One of the many incredible prophecies of Christ Jesus could be that of His death and resurrection. In Matthew 12:38, when challenged for a sign, Jesus stated, “For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” (Matthew 12:40).
In John 2:19, again being asked for a sign, Jesus replied, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up” (John 2:19). John explained that Jesus was talking about the temple of His body (John 2:21)
The resurrection of Jesus after three days and three nightsin the grave is clearly a central proof that He indeed was the Christ. Sadly, however, the modern church has diminished Christ Jesus’ declaration by insisting on a Friday death and burial, and a Sunday resurrection. This fascination with Sunday has no roots in the early church; rather, it’s a modern concept. Tracing its beginning almost always leads back to the time of Constantine. When politics and religion intermingle, there is always a risk. Christians should remember that Jesus Christ declared to the Jewish religious leaders, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But My kingdom is not from the world” (John 18:36).
It is indeed difficult to pinpoint the exact day Jesus was crucified. However, if He was to be the sacrificial lamb acceptable to God, He must have fulfilled Scripture. The slaying of the Passover lamb has always occurred on the 14th of Nisan, regardless of the day of the week. On the 15th of Nisan, that is always a special or high Sabbath (John 19:31; Leviticus 23:6-8). Christ’s body was hurriedly placed in the burial site before dusk, just before the special or high Sabbath, as no work can be done on a Sabbath (John 19:40-42).
Since the 14th and 15th of Nisan can fall on different days, similar to how our birthdays shift each year due to the calendar cycle, the number of days between Passover and the Feast of Firstfruits will vary annually. Considering that Jesus Christ was fulfilling His prophecy of three days and three nights, these must be the exact days in between required to fulfill that prophecy.
The Feast of Firstfruits, however, cannot occur on just any day; it always takes place on the first regular Sabbath following the High Sabbath or the 15th of Nisan. Yes, the resurrection of Jesus Christ did not occur on a Sunday but rather on a regular Sabbath. Refer to Leviticus 23:10-11:
“Speak to the people of Israel and say to them: ‘When you enter the land that I am giving you and harvest its crops, you shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest to the priest. He shall wave the sheaf before the LORD, so that you may be accepted. On the day after the (15th of Nisan) Sabbath, the priest shall wave it.’” Hence, Paul refers to Jesus Christ as the firstfruits in 1 Corinthians 15:23.
As I have explained, during the Passover festival week, there would be two Sabbaths: the special or high Sabbath (15th of Nisan) and the regular Sabbath. Leviticus 23:10-11 refers to the day (or Sabbath) after the high or special Sabbath. How do I know this for sure? Because the following festival, the Feast of Weeks (commonly known as Pentecost), is counted starting from the day the wave offering of Firstfruits has been presented, which is the regular Sabbath. See Leviticus 23:15-16:
“You shall count seven full weeks from the day (Sabbath) after the Sabbath (15th of Nisan), starting from the day (Sabbath) you brought the sheaf for the wave offering. You will count fifty days to the day after the seventh Sabbath. Then you shall present a grain offering of new grain to the LORD.”
Contrary to common Christian teachings and traditions, Pentecost always falls on a Sabbath, not a Sunday. This distinction is significant for Jewish people. As a result, many modern Christians’ emphasis on Sunday observance has led Jews to reject Jesus Christ and the Gospel, as they believe Jesus did not fulfill Scripture.
So here lies the cause of confusion: modern Christians have been observing the traditions of men rather than adhering to Scripture. Don’t we Christians realize that the words of Jesus Christ, spoken against the Jewish religious leaders, are very much applicable to our discussion here? See Mark 7:6-8:
“Jesus said, ‘Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me; in vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ ‘You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men.’”
Whenever Christians neglect Scripture and follow the traditions of men, we misread and misapply the Bible. To further prove my point, let’s look at New Testament accounts concerning the resurrection. See Mark 16:1-2:
“When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Him. Very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb.”
Mark referred to two Sabbaths in his narrative. Here, the first one is correctly translated into English as “Sabbath,” pointing to the special or high Sabbath. The second, which is translated as “first day of the week,” actually refers to the first regular weekly Sabbath. A quick check on an interlinear Bible would show both terms, “Sabbath” and “week,” were derive from the Greek word #4522, “sabbaton.”
Mary Magdalene and the other women visited the empty tomb on the regular Sabbath, not on a Sunday. This misinterpretation may have arisen during the time of Constantine, as the Romans had an affinity for the Sun God, Sol Invictus. I encourage you to conduct your own research on this topic.
Jesus Christ fulfilled three of the feasts outlined in Leviticus 23. As I mentioned in a previous post, these festivals served as rehearsals, anticipating the coming of the Messiah. This explains the excitement of the Jews when Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey (John 12:12-15).
The three festivals are the Feasts of Passover and Unleavened Bread (crucifixion), and the Feast of Firstfruits (resurrection). Please see Scripture for confirmation.
Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 5:7-8: “Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Let us therefore celebrate the festival, not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.”
Jesus Christ was the Passover lamb; through His sacrifice and offering, He made all who believe in Him righteous (unleavened) in God’s sight.
Furthermore, Paul explained in 1 Corinthians 15:23: “But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at His coming those who belong to Christ.”
Without a doubt, Paul referred to Christ’s resurrection as the fulfillment of the Feast of Firstfruits, thus designating Jesus as the firstfruits.
Before I conclude this discussion, I want to highlight what Luke’s Gospel reveals about the expectations of the Jews, particularly Jewish Christians. You can find this in Luke 24:13-27. In this account, the risen Lord Jesus Christ first listened to the conversation of two of His disciples before engaging with them. One of the disciples expressed their hopes by saying, “But we had hoped that He (Jesus) was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened” (Luke 24:21).
Christ’s resurrection comes with the certainty that He would be buried for three days and three nights before rising from the dead. The Jewish religious leaders understood the significance of Jesus fulfilling His prophecy, which is why they placed guards outside the tomb to prevent any human intervention. You can find this account in Matthew 27:62-65. Ultimately, Jesus rose from the dead exactly as He had predicted—”on the third day.”
The purpose of sharing this information is not to confuse or cause discord among Christians. Instead, it aims to educate, clarify, and explain the truths of Scripture, so that Christians may find unity in their faith. Also, it serves to affirm inerrancy of the New Testament Scripture.
Many Christians may easily dismiss this discussion by saying, “Oh, it’s a small thing. The important thing is that I believe in Jesus.” However, we must remember that Christ Jesus warned us to be careful not to become a stumbling block for others in their faith. We live in an age where information is readily available, but both falsehoods and truths are prevalent on the internet. Those who evaluate, study, and scrutinize the Bible alongside Christian claims and practices often choose not to engage with Christianity due to inconsistencies in its teachings, claims, and practices.
Each Christian is a defender of the faith. While being unable to explain God’s word is one issue, being part of the misrepresentation is another matter entirely. It’s essential to recognize that our belief in Christ Jesus comes with a responsibility to others. Jesus Christ and the apostles warned us about the consequences of causing others to stumble in their faith.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is God’s power for salvation (Romans 1:16). We Christians possess immense power. Isn’t it often said, “With great power comes great responsibility”? This is the story of Jesus Christ presented in the Gospels from the Feast of Passover to that of the Firstfruits. We know Jesus is the Christ because He fulfilled Scripture.
Peter, in the words of Acts 3:6, declared, “I possess neither silver nor gold, but in the name of Jesus Christ, I offer you what I have.” Share freely, for you freely receive. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessing!
Here are the details of Jesus Christ’s journey in the days leading up to Passover—the day He was crucified. This is from man’s perspective however, because God intended Him to be the acceptable sacrifice for redemption (2 Corinthians 5:21).
John 12:12 notes that the events took place the next day, six days before the Passover (as indicated in John 12:2). Both Matthew and Mark (Matthew 21:17 and Mark 11:11) mention that after that day’s events, Jesus returned to Bethany for the night. The following day, as He was on His way back to Jerusalem, Jesus cursed the fig tree (Mark 11:12-15). When He arrived at the temple, He overturned the tables of the money-changers and drove out those conducting business there. In the evening, they left the city and returned to Bethany (Mark 11:19). The next morning, they saw the fig tree that Jesus had cursed, and it had withered (Mark 11:19-21).
In John 12:1, it states that six days before the Passover (the 14th of Nisan), Jesus arrived in Bethany on His way to Jerusalem, which would mean it was the 9th of Nisan. The triumphal entry of Jesus occurred the next day, which, according to Jewish timekeeping (as expressed in Genesis 1:5), begins in the evening and continues until dusk, before the next evening. Therefore, the triumphal entry took place on the morning of the 10th of Nisan. That same day, Jesus overturned the tables and drove out the money-changers.
Mark later tells us, “It was now two days before the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread” (Mark 14:1). From the 10th of Nisan to the 14th is four days, which aligns perfectly with the period required by the Mosaic Law for observing the sacrificial lamb, making sure it is without blemish (Exodus 12:3-6). The night Jesus was betrayed by Judas marked the end of this four-day observation. After Jesus was arrested Judas confessed he betrayed an innocent blood ( Matthew 27:3-4). Thus, Jesus was indeed sinless—the perfect and true sacrifice acceptable for redemption.
During these four days of observation, the religious leaders also found no fault in Him. Instead, they resorted to trickery, schemes, and fabricated charges to condemn Him. This situation resembles that of Joseph, who was sold by his own brothers. In the end, Joseph said, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today” (Genesis 50:20). In Genesis, Joseph served as a shadow or type of the saving grace of Jesus Christ, while Jesus is the fulfillment or anti-type.
Jesus Christ clearly was doing God’s redemptive work by fulfilling the Leviticus 23 Jewish Festivals, a rehearsal preparing for the tabernable of God with His people.
Scripture declared: “These things took place in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing. The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:28-29)
Jesus Christ declared, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.” (Mat 5:17-18)
Both the Old Testament and the New Testament align perfectly, telling the story of God’s redemptive history. This is evidence of the inerrancy of the Bible, encompassing both Testaments.
Peter, in the words of Acts 3:6, declared, “I possess neither silver nor gold, but in the name of Jesus Christ, I offer you what I have.” Share freely, for you freely receive. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessing!
This morning, we emphasized the importance of being like Mary, not Martha, and denouncing the treachery of Judas.
Judas was a constant companion of Christ, together with the eleven apostles. In contrast, Mary would only be able to hear Jesus when He was at Bethany. While Jesus taught both the apostles and Mary, Mary had the right attitude and focused on His teachings whenever possible. She absorbed His words deeply (Luke 10:39). Could Mary have understood that Jesus’ discussion of His death referred to His fulfillment of the Jewish Passover? (Read Luke 9:22; Luke 9:44; Luke 18:31-34; Luke 24:26; Matthew 16:21; Matthew 17:22-23; Mark 8:31; Mark 9:31-32; Mark 10:33-34; 1 Corinthians 5:7) Was that the reason behind her act of anointing His feet and wiping them with her own hair? Bear in mind, Scripture’s context has it days before the Jewish Passover Feast. Jesus responded to Mary’s devotion by saying, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of My burial.”
Scripture recounts Mary’s act of anointing Jesus’ feet with a pound of expensive ointment. While the ointment undoubtedly cost a significant amount, it held no financial value for Mary, as she perceived Jesus as far more precious. In contrast, Judas, despite being a constant companion of Jesus Christ, failed to recognize His worth. He prioritized the monetary value of the expensive ointment over Jesus. Christians should reflect on their priorities and ensure that they align with God’s will. In other words, “Get your head in the game”. Ecclesiastes 3:1 emphasizes that there is a time for every human activity under heaven. However, amidst the constant busyness of life, we often find ourselves preoccupied with trivial matters. In fact, Jesus Himself even admonished, stating, “Whoever loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me” (Matthew 10:37).
To clarify, Christ Jesus is not teaching us to despise our loved ones; rather, He was emphasizing the importance of loving Him above all else. Keep in mind that the passage was in the context of Christ Jesus sending out His apostles to proclaim the Gospel. So, Christ Jesus is actually teaching us that nothing should hinder or distract us from sharing God’s Word. Similarly, if we truly care for our loved ones, we ought to let them know God’s Word, not compromising ourselves in the hope of getting their favor. Ultimately, Ecclesiastes concludes, “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
Know that Jesus Christ is far more precious than any material thing or other pursuit in this world. Even our loved ones would perish if they were not in Christ Jesus. As mentioned in Psalms 37:4-5, “Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will act” (Psalms 37:4-5).
Incidentally, Psalm 37:5 was the passage inscribed on the penholder my son gifted me. Perhaps I can say my son, guided by God’s Word, led me to Christ Jesus, even after his passing. I, too, was once consumed by life until God intervened through the death of my only son, allowing me to hear His Word.
Do you yearn for your loved ones to embrace the faith of Christ? Paul admonished us to emulate his example, as he follows Christ’s (1 Corinthians 11:1). What did Christ exemplify for Paul to follow? Jesus Christ remained steadfast and exclusively spoke and obeyed God’s Word.
We can only encourage people to enjoy basketball if they also understand the rules. Likewise, we cannot expect them to follow along if you’re too busy playing a completely different game with them altogether. So follow Jesus Christ and His Word, trust Him. Perhaps, by His grace, our loved ones would also find Christ and His Word.
So, Paul admonished, “An athlete is not crowned unless he competes fairly and according to the rules” (2 Timothy 2:5). Life itself is a competition, but anyone who hopes to be in Christ Jesus must compete in His rule—that is, in His Word.
For reference, our passage this morning starts at John 11:55 and continues until 12:8.
Peter, in the words of Acts 3:6, declared, “I possess neither silver nor gold, but in the name of Jesus Christ, I offer you what I have.” Share freely, for you freely receive. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessing!
In my last blog “Jesus Christ, Our Righteousness” I explained that David was not simply trusting God’s immediate deliverance but rather a future vindication based not on his own but the righteousness of Christ Jesus; see Psalms 35:23-24.
Awake and rouse Yourself for my vindication, for my cause, my God and my Lord! Vindicate me [David], O LORD, my God, according to Your righteousness, and let them not rejoice over me!
I also pointed out that David’s faith rest particularly on the coming Savior, Jesus Christ, for his utterance of “my God and my Lord” was exactly that of the Lord’s disciple Thomas; see John 20:28“Thomas answered Him [Jesus Christ], “My Lord and my God.”
David prophetically confessed faith in the coming Savior, understanding that He is God and the Lord of salvation. On the other hand, after His crucifixion and death, Thomas initially doubted the Lord Jesus Christ until He resurrected back to life and appeared to him in the flesh, then he uttered, “My Lord and My God!”
The apostle Peter, quoting David, clearly spoke of him as a prophet through his psalms; see Acts 2:25-28.
For David says concerning Him [Jesus Christ], “I saw the Lord always before me, for He is at my right hand that I may not be shaken; therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; my flesh also will dwell in hope. For You will not abandon my soul to Hades, or let Your Holy One see corruption. You have made known to me the paths of life; You will make me full of gladness with Your presence.”
Peter actually quoted Psalm 16:8-11 verbatim. Clearly, David was speaking in the psalms on behalf of the LORD, prophesying about the coming Savior, Jesus Christ. In Acts 2:27, a quotation of Psalm 16:10, David spoke about the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. It should be noted that in saying, “For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol (Hades, Greek), or let Your Holy One see corruption,” David anchors his salvation by faith in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ (Acts 13:30-37). So David’s cry for vindication in Psalm 35:23-24 refers to his future redemption from Hades. This ultimate redemption was fulfilled by Christ Jesus at His Second Coming during the Great White Throne Judgment, an event associated with the final fulfillment of His kingdom and the passing away of the old order. See Revelation 20:11-15.
Then I saw a Great White Throne and Him [Jesus Christ] who was seated on it. From His presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the Lake of Fire. This is the Second Death, the lake of fire. And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.
See also Matthew 25:31; Jesus Christ told His disciples: “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His Glorious Throne.”
Bear in mind that Matthew chapters 24-25 is a unit, a long discourse by Jesus Christ telling His disciples the correlation of His Second Coming with that of the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple; see Matthew 24:1-3.
Jesus left the temple and was going away, when His disciples came to point out to Him the buildings of the temple. But He answered them, “You see all these, do you not? Truly, say to you, there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”
As He [Jesus Christ] sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of Your coming and of the end of the age?”
As I had mentioned in my previous blog, clearly His disciples had understood that when Jesus spoke of the impending destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, it was about the coming Judgment of God spoken of by the Old Testament prophets. An example may be seen in Daniel 12:5-9.
Then I, Daniel, looked, and behold, two others stood, one on this bank of the stream and one on that bank of the stream. And someone said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream, “How long shall it be till the end of these wonders?” And I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream; he raised his right hand and his left hand toward heaven and swore by Him who lives forever that it would be for a time, times, and half a times, and that when the shattering of the power of the holy people comes to an end all these things would be finished. I heard, but I did not understand. Then I said, “O my lord, what shall be the outcome of these things?” He said, “Go your way, Daniel, for the words are shut up and sealed until the time of the end …”
The disciples’ question on the “end of the age [Matthew 24:3]” refers to Daniel’s “time of the end [Daniel 12:4,7-9]” – also “the end of these wonders [Daniel 12:6],” which was the fulfillment of Daniel 12:1-3, see below:
At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people [Israel]. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time [cf. Matthew 24:21]. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book. And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever [cf. Matthew 13:43].
Revelation 20:11-15 in turn was the fulfillment of Daniel 12:1-3, which occurred at the Return of Christ Jesus our Lord, Matthew 25:31. The disciples understood it’s going to happen in their lifetime because Jesus had told them in advance, see Matthew 16:27-28.
For the Son of Man is going to come with His angels in the glory of His Father, and then He will repay each person according to what he has done. Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.
Who were those that Jesus mentioned were standing here? See Matthew 16:24, it’s the immediate disciples of Jesus Christ – Peter, James, John and the rest – not us; the Lord indeed had revealed the time of His coming. Shouldn’t our perspective of Jesus’ Second Coming be aligned with His Words?
Now back to Psalm 34 & 35, David was looking forward to his vindication by faith in Christ Jesus; see Psalm 34:22. “The LORD redeems the life of His servants; none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned.” For Christ Jesus was the fulfillment of Psalm 34:18: “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
See Isaiah 61:1-2.
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to bring good news to the poor; He has sent Me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor, and the Day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn …
Isn’t it obvious that it was Jesus Christ who spoke through the prophet of God concerning Isaiah 61:1-2? In the New Testament Scripture, Luke told us that Jesus indeed came and fulfilled that prophecy. see Luke 4:17-21.
And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given Him [Jesus Christ]. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” And He rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on Him. And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”
Jesus stopped reading after He said, “To proclaim the Lord’s favor [Luke 4:19],” because that was exactly what He was fulfilling at the moment. It was at His Return when the rest of Isaiah 61 was fulfilled.
Today, we may express the same confidence in Jesus Christ just as David did. This Covid-19 has brought about so much hardship and heartache, but the Word of God remains the same and trustworthy. Let us therefore remain faithful and trust Him with all our hearts, saying,
I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul make its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together! (Psalm 34:1-3)
Despite the pandemic, Jesus Christ ought to be worshiped. David trusted Jesus’ coming and deliverance. So much more should we now, for Jesus Christ had fulfilled all His promises in Scripture, and is seated at His throne reigning over all His creation. Next, see Psalm 34:4-10.
I sought the LORD, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to Him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! Oh, fear the LORD, you His saints, for those who fear Him have no lack! The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.
At the beginning of this pandemic, I saw a lot of people panic-buying in the groceries and other household items stores. Perhaps some may be due to the proclamation of many that soon the return of Jesus Christ is happening, and this pandemic is a sign. Let me assure you that the pandemic has nothing to do with the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, for the Lord had told His disciples it’s happening in their generation.
I am a full-time independent pastor, serving the Lord Jesus Christ not under the support of any organized Christian or mission organization, yet I saw the hand of God sustaining us through this pandemic. So I say to you also, “Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!” Jesus Christ promised to take care of all our needs, not wants, if we sought His kingdom and righteousness; see Matthew 6:25-27.
Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow and reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?
Then, in Matthew 6:33-34, Jesus went on saying,
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
The Christian journey is like that of the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt and were in the wilderness. They were in God’s divine providence protecting and providing them their food on a daily basis. Most of us have resources more than enough for one day, yet many would shake in fear when their capacity to earn is hindered or cut off.
Moses brought Israel out of the slavery of Egypt through the Red Sea. Christians were delivered from the slavery of death through faith in the blood of Jesus Christ; see Hebrews 2:14-15.
Since therefore the children share in the flesh and blood, He [Jesus Christ] Himself partook of the same things, that through death He might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.
Oh yes, would Christians still experience suffering like now that we are in a pandemic? Sure, Christians are not immune from Covid-19; neither are we indifferent to the necessities of life. But Christians have the promise of eternal life in Christ Jesus. So Paul wrote in Romans 8:31-39.
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died – more than that, who was raised – who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death or life, nor angels nor rulers, not things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
That was the confidence of both David and Paul. Shouldn’t that also be our assurance and trust if we have truthfully claimed faith in Christ Jesus our Lord? Let us therefore live in the confidence of Christ’s love, and share the same faith with others; see Psalm 34:11-17.
Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. What man is there who desires life and loves many days, that he may see good? Keep your tongues from evil and your lips from speaking deceit. Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous and His ears toward their cry. The face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth. When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.
Truthful allegiance in God begins with the Fear of the LORD. In Proverbs 1:7, the Bible says, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Christians ought to have authentic submission to Jesus Christ and His words; no ifs and no buts, just simple obedience.
It is truly rewarding to trust and rest upon Christ Jesus our Lord. Psalm 34:18-22 says,
The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all. He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken. Affliction will slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be condemned. The LORD redeems the life of His servants; none of those who takes refuge in Him will be condemned.
Scripture says, Christians will be no stranger to afflictions but the LORD will deliver us from all our troubles. And the greatest trouble that humanity faces is death, yet Jesus Christ promises and says:
Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears My word and believes Him [God the Father] who sent Me [Jesus Christ] has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. (John 5:24)
Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah of the Jewish people, came to fulfill all Scripture. But He came not to ransom or redeem Jew alone but many – that is, both Jew and Gentile; see Matthew 20:28. “Even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give life as a ransom for many.” Jesus Christ – the Son of Man – then is also our Redeemer. The apostle Paul in Romans 8:31-39, which I had quoted earlier, explained the concept of Christ’s redemption thoroughly.
Life is all about perspective. If there is any positive thing about this pandemic – it caused people to stop from their busyness and allowed them time to reflect on what truly are the necessities of life. David must have had the same predicament when he was down having been pursued by Saul and humiliated by Achish king of Gath. It is always in the stillness of life’s trouble that we hear God’s Word vividly.
The words of Christ Jesus are timeless. They were for the immediate disciples and for future followers of the Lord as well. In John 17:15-26, Jesus said,
I do not ask that You [God the Father] take them out of the world, but that You keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in truth; Your word is truth. As you sent Me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate Myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in Me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that You have sent Me. The glory that You have given Me I have given them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and You in Me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that You sent Me and loved them even as You loved me. Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, may be with Me where I am, to see My glory that You have given Me because You loved Me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that You have sent Me. I made known to them Your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which You have loved Me may be in them, and I in them.
The goodness of God is not defined by how He had or will deliver us from the worries of life. All of life’s worries will cease at the end of this physical life, Scripture says:
“By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return.(Genesis 3:19)
Remember that You [God] have made me like clay; and will you return me to the dust?(Job 10:9)
If He [God] should set His heart to it and gather to Himself His spirit and His breath, all flesh would perish together, and man would return to dust.(Job 34:14-15)
You [God] return man to dust and say, ‘Return, O children of man!’(Psalm 90:3)
When You [God] hide Your face, they are dismayed; when You take away their breath, they die and return to their dust.(Psalm 104:29)
All go to one place. All are from the dust, and to dust all return.(Ecclesiastes 3:20)
Humanity does not live forever, for we are from dust and to dust we will all return. And nothing that was from the dust remains forever; it is susceptible to corrosion and decay. Hence, we ought to learn to accept that our present journey – that is, our lives – is temporal so we shouldn’t expect that it could be sustained forever. The scientific world might be attempting to prolong life, but it may never be made to exist forever.
Yet, through faith in Jesus Christ – the Son of Man – He has redeemed us from the limitation of this present life, for in Him we have eternal life. In essence, life is to be enjoyed but always in obedience to Christ Jesus our Lord and God. Let us then seek to secure our eternal existence in Christ Jesus our Lord, trusting Him for everything about life and life eternal.
In conclusion, Psalm 34 & 35, psalms of encouragement for the downhearted and truth about Jesus Christ that was uttered by David, should keep us faithful and true in our confession of faith.
Peter, in the words of Acts 3:6, declared, “I possess neither silver nor gold, but in the name of Jesus Christ, I offer you what I have.” Share this article freely, for you freely receive. Take note, underlines and highlights are clickable links for definitions or Bible references. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessings!
Psalms 34 and 35, both written by David, should be recognized as a single unit. They were composed after he fled from Saul and following his humiliating encounter with Achish, the king of Gath. You can find an explanation of their background in my previous blog post, “Immanuel, Our Confidence.” This post serves as a continuation. These two psalms express deep trust and confidence in God, even while David was still being hunted by Saul.
> David’s cry for God’s help may be seen through Psalm 35:1-3.
Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me! Take hold of the shield and buckler and rise for my help! Draw the spear and javelin against my pursuers! Say to my soul, “I am your salvation!“
David continued to seek the Lord’s deliverance, and Psalms 34 and 35 were likely written before Saul’s death. The account reminds us that God does not need earthly weapons to bring rescue. As seen in Exodus, He parted the Red Sea, allowing Israel to cross safely, and then let the waters fall back, destroying the Egyptians who pursued them. David, being a man of war, expressed his prayers using the battle imagery of his era, calling upon God to rise and fight against his enemies on his behalf.
> Next, David justified his call for God’s help – he was innocent of any wrongdoings, yet his enemies wanted him dead. See Psalm 35:4-8.
Let them be put to shame and dishonor who seek after my life! Let them be turned back and disappointed who devise evil against me! Let them be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the LORD driving them away! Let their way be dark and slippery, with the angel of the LORD pursuing them! For without cause they hid their net for me; without cause they dug a pit for my life. Let destruction come upon him when he does not know it! And let the net that he hid ensnare him: let him fall into it – to his destruction!
> Actually David wasn’t simply calling for God’s help, he sought God’s justice. See Psalm 35:9-16.
Then my soul will rejoice in the LORD, exulting in His salvation. All my bones shall say, “O LORD, who is like you, delivering the poor from him who is too strong for him, the poor and needy from him who robs him?
Malicious witnesses rise up; they ask me of things that I do not know. They repay me evil for good; my soul is bereft. But I, when they were sick – I wore sackcloth; I afflicted myself with fasting; I prayed with head bowed on my chest. I went about as though I grieved for my friend or my brother; as one who laments his mother, I bowed down in mourning.
But at my stumbling they rejoiced and gathered; they gathered together against me: wretches whom I did not know tore at me without ceasing; like profane mockers at a feast, they gnash at me with their teeth.
Background: The lad David first served as armor-bearer for Saul (1 Samuel 16:21), while also tending his father’s flock in between (1 Samuel 17:15). Later, he sought Saul’s permission to confront Goliath, at a time when no soldier in Israel dared to face the mocking Philistine champion (1 Samuel 17:31-37). After his victory, David continued to fight Saul’s battles and succeeded, earning the people’s song: “Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands” (1 Samuel 18:7). This stirred Saul’s jealousy, and he began to seek David’s life (1 Samuel 18:7-8, 18:25). As a result, David fled from Saul (1 Samuel 20:1). Clearly, David had done no wrong against the king. It was in the face of this injustice that he cried out for God’s urgent deliverance (Psalm 35:17-21).
How long, O Lord, will you look on? Rescue me from their destruction, my precious life from the lions! I will thank You in the great congregation; in the mighty throng I will praise You.
Let not those rejoice over me who are wrongfully my foes, and let not those wink the eye who hate me without cause. For they do not speak peace, but against those who are quiet in the land they devise words of deceit. They open wide their mouths against me; they say, “Aha, Aha! Our eyes have seen it!”
You have seen, O LORD; be not silent! O Lord, be not far from me! Awake and rouse Yourself for my vindication, for my cause, my God and my Lord!
Hebrews 2:12 cites Psalm 35:18, a reference to the perfect church of Jesus Christ, as noted in Hebrews 12:22–24; similar to Psalm 111:1, Scripture says, Praise the LORD! I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation.
> “Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them. Full of splendor and majesty is His work, and His righteousness endures forever. He has caused His wondrous works to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and merciful.” (Psalms 111:2-4)
> “The works of His hands are faithful and just; all His precepts are trustworthy; they are established forever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness. He sent redemption to His people; He has commanded His covenant forever. Holy and awesome is His name!” (Psalms 111:7-9)
Jesus Christ, in the Gospel, speaks of God’s work: “My Father is working until now, and I am working (John 5:17).” What, then, have the Father and Jesus been working on? They are engaged in the New Heaven and the Earth, His New Covenant Creation, as seen in Genesis 2:1–3: “Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God finished His work that He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work that He had done. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that He had done in creation.”
Continuing on with Psalm 35, David calls on God against his foes in Psalm 35:19–21. In Psalm 35:22, LORD appears first in full capitals as “YAHWEH/YHWH,” Hebrew Strong #H3068, noted initially in Genesis 2:4; this name connects to the LORD God who created the first heaven and earth through Adam’s account. Then, Lord is “Adonay, H136,” in Hebrew.
“Let not those rejoice over me who are wrongfully my foes, and let not those wink the eye who hate me without cause. For they do not speak peace, but against those who are quiet in the land they devise words of deceit. They open wide their mouths against me; they say, “Aha, Aha! Our eyes have seen it!” You have seen, O LORD; be not silent! O Lord, be not far from me! Awake and rouse yourself for my vindication, for my cause, my God and my Lord!” (Psalms 35:19-23)
Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of the Old Testament suggests Adam likely recognized God by a personal or covenantal name from the beginning, which the English Bible renders as “LORD” in all caps to convey the Covenant Name of God.
In Psalms 34 and 35, David uses the LORD’s covenant name twenty-five times. Within Psalm 35 alone, the word “Lord” appears three times as “Adonay” (Hebrew Strong’s #136). According to the Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Definitions, Adonay serves as a reverential title for YHWH (translated “LORD” in all capital letters) in Jewish tradition. This distinction is evident in Psalm 35:23, where David calls out, “my God and my Lord!”—a phrase echoed in the New Testament when Thomas addresses Jesus in John 20:28, saying, “My Lord and my God!”
Similarly, the Septuagint’s Greek translation of Psalm 35:23 uses the same words for “Lord and God” found in John 20:28. This suggests David was seeking more than just physical deliverance from his enemies; he was appealing for vindication on the Day of Judgment. As he writes in the following verse, “Vindicate me, O LORD, my God, according to Your righteousness, and let them not rejoice over me!” (Psalm 35:24).
I noted earlier that David appeared to link Hebrews 12:22–24, the perfected Church of Jesus Christ, with Psalm 35:18. Scripture in Hebrews 10:30 declares, “For we know God who said, ‘Vengeance is mine; I will repay.’ And again, ‘The Lord will judge His people.’” Paul addresses who will judge His people in 2 Corinthians 5:10, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.”
David’s appeal extended beyond physical rescue. As Jesus remarked to his contemporaries, “Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see My day. He saw it and was glad (John 8:56).” David sincerely pursued God’s salvation and deliverance in Christ Jesus.
“Vindicate me, O LORD, my God, according to Your righteousness, and let them not rejoice over me! Let them not say in their hearts, “Aha, our heart’s desire!” Let them not say, “We have swallowed him up.” Let them be put to shame and disappointed altogether who rejoice at my calamity! Let them be clothed with shame and dishonor who magnify themselves against me!”
David’s appeals for justice rested not on his own righteousness but on Christ’s through faith in Him. In Psalm 35:27, Jesus Christ answered, “Let those who delight in My righteousness shout for joy and be glad and say evermore, ‘Great is the LORD, who delights in the welfare of His servant!’”.
Have you personally encountered the fullness of God’s grace in your life?
Many Christians often miss how Christ Jesus speaks through the Scriptures, particularly the Old Testament. Job is introduced as a man who is blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil (Job 1:1). He suffered greatly due to Satan’s attacks, yet not because of any sin. When his friends insisted that his pain was caused by wrongdoing, Job defended himself passionately and questioned God (Job 3-31).
God’s response was to point Job toward the wonders of creation, revealing His power and sovereignty (Job 38-41). This humbling encounter led Job to declare, “I had heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You” (Job 42:5). Similarly, David’s relationship with the Lord deepened as he realized his human limitations and God’s ability to save and deliver. Finally, despite Paul’s power to heal and even raise the dead, he confirms in 2 Corinthians 12:9 that God’s grace suffices for every weakness, because His strength is clearest when we are weak.
Likewise, for us Christian workers or pastors, Paul states in the amplified Bible version: “We Christian workers hold this precious treasure—the divine Light of the Gospel—in fragile, human vessels of earth, so that the grandeur and exceeding greatness of the power may be seen as coming from God rather than from ourselves.” (2 Corinthians 4:7)
David’s distress toward his enemies led him to foresee in Psalm 35 the salvation found through faith in Christ Jesus. By Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension, He took His place at the Right Hand of God’s power (Matthew 26:64; Hebrews 1:1-3). This idea aligns with Jesus’ remark in John 2:19: “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” John clarified Jesus talks about the temple of His body, the Church (John 2:21; Colossians 1:18) In this context, Jesus refers to His church founded upon His resurrection (Matthew 16:18), so the gates of Hades or death will not overcome it.
David therefore rightly ends his Psalm, saying: “Then my tongue shall tell of Your (Christ Jesus’) righteousness and of Your praise all the day long.” (Psalms 35:28)
Where would David sing His praise in Psalm 35:28? Scripture states, “But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel. (Hebrews 12:22-24, NASB)
Christ Jesus’ Day of Judgment then encompassed people who have passed away and were waiting in Hades, the place of death for both the righteous and the wicked, just as it was illustrated by the Lord through His parable of the “Rich Man and Lazarus” (Luke 16:19-31).
It was a mistake to teach that the righteous would go straight to heaven after death even before Jesus Christ’s return at His Second Coming. See John 14:3; Jesus Christ told His disciples, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to Myself, that where I am you may also be.”
Then in John 14:6, Jesus assured the disciples saying, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
Despair not, for Jesus also told Peter with regards to John, “If it is My will that he [John the apostle] remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!” (John 21:22)
Jesus Christ hinted that His return would be during the lifetime of the apostles (Matthew 10:23; 16:28; Mark 9:1; Luke 9:27), specifically while John was still alive. If Jesus Christ failed on His words, then He can’t be the Great Prophet Moses spoke about; see Deuteronomy 18:15. “The LORD your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from among you, from your brothers – it is to Him you shall listen.” Would you rather listen to your pastors or follow the traditional teaching concerning the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, or believe Jesus Christ our Lord and our God?
The apostle Peter, preaching in the Temple area, confirmed that Jesus Christ indeed was the prophesied Great Prophet of God, see Acts 3:19-23.
Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all things about which God spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets long ago, Moses said, “The Lord God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brothers. You shall listen to Him in whatever He tells you. And it shall be that every soul who does not listen to that Prophet shall be destroyed from the people.”
Here is the challenge: Should we rely on Jesus Christ and His Word, or on modern Christian teachings that imply Jesus is arriving soon?
In the face of such profound questions, we can look to the enduring faith of those who came before us. David, for instance, could have easily lost faith in God when Saul pursued him and when he suffered humiliation before Achish, king of Gath. Although he was known as a mighty warrior of Israel, he pretended to be insane before Achish out of fear (1 Samuel 21:12–15). Yet, David did not give up; he held firmly to his faith.
Our life’s journey will always have its ups and downs. There will be times that we may lose control of our lives, tossed to and forth by the waves of our circumstances. In the midst of great storms or great waves of the sea, the sun remains but is covered by darkness. Similarly, Jesus Christ our Lord is not missing in moments of uncertainty or despair. Trust God, especially when all seems to have been lost.
In conclusion, David sought the justice of God rather than the judgement of men. It is far better to appear wrong in the sight of people yet remain righteous before the Lord. We must not seek human approval but God’s, for ultimately, it is Him to whom we are accountable. David’s confidence lay not in his own righteousness, but in the righteousness of Christ Jesus our Lord, whom he foretold in Psalm 35.
Note: We haven’t explored Psalm 34. Lord willing, that shall be my next blog writing.
Peter, in the words of Acts 3:6, declared, “I possess neither silver nor gold, but in the name of Jesus Christ, I offer you what I have.” Share this article freely, for you freely receive. Take note, underlines and highlights are clickable links for definitions or Bible references. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessings!
The Book of Ruth is the narrative of God’s redemption plan played out through the story of Boaz and Ruth. The story of the Bible should always be understood from the perspective of the Hebrew people. We need to understand the culture, traditions, and customs surrounding these biblical accounts.
Ruth, being a widow of a Jew, lost her place in the landscape of Israel. In the Jewish context, widows were the poorest of the poor because whatever property the husband may have while alive could not be transferred or inherited by his widow. Widows needed to be redeemed by the next of kin of the deceased husband. In essence, the widow was good as dead having no ownership.
Boaz, being the second closest kin of Ruth’s deceased husband, needed to earn the right to redeem Ruth. So Boaz went out his way to do whatever was required by Jewish traditions to be the rightful redeemer of Ruth.
Boaz actually foreshadowed Jesus Christ, who went out to do the requirements of the Mosaic Law. Having lived a sinless life, He became the suitable sacrifice as a ransom for sin. Jesus is the kinsman redeemer.
Ruth, by contrast, mirrors us—we were good as dead. Without access to God or the New and Heavenly Jerusalem—the eternal home for those who believe in Jesus Christ—we were separated from God’s presence.
One key shift in the narrative occurs when Naomi, Ruth’s mother-in-law, releases them to seek new partners rather than impose a burden. Naomi had no remaining son to offer Ruth as a husband. Yet Ruth chose to stay with Naomi. Although not an Israelite, she accepted the Jews as her people and YHWH as her God. Ruth’s choice opened the path that unfolded in the story, allowing her redemption and restoring her rights to God’s Promised Land.
Jesus Christ came to fulfill the requirements of the Mosaic Law. He was crucified, died, resurrected back to life, ascended to the right-hand throne of God the Father, and returned with the destruction of the Jewish Temple, fulfilling then the three offices of the Messiah, the Anointed One— the Prophet, the Priest, and the King.
Jesus Christ came to fulfill the Law; see Matthew 5:17-18, Jesus Christ states:
Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.
Jesus Christ died and was resurrected back to life fulfilling the Law and the Prophets; see Luke 24:44-46.
Then He [Jesus] said to them, “These are My words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then He [Jesus] opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead …”
Jesus Christ ascended to the right hand throne of God the Father, as the High Priest and mediator of the New Covenant; see the following passages:
But now Christ has come as the High Priest of the good things to come. He passed through the greater and more perfect tent not made with hands, that is, not of this creation, and He enter once for all into the Most Holy Place not by the blood of goats and calves but by His own blood, and so He Himself secured eternal redemption. (Hebrew 9:11-12)
And so He [Jesus] is the mediator of a New Covenant, so that those who are called may receive the eternal inheritance He has promised, since He died to set them free from the violations committed under the First Covenant. (Hebrews 9:15)
For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with hands – the representation of the true sanctuary – but into heaven itself,and He appears now in God’s presence for us. (Hebrews 9:24)
Jesus Christ returned as the King with the destruction of the Jewish Temple; see Hebrew 9:28 & Matthew 24:1-3.
So also, after Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many, to those who eagerly await Him He will appear a second time, not to bear sin but to bring salvation. (Hebrew 9:28)
Jesus left the temple and was going away, when His disciples came to point out to Him the buildings of the temple. But He answered them, “You see all these, do you not? Truly I say to you, there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” As He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of Your coming and of the end of the age?” (Matthew 24:1-3)
The disciples of Jesus recognized that the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple marked the fulfillment of Christ’s return, as Hebrews 9:28 clarified—salvation shifted from promise to reality.
Now to our discussion—just as Ruth was fully redeemed by becoming Boaz’s wife, the Bible teaches that the Church’s redemption occurs at the Wedding of the Bride and Jesus Christ (Matthew 22:1–14; Revelation 19:6–9; Revelation 21:2–3, 5–7, 9–10, and so on). The doctrine of resurrection would become real only at the Wedding Banquet of Christ Jesus and the Church.
Ruth then perfectly outlined the big picture of God’s salvation plan. Our understanding of salvation and resurrection should rightly fit that big picture. Ruth was not a simple love story. Rather, it was the love story of God for His people.
God truly is amazing; by His sovereignty, He displayed His redemption plan through the lives of Ruth and Boaz. All the more then we should trust God’s sovereign will and divine providence in every aspect of our lives.
Peter, in the words of Acts 3:6, declared, “I possess neither silver nor gold, but in the name of Jesus Christ, I offer you what I have.” Share this article freely, for you freely receive. Take note, underlines and highlights are clickable links for definitions or Bible references. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessings!
