Week #3: Blessing the Giver of the Bread and the Cup
Blog Series Intention Recap
This series invites readers to rediscover the rhythms of Shabbat as Jesus experienced them, revealing how ancient Jewish practices point to the rest, presence, and grace found in Messiah (Jesus). Each post unpacks a traditional element of Shabbat—beginning at sundown, candle lighting, spoken blessings, and shared meals—to show how they deepen our spiritual formation today. By exploring these practices, readers are equipped to follow Yeshua (Jesus) not only in belief but in the sacred rhythms of time, family, and worship.
This page is a post in the series “Dining with Jesus.” Click here to see the rest of the posts.
Let’s jump into Week #3:
Blessing the Bread and the Cup… The Shabbat table teaches us that blessing precedes breaking. Yeshua (Jesus), following Jewish tradition, gave thanks before sharing the bread and the cup—showing that gratitude, not scarcity, frames the life of faith. In Him, old blessings find new meaning. Practice blessing the giver of your meals with intentional gratitude, remembering that every table where Jesus is welcomed becomes a place of covenant, provision, and peace.
Why it Matters:
Blessing precedes breaking—Yeshua (Jesus) gave thanks before distributing the bread and cup.
Shabbat blessings train us in gratitude, not entitlement.
The Last Supper grew from the weekly Shabbat meal, connecting provision and promise.
Bless your meals intentionally, making the table a place of remembrance and worship.
Go Deeper:
“And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them...” —Luke 22:19 (ESV)
When Yeshua (Jesus) gathered with His disciples in an upper room the night He was betrayed, He didn’t invent something new. He fulfilled something ancient.
He took bread.
He blessed it.
He broke it.
He shared it.
This rhythm was familiar to every Jewish home. It was the rhythm of Shabbat, the Sabbath meal, where week after week the people of God gave thanks to the Provider before partaking of His provision. A Jewish family would bless the giver of the gifts not the gifts themselves.
In blessing the giver of the bread and the cup, Yeshua (Jesus) demonstrated for the disciples that gratitude isn’t an afterthought. It is the beginning. It is the posture of a heart that sees grace where others see only survival.
When we bless the giver before we break, we live the gospel.
Blessing Comes Before Breaking
At every Shabbat meal, two primary blessings are spoken:
Over the cup (wine or juice):
Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who creates the fruit of the vine.Over the bread (challah):
Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who brings forth bread from the earth.
These blessings are simple, but deep. They declare two truths:
Everything good comes from God.
Gratitude changes how we receive.
Notice the order: blessing first, breaking second.
Yeshua (Jesus) honored this order. He didn’t break the bread and then say, "Oh yes, thank You." He blessed first. He named the goodness before the cost. He blessed the Giver directly, not the food.
In Luke 22:19–20, Yeshua (Jesus) took the bread and the cup, gave thanks, and then gave them to His disciples, saying:
"This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me... This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood."
The blessing transforms the breaking. Gratitude transforms sacrifice.
When we begin with blessing, even our suffering becomes holy. Even our tables become sanctuaries.
Shabbat Blessings Train the Heart
Weekly Shabbat blessings are not empty rituals. They are soul-shaping practices.
Every time a Jewish family blesses the giver of the bread and cup, they are practicing trust:
Trust that God provides.
Trust that God is near.
Trust that God is real even when life feels broken.
Gratitude is not natural to the human heart. Grumbling is. Entitlement is. Scarcity is.
But the practice of blessing retrains us.
It says: “Before I taste, I thank.”
It says: “Before I take, I trust.”
It says: “Before I see abundance, I believe in grace.”
When Yeshua (Jesus) lifted the bread and blessed the giver, He was living the Shabbat story: the story of a God who gives before we deserve, who provides before we earn, and who loves before we obey.
We need this same training.
We need tables that start with gratitude, not grabbing.
The Last Supper: Shabbat Fulfilled
The Last Supper wasn’t isolated from Jewish tradition—it grew from it.
Every Friday evening, families gathered to bless bread and wine, remembering God’s provision in the wilderness and His promise of future rest.
Yeshua (Jesus), celebrating Passover and embodying the Shabbat rhythm, reframed the elements around Himself.
The bread became His body.
The cup became His blood.
The familiar blessing became a new covenant.
"For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes."
—1 Corinthians 11:26 (ESV)
Every Christian communion, every Eucharist, every Lord’s Supper flows from this deep river. It is a continuation—and a fulfillment—of the Shabbat blessing.
When we bless the giver of the bread and cup today, we are not just remembering a night. We are remembering a story: the story of a faithful God, a self-giving Savior, and an endless covenant of grace.
Shabbat meals anticipated the Messiah. Now, every table set in His name proclaims that the Messiah has come.
Bless Your Meals Intentionally
What would happen if we reclaimed the practice of blessing?
Not just a hurried "Thanks for the food" prayer—but a real pause.
A real moment of worship.
A real act of gratitude.
You don’t need to learn Hebrew (though you can!). You don’t need a perfect meal. You need a willing heart.
How does this help me understand, “Dining With Jesus?”
Blessed Before Broken
In the life of Yeshua (Jesus), blessing always comes before breaking.
He blessed the children before sending them.
He blessed the bread before sharing it.
He blessed His disciples before sending them to the ends of the earth.
He even blessed those who would betray Him—loving them to the end (John 13:1).
The table where you sit tonight is not just for food—it is for fellowship. It is a reminder that you are blessed before you are broken. You are given grace before you are given tasks. You are loved before you are sent.
Yeshua (Jesus), the true Host, still lifts the bread and offers the cup.
He still blesses.
He still invites.
Come to the table—and begin with blessing.
Try This Practice:
At your next meal, before you eat:
Pause.
Light a candle if you wish.
Hold the bread in your hands.
Pray a blessing aloud:
“Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who brings forth bread from the earth.”Thank Yeshua (Jesus) for being the true Bread of Life (John 6:35).
Then eat—gratefully, worshipfully.
Make your table a small altar.
Make your meal a small miracle.
In a world driven by hurry and hunger, slow down to bless before you break.
Week #2: He Came Low to Lift Us High: The Son of Man
Blog Series Intention Recap
This series explores two titles Yeshua (Jesus) used—and others used of Him—“Son of God” and “Son of Man.” Both reveal vital aspects of His mission, identity, and relationship with the Father and with humanity. Through the Synoptic Gospels, we learn how Yeshua (Jesus) embraced divine authority while walking fully among us in suffering and service. These titles are not abstract theological concepts; they are deeply woven into the fabric of Yeshua’s (Jesus) words, works, and ways. By studying them closely, we gain a clearer picture of who He is and what it means to follow Him.
This page is a post in the series “Son of God, Son of Man: Understanding the Identity of Yeshua (Jesus) in the Gospels.” Click here to see the rest of the posts.
Let’s jump into Week #2:
The Son of Man: Heaven’s Servant on Earth… Yeshua’s (Jesus) use of the title “Son of Man” reveals the mystery of His mission: He came in humility to suffer and serve, but He will return in glory to reign. In the Synoptic Gospels, this title ties together His humanity, authority, suffering, and exaltation. It emphasizes that He did not distance Himself from human weakness, but fully entered into it—identifying with the lowly, the outcast, and the burdened. Yet at the same time, “Son of Man” carries echoes of Daniel’s vision of a heavenly figure who is given dominion and glory by the Ancient of Days. This title allowed Yeshua (Jesus) to speak both of His present humility and His future majesty. As the Son of Man, He forgives sins, endures suffering, and claims authority to judge the world. His path of descent—marked by service and sacrifice—is the very road that leads to His exaltation.
Why it Matters:
“Son of Man” is Yeshua’s (Jesus) favorite title for Himself, rooted in Daniel 7.
It reveals both His humanity and His divine authority.
Yeshua (Jesus) embraced suffering as the Son of Man to bring salvation to many.
His mission invites us to walk the same path: humility now, glory later.
Go Deeper:
Scripture Focus:
Jesus’s Favorite Title
In all four Gospels, “Son of Man” is the title Yeshua (Jesus) uses most often for Himself—over 80 times. Strikingly, almost no one else uses it of Him. Why?
Unlike “Son of God,” which carries immediate divine implications, “Son of Man” is ambiguous. It emphasizes Yeshua’s (Jesus) humanity while hinting at something greater. This paradox—human yet exalted—is exactly why Yeshua (Jesus) used it.
The phrase comes from Daniel 7:13–14:
“Behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man… And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom…”
Yeshua (Jesus) adopted this phrase to express both His mission and His identity—one who looks like us but comes with divine authority.
The Humble Son of Man
In the Synoptics, “Son of Man” underscores Yeshua’s (Jesus) humanity. In Matthew 8:20, He says:
“The Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”
He identifies with the poor, the homeless, the rejected. The title speaks not only to His appearance but to His lived experience.
As the Son of Man, Jesus came to serve—not to be served (Mark 10:45). He walked dusty roads, wept at tombs, and bore griefs. Isaiah called Him the man of sorrows (Isaiah 53:3); Yeshua (Jesus) lived that role.
Even in His miracles, the title grounds His actions in humility. In Mark 2:10, Yeshua (Jesus) heals a paralyzed man and says:
“The Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.”
Rather than declaring Himself divine in the abstract, Yeshua (Jesus) uses “Son of Man” to show how God’s power comes through a human frame.
The Suffering Son of Man
The Synoptic Gospels regularly pair “Son of Man” with Yeshua’s (Jesus) suffering and death:
“The Son of Man must suffer many things… and be killed, and after three days rise again” (Mark 8:31).
“The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men” (Matthew 17:22).
This was not what the people expected. They hoped for a conquering king, not a crucified servant.
Yeshua (Jesus) flips the messianic script. His authority comes through obedience. His glory follows suffering.
The disciples struggled with this. Peter even rebuked Yeshua (Jesus) for saying it (Mark 8:32). But Yeshua (Jesus) insisted—He came not to escape death but to embrace it. The Son of Man would give His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45).
The Exalted Son of Man
The Son of Man doesn’t remain in suffering. Daniel’s vision in chapter 7 ends in glory:
“To him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom…” (Daniel 7:14).
Yeshua (Jesus) claims this explicitly at His trial. When asked if He is the Messiah, He replies:
“You will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven” (Mark 14:62).
The high priest tears his robe. Why? Because Yeshua (Jesus) was quoting Daniel and applying it to Himself. He claimed to be the heavenly figure who will rule forever.
The Son of Man will return—not in weakness, but in judgment and majesty (Matthew 24:30). His first coming was in humility; His second will be in glory.
How does this help me understand, “Son of God, Son of Man: Understanding the Identity of Jesus in the Gospels?”
Yeshua (Jesus) Knows What It Means to Be Human
When Yeshua (Jesus) calls Himself the Son of Man, He identifies with us completely. He grew tired, hungry, and sorrowful. He understands your pain. You are not alone in your suffering—He has walked the same road.
God’s Power Works Through Humility
Yeshua’s (Jesus) path wasn’t to power, but through powerlessness. His victory came by a cross, not a sword. In following Him, we too are called to humility and service before glory.
Judgment and Redemption Are Coming
The Son of Man who suffered will return. Those who trust Him now will share in His kingdom. Those who reject Him will face His judgment. His return will make all things right.
The Gospel Is a Story of Reversal
The Son of Man came down so we could be lifted up. He laid down His life so we could live. In a world obsessed with status and strength, Yeshua (Jesus) calls us to follow Him in the way of meekness, mercy, and eternal hope.
How do I apply this to my life?
Follow the path of the Son of Man.
Humble yourself. Serve others. Endure suffering with hope.
The road Yeshua (Jesus) walked leads to resurrection, renewal, and a kingdom that will never end.
Daniel 7:13–14 – See the original vision of the Son of Man.
Mark 8–10 – Watch Yeshua (Jesus) link His suffering to His identity.
Matthew 24 – Read Yeshua’s (Jesus) teaching on His return in glory.
1. Embrace the Humanity of Jesus in Your Suffering
Yeshua (Jesus), the Son of Man, knows what it means to be tired, lonely, and rejected. He wept, hungered, and suffered. When you walk through difficulty, remember that He has walked there first. Bring your pain to Him, not as a distant deity, but as the One who understands and cares.
2. Choose Humility Over Status
The Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve (Mark 10:45). In a culture that prizes recognition, power, and influence, Yeshua (Jesus) invites us to stoop low. Look for ways to serve without seeking credit. True greatness in God’s kingdom comes through humility.
3. Trust the Suffering Servant Who Will Judge in Glory
Yeshua’s (Jesus) first coming was marked by suffering; His second will be marked by power. Trust Him now—even when life feels uncertain—because the Son of Man will return to make all things right. The humble Savior is also the righteous Judge.
4. Walk the Path of Obedience, No Matter the Cost
Yeshua (Jesus) obeyed the Father even when it meant betrayal, beating, and death. Following the Son of Man means dying to ourselves daily (Luke 9:23). Ask God for courage to obey, knowing that resurrection hope follows every cross you carry.
Book of the Month - July 2025
Uncomfortable Conversations
with a Jew
Emmanuel Acho and Noa Tishby - ISBN: 978-1-6680-5785-8 - 2024
Author:
Emmanuel Acho is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Boy and the New York Times bestseller Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man. He is the host/producer of the Emmy Award–winning YouTube series of the same name, and whose mission is to promote dialogue around racial insensitivity and ignorance. A former NFL linebacker, Acho is a Fox Sports Analyst and television personality. Raised in Dallas, he holds a master’s degree in sports psychology from the University of Texas, Austin. He lives in Los Angeles.
Noa Tishby is the New York Times bestselling author of Israel: A Simple Guide to the Most Misunderstood Country on Earth and Israel’s former Special Envoy for Combatting Antisemitism and Delegitimization. A native of Tel Aviv, she served in the Israeli army before moving to Los Angeles and launching a career in the entertainment industry. An award-winning producer, Tishby made history with the sale of In Treatment to HBO, the first Israeli television show to become an American series. One of the most visible activists on social media, Tishby is the founder of several nonprofit organizations, including Act for Israel and Eighteen, which combats antisemitism and inspires Jewish pride. She lives in Los Angeles and is a proud Jewish mother to her son, Ari.
Brief Synopsis:
From two New York Times bestselling authors, a timely, disarmingly honest, and thought-provoking investigation into antisemitism that connects the dots between the tropes and hatred of the past to our current complicated moment.
For Emmanuel Acho and Noa Tishby no question about Jews is off-limits. They go there. They cover Jews and money. Jews and power. Jews and privilege. Jews and white privilege. The Black and Jewish struggle. Emmanuel asks, Did Jews kill Jesus? To which Noa responds, “Why are Jewish people history’s favorite scapegoat?” They unpack Judaism itself: Is it a religion, culture, a peoplehood, or a race? And: Are you antisemitic if you’re anti-Zionist?
The questions—and answers—might make you squirm, but together, they explain the tropes, stereotypes, and catalysts of antisemitism in America today.
The topics are complicated and Acho and Tishby bring vastly different perspectives. Tishby is an outspoken Israeli American. Acho is a mild-mannered son of a Nigerian American pastor. But they share a superpower: an uncanny ability to make complicated ideas easy to understand so anyone can follow the straight line from the past to our immediate moment—and then see around corners. Acho and Tishby are united by the core belief that hatred toward one group is never isolated: if you see the smoke of bigotry in one place, expect that we will all be in the fire.
Informative and accessible, Uncomfortable Conversations with a Jew has a unique structure: Acho asks questions and Tishby answers them with deeply personal, historical, and political responses. This book will enable anyone to explain—and identify—what Jewish hatred looks like. It is a much-needed lexicon for this fraught moment in Jewish history. As Acho says, “Proximity breeds care and distance breeds fear.”
Insights:
Noa: “Because every single Jewish person is a descendant of someone who was sitting in a kitchen somewhere in the world, looked around at the family, and said, “We have to get the f**k out of here; sh*t’s about to hit the fan.”
Noa: “Many Jews are both white-passing and our experience can only fully be understood through the prism of ongoing persecution, expulsion, and execution; plus, the collective trauma of what’s been done—plus, the never-disappearing anxiety of what could come next. We have benefited from that perceived whiteness and we continue to be the subject of some of the most vicious violence and hate.”
EMMANUEL: “I felt oppressed groups too often speak in silos. Black people fight for Black people, women fight for women, and Jewish people fight for Jewish people, but why don’t we ever fight together? Imagine how powerful we would be if Black and Jewish people—two of the most historically oppressed groups—fought together.”
EMMANUEL: “We spent about an hour talking through the events of the 7th, with Noa giving me all kinds of context—or at least everything she was able to know at that point. We knew that Hamas had started a war. We knew that hundreds of people had been slaughtered and/or kidnapped. We knew everything was in chaos… Then came my final question: What can I do to help? Which elicited the most raw and authentic answer: Stop what you’re doing and check on your Jewish friends.”
Should I read it or skip it?
A few years ago, I was introduced to Emmanuel Acho. He is a Texas Ex and in our house, that gets you instant credibility. Being Burnt Orange matters more than being black or white. Then you add that he tries to pattern his life after Jesus (Yeshua). He speaks my family’s language on many levels. I recognize many in the church world cannot see beyond liberal and conservative. However, I appreciate a view different from my own. A view honed by different experiences caused by different backgrounds, different interactions and even different skin color.
In Uncomfortable Conversations with a Jew, Emmanuel Acho and Noa Tishby deliver a bold, necessary, and refreshingly honest dialogue on antisemitism, race, identity, and shared humanity. As co-authors from different backgrounds—Acho, a Black follower of Jesus, and Tishby, an Israeli Secular Jew—they model what it means to have tough conversations with humility and candor.
This book is not a lecture—it’s a conversation. The format mirrors Acho’s previous Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man, but expands the lens to confront antisemitism and its intersections with racism. Through personal stories, cultural observations, and historical insights, the authors tackle myths, stereotypes, and uncomfortable truths head-on. From misunderstandings about Zionism to the undercurrents of anti-Jewish sentiment in political and cultural discourse, they press into tension without assigning blame.
What makes this book stand out is its balance. It doesn’t sugarcoat the pain or complexity of the issues, but neither does it vilify. Instead, Acho and Tishby model mutual respect and a deep desire to educate and connect. Readers from all backgrounds will walk away not only more informed, but also more equipped to engage in meaningful conversations—especially in today’s climate where silence often fuels division. There is a deep discussion about Acho’s need to discuss both sides of the Gaza/Hamas conflict. They reference the video that started and almost ended this book. You can see these videos here.
For Christian readers, the book also offers an implicit challenge: to better understand our Jewish neighbors, to recognize the deep historical ties between our faiths, and to speak against antisemitism with clarity and conviction.
Why it matters:
It bridges cultural and religious divides with empathy.
It educates on antisemitism without condescension.
It models civil discourse in an age of outrage.
It invites readers to listen, reflect, and respond with moral courage.
Uncomfortable Conversations with a Jew is timely, bold, and ultimately hopeful. It proves that when we lean into discomfort with humility, healing and understanding can begin. It also reminds us of how history has shaped our relationships with other religions and people. This book is a poignant reminder of how interpersonal relationships are uncomfortable. Jesus (Yeshua) didn’t shy away from them. We shouldn’t either.
Week #1: Heaven Breaks Its Silence: The Son of God Revealed
Blog Series Intention Recap
This series explores two titles Yeshua (Jesus) used—and others used of Him—“Son of God” and “Son of Man.” Both reveal vital aspects of His mission, identity, and relationship with the Father and with humanity. Through the Synoptic Gospels, we learn how Yeshua (Jesus) embraced divine authority while walking fully among us in suffering and service. These titles are not abstract theological concepts; they are deeply woven into the fabric of Yeshua’s (Jesus) words, works, and ways. By studying them closely, we gain a clearer picture of who He is and what it means to follow Him.
This page is a post in the series “Son of God, Son of Man: Understanding the Identity of Yeshua (Jesus) in the Gospels.” Click here to see the rest of the posts.
Let’s jump into Week #1:
The Son of God: Divine Identity Revealed… In the Synoptic Gospels, Yeshua (Jesus) is revealed as the Son of God—not just in name, but in action, mission, and relationship with the Father. From His miraculous conception to His baptism, transfiguration, and resurrection, every moment affirms that He is more than a teacher or prophet—He is God’s beloved Son. This title highlights His unique authority to forgive sins, command nature, cast out demons, and reveal the Father’s will. Yet His divine identity is not marked by domination, but by obedience, humility, and sacrificial love. To call Yeshua (Jesus) the Son of God is to recognize that He shares in the very nature of God and acts on God’s behalf. This claim demands more than intellectual agreement; it calls us to personal faith, surrender, and worship.
Why it Matters:
The title “Son of God” reveals Yeshua’s (Jesus) unique relationship with the Father.
This divine identity is confirmed by the Father, demons, disciples, and even enemies.
Yeshua (Jesus) wields divine authority—not to dominate, but to save.
The Son of God calls us to respond in faith, worship, and obedience.
Go Deeper:
Scripture Focus:
God Speaks From Heaven
The Gospels open with power and clarity: “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God” (Mark 1:1). Before Yeshua (Jesus) speaks, heals, or teaches, heaven itself breaks the silence to name Him.
At Yeshua’s (Jesus) baptism, the voice of the Father declares:
“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17).
This affirmation isn't poetic—it is positional. Yeshua (Jesus) stands in the Jordan, not only as a man submitting to John’s baptism but as the divine Son beginning His redemptive work.
Luke takes us deeper:
“He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High” (Luke 1:32).
The angel’s message to Mary isn’t symbolic. The Spirit of God would overshadow her, and the child born to her would be the holy Son of God (Luke 1:35). From the beginning, Yeshua’s (Jesus) identity is supernatural.
Heavenly Son, Earthly Mission
What does “Son of God” mean? In Jewish thinking, sonship points to nature and likeness. Yeshua (Jesus), as the Son of God, shares in the divine nature (cf. Hebrews 1:3). He reflects the character, will, and authority of God.
In Greco-Roman culture, divine sons were associated with power and ruling authority. But Yeshua (Jesus) flips these ideas. He doesn’t seize power. He lays it down.
He casts out demons (Mark 1:24–25).
He calms storms with a word (Matthew 8:26–27).
He forgives sins (Mark 2:5–12).
Each act is more than miraculous—it is a sign of divine prerogative. When Yeshua (Jesus) forgives sins, the scribes rightly ask, “Who can forgive sins but God alone?” (Mark 2:7). The answer: no one. Yeshua (Jesus) does what only God can do because He is the Son of God.
Enemies and Outsiders Confess the Truth
It’s not just the Father or the angels who identify Yeshua (Jesus) this way. Even the enemy knows Him.
In Luke 4:41, demons cry out, “You are the Son of God!” They recognize His authority and presence. Yeshua (Jesus) silences them—not because they are wrong, but because His identity cannot be defined by fear or force.
The Roman centurion, witnessing the crucifixion, exclaims:
“Truly this was the Son of God!” (Matthew 27:54)
Ironically, it is at the moment of death—stripped, bleeding, and mocked—that Yeshua’s (Jesus) identity is most clearly revealed to a Gentile. His power is not in escaping death, but in embracing it for our sake.
Peter also declares, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). And Yeshua (Jesus) blesses him—not for cleverness, but for receiving a divine revelation (Matthew 16:17).
Sonship Is Not a Title to Be Claimed, But a Mission to Fulfill
The temptation in the wilderness shows how the enemy tries to distort Yeshua’s (Jesus) title. Twice Satan says, “If you are the Son of God…” (Matthew 4:3, 6). The implication: Prove it. Use your divine status for personal gain.
Yeshua (Jesus) refuses. His sonship is rooted in obedience, not performance.
The transfiguration reinforces this fact. As Jesus is revealed in glory, the Father’s voice returns:
“This is my beloved Son; listen to him” (Mark 9:7).
Yeshua (Jesus) is not merely a miracle-worker. He is God’s Son, and we are to listen to Him—follow Him—because in Him we hear God’s very voice (cf. Hebrews 1:1–2).
How does this help me understand, “Son of God, Son of Man: Understanding the Identity of Jesus in the Gospels?”
We Need a Savior Who Is More Than a Teacher
Many today like to label Yeshua (Jesus) as a moral leader or inspiring example. But the Gospels do not give us that option. Yeshua (Jesus) claims equality with God (John 10:30) and affirms that knowing Him is eternal life (John 17:3). Only the divine Son can offer divine salvation.
Sonship Shapes Our Identity Too
When we trust Yeshua (Jesus), we are adopted into God’s family (Galatians 4:4–7). His Sonship becomes the foundation for our sonship. We are not spiritual orphans—we are loved, seen, and called by name.
We Are Called to Worship and Follow Him
If Yeshua (Jesus) is the Son of God, He is worthy of all allegiance. This is not a private opinion but a public confession:
“Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God” (1 John 4:15).
The early church’s simple creed was revolutionary: Jesus is Lord. Caesar wasn’t. No one else is.
How do I apply this to my life?
Trust His Authority
Because Yeshua (Jesus) is the Son of God, His words carry divine authority. Build your life on His teaching, not cultural trends or personal feelings (Matthew 7:24–25).Worship Without Reserve
Yeshua (Jesus) is not merely a spiritual guide—He is the divine Son. Respond to Him with awe, reverence, and wholehearted worship, like the disciples who confessed, “Truly you are the Son of God” (Matthew 14:33).Follow Him in Obedience
The Son of God lived in perfect submission to the Father. Let His obedience shape your own, surrendering daily choices to His will (Luke 22:42).Rest in Your Adoption
Because of Yeshua (Jesus), believers are called sons and daughters of God. Let His identity as the Son of God secure your identity as a beloved child (Galatians 4:6–7).
Son of God, Son of Man: Understanding the Identity of Jesus in the Gospels
Blog Series Intention Recap
This series explores two titles Jesus used—and others used of Him—“Son of God” and “Son of Man.” Both reveal vital aspects of His mission, identity, and relationship with the Father and with humanity. Through the Synoptic Gospels, we learn how Jesus embraced divine authority while walking fully among us in suffering and service. These titles are not abstract theological concepts; they are deeply woven into the fabric of Jesus’s words, works, and ways. By studying them closely, we gain a clearer picture of who He is and what it means to follow Him.
This post is the main page of the series “Son of God, Son of Man: Understanding the Identity of Jesus in the Gospels”
Week #1 - Heaven Breaks Its Silence
Week #2 - He Came Low to Lift Us High
Special Edition - Son of God, Son of Man, Superman???
Week #3 - Crowned with Thorns
Week #4 - From Cross to Crown
Week #4: Think Courageously in Hard Times
Blog Series Intention Recap
Our thoughts and emotions shape the way we see God, ourselves, and others. Jesus tells us not to worry about tomorrow, but that’s easier said than done. Anger, anxiety, and discouragement often seem to have the upper hand—especially in a world full of injustice and uncertainty. This four-week series examines what Scripture teaches about managing our inner life with God’s help. We’ll learn to take every thought captive to obey Christ (2 Cor. 10:5), embracing mental and emotional health as vital to our spiritual walk.
In this blog series, I am not attempting to counsel anyone. Depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues are real. Please find a biblical counselor or therapist who can help you process the very real and serious emotions we are discussing. This blog is meant to be a starting point, not an end point.
This page is a post in the series “Mindset: Take Every Thought Captive.” Click here to see the rest of the posts.
Let’s jump into Week #4:
Think Courageously in Hard Times… The battle for our thoughts is part of standing firm in Jesus, especially in suffering. Hard times tempt us toward fear, discouragement, and mental weariness. Paul shows us that courageous thinking—rooted in the gospel—sustains joy and purpose even in adversity. Taking every thought captive means refusing to surrender your mind to fear, trusting God’s greater plan instead.
Why it Matters:
Suffering reveals your mindset: Will you fear or stand firm?
Gospel thinking brings joy: Messiah-centered thoughts anchor your hope.
Courage is communal: We stand stronger when we stand together.
Faith frames the future: What you believe shapes how you endure.
Go Deeper:
When Courage Fades
Suffering does strange things to our minds. Even mature believers find their thoughts drifting toward fear or despair when hardship hits.
Paul knew this well. Writing from prison in Philippians 1, he faced an uncertain future—execution was a real possibility. Yet his words are strikingly courageous. He didn’t sugarcoat suffering; he framed it through faith.
When your thoughts want to run toward worst-case scenarios, Paul shows a better path: gospel thinking. This is how we take every thought captive in hard times.
1. Suffering Reveals Your Mindset
Paul wrestled with a tension:
“My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account.” (Philippians 1:23–24)
He wasn’t immune to longing for relief. Yet he recognized that purpose, not personal comfort, should shape his thinking.
Suffering is a mental crossroads:
Fear asks: How can I escape this?
Faith asks: How can I glorify God in this?
“Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ…” (v. 27)
Paul calls us to think in a way that honors the gospel—even under pressure.
Hard times reveal what governs your mind: fear or faith.
2. Gospel Thinking Brings Joy
Paul’s circumstances didn’t dictate his joy. The gospel did.
“I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith.” (v. 25)
Even from prison, he spoke of joy—both his and theirs. This wasn’t denial. It was gospel-shaped thinking:
Jesus had already secured Paul’s ultimate victory.
His suffering served a redemptive purpose.
Joy was not tied to freedom, but to faith.
When your mind fixates on hardship, ask: What is true because of the gospel?
You are loved by God.
Your future is secure.
Your suffering is never wasted.
Joy flows from thinking deeply on gospel truths.
3. Courage Is Communal
“…that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel…” (v. 27)
Paul emphasizes togetherness. Courage grows in community. Lone believers often crumble under pressure. United believers stand firm.
Notice the mental language: one mind, striving side by side.
Our thoughts are strengthened when shaped in gospel community.
Isolation breeds anxious thinking.
Fellowship fosters courageous thinking.
Paul wasn’t writing to an individual but to a church. He knew: the battle for the mind is best fought together.
4. Faith Frames the Future
“…and not frightened in anything by your opponents.” (v. 28)
Fear is a thought battle. Paul calls believers to refuse intimidation—not because suffering won’t come, but because Jesus’ victory reframes the future.
He continues:
“For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake…” (v. 29)
This is radical thinking. Paul sees suffering not as an accident but as a gift—a participation in Jesus’ story.
Faith frames the future differently:
The world says: Avoid suffering at all costs.
The gospel says: Endure suffering with Messiah-centered courage.
When you believe that nothing—not even suffering—can separate you from God’s love (Romans 8:38–39), your thinking changes.
Your mindset in suffering reflects what you believe about your future in Messiah.
How does this help me understand, “Mindset: Take Every Thought Captive?”
The Courage to Think Differently
Paul’s words challenge us: In suffering, take every thought captive—not to fear, but to faith.
Your mind will drift unless you train it. The gospel is the anchor. Jesus is the example. Community is the strength.
In a fearful world, think courageously. Stand firm. Take every thought captive—and let the peace of Messiah rule your heart and mind.
How could Paul think this way? Because of Jesus.
Jesus faced the cross with unshakable courage:
“For the joy that was set before him endured the cross…” (Hebrews 12:2)
His mind was anchored in the Father’s love and plan. He invites us to the same mindset:
“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 2:5)
Because Jesus suffered and triumphed, our suffering is transformed—not meaningless, but meaningful.
Not the end, but a chapter in a greater story.
The gospel trains our minds to think with courage—even in the hardest times.
What are some practical steps I can take?
Preach the gospel to yourself daily: Remind your mind what is true in Messiah.
Reframe hardship: Ask: How is God using this for His glory?
Pursue gospel community: Find others who will stand with you and shape your thinking.
Write future-focused truth statements: Post them where you will see them—renew your mind daily.
Week #3: When Your Mind Won’t Rest
Blog Series Intention Recap
Our thoughts and emotions shape the way we see God, ourselves, and others. Jesus tells us not to worry about tomorrow, but that’s easier said than done. Anger, anxiety, and discouragement often seem to have the upper hand—especially in a world full of injustice and uncertainty. This four-week series examines what Scripture teaches about managing our inner life with God’s help. We’ll learn to take every thought captive to obey Christ (2 Cor. 10:5), embracing mental and emotional health as vital to our spiritual walk.
In this blog series, I am not attempting to counsel anyone. Depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues are real. Please find a biblical counselor or therapist who can help you process the very real and serious emotions we are discussing. This blog is meant to be a starting point, not an end point.
This page is a post in the series “Mindset: Take Every Thought Captive.” Click here to see the rest of the posts.
Let’s jump into Week #3:
When Your Mind Won’t Rest… Even in confusion, conflict, and accusation, we can remain anchored in Jesus. Life often places us in situations where clarity is hard to find, and mental exhaustion sets in. Paul’s trials in Acts 21–23 show how a Spirit-shaped mind can stay steady when the world around us spins. Taking every thought captive means learning to rest in God’s sovereignty—even when your mind races.
Why it Matters:
Uncertainty is normal: Faith is not the absence of unknowns.
Anchor in your calling: Knowing your God-given mission clarifies your thinking.
Lean on the Lord’s presence: Jesus stood by Paul—He stands by you.
Community matters: Encouragement helps guard against mental collapse.
Go Deeper:
A Mind Under Siege
Have you ever lain awake at night, replaying conversations, wondering what will happen next?
When the future is uncertain and pressures mount, your mind can feel like a battlefield.
In Acts 21–23, the Apostle Paul faced exactly that. Arrested unjustly, misunderstood, and in constant danger, he had every reason for mental and emotional collapse. Yet he remained anchored.
How?
He practiced a mindset rooted in trust, purpose, and divine presence. If Paul could take every thought captive in that storm, so can we.
1. Uncertainty Is Normal
Paul arrived in Jerusalem knowing danger awaited him (Acts 21:10–14). Prophet after prophet warned him that imprisonment was coming. Yet Paul went anyway—because obedience mattered more than comfort.
When the crowd turned on him, chaos erupted:
“All the city was stirred up… They were seeking to kill him.” (Acts 21:30–31)
False accusations flew. Soldiers had to intervene to save his life. Paul could have panicked. He could have questioned God’s plan. But he did not.
Faith is not the absence of unknowns. It is trusting God within the unknowns.
If your mind can’t rest because you want certainty, remember: even apostles faced uncertainty—and God used it for His glory.
2. Anchor in Your Calling
When Paul was taken before the crowds and later the council, he did something remarkable:
He told his story (Acts 22:1–21).
Paul understood that his calling gave clarity in chaos. When your mind is under siege, remembering God’s purpose for you brings focus.
Paul wasn’t just a prisoner—he was Messiah’s ambassador.
His trials weren’t just setbacks—they were platforms for the gospel.
“But I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Acts 21:13)
That conviction shaped his mindset. It wasn’t about survival—it was about faithfulness.
When you anchor in your calling, your thinking aligns with God’s bigger plan.
3. Lean on the Lord’s Presence
After being nearly torn apart by the council, Paul was placed in the barracks—alone, awaiting further danger.
But look what happened:
“The following night the Lord stood by him and said, ‘Take courage…’” (Acts 23:11)
Jesus Himself stood by Paul. That changed everything.
No amount of mental discipline can fully calm an anxious mind. Only the presence of Christ can bring true peace.
Paul could rest because he knew: I am not alone.
Neither are you. Christ is with you through His Spirit.
Taking every thought captive requires remembering this truth daily: The Lord stands by me.
4. Community Matters
In the midst of these events, we glimpse Paul’s community at work:
Fellow believers warn him and encourage him (Acts 21:4, 21:10–12).
Paul’s nephew alerts authorities to a plot against his life (Acts 23:16–22).
Isolation is dangerous to your mental and emotional health. We are not meant to walk through trials alone. Encouragement from others is part of God’s design to stabilize us.
Paul leaned on his community—and so should we.
Taking thoughts captive is not a solo project. Surround yourself with people who remind you of truth.
How does this help me understand, “Mindset: Take Every Thought Captive?”
Peace in the Storm
Paul’s mind had every reason to spiral—but it didn’t. Why? Because he practiced what we are learning:
He trusted God in uncertainty.
He anchored in his calling.
He leaned on Christ’s presence.
He drew strength from community.
Your mind may not rest easily in times of trial—but it can rest securely in Christ. Taking every thought captive means choosing, day by day, to trust the One who stands with you in every storm.
Why could Paul stay mentally anchored through false accusations, imprisonment, and death threats? Because of the gospel.
He had already surrendered everything to Christ. His identity wasn’t in status or safety—it was in Jesus.
He wrote elsewhere:
“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21)
The cross teaches us this mindset: Jesus endured injustice, pain, and even death—yet trusted the Father fully. Because He rose, we too can face trials with courage and peace.
In Christ, your future is secure. That truth can calm even the most restless mind.
What are some practical steps I can take?
When anxious thoughts rise, name them: Then rehearse God’s promises in response.
Write out your calling: What has God called you to in this season? Keep it visible.
Practice the presence of Christ: Pause throughout the day to remember: He stands by me.
Lean into community: Don’t isolate. Ask others to pray with you and remind you of truth.
Week #2: Train Your Mind for Peace
Blog Series Intention Recap
Our thoughts and emotions shape the way we see God, ourselves, and others. Jesus tells us not to worry about tomorrow, but that’s easier said than done. Anger, anxiety, and discouragement often seem to have the upper hand—especially in a world full of injustice and uncertainty. This four-week series examines what Scripture teaches about managing our inner life with God’s help. We’ll learn to take every thought captive to obey Christ (2 Cor. 10:5), embracing mental and emotional health as vital to our spiritual walk.
In this blog series, I am not attempting to counsel anyone. Depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues are real. Please find a biblical counselor or therapist who can help you process the very real and serious emotions we are discussing. This blog is meant to be a starting point, not an end point.
This page is a post in the series “Mindset: Take Every Thought Captive.” Click here to see the rest of the posts.
Let’s jump into Week #2:
Train Your Mind for Peace… Lasting peace is possible when we intentionally focus on God’s presence and truth. The battle for peace is not just emotional—it is mental. The Apostle Paul shows us that peace grows when we redirect our thoughts to what is true, good, and praiseworthy. In Jesus, we learn to rejoice, to rest, and to think differently, even in times of pressure or pain.
Why it Matters:
Peace is practiced: Paul invites us to practice shalom (peace and wholeness), not just consider it.
Prayer is your reset: Anxious thoughts are met with thankful requests.
Right thinking matters: What you dwell on shapes how you feel.
Contentment is learned: The secret is Christ’s strength, not better circumstances.
Go Deeper:
Mind Over Mood
Philippians 4:4–13
Have you ever felt like your thoughts were running your life—and not in a good way? Worry, overthinking, negativity, and fear can spiral so quickly, it’s hard to even realize how much control they’ve taken. The Apostle Paul knew this battle firsthand. In Philippians 4, he gives us something revolutionary: a map to peace, not just emotionally, but mentally.
These are not abstract ideas. Paul was in prison when he wrote these words. He was chained, persecuted, and uncertain about his future—yet he spoke of joy, gentleness, prayer, and peace. That’s not denial. That’s spiritual training.
If you want peace, you have to train your mind.
1. Peace Is Practiced
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” (Philippians 4:4, ESV)
In Scripture, shalom or peace means far more than peace of mind or the absence of conflict. It speaks of wholeness, harmony, well-being, and completeness—restoration of life as God intended. Rooted in God’s covenant love, shalom encompasses peace with God, peace within ourselves, and peace with others. Through Jesus, we experience true shalom, even in the midst of life’s uncertainties.
This concept moved Paul. Paul doesn’t say, “Feel happy.” He says, “Rejoice.” That’s a choice—not a mood. And he doesn’t just say it once. He doubles down: again I will say, rejoice! Why? Because peace doesn’t come naturally. Shalom is received from God and then practiced and repeated.
He continues:
“Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand.” (v. 5)
Gentleness in our relationships flows from confidence in God’s nearness. When we know the Lord is close, we don’t need to react harshly or anxiously. Peace is not passive—it is pursued through repeated habits of the mind.
2. Prayer Is Your Reset
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (v. 6)
This is the heart of the passage. Don’t worry—pray. But not just any prayer. Paul calls us to specific and thankful prayer.
When anxiety rises, Paul doesn’t suggest positive thinking. He tells us to talk to God. Take your requests, your fears, your burdens—and lay them down with thanksgiving. This thanksgiving is crucial. It shifts the heart from fear to faith.
And what happens next?
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (v. 7)
That’s a military word—guard. God’s peace acts like a sentry at the gate of your soul, defending your heart and mind from intruding anxieties. Peace is not the absence of problems. It’s the presence of God as our defender.
3. Right Thinking Matters
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable… think about these things.” (v. 8)
Your thoughts are not neutral. They are powerful. They shape your emotions, your behaviors, and your relationships.
Paul gives us a filter for thought life:
Is it true?
Is it honorable?
Is it just?
Is it pure?
Is it lovely?
Is it commendable?
If it doesn’t fit these categories, we should not dwell on it. This is where many believers fall short—we allow our thoughts to run unchecked. But Scripture calls us to take them captive (2 Corinthians 10:5).
Paul then adds:
“What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things…” (v. 9)
He doesn’t just preach it—he models it. This isn’t theoretical. Paul lived this in hardship, in prison, and under threat. The result?
“…and the God of peace will be with you.”
Not just peace—the God of peace. When we think rightly, we remember that we are never alone.
4. Contentment Is Learned
“I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” (v. 11)
Paul shifts from external anxiety to internal satisfaction. The word learned here implies both discovery and discipline. Paul didn’t magically feel content—he learned it through experience.
He describes highs and lows:
“I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound… I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.” (v. 12)
What’s the secret?
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (v. 13)
This verse isn’t about sports or success. It’s about endurance and emotional strength. Paul’s “secret” was Christ—his strength in every season.
You can’t always choose your circumstances, but you can learn contentment through Christ who lives in you.
How does this help me understand, “Mindset: Take Every Thought Captive?”
Train for Peace
Paul teaches us that peace is not accidental. It is chosen. It is trained. It is guarded by God Himself when we commit to prayer, focus our thinking, and live with contentment through Christ.
When anxiety floods your mind, you don’t need to drown. You can take every thought captive—and let the peace of God rule in your heart.
At the center of Paul’s mindset is Christ Himself. Jesus, who faced betrayal, injustice, hunger, poverty, grief, and death, never lost His peace. Why? Because He remained fixed on the Father’s will and rested in the Father’s love.
Jesus modeled a prayerful life under pressure. He showed us how to speak peace in storms, to silence anxious hearts, and to trust God even on the cross.
In Him, we don’t just find forgiveness—we find peace (Romans 5:1). He is not only our Savior but our Peace (Ephesians 2:14). Christ is not just the content of our thoughts—He is the calm in our minds.
What are some practical steps I can take?
Use Philippians 4:6 as your prayer template: Make specific requests, paired with thanks.
Write down your anxious thoughts: Compare them to Philippians 4:8. Redirect where needed.
Choose your media carefully: What you consume feeds what you dwell on.
Practice daily gratitude: Keep a list of three things you’re thankful for every night.
Week #1: When You Can’t Stop Crying
Blog Series Intention Recap
Our thoughts and emotions shape the way we see God, ourselves, and others. Jesus tells us not to worry about tomorrow, but that’s easier said than done. Anger, anxiety, and discouragement often seem to have the upper hand—especially in a world full of injustice and uncertainty. This four-week series examines what Scripture teaches about managing our inner life with God’s help. We’ll learn to take every thought captive to obey Christ (2 Cor. 10:5), embracing mental and emotional health as vital to our spiritual walk.
In this blog series, I am not attempting to counsel anyone. Depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues are real. Please find a biblical counselor or therapist who can help you process the very real and serious emotions we are discussing. This blog is meant to be a starting point, not an end point.
This page is a post in the series “Mindset: Take Every Thought Captive.” Click here to see the rest of the posts.
Let’s jump into Week #1:
God Listens When We Cry… God cares about our emotional pain and invites us to pour out our hearts before Him. He does not dismiss our sorrow or silence our grief but meets us in the middle of it. When life feels barren and our prayers seem unanswered, God remains attentive and compassionate. Bringing our thoughts and emotions honestly before Him is not a sign of weakness—it is the beginning of healing and hope.
Why it Matters:
Real faith feels deeply: Hannah's grief shows us godly sorrow.
Prayer is emotional health care: She brought her burden to the Lord.
God meets us in our mess: He heard her prayer and answered.
Honesty is strength: Taking thoughts captive starts with open confession.
Go Deeper:
Tears That Teach Us
Most of us have felt what Hannah felt—desperate, discouraged, emotionally drained. You wake up with a pit in your stomach and go to sleep hoping the ache fades by morning. And yet the Bible doesn’t gloss over that kind of pain. It highlights it. In 1 Samuel 1, Hannah’s anguish leads to a turning point—not only in her life but in the life of Israel.
When we think about taking every thought captive, we often imagine stopping bad thoughts. But Scripture begins somewhere different: not with suppression but with surrender. Hannah’s story reminds us that taking our thoughts captive starts by bringing them—raw and real—before God.
1. Real Faith Feels Deeply
“She was deeply distressed and prayed to the LORD and wept bitterly.” (1 Samuel 1:10, ESV)
Faith is not the absence of emotion. Hannah’s deep pain was tied to unfulfilled hope. She longed for a child, but year after year, the Lord had not opened her womb. Add to that her rival’s (Peninnah) constant provocation and her husband Elkanah’s well-meaning but clueless comfort, and you have the perfect storm of grief, shame, and frustration.
In ancient Israel, children were seen as a sign of God’s favor. Hannah’s barrenness was not just sad; it felt like divine rejection. Yet, she didn’t numb herself. She wept. She prayed. She engaged God in her pain.
This is where mental and emotional health begins—acknowledging how we actually feel. Not pretending. Not performing. But showing up, vulnerable and real.
Faith doesn’t pretend everything’s fine. Faith says, “God, I need You because nothing is fine.”
2. Prayer Is Emotional Health Care
“She continued praying before the LORD…” (v. 12)
Hannah’s approach to emotional overwhelm wasn’t distraction or avoidance. It was prayer. Not polished, recited prayer—but deeply personal intercession. She prayed “in bitterness of soul” and made a vow to God, pouring out her heart like water before Him (cf. Lamentations 2:19).
She didn’t just talk about God. She talked to Him. Her lips moved, but no sound came out—just the desperate rhythm of grief and hope colliding. Eli the priest misunderstood her; others might too. But God did not.
Here’s the key: Taking every thought captive doesn’t mean stifling emotion—it means directing it to the right place.
We aren’t called to control our thoughts before we carry them to God. We’re called to carry them so He can bring them into obedience to Christ. (2 Cor. 10:5)
3. God Meets Us in Our Mess
“Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition…” (v. 17)
“Then the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad.” (v. 18)
Something happened after Hannah prayed. Before her circumstances changed, her countenance did. She wasn’t pregnant yet. Her rival hadn’t stopped mocking her. But she ate. She smiled. Her burden had shifted.
Why? Because she had unburdened herself before the Lord. There is power in releasing our emotions into God’s hands. Prayer doesn’t always fix our situation immediately, but it changes us.
The change in Hannah shows us the transforming power of prayerful trust. She left the temple with the same problems but a different posture. Peace came—not from a guarantee of outcome, but from a God who listens.
And God did more than listen. He responded. “And in due time Hannah conceived and bore a son…” (v. 20). God gave her Samuel—whose name means “God has heard.”
4. Honesty Is Strength
“I have been pouring out my soul before the LORD.” (v. 15)
When we think of spiritual strength, we often imagine unshakable joy and constant positivity. But Hannah shows us that godly strength includes honesty. She told Eli the truth. She wasn’t drunk—she was devastated. And she didn’t hide it.
There is nothing weak about bringing your emotions to God. In fact, that is the very act of strength. Real strength is not found in pushing through alone, but in bringing your thoughts, fears, and feelings to the One who can redeem them.
Taking every thought captive starts here: not by suppressing emotion, but by surrendering it.
How does this help me understand, “Mindset: Take Every Thought Captive?”
God Is Near to the Brokenhearted
God heard Hannah. He hears you. Psalm 22:24 says, “For he has not despised or scorned the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help.” The first step in taking every thought captive is letting God have access to the ones that hurt. He doesn’t turn away from your anguish—He draws near.
You don’t need to clean yourself up to be heard. Just come like Hannah did—broken, honest, expectant. And like her, you can leave changed.
Hannah’s story points us to a greater truth. There is One greater than Hannah who poured out His soul in anguish—Jesus, in the Garden of Gethsemane. He wept. He sweat drops of blood. He said, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death” (Matt. 26:38).
Why does this matter? Because Jesus understands emotional suffering. He carried ours to the cross (Isaiah 53:4). When we weep, we do not cry alone. When we pour out our heart, we do so to a Savior who listens and loves.
In Christ, we have a High Priest who sympathizes with our weaknesses (Heb. 4:15). And because of Him, our cries reach the Father’s heart.
What are some practical steps I can take?
Pray specifically: Name your emotions in prayer—fear, sorrow, shame. Don’t sanitize it. Surrender it.
Journal your Hannah prayers: Write out raw prayers. Pour your heart on paper as she did before the Lord.
Practice release, not repression: Give God the mental space your worry has taken up. Visualize placing it in His hands.
Repeat daily: Taking thoughts captive is a daily rhythm, not a one-time fix. Keep praying through the tears.
Book of the Month - June 2025
Anatomy of Peace
Resolving the Heart of Conflict
The Arbinger Institute - ISBN: 978-1523001132 - 2022
Author:
The Arbinger Institute
The Arbinger Institute is an international training, consulting, and coaching firm that specializes in conflict resolution and peacemaking ―whether in families, in organizations, or between communities or nations. Arbinger’s clients range from individuals who are seeking help in their lives to families who are trying to strengthen and rebuild relationships to many of the largest companies and governmental institutions in the world, where Arbinger helps to establish new levels of teamwork and cooperation. For more information about Arbinger, please visit www.arbinger.com.
The Arbinger Institute is an international training and consulting firm that is recognized as a world leader in the areas of leadership, team building, conflict resolution, crisis management, culture change, and culture integration. Arbinger’s clients range from individuals who are seeking help in their lives to many of the largest companies and governmental institutions in the world.
Brief Synopsis:
From the authors of Leadership and Self-Deception (over 2 million copies sold) comes a new edition of this bestseller that has been thoroughly revised to more effectively address the diversity, equity, and inclusion challenges that plague our communities and hinder our organizations.
What if conflicts at home, at work, and in the world stem from the same root cause? What if we systematically misunderstand that cause? And what if, as a result, we unwittingly perpetuate the very problems we think we are trying to solve?
The Anatomy of Peace uses a fictional story of an Arab and a Jew—both of whom lost their fathers at the hands of the other’s cousins—to powerfully show readers the way to transform conflict. We learn how they come together, how they help parents and children come together, and how we too can find our way out of the personal, professional, and social conflicts that weigh us down.
The fourth edition includes revisions and new materials and resources that increase its relevance and usefulness at a time of deeply entrenched divisions throughout society. Additionally, it includes new detailed discussions of the pattern of dehumanization that lies at the heart of today’s most pressing struggles with prejudice and discrimination—challenges that cannot be solved until the origins of bias and discrimination are properly understood and addressed. The new edition is a unique and vital resource for combatting racism and prejudice in their many manifestations.
Insights:
“In every moment...we choose to see others either as people like ourselves or as objects. They either count like we do or they don't.”
“Bruises heal more quickly than emotional scars do.”
“When you begin to see others as people,’ Ben told me, ‘issues related to race, ethnicity, religion, and so on begin to look and feel different. You end up seeing people who have hopes, dreams, fears, and even justifications that resemble your own.”“Don’t misunderstand,” Yusuf added. “Despite our best efforts, we may find that some battles are unavoidable. Some around us will still choose war. May we in those cases remember what we learned from Saladin: that while certain outward battles may need to be fought, we can nevertheless fight them with hearts that are at peace. “And may we remember the deeper lesson as well: that your and my and the world’s hoped-for outward peace depends most fully not on the peace we seek without but on the peace we establish within.”
“...when I betray myself, others' faults become immediately inflated in my heart and mind. I begin to 'horribilize' others. That is, I begin to make them out to be worse than they really are. And I do this because the worse they are, the more justified I feel.”
Should I read it or skip it?
The Anatomy of Peace is a compelling follow-up to Leadership and Self-Deception, continuing the Arbinger Institute’s work of helping people and organizations resolve conflict not just outwardly, but from within. Having read both, I feel like both books need to get added to any leaders’ reading or listening list. While Leadership and Self-Deception introduces the concept of self-betrayal and the "box" we put ourselves in when we justify our mistreatment of others, The Anatomy of Peace goes a step further—it provides a practical roadmap for how to move from a posture of war to a mindset of peace, even in the most emotionally charged conflicts.
This book shines by grounding its message in parable. Through a fictional dialogue between parents, counselors, and leaders at a youth intervention program, the book explores how we often treat others as obstacles, objects, or irrelevancies rather than as people with needs, fears, and hopes like our own. The central insight is that conflict is not about difference—it’s about the way we see and regard each other. And peace begins not in policy or procedure, but in the heart.
From a leadership perspective, The Anatomy of Peace shows how to keep people’s humanity at the forefront. True leadership becomes less about controlling others and more about changing how we see them. When leaders make that shift—choosing to see people as people—they naturally foster accountability, collaboration, and transformation in their teams. These lessons build directly on Leadership and Self-Deception, offering not just diagnosis, but treatment.
Whether you're leading a team, managing a family, or trying to change the culture of an organization, The Anatomy of Peace offers timeless wisdom: peace is not the absence of conflict, but the presence of a different way of being. Read it not just for insight, but for the invitation to lead from the inside out. Don’t skip it.
Mindset: Take Every Thought Captive
Blog Series Intention Recap
Our thoughts and emotions shape the way we see God, ourselves, and others. Jesus tells us not to worry about tomorrow, but that’s easier said than done. Anger, anxiety, and discouragement often seem to have the upper hand—especially in a world full of injustice and uncertainty. This four-week series examines what Scripture teaches about managing our inner life with God’s help. We’ll learn to take every thought captive to obey Christ (2 Cor. 10:5), embracing mental and emotional health as vital to our spiritual walk.
This post is the main page of the series “Mindset: Take Every Thought Captive.”
Week #2: When the Day Starts in the Dark
Blog Series Intention Recap
This series invites readers to rediscover the rhythms of Shabbat as Jesus experienced them, revealing how ancient Jewish practices point to the rest, presence, and grace found in Messiah (Jesus). Each post unpacks a traditional element of Shabbat—beginning at sundown, candle lighting, spoken blessings, and shared meals—to show how they deepen our spiritual formation today. By exploring these practices, readers are equipped to follow Yeshua (Jesus) not only in belief but in the sacred rhythms of time, family, and worship.
This page is a post in the series “Dining with Jesus.” Click here to see the rest of the posts.
Let’s jump into Week #2:
When the Day Starts in the Dark… God designed time to begin in darkness so that we would begin with Him—not with effort, but with rest. This rhythm of Shabbat reveals the gospel: grace before works, rest before responsibility, light overcoming darkness. Let sundown become your signal to pause and remember: God works while you rest. Reorder your week to begin with worship, trust, and stillness—because in God’s kingdom, the day starts in the dark.
Why it Matters:
Rest comes before responsibility—we begin by trusting, not striving.
Salvation precedes sanctification—our lives start with grace, not effort.
Darkness does not win—every day begins in shadows but ends in light.
God works while we sleep—He sustains us when we surrender.
Go Deeper:
“And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.” —Genesis 1:5 (ESV)
It goes against everything we’ve learned. Days begin with the sunrise, right? Light breaks in, alarm clocks go off, coffee brews, and we start again. But in the Bible’s telling, the day doesn’t begin with dawn.
It begins in darkness.
This is not an incidental detail. It’s a declaration. From the first page of Scripture, God reveals His rhythm for creation—and it’s not like ours. His pattern is this: Evening comes first. Then morning. Every day begins in the dark.
The Jewish people have always honored this pattern. A new day, including the sacred Shabbat, begins not at midnight or sunrise, but at sundown.
Why?
Because the rhythm of time is meant to preach the gospel.
Rest Comes Before Responsibility
In our world, work earns rest. We clock in, push hard, and only when the job is done do we collapse into rest—if there’s any time left. But God doesn’t structure time that way.
From the first day of creation, God sets the tone: rest comes first. The day begins with evening. With stillness. With ceasing.
This is not just a clever spiritual insight. It’s a divine principle.
“And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.” —Genesis 1:5
Why does God start the day in darkness? Because He wants you to begin by trusting Him—not by proving yourself.
You begin each day asleep. Vulnerable. Unconscious. Useless.
And yet the world spins. Crops grow. Babies breathe. Gravity holds.
God does not wait for your effort to sustain His universe.
He begins the day without your help.
You were never meant to live from effort toward rest. You were meant to live from rest into calling.
That is what Shabbat teaches us.
Each week, as the sun sets on Friday, the people of God cease striving—not because their work is finished, but because God is enough.
This is the invitation of Shabbat: stop working and remember who’s really in charge.
Salvation Precedes Sanctification
This rhythm of rest-before-work doesn’t just reflect creation—it reflects salvation.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” —Ephesians 2:8–9 (ESV)
You are not saved because you worked hard.
You are not made holy because you behaved well.
You are not accepted by God because you earned it.
You were saved first. Then sanctified. Grace came before discipline. Yeshua (Jesus)’s finished work came before your spiritual efforts.
The rhythm of creation reflects this gospel.
The sun goes down. Darkness falls. You do nothing. And God says, “The day has begun.”
When you practice Shabbat, you step into that theology. You say with your actions, “I begin this week by trusting what Christ has already done.”
Yeshua (Jesus) Himself declared this as He breathed His last on the cross: “It is finished.” (John 19:30)
From that place of finished work, we live.
From that place of peace, we obey.
This is why Paul says in Galatians 3:3, “Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?”
Don’t start with grace and drift into performance. Let Shabbat train you to rest in what’s already been done.
Darkness Does Not Win
Why would God start every day in the dark?
Because every one of us begins in darkness.
We are born into brokenness. We wake up into a fallen world. We carry shadows and sin and pain. But the gospel says: the darkness will not last.
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.” —Isaiah 9:2 (ESV)
Yeshua (Jesus) is the Light who breaks the darkness.
The gospel doesn't pretend we start in the light—it proclaims that the Light has come to find us.
Each new day reminds us: though we begin in shadow, we end in sunrise.
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” —John 1:5 (ESV)
Shabbat begins as the sun goes down. But it points to the day when “there will be no night there… for the Lord God will be their light” (Revelation 22:5).
This rhythm is not nostalgic—it’s eschatological. It teaches us to hope.
God Works While We Sleep
“It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.” —Psalm 127:2 (ESV)
Sleep is an act of trust.
God doesn’t slumber, but you do.
You can’t control your world overnight—but He does.
He waters the earth while you sleep (Job 5:10). He watches over your house while you rest (Psalm 121:3–4). He renews your strength without your striving (Isaiah 40:31).
To keep working without rest is to confess unbelief. It is to say, “If I stop, everything stops.”
But when you let the day begin at sundown—when you welcome Shabbat with stillness and sleep—you declare: “I am not the Savior. I am the beloved. I can rest.”
Yeshua (Jesus) modeled this in His humanity. He slept on boats. He withdrew often. He honored Shabbat—not as a rule, but as a rhythm.
“The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” —Mark 2:27 (ESV)
The Sabbath is not a burden. It is a gift. A weekly gospel. A recurring reminder that God works while we rest.
How does this help me understand, “Dining With Jesus?”
Living Like Jesus in the Rhythm of Shabbat
Yeshua (Jesus) didn’t abolish the Sabbath—He fulfilled it (Matthew 5:17). He didn’t cancel the rest; He became our rest.
He is the Lord of the Sabbath (Mark 2:28), and in Him, we find our ceasing, our peace, and our new beginning.
When Christians ignore the sacred rhythm of time, we disconnect from Yeshua(Jesus)’s own practices. But when we remember how He lived—with prayer, stillness, and Shabbat—we are formed into His image.
What would happen if your week began with rest?
Not with groceries, emails, or doomscrolling—but with candles. With prayer. With silence. With sleep.
Embrace the Rhythm:
Mark Sundown Friday Light a candle or turn down the lights. Declare aloud: “The day begins. I begin with rest.”
Pray Instead of Planning Rather than listing tasks, thank God for His work. Invite His presence. Ask for trust.
Cease from Labor Don’t clean, organize, or catch up. Rest. Let go. Let God.
Rest Like You’re Loved Take a walk. Laugh with family. Read the Word slowly. Breathe. You are not falling behind. You are beginning.
When You Begin with God, You Begin in Peace
This is what “Dining with Jesus” really means—not just eating with Him, but embracing His rhythm of rest and trust. Every sundown becomes a sermon. Every Shabbat becomes a song.
The gospel is in the dark.
Because Yeshua (Jesus) enters our shadows, brings light, and bids us sleep in peace.
“In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.” —Psalm 4:8 (ESV)
So tonight, as the light fades, don’t fight the dark.
Welcome it.
And let the day begin.
Week #4: From Ruth to Royalty
Blog Series Intention Recap
The book of Ruth is a short but powerful narrative that reveals the loyal and redeeming love of God at work in the lives of ordinary people. Through grief, risk, and uncertain futures, God provides a way forward that is both personal and redemptive. This series traces Ruth’s journey from loss to legacy, highlighting how God uses faithfulness, sacrifice, and community to bring about His divine plan. Ruth is more than a love story—it’s a glimpse into how God’s grace quietly transforms lives..
This page is a post in the series “Loyal Love.” Click here to see the rest of the posts.
Let’s jump into Week #4:
From Bitter to Blessed: How Faithfulness Shapes a Future… Boaz and Ruth’s marriage brings about restoration of Naomi’s name and the family line that will lead to David. We cannot imagine the full extent that the story God is writing will have on the lives of others. We are called to be faithful, and God’s reward for that faithfulness is hope for all who trust in Him. Ruth’s faithfulness to Naomi and Boaz’s faithfulness to his family set the stage for the arrival of Israel’s eternal King.
Why it Matters:
Ruth and Boaz’s marriage restores hope, not only for Naomi but for Israel’s future.
God weaves individual faithfulness into His larger redemptive story.
Redemption turns personal suffering into communal blessing.
Our obedience today can have generational impact beyond what we can see.
Go Deeper:
Ruth 4:13–22
Some stories end quietly. Some end with celebration. And some, like Ruth’s, end with more than anyone could have expected. Ruth 4:13–22 ties together threads of loss, love, loyalty, and legacy to show us what only God could have planned from the start: redemption that reaches beyond one lifetime and into eternity.
A Marriage and a Miracle
Boaz and Ruth marry, and immediately, the Lord gives them a child.
"So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife. And he went in to her, and the Lord gave her conception, and she bore a son." (Ruth 4:13, ESV)
This is more than a personal joy—it is a divine sign. Ruth, once barren in Moab, now bears fruit in Bethlehem. God not only redeems her story but uses it to advance His own eternal story.
Every birth in the Bible carries more than biological meaning—it signals God's ongoing faithfulness to His covenant promises.
Naomi’s Restoration
Notice the attention given to Naomi:
"Then the women said to Naomi, 'Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a redeemer... He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age.'" (Ruth 4:14–15)
The community blesses Naomi as much as Ruth. Naomi, who once called herself “Mara” (bitter), is now renewed through Ruth’s child, Obed.
In a profound reversal, the woman who believed her life was over becomes the nurse to new life. What she saw as emptiness God has filled beyond measure.
A Legacy That Outlives Them All
The story doesn’t end with Obed’s birth. Ruth 4 closes with a genealogy—a list of names that connect Ruth’s faithfulness to David, Israel’s greatest king:
"Obed fathered Jesse, and Jesse fathered David." (v. 22)
Ruth, the Moabite, becomes the great-grandmother of David. Her name is forever stitched into the royal line of Israel. And, as the Gospel of Matthew tells us, her name also finds its place in the genealogy of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5).
God’s redemption of Ruth wasn’t just personal—it was cosmic.
Faithfulness that Echoes
None of the characters in Ruth could have seen this coming. They simply acted faithfully in their own generation:
Naomi mentored Ruth with wisdom and hope.
Ruth remained loyal, risking everything to follow Naomi and trust in Israel’s God.
Boaz acted with kindness, respect, and covenant loyalty.
Their obedience didn’t seem extraordinary in the moment. But God wove it into the foundation of His redemptive plan for the world.
This reminds us: our daily acts of faithfulness may have generational impact we will never fully see.
Personal Redemption and Cosmic Redemption
The story of Ruth teaches that redemption works on two levels:
Personal: Ruth, Boaz, and Naomi all experience personal restoration—marriage, birth, and joy after suffering.
Cosmic: Through their story, God advances His plan to bring the Messiah into the world.
Our own stories also operate on these two levels. God cares about the intimate details of our lives—and He is simultaneously using our lives to advance His kingdom purposes.
How does this help me understand, “Loyal Love?”
Your Faithfulness Matters More Than You Know
It’s tempting to believe that only “big” actions matter. But Ruth’s story shows otherwise. Loyalty, kindness, courage, and trust—these seemingly small things—become the instruments of history.
Your prayers, your service, your unseen faithfulness may become part of someone else's future legacy. Your obedience today may become the seed of hope for generations yet unborn.
You May Not See the Whole Story—But God Does
Naomi didn't live to see David. Ruth didn’t know her son would carry the lineage of kings. Boaz didn't see the arrival of Jesus.
But their faithfulness was the soil where God's promises grew.
In the same way, you may not see all the fruit of your faithfulness. You may wonder if your sacrifices are worth it. But God is weaving every act of loyalty, love, and obedience into a story far greater than you imagine.
From Bitter to Blessed
Naomi’s story began with famine and death. Ruth’s story began with widowhood and exile. Boaz’s story began as a wealthy landowner in a struggling nation.
But their stories ended with laughter, with hope, and with a legacy that would bless the entire world.
This is what redemption looks like in the hands of a faithful God. No sorrow is wasted. No loyalty goes unnoticed. No act of obedience is forgotten.
Trust the Author
The story of Ruth calls us to trust the unseen Author of our lives. He is working through our pain and perseverance. His plans are longer, deeper, and more beautiful than we know.
When we walk faithfully, even when we can’t see the outcome, we join the great story of redemption—a story that began before us and will continue long after us, to the glory of God.
Through loyalty, risk, and redemption, Ruth’s story shows that God’s faithful love turns mourning into joy and uses ordinary faithfulness to fulfill extraordinary promises.
Week #3: The Risk of Redemption
Blog Series Intention Recap
The book of Ruth is a short but powerful narrative that reveals the loyal and redeeming love of God at work in the lives of ordinary people. Through grief, risk, and uncertain futures, God provides a way forward that is both personal and redemptive. This series traces Ruth’s journey from loss to legacy, highlighting how God uses faithfulness, sacrifice, and community to bring about His divine plan. Ruth is more than a love story—it’s a glimpse into how God’s grace quietly transforms lives..
This page is a post in the series “Loyal Love.” Click here to see the rest of the posts.
Let’s jump into Week #3:
Hope at Midnight: When Faith Walks into the Unknown… Naomi plays matchmaker in hopes that Boaz will take Ruth as his wife and thus provide a future for Ruth.Sometimes God will use us to help change the lives of others, and sometimes He will use others to change our lives. In either case, our greatest task is to remain open to what God is doing and then respond with a heart of gratitude.
Why it Matters:
Redemption often requires risk—Ruth’s bold approach showed trust in both God and Boaz.
Boaz’s honorable response models how godly character protects and uplifts.
Naomi’s plan reflects trust in God’s providence, not manipulation.
God often works through human courage and obedience to accomplish divine purposes.
Go Deeper:
Ruth 3:1–4:12
Sometimes redemption requires courage before comfort. Ruth 3 introduces a bold and delicate plan: a Moabite widow lying at the feet of a respected man on the threshing floor. What seems like a risky romance is actually a picture of God’s faithfulness unfolding through human trust, dignity, and covenant love.
A Mother-in-Law’s Plan
Naomi’s journey has already shifted from bitterness to hope. Seeing Boaz’s favor toward Ruth, she recognizes that their redeemer may be standing right in front of them. In Israelite law, a “kinsman redeemer” (go’el) could marry a widow to preserve the family line. Naomi puts this hope into action.
“My daughter, should I not seek rest for you, that it may be well with you?” (Ruth 3:1, ESV)
This is not manipulation—it’s motherly wisdom wrapped in trust. Naomi wants to secure Ruth’s future, and she trusts Boaz to do right.
A Risky Act of Faith
Ruth goes to the threshing floor at night. She uncovers Boaz’s feet and lies down—an act both bold and vulnerable. This was not seduction, but a culturally meaningful sign of a request for covering and protection (see Ezekiel 16:8 for a parallel of covering and covenant).
When Boaz awakens, Ruth makes her intentions clear:
“Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer.” (Ruth 3:9)
This is not just a proposal—it’s a plea for redemption. She’s asking Boaz to act as the go’el—to cover her, protect her, and continue the family line.
Character Under Pressure
Boaz’s response shows why he is a worthy man. He doesn’t take advantage of Ruth. He doesn’t shame her. Instead, he praises her character:
“You have made this last kindness greater than the first… for you have not gone after young men.” (v. 10)
Boaz recognizes Ruth’s sacrificial love, just as he did in chapter 2. And rather than act impulsively, he chooses to do everything lawfully—even acknowledging there’s another relative who has first rights to redeem.
Boaz’s Integrity
The next morning, Boaz goes straight to the city gate—the place of legal decisions. He meets the nearer redeemer and lays out the situation. That man declines (perhaps due to cost or complications), freeing Boaz to fulfill the role.
In Ruth 4:9–10, Boaz publicly declares:
“You are witnesses this day that I have bought from the hand of Naomi all that belonged to Elimelech… also Ruth the Moabite… I have bought to be my wife.”
This is not just romance. It is legal, public, and covenantal redemption. Boaz restores the family name, protects Ruth, and honors Naomi.
Redemption and Respect
This chapter is about more than love—it’s about godly relationships. Ruth takes a risk in submission. Boaz responds in righteousness. Naomi entrusts her future to God’s providence.
Each person plays their part faithfully, and through their integrity, God’s redemptive plan moves forward.
How does this help me understand, “Loyal Love?”
Redemption Isn’t Passive
This part of Ruth’s story teaches us that redemption often involves risk, movement, and courage. God honors the faith of those who act in line with His will. Whether we are initiating or responding, God uses our steps to unfold His plan.
Boaz’s redemption of Ruth isn’t just a happy ending—it’s a picture of Christ. Jesus, our ultimate Redeemer, stepped forward publicly to cover us, not with a cloak, but with His own blood. He bore the cost and gave us a name and a future.
When God Asks You to Take a Step
Sometimes, like Ruth, we are called to step forward in trust, even if the road ahead is uncertain. We must place our hope in the character of the one we’re entrusting ourselves to—ultimately, that’s not a Boaz, but the Lord Himself.
Sometimes, like Boaz, we are called to act with integrity and protect those who are vulnerable. Redemption may cost us, but the reward is far greater.
Your Role in Redemption
You may be Naomi—guiding someone toward a better future. You may be Ruth—stepping out with faith when the outcome is unclear. You may be Boaz—called to protect, redeem, and respond with kindness.
Whatever your role, your faithfulness matters. God writes redemption into ordinary lives through open hearts and willing obedience.
Gratitude and Glory
When Ruth returns to Naomi in Ruth 3:18, Naomi says:
“Wait, my daughter, until you learn how the matter turns out, for the man will not rest but will settle the matter today.”
Faith acts boldly, and then it waits patiently. Ruth, Boaz, and Naomi show us that faith doesn’t mean control. It means moving when God calls—and trusting when we’ve done our part.
Special Edition: A Woman Welcomes the Light (Happy Mother’s Day)
Blog Series Intention Recap
This series invites readers to rediscover the rhythms of Shabbat as Jesus experienced them, revealing how ancient Jewish practices point to the rest, presence, and grace found in Messiah (Jesus). Each post unpacks a traditional element of Shabbat—beginning at sundown, candle lighting, spoken blessings, and shared meals—to show how they deepen our spiritual formation today. By exploring these practices, readers are equipped to follow Yeshua (Jesus) not only in belief but in the sacred rhythms of time, family, and worship.
This page is a post in the series “Dining with Jesus.” Click here to see the rest of the posts.
Let’s jump into this SpecialWeek:
A Woman Welcomes the Light… In the Jewish tradition, Shabbat begins with a woman lighting the candles—ushering in light, peace, and sacred time. In the gospel story, Mary welcomes the Light of the World into the world. This divine pattern reminds us that Yeshua (Jesus) is still welcomed by faithful people—often through the quiet strength and spiritual leadership of women. Honor the light-bringers in your life. Practice inviting the presence of Jesus into your home through peace, prayer, and intentional rhythms—perhaps even with candlelight.
Why it Matters:
Women light the Shabbat candles, symbolizing the beginning of rest and the presence of peace.
Mary’s “yes” welcomed Yeshua (Jesus), the true Light, into the darkness of the world.
Yeshua (Jesus) honored women as vital participants in His mission and ministry.
Light a candle to mark sacred time and invite the presence of the Light of the World into your home.
Go Deeper:
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” —Yeshua (Jesus), John 8:12 (ESV)
Every Friday evening in Jewish homes around the world, a woman stands before a flickering flame and says a quiet prayer. She covers her eyes, lights the candles, and whispers the ancient blessing that begins the most sacred time of the week:
Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu, Melech ha’olam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu l’hadlik ner shel Shabbat.
Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to light the Sabbath candles.
With that gentle flame, Shabbat begins. A holy pause enters the home. The day becomes different. The ordinary is set apart.
This tradition is thousands of years old, and yet it is alive with gospel meaning. In the light of those candles, we see the story of Yeshua (Jesus). And in the woman who lights them, we see the dignity of faith, hospitality, and welcome.
Let’s reflect on the beauty and theology of this tradition—and how it connects us to the Light of the World.
The Flame that Welcomes Shabbat
In Jewish tradition, the woman of the household lights the Shabbat candles. This is not simply a domestic task—it is a theological act. She does not wait until the sun has set. She lights the candles before darkness falls, to ensure the home is ready for rest and worship.
The candle lighting signifies the beginning of sacred time. It separates the ordinary from the holy. It marks the boundary between the frantic pace of the week and the peace of God's rest.
And most significantly: it welcomes light into darkness.
This is not an empty ritual. It is a weekly picture of salvation. The light doesn’t wait for the world to fix itself. It arrives before the darkness takes over.
Just like the gospel.
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” —John 1:5 (ESV)
Mary’s “Yes” and the Light of the World
Now consider Mary of Nazareth, a young Jewish woman in a small Galilean village. When the angel Gabriel appeared to her, he spoke of a child who would be the Son of the Most High. He would reign forever. And His name would be Yeshua (Jesus).
Mary’s response?
“Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” —Luke 1:38 (ESV)
In that moment, she welcomed the Light of the World into the darkness of the world.
Mary, like the women who light the Sabbath candles, did not delay. She said yes before she fully understood. She believed before she saw. And in doing so, she became the first to welcome Jesus—not only into her home, but into the world.
Every Shabbat candle is a reflection of this moment.
The light is not only physical—it is spiritual. It is peace in chaos. It is Jesus in the storm. It is the Light of God breaking through the silence.
When a woman lights the candle, she reenacts Mary’s “yes.” She welcomes the presence of God into her space.
Yeshua (Jesus) Honored Women
Yeshua (Jesus) did not enter a world that honored women—but He honored them anyway.
He spoke to women when others shunned them (John 4). He healed them when others ignored them (Luke 13). He welcomed them as disciples and friends (Luke 10:38–42). He allowed them to anoint Him, bless Him, and even support His ministry (Luke 8:1–3).
And when He rose from the dead, the first witnesses were women (Matthew 28:1–10).
In every Gospel account, women were among the first to believe, to serve, and to tell the story.
Yeshua (Jesus) didn’t just tolerate women—He trusted them.
The Shabbat candle tradition is a living picture of this. Every week, as a woman lights the candle and speaks peace over her home, she steps into a long line of faithful women who welcomed God.
This act of lighting a flame is not small. It is sacred.
Light a Candle, Invite His Presence
You may not be Jewish. You may not speak Hebrew. But the invitation still stands:
Light a candle. Welcome the Light. Make space for Yeshua (Jesus).
Let that small flame be a spiritual discipline. A moment of hospitality. A holy interruption.
Here’s how you can begin:
A Simple Shabbat Practice:
Choose a time: Friday evening before sundown.
Light a candle: Any candle will do. What matters is the moment.
Say a prayer: “Lord, as this candle burns, let Your peace fill this home. May Your presence rest here.”
Pause: Sit in the stillness. Let the flame remind you that God is near.
You don’t need to light a perfect candle. You need to light a real one. You don’t need to speak flawless Hebrew. You need to speak from the heart.
This is not legalism—it’s invitation. It’s rhythm. It’s a way of setting your home apart.
How does this help me understand, “Dining With Jesus?”
Welcome the Light
In John 8:12, Yeshua (Jesus) declared:
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (ESV)
The light still shines.
The darkness still trembles.
And you still have the choice to welcome Him.
This week, don’t wait for Sunday to begin your worship. Let Friday night become holy. Let a candle become your call to peace. Let the presence of Yeshua (Jesus) be invited in—not just to your church, but to your home.
Honor the light-bringers. Welcome the Light. And remember: before the world knew His name, a woman said yes—and everything changed.
Week #2: Kindness in the Fields
Blog Series Intention Recap
The book of Ruth is a short but powerful narrative that reveals the loyal and redeeming love of God at work in the lives of ordinary people. Through grief, risk, and uncertain futures, God provides a way forward that is both personal and redemptive. This series traces Ruth’s journey from loss to legacy, highlighting how God uses faithfulness, sacrifice, and community to bring about His divine plan. Ruth is more than a love story—it’s a glimpse into how God’s grace quietly transforms lives..
This page is a post in the series “Loyal Love.” Click here to see the rest of the posts.
Let’s jump into Week #2:
Unexpected Grace: When Faithfulness Meets Favor… Boaz both celebrates Ruth for her service to Naomi and to the “family” overall, by giving her special security and treatment. God doesn’t always move in the ways we might imagine, but if we are attentive, we’ll find that He does move. We never know when God might return our kindness to others back to us and the form it might take. So, we must make habits of compassion and costly personal generosity and trust that God will provide at just the right time.
Why it Matters:
God’s provision is often found in ordinary places—like a barley field.
Ruth’s character draws the attention and protection of Boaz.
Boaz’s generosity models how to reflect God’s kindness.
We should give generously, trusting God to care for us in His timing.
Go Deeper:
Ruth 2:8–20
The fields of Bethlehem held no guarantees. For a Moabite widow like Ruth, gleaning was risky and exhausting. But her faithfulness to Naomi had already set her apart. As she bends to pick up leftover grain, God is arranging an encounter—one that will remind us that kindness matters, that generosity changes stories, and that God sees.
Gleaning and God’s Law
In ancient Israel, God made special provisions for the poor and foreigner. Leviticus 19:9–10 commanded landowners not to reap to the edges of their fields but to leave gleanings for the marginalized. Ruth enters these fields as both poor and foreign—but she doesn’t enter alone. God’s law has already made space for her. His Word makes a way before His people ever step into the scene.
A Man Named Boaz
Boaz is introduced as “a worthy man” (Ruth 2:1), a term that speaks of wealth, strength, and honor. But he proves even more worthy in character. When Boaz arrives and notices Ruth, his actions go beyond the law. He doesn’t merely permit Ruth to glean; he ensures her safety, speaks with respect, and offers her water and protection.
“Then Boaz said to Ruth, ‘Now, listen, my daughter, do not go to glean in another field… I have charged the young men not to touch you.’” (Ruth 2:8–9, ESV)
Boaz uses his position not for personal gain but for someone else’s peace.
Ruth’s Reputation of Loyalty
Ruth is stunned by the favor she receives. Her humility and confusion are palpable:
“Why have I found favor in your eyes, that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?” (v. 10)
Boaz’s response is telling: he has heard of all she’s done for Naomi. Ruth’s reputation precedes her. Her loyalty has already made waves.
Kindness has a ripple effect. What she gave in Moab comes back to her in Bethlehem—through the generosity of someone she hadn’t yet met.
Boaz: A Shadow of the Redeemer
In many ways, Boaz foreshadows Jesus. He sees the outsider. He invites her in. He offers protection and provision without requiring merit. He treats her with dignity. Ruth does not need to earn his kindness—she simply needs to be near it.
Boaz’s words to Ruth sound like a blessing but also a prayer:
“The Lord repay you for what you have done… a full reward be given you by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge!” (v. 12)
Boaz sees Ruth’s faith. He acknowledges that her real refuge is not his field, but God’s mercy.
The Kindness of the Kingdom
The way Boaz treats Ruth models how God’s people should treat others. He doesn’t take advantage of her vulnerability. He empowers her through respect and generosity. He doesn’t just tolerate her presence—he ensures her well-being.
In an age where kindness is often rare, Ruth 2 calls us back to a different ethic: one of intentional generosity.
God’s Hidden Hand
There is no miracle in this chapter—just a string of small providences. Ruth “happens” to glean in Boaz’s field (v. 3). Boaz “just so happens” to arrive that day. These are not coincidences; they are subtle notes of divine direction.
God may not always move in visible ways, but He always moves.
How does this help me understand, “Loyal Love?”
The God Who Works Through Kindness
When Ruth returned to Naomi that evening with arms full of grain, she didn’t just bring food. She brought proof that God still sees, still provides, and still uses the faithfulness of His people to bless others.
Our role is not to control the outcome but to offer compassion in the field. When we do, we might just find that our kindness leads to something more than a meal—it leads to a movement of redemption.
Be Generous Without Knowing the Outcome
We often think of generosity in terms of what we can spare. But Boaz shows generosity as investment. He doesn’t know what will come of his kindness—but he gives anyway.
Our kindness today may be part of someone else’s breakthrough tomorrow. We are called to serve without strings, love without expectations, and trust that God will provide.
God’s Economy: Sowing and Reaping
Naomi, once empty, now receives bread and hope through Ruth’s arms. Ruth, once a foreigner, now finds refuge and dignity. Boaz, once just a landowner, becomes part of God’s redemptive line.
In God’s economy, faithful sowing leads to surprising harvests.
Who Can You Be a Boaz To?
Who in your life needs to be noticed, blessed, and protected? Who has quietly served without reward? Who is gathering scraps when they need an invitation to sit at your table?
Boaz used what he had to lift someone up. What has God given you that might be used the same way?
Book of the Month - May 2025
For Such A Time as This
Elliot Cosgrove - ISBN: 978-0063417472 - 2024
Author:
Elliot Cosgrove
Elliot J. Cosgrove, Ph.D., a leading voice of American Jewry, is Senior Rabbi of Park Avenue Synagogue in New York City. Ordained in 1999 at the Jewish Theological Seminary, he earned a doctorate at the University of Chicago Divinity School and is a Senior Hartman Rabbinic Fellow.
Rabbi Cosgrove sits on the Chancellor’s Cabinet of the Jewish Theological Seminary. An officer of the New York Board of Rabbis, he serves on the boards of UJA-Federation of New York, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, and Hillel at the University of Michigan. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. Rabbi Cosgrove represented the Jewish community at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum during the visit of Pope Francis to New York in 2015 and was honored to represent American Jewry at the 2024 White House Hanukkah party.
Brief Synopsis:
A poignant exploration of what it means to be Jewish today, from a leading voice in modern Judaism, Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove of Park Avenue Synagogue
For Jews today, the attack on Israel on October 7th has drawn a clear and irreversible demarcation in time. On that day, the Jewish community woke up to an unrecognizable new reality, witnessing the stark rise in antisemitism, the world’s oldest hatred, in its wake.
But even in this dark hour, the Jewish community is experiencing something profound and beautiful: a deep, abiding connection to community, culture, and faith. Drawing on the rich trove of Jewish history and tradition, Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove, one of today’s most influential thought leaders and spiritual guides, helps listeners make sense of this fraught time. With warmth and wisdom, Rabbi Cosgrove explores the challenging questions embedded in the soul of contemporary Jewry. Where did all this antisemitism come from, and was it always there? How have Israel and Zionism shaped American Judaism, and what ties us and divides us today? How do we practice Judaism and understand our place in a world that has, without fail, in every century, turned against us?
Knitting together storytelling with ancient teachings, Rabbi Cosgrove helps navigate and understand the landscape of this new reality, turning over questions that have no clear or easy answer in the way only a very good rabbi can.
For thousands of years, the Jewish people have wrestled with what it means to be Jewish. In this often divisive era, Rabbi Cosgrove reminds of how we can come together despite—and even because of—our differences. For Such a Time as This is a guide for a new generation that is reconciling the past with the present and facing the unknown future with courage, spirit, and unwavering hope.
Insights:
“As a people of Genesis and Exodus, we must stand up and stand tall in defense of our people and never lose sight of the joy and the privilege that comes with being a Jew today. Our Jewishness comes from both the push and the pull. Neither one nor the other but the two together must inform who we are and what we will be in such a time as this.”s
“The murders of that day? One would have been too many. As the Talmud teaches, “Whosoever destroys a single soul, it is as if they have destroyed an entire universe.” The attacks were a vile crime perpetrated against innocents, the very foundations of our faith, and the underlying bond of our common humanity.””
“Esther didn’t choose her moment; it chose her. And when the moment came, she put herself on the line, threw her lot in with her people, and rallied them to action. A heroine for her time. A heroine for our time.”s
“Put simply, to reduce my Jewish identity to fighting antisemitism is a victory I refuse to grant my foe. It was great to be a Jew on October 6, and it is still great to be a Jew today. Not just the push, and not just the pull, but the centripetal momentum of the two together—that is the generative force by which our community will be maintained.”
“We must take our part in the curricular and cultural battles in our institutions of higher learning, and we must take Jewish learning to higher levels. We must celebrate our births, bnei mitzvah, and weddings, reminding one another, our children, and most of all ourselves of who we are. Jews must take agency—and joy—in their Judaism.”
“We have taken our Jewish identity for granted for so long. And now, for the first time in our lives, we have begun to ask, What kind of Jews do we want to be? Where do we turn for guidance in such a time as this?”
Should I read it or skip it?
Toward the end of last year, I took a job with Ariel Ministries. This shift in ministry has caused me to explore genres and pick up books I wouldn’t normally. Recently in an Audible 2 for 1 sale, I found this book and thought I would giver it a listen. Here are my thoughts:
In For Such a Time as This, Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove offers a deep reflection on the challenges facing the Jewish community today, especially in the aftermath of the October 7th attack on Israel. With clarity and compassion, Cosgrove examines the rising tide of antisemitism and the deepening divides in both the Jewish and global communities. I knew there is a deep divide between Messianic Judaism (Acceppting Yeshua or Jesus as Messiah) and Judaism (still waiting for Messiah). I did not realize the depth of the divide between Jews who made their way to Israel and the Diaspora Jewry (such as American Jewry).
Drawing on Jewish history and tradition, Cosgrove guides readers through the complex questions of contemporary Jewish identity, the role of Zionism, and the ever-present struggle against hatred. He balances storytelling with profound insights from Jewish teachings, making this book a valuable resource for understanding the Jewish experience in this new, uncertain era. He makes the case for Diaspora Jewry being unsafe in the locations they are but more oblivious to the possibilities because America or wherever has tolerated them - unsafe and unperpared are not the same.
Through his wisdom, Rabbi Cosgrove highlights the enduring strength and unity of the Jewish community, reminding us that, despite our differences, there is power in coming together with courage and faith. For Such a Time as This is both a timely reflection and a hopeful call for future generations to navigate the challenges of the present with unwavering spirit. I think you should give this book a listen.
Week #1: When the Road Seems Empty
Blog Series Intention Recap
The book of Ruth is a short but powerful narrative that reveals the loyal and redeeming love of God at work in the lives of ordinary people. Through grief, risk, and uncertain futures, God provides a way forward that is both personal and redemptive. This series traces Ruth’s journey from loss to legacy, highlighting how God uses faithfulness, sacrifice, and community to bring about His divine plan. Ruth is more than a love story—it’s a glimpse into how God’s grace quietly transforms lives..
This page is a post in the series “Loyal Love.” Click here to see the rest of the posts.
Let’s jump into Week #1:
More Than Meets the Grief: Ruth’s Loyalty and God’s Long View… Naomi struggles with her own future and cannot promise anything to either of her daughters-in-law, but God sees more to our situation than we can see for ourselves. God makes no mistakes in the people He surrounds us with as we walk our journey. Like Naomi, we may feel like it would be better for others to go on their way and do something different, but God may intend that we continue to walk with them as He uses them to bless us. Our blessing in this life may turn out to be a blessing for others and finally a blessing to the kingdom.
Why it Matters:
God is at work even when we feel empty and forgotten.
The people we walk with in suffering may be part of our future redemption.
Ruth’s loyalty foreshadows God’s faithful love.
Our choices today can bless future generations beyond our sight.
Go Deeper:
Ruth 1:6–18
Grief can blur our vision. When everything falls apart, we tend to look down—down at our losses, our pain, our dashed hopes. Naomi’s story in Ruth 1 is the story of a woman who believed her life had ended. But the God of Israel writes longer stories than we expect. And sometimes, He uses unexpected people to turn the page.
The Story So Far: Loss Upon Loss
The book of Ruth opens with famine, migration, and death. Naomi and her family leave Bethlehem to survive. But in the land of Moab, her husband and sons die, leaving her with two Moabite daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah.
In Ruth 1:6, Naomi hears that the famine is over in Judah. She prepares to return, broken and bitter. She urges Ruth and Orpah to stay behind. In her mind, there is no future with her. No hope. No children. No home. She believes the emptiness is all there is.
But God has not abandoned her. He is about to bring restoration, beginning with a relationship she doesn’t yet value—her bond with Ruth.
God’s Silent, Sovereign Work
Naomi doesn’t hear a divine voice. There are no angels or miracles. Yet, God is moving. The decision to return to Bethlehem sets in motion the chain of events that will change history. And Ruth, the outsider, becomes God’s agent of loyalty and love.
God often works quietly through providence rather than loudly through spectacle. Like Naomi, we may only see bitterness and loss—but He sees blessing and restoration.
Ruth’s Famous Pledge: Covenant Love
Ruth’s reply in verses 16–17 is a turning point not just in the chapter but in the book:
“Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.”
This is not just affection. This is covenant language. Ruth is binding herself to Naomi with a faithfulness that echoes God’s own covenant with His people. She invokes the name of Israel’s God, adopting Naomi’s faith. Ruth is no longer just a Moabite widow—she becomes a reflection of God’s own chesed, His loyal love.
Naomi’s Eyes Are Still Clouded
Naomi accepts Ruth’s vow but remains unconvinced that good can come. When she returns to Bethlehem, she tells everyone:
“Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me.” (Ruth 1:20, ESV)
Her grief defines her. Her identity is consumed by sorrow. She cannot yet see that Ruth’s loyalty is a gift from God, that her story is not over.
But it is. The road that seemed empty is actually full of possibility.
The Theology of Loyal Companionship
This opening chapter teaches us that loyalty is never wasted. Ruth could have stayed in Moab. It would have been safer. But love compelled her forward. Her presence in Naomi’s life is God’s answer to Naomi’s pain, even if Naomi doesn’t yet see it.
God often works this way: through the ordinary, through the loyal, through the overlooked. His providence is woven into human faithfulness.
Who Is Your Ruth?
When we feel broken, we often try to push others away. We think we’re too much of a burden or that it’s better to suffer alone. But God places people around us for a reason. Naomi couldn’t promise Ruth anything, but Ruth still stayed. Why? Because God’s hand was guiding her.
Ask yourself: Who has God placed in your life during your hard season? Who continues to walk with you even when you have nothing to offer?
Who Needs You to Be Ruth?
On the other side, are you being called to walk with someone through their pain? Like Ruth, we may feel unsure about the journey. But God often uses people who show up, stick close, and bring the presence of His love without needing to solve anything.
Foreshadowing Redemption
This chapter ends with a faint glimmer of hope:
“And they came to Bethlehem at the beginning of barley harvest.” (Ruth 1:22)
This is not just a time marker. It’s a hint. Harvest is coming. Redemption is coming. Ruth’s loyalty will lead to Boaz, to marriage, to legacy, to King David—and ultimately to Jesus.
The God who works through famine and faithfulness is setting the stage for something no one can imagine yet.
How does this help me understand, “Loyal Love?”
God is not silent in Ruth 1, even though He doesn’t speak. He is present in loyalty. He is present in grief. He is present on the road back to Bethlehem. The story of Ruth begins in sorrow but ends in hope—because God always sees more than we do.
Don’t Dismiss the People God Has Placed with You
Ruth was a surprising companion. Naomi could not imagine she was the key to her restoration. But she was.
You may be tempted to let go of someone or withdraw because of grief, pain, or uncertainty. Don’t. The person walking with you might be God’s gift.
You may also feel like you’re just tagging along in someone else’s story. But in God’s eyes, that companionship may be the central act of faith that shapes generations.
Loyal Love
Blog Series Intention Recap
The book of Ruth is a short but powerful narrative that reveals the loyal and redeeming love of God at work in the lives of ordinary people. Through grief, risk, and uncertain futures, God provides a way forward that is both personal and redemptive. This series traces Ruth’s journey from loss to legacy, highlighting how God uses faithfulness, sacrifice, and community to bring about His divine plan. Ruth is more than a love story—it’s a glimpse into how God’s grace quietly transforms lives.
This post is the main page of the series “Loyal Love.”
Week #4: A New World Coming
Blog Series Intention Recap
The resurrection of Jesus is not only the turning point of history—it is the beginning of a new creation. Through His victory over sin and death, Christ offers us new life now and the hope of a renewed world to come. This series explores how the resurrection transforms our hearts, reshapes our communities, and reorients our hope toward the restoration of all things. As we live into the reality of Easter, we become living signs of the world God is making new.
This post is the main page of the series “New Creation.” Click here to see the rest of the posts.
Let’s jump into Week #4:
A New World Coming… God’s promise to renew all things is certain. As new creations in Christ, we live with confidence, hope, and purpose. Let your life reflect the hope of God’s future. Live today as someone preparing for eternity.
Why it Matters:
God will make a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells (Revelation 21).
The gospel makes us new creations now, not just in the future (2 Corinthians 5:17).
The hope of renewal anchors our endurance and mission in the present.
God’s future world shapes our values, priorities, and relationships now.
Go Deeper:
The resurrection of Jesus is not the end of the story—it’s the beginning of everything new.
From Genesis to Revelation, God’s plan has always pointed toward full restoration. Sin, death, and decay do not have the final word. God does. And the word He speaks over the end of the Bible—and over the end of all history—is this: “Behold, I am making all things new.”
That promise in Revelation 21 is not wishful thinking. It is the certain future of all who are in Christ. But it's also more than future hope. It is present direction. Because the new creation has already begun in us, we live now in light of what will soon be fully revealed.
A Future Promised: All Things New
Revelation 21:1–5 paints one of the clearest and most comforting pictures in Scripture:
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth... And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them... and he who was seated on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’” (vv. 1, 3, 5, ESV)
This is not annihilation and escape. It’s transformation and arrival. Heaven comes down. The old, broken creation doesn’t get discarded—it gets restored. The resurrection of Jesus was the prototype of what is to come: a new physical life, in a new physical world, free from death, mourning, crying, and pain.
Christians don’t hope for disembodied eternity—we long for resurrection life in a renewed creation. This is the heartbeat of biblical hope: not just life after death, but life after life after death.
This future is not merely encouraging—it is shaping. Because we know the end, we live differently now.
A Present Reality: New Creations Today
Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:17:
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (ESV)
This verse is not poetic exaggeration. It is a theological declaration. The new world is already breaking into this one—through you. When you came to Christ, the Spirit began the work of renewal in your heart, your mind, and your life. You are a living preview of God's promised future.
You may not feel new every day. But God’s Word assures you that you are being renewed daily (2 Corinthians 4:16). You are not just forgiven—you are being made new. Not merely rescued from judgment—but re-created for glory.
God’s new creation is not only coming for you—it has begun in you.
A Daily Calling: Living Toward God’s Future
The knowledge of this future changes the way we live in the present. Peter asks in 2 Peter 3:11:
“Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness?” (ESV)
The question is rhetorical but powerful. If everything temporary is fading, then our priorities must shift. What matters now is what will last. That’s why Paul says in Colossians 3:2–4:
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth... When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (ESV)
Hope isn’t passive. It’s active. It doesn’t sit on its hands—it rolls up its sleeves. Christians are not escapists. We are ambassadors. Every time we love sacrificially, live generously, forgive freely, or proclaim the gospel boldly, we are declaring to the world: this isn’t all there is. Something better is coming—and it starts now.
A Missional Identity: Previewing the Kingdom
The world is hungry for hope. People see what is broken, but many can’t imagine what could be healed. The church exists to show them. As new creations, we preview the new creation. Our lives are not meant to mimic the world, but to model God’s future.
This is what Jesus meant when He called us salt and light (Matthew 5:13–16). Salt preserves. Light reveals. The resurrection makes us signs of what’s coming—a world ruled by justice, filled with joy, healed from sorrow, and centered on the presence of God.
You don’t need a platform to show this. Just faithfulness. In how you treat people. How you spend money. How you show up when others walk away. The small acts of obedience today speak of the great transformation tomorrow.
As Paul reminds us:
“For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.” (2 Corinthians 4:17, ESV)
We are not defined by what is passing. We are shaped by what is coming.
How does this help me understand, “A New Creation?”
Start Living the Future Today
The resurrection of Jesus ensures not just that there is life after death, but that there is hope during life. We are not just waiting for a better world—we are already part of it.
This week, consider how you can reflect God's future in your present:
Speak hope when others despair. Be a voice of peace in a fearful world.
Invest in what lasts—people, relationships, gospel mission.
Ask God to renew your imagination. What does it look like to live like a citizen of heaven while still on earth?
Pray this simple prayer each morning:
“Lord Jesus, thank You that the resurrection has begun. Help me live today as part of Your new creation. Use my life to show the world that You are making all things new.”
Because you are. And He is. And a new world is coming.