“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you” (Exo 20:12). Both fathers and mothers have a great responsibility to take care, protect and provide for the spiritual and physical needs of their children. Today, we shall only look at the duties of mothers. A mother carries her child in her body for nine months. She bonds with her baby even before he is born. She delivers him through pain. Once the baby is born, she feels a great desire to protect, provide, comfort and guide her children. The first time the child receives love, acceptance, understanding and teaching is from his mother. The babies of animals are born quite strong, and many walk that same day. Not so with humans. Babies are completely dependent upon their mother to survive. Because the mother spends many hours with her child, she becomes the most influential person in his life. The work of a mother is complex and not always appreciated. The mother prepares the food for her baby. She prepares him for school. She guides him when doing homework. She stays awake when the child is sick and helps him to recover. She prays for her child and teaches him Bible stories. She takes her children to church. She does this work for each child individually, knowing the needs of each child. Mothers and fathers have a different approach to parenting. The fathers are more physical. They play with their children, take them to school. But the mothers talk more to their children and help them understand their feelings better. If a mother neglects her work, the child’s identity and behavior in life will be seriously damaged. No material possession can replace a mother who is physically, emotionally and spiritually available to her children, especially when they are young. Mothers can feel depressed and lonely. They are often tired, physically and emotionally. The risk of burnout is greater for mothers than for fathers. This emotional fatigue does not come because of some big crisis. It happens at the end of long seasons of caring for the children, especially those who are difficult or sick. It happens when mothers have unrealistic expectations about their children or their roles as mothers. This is some advice: Be real! Do your best and leave the rest to God! Don’t compete with other mothers! Ask for advice but do what is best for you and your child. Take time for yourself. Do things that you enjoy. Have a good support system, Christian sisters and family members who are willing to help you. What are the benefits of being a mother? Most women believe that their lives have a greater meaning compared with the women who do not have children. As mothers, taking care of our children humbles us and makes us more creative, faithful, loving and caring. It is hard to quantify the reward of a mother. Only God can reward mothers! Finally, remember your mother and appreciate her for as long as she lives! Worship the Lord!
“God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ ” 15 Moreover God said to Moses, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel: ‘The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you. This is My name forever, and this is My memorial to all generations” (Exo 3:14,15).
In Hebrew, the root meaning of the name Jehovah means “To be”. It relates to the word “To live or Life”. The literal meaning of the name is “I am the one who is” or, simply said, “I AM.” In other words, Jehovah is the Eternal absolutely self-existent God. He has the power of being Himself and depends on nothing and no one for His existence. What makes God different from people, from the stars and from any other creature is that God—and God alone exists by His own power. He is uncreated. He exists in and of Himself. This is a quality that no creature shares. People, stars or cars are not self-existent. If God is self-existent, eternal, and pure, then He is therefore, a higher order of being. It is for that reason that God calls Himself “I AM”. Jehovah God is eternal and unchangeable. All other names of God derive from His works except the name Jehovah. This name describes His person. In other words, God was, God is, God will always be. God is all-present or omnipresent; seeing, knowing, and actually being with us. It signifies God’s eternal, self-existent nature and His covenantal faithfulness. The Jews, out of their reverence for God’s command “Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain” (Ex 20:7), held that the word YHWY was sacred. They decreed it should only be spoken by the high priest during the Day of Atonement. For other occasions, the name Adonai was substituted for YHWY.
At the burning bush, Moses is commissioned as God’s representative, emphasizing the divine authority behind his mission. This legitimizes his leadership and the message he brings to the Israelites. God’s name, Jehovah is declared eternal, signifying His unchanging nature and perpetual covenant with His people. God’s identity and promises are unchangeable. By identifying Himself as the God of specific individuals, God emphasizes His personal relationship with His people. This invites believers to seek a personal and intimate relationship with God. Just as God sent Moses to deliver Israel, He sends Jesus to deliver humanity from sin. We are called to trust in God’s plan for salvation and deliverance that reveal the Love of God! God’s name is a Memorial. It is to be remembered from generation to generation. We are to be faithful in teaching the next generation who God is, how to pray and how to worship Him. God’s name carries His fame, His reputation. It also bears His very being. You cannot separate the LORD from His name. In His Name you are taught His character, what sets Him apart from everyone else, what makes Him to be God unlike any god, what makes Him holy—distinct, different, unique, separate from all others, what He does for you and for all.
The name Elohim shows God the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. It is a general name. It shows the works of God. But the name Jehovah is the name of personal revelation to a people. He revealed Himself to Isreal first, thru the written Word, the commandments He gave to them thru Moses. The first time the name Jehovah appeared in the Old Testament was in Genesis 2:4. It connects to the name Elohim. Before then, it was only Elohim, the God of creation. Now, as God prepares to enter into a relationship with man, His introduces His name Jehovah. Elohim loves all Creation because they are the work of His hands. But Jehovah loves men individually, those who obey His Word. Jehovah warns that if His people disobey His Word, He will punish them. In Genesis 3, Satan did not mention the name Jehovah, only Elohim. When Eve answers Satan, she too only uses the name Elohim. Once man sinned, he cannot pronounce the name Jehovah, who is holy and punishes disobedience. After Adam and Eve sinned, it was Jehovah who sent them out of the Garden (Gen 3:23). The name Jehovah is always connected to Righteousness and holiness. “For the LORD is righteous, He loves righteousness; His countenance beholds the upright” (Ps 11:7). Isaiah heard the seraphim around the throne saying: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts (Jehovah Sabaoth). The whole earth is full of His glory!” (Isa 6:3). Because Jehovah is righteous and holy, He punishes sin. It is Jehovah who destroyed the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen 19:24). When we read that God is angry with the rebellious people, it is usually Jehovah. “And the LORD (Jehovah) said to Moses, “Whoever has sinned against Me, I will blot him out of My book” (Exo 32:33).
Jehovah is the God of revelation. He appears to His people when they need Him. He communicates with His people and guides them. Jehovah is the faithful, loving, covenant keeping God. His Love towards His people is “everlasting”; eternal and transcends time. It is covenantal and based on the promises God made to Abraham: “And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and your descendants after you” (Gen 17:7). God’s Love continues even when Isreal was unfaithful. It points to God’s mercy and Grace found in Christ alone. But Jehovah is also seen as the God who loves His people and grieves for them when they backslide. “The LORD (Jehovah) has appeared of old to me, saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore, with lovingkindness I have drawn you” (Jer 31:3). We are told that “In all their affliction He (Jehovah) was afflicted” (Isa 63:9). But when they rebelled and grieved His Holy Spirit “He turned Himself against them as an enemy, And He fought against them” (Isa 63:10). As Jehovah, His holiness must punish, but His love must redeem. Jehovah desires fellowship with man. Jehovah teaches man to come to Him with an animal sacrifice the way Abel did. In Leviticus 16, describing the Day of Atonement, it is only the name Jehovah that appears, and that, 12 times. The name Jehovah stands for hope for sinful man who is called to pray and offer sacrifices. This everlasting Love of Jehovah is the same as the Love Christ has for the Church. “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her” (Eph 5:25). Selah!
JEHOVAH MEETS MOSES AT THE BURNING BUSH (Exodus 3 and 4)
This is the story of the encounter between Jehovah Elohim and Moses, in the desert of Midian, at the burning bush. As a baby, Moses was saved from the Nile by Pharoah’s daughter and grew up in Egypt. Culturally, he was an Egyptian. But his DNA was Jewish. He wanted to help his people, but his people rejected him. He killed an Egyptian who was attacking a Jew. People discovered the crime. He ran away from Pharoah and for 40 years, he stayed in the desert, living as a simple shepherd. He is now 80 years old. One day, he saw a bush in the fire. That was a common site in the hot desert. What attracted him was that the bush was not consumed. That was a miracle. The bush that was on fire was a common bush. There was nothing supernatural about the bush itself. The bush was on fire but not consumed. It means that the bush itself was not burning. The fire was in the bush, but it was independent of the bush. It was not using the bush for its fuel. That is why the bush was not consumed. The fire was burning by its own power. This was a Theophany. In Greek, “Theo” means God. “Phany” means manifesting. Our God is Spirit. He is invisible to the human eye. Sometimes, God makes Himself visible thru some manifestation. That is called Theophany. Fire burning in the bush is not a natural phenomenon. This was a completely supernatural reality.
Moses was seeing in this fire a manifestation of the Shekinah glory of God. The glory of God flows from His inner being. It is so powerful that it overwhelms anyone who encounters it. At special points in time, God manifests His glory to man generally as Fire. Moses went closer to see the miracle and suddenly, from the fire, God spoke to Him. God introduces Himself by His personal eternal name, Jehovah, the I AM WHO I AM. Jehovah appoints and sends Moses to Egypt to command Pharoah to let the Hebrews go to the desert to worship Him. Moses argues with God. Like us, he has a deep inferiority complex. His past was bad. He killed an Egyptian and ran away from Egypt. He is a criminal and a fugitive. He squandered his opportunities to be a leader of God’s people. His future was uncertain. He was an old man of 80. He was slow to speak, maybe a stammerer. Living in Midian for 40 years, he has forgotten both the Egyptian and the Jewish languages. How can he lead God’s people to freedom? Between a past of squandered opportunities and an uncertain future, between regrets and fears, Moses stands before Jehovah God. This is his present reality. What will he do now? Moses eventually agrees to obey God’s commands. Lesson: Faith in God and obedience to God’s Word in the present removes all the regrets of the past and the fears of the future! Trust God that even your past mistakes are covered by Him and He will work all things for your good and for His purpose. Have faith that God can still use you to do great things. In your present, right now, ask God how you can work for Him!
These are some excuses Moses gave to God why he cannot obey Him: Who am I? I don’t know God’s name… The people will not believe that I met with You, God… I can’t speak well… Another person is better than me (Exodus 3:11,13; 4:1,10,13). Most people make excuses, but not all. When called by God, Isaiah said: “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: “Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me” (Isa 6:8). Samuel said: “Now the LORD came and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel answered, “Speak, for Your servant hears” (1Sam 3:10). May we all say to God: Yes, Sir! Yes, Lord!
What really surprises Moses is that he is God’s answer to lead His people out of bondage. He is the solution to their suffering. God tells Moses that this assignment will not be easy. Pharoah will resist Moses. Even without that information, Moses is not confident in God’s plan because he is not confident in himself. The conversation between Jehovah God and Moses is like a Father talking to his son. The son has doubts, but the father reassures him that he is capable. In this situation, God reaffirms Moses that He will be with him during this journey. Lesson: God is omnipresent. God sees us when we go to sleep and when we wake up. Even if we are in the desert of life, in old age or in need, He finds us where we are even when we don’t know where to find Him. God initiates this encounter. God choses to appear to Moses in an extraordinary way. God is sovereign in the way He manifests to each of us. God’s plan for Moses did not start in front of that burning bush. God had it in mind before the foundation of the world. God has a purpose for each of His children. God calls you to do something for Him. This becomes the vision of your life. Even if you have doubts like Moses, because God is with you, success is sure! Jehovah God is concerned about our suffering. He will make a way for us to be free. He will send a human leader. We must submit and trust the leader.
JEHOVAH IS THE GOD OF ENCOUNTER, REVELATION AND HOLY CALLING BY FIRE
In the Bible, there are two types of calling: 1-Jesus is calling us to Himself; 2-Jesus is calling us to a specific work assignment. When the apostle Paul proclaims that we are “called according to His purpose”(Rom 8:28, KJ) he is explaining how Jesus saves us and adopts us into His family. But when God says to Jeremiah: “Before you were born … I appointed you as a prophet to the nations,” (Jer 1:5) the calling is to a specific work assignment. God had a job for Jeremiah. God also had work for Moses. His instructions were very specific: “I am sending you to Pharaoh,” God says, “to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt” (Ex 3:10). That work assignment was to occupy Moses for the rest of his career and life, a span of more than 40 years.
Jesus calls each of His children to work for God. The call is always personal. He calls us to use the gifts He gave to us. Each one of us are internally prepared in advance for God’s work. The call will bring the greatest satisfaction known to man and has eternal significance. By obeying God’s call, we make history. God rewards faithfulness and obedience to His call. Many Christians think that success in business or getting richer is God’s plan for them. But that is not it. To live a life of purpose you must hear, know and obey God’s call for your life. Doing God’s will bring job satisfaction like no other job. “For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us]” (Eph 2:10).
How does God call us to work for Him?
*He calls you by name and tells you what your work assignment is. This is how God called Moses and Saul (Exo 3:1-10; Acts 9:4-6).
*God places a desire in your heart to work for Him. This is how God called Isaiah and Nehemiah (Isa 6, Neh 1).
*God pre-arranges your path in life: John the Baptist was sent to prepare the way for Jesus (Mk 1:1-7).
*God opens a door of opportunity to work for Him. You enter. Elisha burnt all bridges and followed Elijah, to serve him (1Kg 19:19-21).
The fire in the bush was the Glory of God revealed to Moses. When God met with Saul on the road to Damascus, “suddenly a light shone around him from heaven” (Ac 9:3). Later, when Paul talked to King Agrippa, he said: “at midday, O king, along the road I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me” (Ac 26:13). This blinding light was seen not only by Saul, but also by the men in his entourage. God calls their names two times: Moses, Moses, and Saul, Saul. Just this encounter with the glory of God changes these two men forever.
When Jesus was born, the Shekinah glory also appeared. It was not in the manger; it was not around Joseph and Mary. It was on the hill around Bethlehem. What Moses and Saul saw, the shepherds saw. “Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Ac 2:8-11). It was not so much what was in that bush, but WHO was in that bush. It was not only the glory of God the Father, but the glory of God the Son, in His eternal power and beauty. The glory of God’s Son manifested on the Mount of Transfiguration.
Moses’ strength to work came from God’s presence with him. We must trust that God supplies what we lack. Humanly speaking, Moses could not do what God said: to free a whole nation from slavery and lead God’s people to worship God. Moses had doubts. But he also had faith. He continued to maintain his relationship with God trusting God to help him despite his doubts. Moses doubted God’s Word because he looked at the circumstances and he looked at himself. We must look unto God alone. We must train our spirit to gaze on Jesus alone. Also, when we read about these Bible heroes, we should be encouraged to work for God. What God has done in the life of one, He will do it for us. Moses had obstacles. But he defeated them all because God never left his side. This is God’s Word: “I WILL NEVER [under any circumstances] DESERT YOU [nor give you up nor leave you without support, nor will I in any degree leave you helpless], NOR WILL I FORSAKE or LET YOU DOWN or RELAX MY HOLD ON YOU [assuredly not]!” (Heb 13:5; AMP). Jesus said: “I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually—regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age” (Matt 28:20; AMP).
SOME LESSONS TAKEN FROM BURNING BUSH
*God can call anyone to His service, no matter the human limitations. You are never too young (Jeremiah) or too old (Moses) to serve God!
*God can locate you in any place, even in the desert or like Jonah, in the belly of the fish! Moses was doing his routine work, taking care of the sheep. Be faithful in your work!
*God must get your attention first before He talks to you! Moses went closer to see why the burning bush is not consumed.
*Remove your shoes. They have worldly dust. You can pollute the holy ground. Separate yourself from the world!
*God’s call requires Faith, sacrifice, obedience, faithfulness, fear or God and total submission! You must be holy, separated from the world!
*Knowing God’s name gives you confidence, courage and authority!
*The burning Bush signifies God’s presence. It is eternal. It also signifies God’s people who are persecuted yet not forsaken. Like Daniel’s friends in the furnace.
*Jehovah sent Moses to redeem Isreal. Jehovah is a Redeemer. Redemption is always from something (Egypt) to something (Promised Land).
*No matter what you have done in the past, God is able to cleanse you from sin and to give you another chance to serve Him!
*God is a God of miracles! God can use ordinary people to do extraordinary works!
*God will compensate you for your losses. After 400 years of slavery, God’s children left Egypt taking silver and gold. They used these to build the tabernacle in the wilderness that costs millions of dollars.
*Jesus is Jehovah God. He said: “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM” (Jn8:58). It is the pre-existence of Jesus as God!
God has work for each of us. God gives us the wisdom and strength to do His work. He gives us the strategy too. Each one of us is unique in the way we work for God. Our job is not some random choice that makes no difference. The call’s primary objective is not to put food on the table and provide a comfortable retirement. Work is not a punishment or a curse. Our individual work calling is part of God’s larger agenda in history. To be called to work for God it means we know what we are doing and what Jesus wants us to do. We work for God happily, zealously and faithfully. This is a warning: along the way, many Christians fall in love with God’s work and start worshipping the ministry. Repent of that sin! We work for God, but we worship God alone! Worship the Lord!
Psalm 45 is a Royal Wedding Song of Love written by the sons of Korah, who were Levites. In David’s time they served as musicians in the temple worship. This poem is a celebration of the reign of great kings like David or Solomon. Prophetically, it is a song of love, symbolizing God and His people, Christ and the Church or commitment in marriage. Believers must see themselves as the faithful Bride of Christ.
The psalmist feels inspired and excited by “a good theme”. This is a deep emotional response to the amazing sight of the King in his majesty and holiness. It describes the power of worship, as the heart overflows with love in the presence of God. It is a terrible thing when a bad heart is passionate about sinful things. But it is wonderful spiritual chemistry when the heart is passionate about a good theme. The King is Christ Himself. The Psalmist recites his poem to the King. His tongue is the pen of a ready and skillful writer. It shows divine inspiration. God gave him the words to express his love for the King of kings. Lesson: pray that God gives you His words to express your love for Him. Learn to speak “Truth in Love” (Eph 4:15). Truth means sincerity and integrity. Speaking the truth is essential, but it must always be done in love. Love means the sacrificial love that desires the best in another. This balance of Truth and Love is vital for spiritual maturity and to keep the unity of the Spirit in marriage and church. This balance prevents truth from becoming harsh and love from becoming permissive. True worship comes from a pure, devoted and faithful heart. Christ is worthy of our highest praise.
“You are fairer than the sons of men; Grace is poured upon Your lips; Therefore, God has blessed You forever”. The word “fair” means to be handsome and bright. King Jesus has a supernatural excellent majestic beauty, above any other beauty. On earth, Jesus had a humble appearance. Isaiah prophesied that “He has no stately form or majestic splendor that we would look at Him, Nor [handsome] appearance that we would be attracted to Him” (Isa 53:2; AMP). This beautiful appearance describes the resurrected Christ, The King of kings, Our High Great Priest, The God-Man in heaven. The beauty of Christ is the beauty of His character, holiness, and glory. His words are filled with Grace. When Jesus was on earth, people were amazed at the wonderful words that He was speaking. “So, all bore witness to Him, and marveled at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth. And they said, “Is this not Joseph’s son?” (Lk 4:22).
When the Pharisees sent soldiers to arrest Jesus, they came back saying “No man ever spoke like this Man!” (Jn 7:46). Their encounter with Jesus left them so astonished that they returned without arresting Him. This shows the unparalleled authority and wisdom with which Jesus spoke. His words went deep into people’s hearts, touching not only religious men but all sorts of people, even the soldiers. An encounter with Jesus can transform even the hardest of hearts. We should pray for opportunities to introduce others to Jesus, trusting that His words will have a profound impact. Recognize and submit to the authority of Christ in all areas of life. His teachings are not just historical records but living words that demand a response. Like the officers who were bold enough to return without arresting Jesus, we should have the courage to stand by our convictions, even when pressured by societal expectations. Worship Jesus! Never forget that God the Father has blessed God the Son forever! In Christ, we are recipients of this everlasting grace and favor.
The King speaks words of love and grace, but He is not a weak man. He is a Man of War. This is how Apostle John saw Jesus coming to earth at His second coming, to punish all evil. “Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. 12 His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. 13 He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. 15 Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS” (Rev 19:11-16). The King is girding His sword. He is ready for battle, to defend His own people. The Sword is the Word of God (Eph 6:17), coming with power and authority, to conquer all His enemies. Jesus is called “The Mighty God” (Isa 9:6). He is the ultimate warrior who defeated sin and death. He will appear with glory, majesty and royal dignity at His second coming! Lesson: the Word of God is a powerful tool in spiritual warfare. We are urged to be spiritually prepared to face challenges, to stand firm in our faith, to live a life that honors God and exemplifies His character.
Christ is seen riding on His horse in triumph. He is the Servant King, The Lion and the Lamb. Truth represents faithfulness. Humility denotes a servant leadership style, and justice involves fairness and righteousness. These attributes are perfectly embodied in Jesus Christ, who declared Himself as “the way, the truth, and the life” (Jn 14:6). Christ did not become king thru deception, violence or wickedness, but thru the Power of Love. The right hand means power and authority. Jesus did awesome miracles to reveal the power of God. True majesty is found in humility. Lesson: We are called to be humble like Jesus. Our ultimate victory is found in Christ who triumphed over sin and death.
“Your arrows are sharp in the heart of the King’s enemies; The peoples fall under You”. The arrows represent Truth and God’s judgment. They come quickly, having a deep impact on the heart. God tells His Son: “Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations for Your inheritance, And the ends of the earth for Your possession. 9 You shall break them with a rod of iron; You shall dash them to pieces like a potter’s vessel” (Ps 2:8,9). The nations are the worldly powers who oppose God and His plans. All God’s enemies will be defeated and destroyed. Christ defeats His enemies with the sharp sword in His mouth, by the penetrating power of the Word of God, to convict of sin and change lives. When hearing God’s Word, Peter’s and Stephen’s hearers were pricked at heart (Ac 2:37; 7:54). The arrows are many. Some kill sin in our flesh. Others kill fears and doubts. Lesson: We should study God’s Word and allow it to work in our hearts. Preach the Word!
“Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom”. The King is God! He is praised and exalted as God! The King sits on His eternal Throne in heaven. Not only that these words say that Jesus is the eternally enthroned God, but God the Father addresses God the Son as God! Men’s kingdoms are temporary. God’s Kingdom and Throne is eternal. The scepter is a symbol of royal authority and government. God’s rule is characterized by justice and righteousness. Justice is the idea that people are to be treated fairly, impartially, properly, and reasonably by the law and by the judges. Justice means punishing evil and rewarding the good. Justice is not just an aspect of God’s rule; it is central. “For I, the LORD, love justice” (Isa 61:8). Lesson: Understanding God’s eternal and just rule should lead us to submit to His authority in every area of our lives. Repent of sin and also, trust God to reward you for good deeds.
“You love righteousness and hate wickedness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness more than Your companions”. Righteousness means to be good and to do good. It means living in accordance with God’s laws and commands. The love for righteousness implies a desire to uphold justice and truth. God is holy. He hates sin, evil and wickedness. God the Father has anointed God the Son. This shows both Christ’s divinity and His submission to God the Father. It is a reminder that God is a Trinity. In the Old Testament, kings, priests and prophets were anointed with olive oil. They were set apart for a special purpose, to serve God. Anointing shows divine approval and power from above to do ministry. “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him” (Ac 10:38). Jesus’ anointing with the Holy Spirit at His baptism marks the beginning of His public ministry. Jesus was doing good works, teaching God’s Word, feeding the hungry, showing the love and mercy of God. His moving from place to place, demonstrates His commitment to reach all people. Jesus’ healing ministry was a direct confrontation with the forces of evil. The devil’s oppression refers to both physical sickness and spiritual bondage. His effectiveness in ministry was because “God was with Him”. Christ has suffered on earth. He was rejected by men. Nevertheless, He fulfilled God’s plan as the Savior of men. He is now filled with Joy and He is deeply satisfied. The “oil of gladness” is a special anointing that brings joy and celebration, coming from fulfilling God’s will and the ultimate victory over sin and death through Jesus Christ.
“All Your garments are fragrant with myrrh, aloes and cassia; From ivory palaces stringed instruments have made You glad” (Ps 45:8; AMP)
The King’s perfume spreads all over. It shows holiness, wealth, purity and divine favor. Myrrh, aloes, and cassia were costly spices and perfumes used in ancient times for anointing and embalming. The wise men brought myrrh to Baby Jesus, recognizing Him as King and prophesying His death. Ivory was very expensive. It was imported from distant lands. It indicates wealth, splendor, and the luxurious setting of the king’s court. In the palace you could hear the harps, the sound of worshipping God. The King is glad when He hears worship. It shows Peace and Joy in His Kingdom. Lesson: Just as the king’s garments are fragrant, believers are called to be the aroma of Christ in the world, spreading His love and Word. We must worship God in Spirit and in Truth! Be grateful to God and rejoice in all circumstance of life.
In heaven, the worshipers use harps to worship the Lamb of God. “Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9 And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, 10 And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth” (Rev 5:8-10). The scroll represents God’s plan and will for humanity, especially in the matter of salvation. Christ is the only One who has the authority to take the scroll of redemption and judgment from God’s hand. The four living creatures are special angels that represent all creation. The twenty-four elders represent the believers in heaven. Falling down before the Lamb shows the divine authority and worthiness of Christ, who died to save us. The harp is a traditional instrument used for worship and prophecy. There must be music, worship in the House of God. The smoke of incense pleases God. The golden bowls full of incense shows how precious the prayers of the saints are to God. Christ is the Faithful collector of our prayers. The lifting of hands means total surrender, humility, purity, and openness to God’s will. Lesson: God hears and answers our prayers. Every weeping in prayer is crowned with the total triumph of Christ.
The wedding is about to start. The anointed King is great not only for who He is, but also for those He associates with. The highest royalty are the maids of honor at His wedding. The greatness of Christ is also seen in the type of men and women who were His devoted followers over the years. The Gold of Ophir is the purest and most expensive gold. The bride dressed in her wedding gown of gold shows the Bride’s glory and the prosperity of God’s kingdom. The right hand means a position of authority, favor and honor. As Christ sits at the Father’s right hand, so the Church, His Bride, stands at the right hand of Christ. The Church has great influence in God’s Kingdom. Lesson: The honored women in the royal court remind us of the influence and leadership roles that women can hold within the church and society. Just as the queen stands at the king’s right hand, we are invited to live in close relationship with Christ, understanding our position of favor and authority we have in Him.
“Listen, O daughter, Consider and incline your ear; Forget your own people also, and your father’s house. The King will greatly desire your beauty; Because He is your Lord, worship Him! This is advice to the Bride. She must listen well and understand the wise counsel. There must be a shift of allegiance and identity. At the wedding day, the Bride must leave her family and fully embrace her new life, as the King’s wife. Lesson: Abraham had to leave his family and his country to obey God’s call. Leaving behind the “father’s house” symbolizes a transformation, leaving the old ways and embracing a new life. Our identity is now found in our relationship with Christ, who redefines our purpose and direction. Jesus said: “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple” (Lk 14:26). “A disciple” is a learner or follower who adopts the teachings and lifestyle of the teacher. A relationship with Jesus is a willful choice based on Love. The word “hate” here means to love less. It is not easy to love Jesus more than your natural family. This is a great sacrifice and includes self-denial. Lesson: Our love for Jesus should be so profound that all other loves pale in comparison.
The King is captured by the beauty of His Bride. Christ passionately loves His Bride, the Church. This beauty is spiritual. It is the purity and holiness of the Church, as a Radiant Bride who is without stain or wrinkles (Eph 5:27). This beauty is achieved by Christ’s redemptive work. The Bride bows and worships the King. This is an acknowledgement of her submission, honor, loyalty and love. Christ is the Lord of the Church. The term “lord” denotes ownership, authority, and responsibility. As the Bride, the Church is called to live in a manner worthy of her calling, with purity and devotion to Christ. She has many other benefits. People from all over the world will come to seek her favor and bring rich gifts to her. This refers to influential and wealthy people who seek favor and blessings, those who recognize the value of aligning with God’s anointed. Lesson: All worshippers are generous. Wealth and influence should be used to serve God and not for selfish desires. The Royal Bride is “all glorious”, not because of herself but because she is one with Christ. Here we see the secret or the glorious authority of the Church. Her glory is not seen by men. Her glory appears only “within the palace”. Her clothing is woven with gold, with many gifts from the Holy Spirit. Her entourage is made by virgins, those who are pure in their hearts. These are servants of God in the church. They all partake of her happiness. Lesson: do not seek fame! It is enough that Christ sees us beautiful.
“Instead of Your fathers shall be Your sons, Whom You shall make princes in all the earth. I will make Your name to be remembered in all generations; Therefore, the people shall praise You forever and ever”. This is a prophecy that the royal couple will be fruitful. They will have many sons, royal princes. The fathers have passed away. A new generation of worshippers is born. The King’s name shall be remembered forever and praised from generation to generation. Lesson: Live with an eternal perspective, focusing on your future hope in Christ. Amen!
“This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him” (Jn 2:11). This event takes place at a wedding in the small town of Cana in Galilee. It was about one month since Jesus was Baptized in Jordan. He has gathered about half of His disciples. Jesus, along with His disciples, is invited to the wedding. During the celebration, they ran out of wine, which was a great social embarrassment for the host at that time. Mary, the mother of Jesus, informs Him of the situation. He responds by performing His first public miracle. His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it!” Jesus tells the servants to fill with water six stone pots which were used for purification. Each waterpot holds between 20 to 30 gallons. After the pots are filled “to the brim”, Jesus tells the servants to draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet. When the master tastes the water that has now become wine, he remarks that it is of the finest quality and wonders why the good wine was saved for later in the celebration. “Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!” This miracle is called “a sign” pointing to the glory of Jesus! Because of this miracle, many disciples believed that Jesus is the Son of God!
These are some of the lessons:
*Before doing any other miracles, Christ is “anxious” to prophetically announce His Love for His Bride, the Church. This wedding takes places in the town of Cana, in Galilee, which was populated mostly by Gentiles. The wedding feast is a symbol of the marriage between Christ and the Church, made mostly by Gentiles who surrendered to Christ. The wedding was on “the third day”. It means that the union between Christ and the Church happened at the resurrection, which was “on the Third Day” after the Cross. “Therefore, my brethren, you also have become dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you may be married to another—to Him who was raised from the dead, that we should bear fruit to God” (Rom 7:4). At the wedding of Cana, Jesus was already thinking of the Joy of getting married to the Church, His Body and His Bride. He helped the bridegroom with a miracle wine so that he would not be put to shame. This is because He too will be a Bridegroom soon and His shame of the Cross will be wiped away but the Joy He saw ahead, His wedding to His beautiful Bride. We are “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb 12:2). Glory to God!
*Marriage is invented by God. It is between a man and a woman, for life. Next to your relationship with Christ, is your relationship with your spouse. “Marriage is honorable (of great value) among all” (Heb 13:4). A good marriage is a testimony of Christ’s Love to the world.
*The beginning of Moses’ miracles was turning water into blood (Exo 7:20). The beginning of Christ’s miracles was turning water into wine. This reminds us of the difference between the law of Moses and the gospel of Christ. Blood is a sign of death, of sorrow and weeping. Grace is the sound of abundant Joyful Eternal Life. Christ is always better than religion.
*This story happened few days after Jesus was tempted in the wilderness. He refused to turn stones into bread for Himself, but He turned water into wine for others. Invite Jesus to your wedding, marriage and to your home. Jesus must be at the Centre of your life and family!
*Mary interceded when the wine got finished. She has never seen Jesus perform miracles, but she had faith that He can help. Jesus gently rebukes her. Lesson: no family member or friend should influence your ministry. In any situation, pray and trust that Jesus will help and provide for you. You will not be embarrassed. “For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame” (Rom 10:11).
*Obedience is vital in witnessing a miracle. Mary told the servants: “Whatever He says to you, do it” (Jn 2:5)! Amen!
*Jesus told Mary that his “hour” or the time for him to act had not yet come. Everything Jesus did was according to God’s predetermined plan and timing. The “hour” Jesus referred to was his death on the cross to bear the sins of humanity. This was his mission and purpose for coming into the world. Jesus did not come to simply solve superficial human problems and make people comfortable. He came to deal with the root cause of human problems which is sin.
*There were 6 water pots used for this miracle. Number 6 is the number of Creation. Jesus can create something new in your life!
*The pots were used for purification. The Jews washed their hands in them. Jesus used dirty water to make sweet clean wine. This is the power of the Gospel, turning dirty sinners into saints! Jesus changed water into wine of a total of at least 120 gallons. That means about 500 bottles of wine! This is a lot of wine!!! An abundant life joy miracle!
*Jesus said, “fill the pots to the brim” which means you no longer have to live out of the lack but can now live out of the overflow! God is a good and generous Father who wants to bless you! Jesus came that you might have life and have it more abundantly. God does not want you to just survive but to thrive! Ask God for more grace! “And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace” (Jn 1:16).
*The world starts with the best, to impress and flatter. Jesus starts with good, then goes to better and keeps the best for the last! Glory!
*Alcoholism is a serious issue all over the world. In 2016 there were 380 million alcoholics. It is more common among men than women. It is the most common in East Europe and least common in Africa. Alcoholism is an addiction to alcohol, drinking it even when you have health issues. Alcohol damages the body, especially the brain, the heart, the Liver and the immune system. It reduces life expectancy by at least 10 years. It leads to anxiety, depression, domestic violence. It causes High Blood Pressure, affects the eating and sleeping patterns. If stopped suddenly, it causes serious withdrawal symptoms. These are some signs of alcoholism: Promise to stop but not being able; forget your promises; loss of interest in life, marriage.
*Life must be balanced. The Bible does not forbid alcohol, but it forbids getting drunk. The same Christ who changed water into wine commands us not to get drunk. “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly” (Lk 21:34). Carousing is a lifestyle of partying and getting drunk. It’s a work of sinful flesh lacking self-control. We die to the flesh and live in the Spirit. We should focus less on the wine and more on the Wine-Maker!
*Prophetically, new sweet wine was a sign that the Messiah has come, and all will worship Him with joy. “For the Lord has redeemed Jacob and ransomed him from the hand of one stronger than he. 12 Therefore, they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, Streaming to the goodness of the Lord, for wheat and new wine and oil, for the young of the flock and the herd; Their souls shall be like a well-watered garden, And they shall sorrow no more at all” (Jer 31:11, 12). Jesus changed dirty water into “a river” of sweet wine as a sign that He is the Christ, God the provider. By this mighty miracle, He revealed His glory as the Son of God.
*The Glory of God is the Power and the Beauty of God. This beauty is spiritual and eternal. It shows the wonderful qualities of God. It is best seen on the face of Jesus Christ. In this story we see the power, the humility, the compassion and love of Jesus. Jesus did the miracle without prayer. He did not ask the servants to have faith in Him. He changed the water into wine by the power of His will. We see the humility of Jesus. Cana was and still is, a little town in Galilee. The family who organized the wedding were poor people. The only people who witnessed the miracle were the poor house servants. Jesus did not attract attention upon Himself during the weeding feast. Jesus is the Servant King. This is humility and glory at the same time. Jesus had compassion upon the family who organized the wedding feast, and especially on the Bridegroom who could have been put to shame if the wine got finished. God is good! All the time! Worship the Lord!
Green Pastures 