wicked, reminding them of the inevitability of God’s judgment and the consequences of their actions. (Psalm 75:4-8)
  4. Exaltation of the Righteous: In contrast, the righteous are encouraged to trust in God’s timing and sovereignty, knowing that He will exalt and vindicate them according to His righteous purposes. (Psalm 75:9-10)

Call to Action:

  1. Express Gratitude: Cultivate a spirit of thanksgiving for God’s righteous judgment and intervention in your life and in the world around you.
  2. Submit to Divine Authority: Surrender to God’s authority and trust in His righteous judgment, acknowledging His sovereignty over all aspects of life.
  3. Reject Arrogance and Wickedness: Guard against the temptation to adopt an arrogant or wicked mindset, recognizing the inherent dangers and consequences of such attitudes before a just God.
  4. Embrace Righteous Living: Live a life characterized by righteousness and trust in God’s promises, knowing that He will ultimately lift up and vindicate those who faithfully follow Him.

Closing Prayer: Lord, we thank You for Your righteous judgment and sovereignty over the affairs of humanity. Grant us the humility to submit to Your authority, the wisdom to reject arrogance and wickedness, and the courage to embrace righteous living. May our hearts overflow with gratitude as we acknowledge Your justice and sovereignty. In Your holy 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.

Courage / Fear, His Ways Are Not Our Ways, Humility, Miracles, Obeying God, Submitted / Servant

Answering the Call to Discipleship (Luke 5:1-11)

Have you ever wondered why God chooses certain individuals to carry out His work, seemingly bypassing those who might appear more qualified or prepared?

In Luke 5:1-11, we encounter the remarkable account of Jesus calling His first disciples, a powerful reminder that God’s ways often defy human logic and expectation.

Reconnect: As we reflect on this pivotal moment in the Gospel narrative, we are reminded of the profound truth that God sees beyond outward appearances and knows the hearts of individuals intimately. Despite their lack of formal training or apparent readiness, Jesus selects ordinary fishermen to become His closest companions and heralds of the Good News.

Luke 5:1-11

The First Disciples

     1Now it happened that while the crowd was pressing around Him and listening to the word of God, He was standing by the lake of Gennesaret; 2and He saw two boats lying at the edge of the lake; but the fishermen had gotten out of them and were washing their nets. 3And He got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little way from the land. And He sat down and began teaching the people from the boat. 4When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.” 5Simon answered and said, “Master, we worked hard all night and caught nothing, but I will do as You say and let down the nets.” 6When they had done this, they enclosed a great quantity of fish, and their nets began to break; 7so they signaled to their partners in the other boat for them to come and help them. And they came and filled both of the boats, so that they began to sink. 8But when Simon Peter saw that, he fell down at Jesus’ feet, saying, “Go away from me Lord, for I am a sinful man!” 9For amazement had seized him and all his companions because of the catch of fish which they had taken; 10and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not fear, from now on you will be catching men.” 11When they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed Him.

Summary Key Points:

  1. Divine Selection: Jesus chooses fishermen, individuals occupied with their daily tasks, to be His disciples, demonstrating His divine insight and unconventional methods of calling forth those who will follow Him faithfully. (Luke 5:1-3)
  2. Miraculous Encounter: Through a miraculous catch of fish, Jesus captivates the hearts of the fishermen, revealing His divine authority and inviting them into a deeper relationship with Him. (Luke 5:4-7)
  3. Radical Obedience: The disciples demonstrate radical obedience by willingly leaving behind their livelihoods and familiar routines to follow Jesus, exemplifying their commitment to prioritize His call above all else. (Luke 5:10-11)

Call to Action:

  1. Recognize God’s Sovereignty: Trust in God’s sovereignty and wisdom in selecting individuals for His kingdom work, acknowledging that He sees beyond outward appearances and knows the hearts of His chosen servants.
  2. Respond in Humility: Like the fishermen who recognized their unworthiness in the presence of Jesus, humbly surrender to God’s calling in your life, embracing His invitation to follow Him wholeheartedly and obediently.
  3. Embrace Christ’s Call: Measure yourself against the standard set by Jesus’ disciples, being willing to leave behind everything to follow and proclaim the good news of Christ freely and boldly. Seek the Lord’s will through prayer and Scripture, and be open to making necessary changes in your life to embrace a humble, Christ-centered existence.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, as we reflect on the calling of the first disciples, we are challenged to examine our own lives and response to Your invitation. Grant us the humility to recognize our unworthiness and the courage to follow You wholeheartedly. May Your Spirit enlighten our hearts and lead us to embrace a life filled with Christ as His humble servants. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

John Golda

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

Discerning / Judging, Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Obeying God, Through Prophets, Visions

Responding When God Calls (Ezekiel 2)

Have you ever felt a stirring in your spirit, a sense that God was trying to get your attention, nudging you toward a specific course of action?

In Ezekiel 2, we delve into the prophet’s encounter with God’s calling, a reminder that divine messages can come in unexpected ways, beckoning us to heed His voice amidst the clamor of life’s distractions.

Reconnect: In Ezekiel 1, we witnessed the awe-inspiring vision of heavenly beings and intricate wheels within wheels, symbolizing the majesty and mystery of God’s divine presence. These encounters set the stage for Ezekiel’s commission to deliver messages from the Lord to a rebellious nation, underscoring the profound ways in which God communicates with His chosen messengers.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Ezekiel 2

The Prophet’s Call

      1Then He said to me, “Son of man, stand on your feet that I may speak with you!” 2As He spoke to me the Spirit entered me and set me on my feet; and I heard Him speaking to me. 3Then He said to me, “Son of man, I am sending you to the sons of Israel, to a rebellious people who have rebelled against Me; they and their fathers have transgressed against Me to this very day. 4“I am sending you to them who are stubborn and obstinate children, and you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD.’ 5“As for them, whether they listen or not—for they are a rebellious house—they will know that a prophet has been among them. 6“And you, son of man, neither fear them nor fear their words, though thistles and thorns are with you and you sit on scorpions; neither fear their words nor be dismayed at their presence, for they are a rebellious house. 7“But you shall speak My words to them whether they listen or not, for they are rebellious.

      8“Now you, son of man, listen to what I am speaking to you; do not be rebellious like that rebellious house. Open your mouth and eat what I am giving you.” 9Then I looked, and behold, a hand was extended to me; and lo, a scroll was in it. 10When He spread it out before me, it was written on the front and back, and written on it were lamentations, mourning and woe.

Summary Key Points:

  1. Divine Commission: Ezekiel receives a divine commission from the Lord, tasked with delivering messages of warning, judgment, and hope to the rebellious house of Israel. (Ezekiel 2:1-5)
  2. Symbolism and Significance: The symbolic imagery in Ezekiel’s visions serves to convey profound spiritual truths and underscore the gravity of God’s messages. (Ezekiel 2:6-10)

Call to Action:

  1. Heed God’s Messages: Just as Ezekiel faithfully conveyed God’s messages to the people of Israel, let us be obedient and faithful even if those to whom God sends us do not receive or respond to the message. May we remain open and responsive to God’s direct guidance in our lives.
  2. Exercise Discernment: Recognize the importance of discernment when others, whether prophets or not, bring us direction or guidance from God. Let us not be stubborn like the Israelite people God describes, but instead, use discernment to evaluate the authenticity and alignment of messages with God’s Word.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, in the midst of life’s distractions and uncertainties, help us to discern Your voice and respond faithfully to Your calling. Grant us the courage to heed Your messages, even when they come in unexpected ways, and the wisdom to discern Your truth amidst the noise of the world. May our hearts be open to Your leading, and may Your will be done in our lives. 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.

Through Prophets, Visions

Encountering God’s Glory: Exploring Ezekiel 1

Have you ever felt the awe of encountering something beyond human comprehension, a glimpse of divine majesty that leaves you speechless? In Ezekiel 1, we embark on a journey into the heart of God’s glory, where the prophet Ezekiel beholds visions of heavenly wonders that defy earthly explanation.

Reconnect: Ezekiel, a prophet during the Babylonian exile, begins his book with a profound vision of God’s glory, described in detail in chapter 1. This vision serves as the prelude to the messages God would deliver through Ezekiel in the subsequent chapters.

While not everyone experiences prophetic visions like Ezekiel’s, the symbolism and imagery within this vision contribute significantly to the impact of the message God intends to convey. As we explore Ezekiel 1, we are not only witnessing a remarkable encounter with God but also gaining insight into His sovereignty and the manner in which He communicates with His chosen messengers.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Ezekiel 1

The Vision of Four Figures

      1Now it came about in the thirtieth year, on the fifth day of the fourth month, while I was by the river Chebar among the exiles, the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God. 2(On the fifth of the month in the fifth year of King Jehoiachin’s exile, 3the word of the LORD came expressly to Ezekiel the priest, son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and there the hand of the LORD came upon him.)

      4As I looked, behold, a storm wind was coming from the north, a great cloud with fire flashing forth continually and a bright light around it, and in its midst something like glowing metal in the midst of the fire. 5Within it there were figures resembling four living beings. And this was their appearance: they had human form. 6Each of them had four faces and four wings. 7Their legs were straight and their feet were like a calf’s hoof, and they gleamed like burnished bronze. 8Under their wings on their four sides were human hands. As for the faces and wings of the four of them, 9their wings touched one another; their faces did not turn when they moved, each went straight forward. 10As for the form of their faces, each had the face of a man; all four had the face of a lion on the right and the face of a bull on the left, and all four had the face of an eagle. 11Such were their faces. Their wings were spread out above; each had two touching another being, and two covering their bodies. 12And each went straight forward; wherever the spirit was about to go, they would go, without turning as they went. 13In the midst of the living beings there was something that looked like burning coals of fire, like torches darting back and forth among the living beings. The fire was bright, and lightning was flashing from the fire. 14And the living beings ran to and fro like bolts of lightning.

      15Now as I looked at the living beings, behold, there was one wheel on the earth beside the living beings, for each of the four of them. 16The appearance of the wheels and their workmanship was like sparkling beryl, and all four of them had the same form, their appearance and workmanship being as if one wheel were within another. 17Whenever they moved, they moved in any of their four directions without turning as they moved. 18As for their rims they were lofty and awesome, and the rims of all four of them were full of eyes round about. 19Whenever the living beings moved, the wheels moved with them. And whenever the living beings rose from the earth, the wheels rose also. 20Wherever the spirit was about to go, they would go in that direction. And the wheels rose close beside them; for the spirit of the living beings was in the wheels. 21Whenever those went, these went; and whenever those stood still, these stood still. And whenever those rose from the earth, the wheels rose close beside them; for the spirit of the living beings was in the wheels.

Vision of Divine Glory

      22Now over the heads of the living beings there was something like an expanse, like the awesome gleam of crystal, spread out over their heads. 23Under the expanse their wings were stretched out straight, one toward the other; each one also had two wings covering its body on the one side and on the other. 24I also heard the sound of their wings like the sound of abundant waters as they went, like the voice of the Almighty, a sound of tumult like the sound of an army camp; whenever they stood still, they dropped their wings. 25And there came a voice from above the expanse that was over their heads; whenever they stood still, they dropped their wings.

      26Now above the expanse that was over their heads there was something resembling a throne, like lapis lazuli in appearance; and on that which resembled a throne, high up, was a figure with the appearance of a man. 27Then I noticed from the appearance of His loins and upward something like glowing metal that looked like fire all around within it, and from the appearance of His loins and downward I saw something like fire; and there was a radiance around Him. 28As the appearance of the rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the surrounding radiance. Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell on my face and heard a voice speaking.

Summary Key Points:

  1. Encountering God’s Majesty: Ezekiel describes a breathtaking vision of divine glory, symbolized by a brilliant light, living creatures, and a magnificent throne chariot. This overwhelming sight underscores the incomparable splendor and sovereignty of God.
  2. Symbolism and Significance: The intricate symbolism within Ezekiel’s vision speaks volumes about God’s nature and His relationship with His people. From the four living creatures representing aspects of creation to the wheels within wheels denoting divine mobility and omnipresence, each detail carries profound meaning.
  3. Divine Communication: Through Ezekiel’s vision, we witness God’s chosen method of communication with His prophets. While not every believer may experience such extraordinary encounters, God speaks to His people through various means, including Scripture, prayer, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Call to Action:

  1. Seek God’s Presence: Just as Ezekiel encountered God’s glory in his vision, earnestly seek moments of divine encounter in your own life. Cultivate a spirit of prayer, meditation, and worship, inviting God’s presence to manifest in your midst.
  2. Study God’s Word: Delve deeper into Scripture, exploring the rich symbolism and imagery that reveal God’s character and purposes. Allow the Holy Spirit to illuminate the truths hidden within the pages of the Bible, guiding you into a deeper understanding of God’s ways.
  3. Remain Open to Divine Communication: While not every believer may receive prophetic visions like Ezekiel’s, remain open to how God may choose to speak to you. Be attentive to His voice in prayer, through His Word, and in the counsel of wise mentors and spiritual leaders.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we stand in awe of Your glory and sovereignty, as revealed in Ezekiel’s vision. Grant us eyes to see and ears to hear Your voice as we journey deeper into Your presence. May Your Word illuminate our path and Your Spirit guide us into all truth. 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.

Protector / Deliverer, Psalms, Strong in Our Weakness, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

Trust God in Times of Trouble (Psalm 74)

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by adversity, wondering where God is in the midst of your struggles?

In Psalm 74, we find the psalmist grappling with similar questions as he reflects on the destruction of Jerusalem and the seeming absence of God’s intervention.

Reconnect: As we delve into Psalm 74, we are reminded of the importance of trusting God’s sovereignty and faithfulness, even in the darkest moments of life’s challenges.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Psalm 74

An Appeal against the Devastation of the Land by the Enemy.

A Maskil of Asaph.

     1O God, why have You rejected us forever?
Why does Your anger smoke against the sheep of Your pasture?

      2Remember Your congregation, which You have purchased of old,
Which You have redeemed to be the tribe of Your inheritance;
And this Mount Zion, where You have dwelt.

      3Turn Your footsteps toward the perpetual ruins;
The enemy has damaged everything within the sanctuary.

      4Your adversaries have roared in the midst of Your meeting place;
They have set up their own standards for signs.

      5It seems as if one had lifted up
His axe in a forest of trees.

      6And now all its carved work
They smash with hatchet and hammers.

      7They have burned Your sanctuary to the ground;
They have defiled the dwelling place of Your name.

      8They said in their heart, “Let us completely subdue them.”
They have burned all the meeting places of God in the land.

      9We do not see our signs;
There is no longer any prophet,
Nor is there any among us who knows how long.

      10How long, O God, will the adversary revile,
And the enemy spurn Your name forever?

      11Why do You withdraw Your hand, even Your right hand?
From within Your bosom, destroy them!

      12Yet God is my king from of old,
Who works deeds of deliverance in the midst of the earth.

      13You divided the sea by Your strength;
You broke the heads of the sea monsters in the waters.

      14You crushed the heads of Leviathan;
You gave him as food for the creatures of the wilderness.

      15You broke open springs and torrents;
You dried up ever-flowing streams.

      16Yours is the day, Yours also is the night;
You have prepared the light and the sun.

      17You have established all the boundaries of the earth;
You have made summer and winter.

      18Remember this, O LORD, that the enemy has reviled,
And a foolish people has spurned Your name.

      19Do not deliver the soul of Your turtledove to the wild beast;
Do not forget the life of Your afflicted forever.

      20Consider the covenant;
For the dark places of the land are full of the habitations of violence.

      21Let not the oppressed return dishonored;
Let the afflicted and needy praise Your name.

      22Arise, O God, and plead Your own cause;
Remember how the foolish man reproaches You all day long.

      23Do not forget the voice of Your adversaries,
The uproar of those who rise against You which ascends continually.

Summary Key Points:

  1. A Cry for Help in Desolation: The psalmist laments the devastation of Jerusalem, describing the destruction of the temple and the desecration of sacred spaces. He cries out to God for deliverance, questioning why God seems absent in the face of such calamity.
  2. Remembering God’s Past Deeds: Amidst his despair, the psalmist recalls God’s mighty works in the past, including the parting of the Red Sea and the defeat of Israel’s enemies. He acknowledges God’s sovereignty and power, appealing to him to act once again on behalf of his people.
  3. Affirming God’s Sovereignty: Despite the apparent silence of God, the psalmist affirms his belief in God’s sovereignty over all creation. He acknowledges that God alone is the one who established the boundaries of the earth and controls the destinies of nations.
  4. A Call to Action in Faith: In the face of adversity, the psalmist encourages the people to remain steadfast in their faith and trust in God’s promises. He urges them to take refuge in God’s unfailing love and to persevere in prayer and supplication.

Call to Action:

  1. Turn to God in Prayer: In times of trouble, let us turn to God in prayer, pouring out our hearts before him and seeking his guidance and comfort.
  2. Remember God’s Faithfulness: Reflect on God’s faithfulness in the past, recalling his mighty deeds and provision, and trust that he will continue to sustain us through every trial.
  3. Stand Firm in Hope: Despite the uncertainties of life, let us stand firm in our hope in God’s promises, knowing that he is always with us and will never forsake us.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, in times of trouble and uncertainty, we turn to you as our rock and refuge. Help us to trust in your sovereignty and faithfulness, knowing that you are always near to those who call upon your name. Grant us the strength to persevere in faith, confident in your provision and protection. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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

John Golda

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

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