Danny’s Thoughts, Reviews, and Musings
Week #2: Take Off Your Shoes
Blog Series Intention Recap
Holiness is not a distant concept—it is the defining characteristic of God and the central call for His people - both Israel and the Church. From the throne room of heaven to the burning bush, from the tabernacle to the trembling heart of a prophet, Scripture reveals that God’s holiness is not just something He has—it is who He is. This four-week series explores how holiness shapes heaven’s worship, how it demands reverence on earth, and how it transforms those who encounter it. As we listen to heaven’s song and trace God’s holiness through Scripture, we are invited to respond with awe, obedience, and lives that reflect His set-apart character.
This page is a post in the series “Holy, Holy Holy: Understanding Holiness According to Scripture.” Click here to see the rest of the posts.
Let’s jump into Week #2:
When you see something on fire… Holiness invites us close, but it never allows us to come casually. When God speaks, our first response should be listening, not acting. Like Moses at the burning bush, we remove our shoes in humility—because when God shows up, even ordinary ground becomes sacred.
Why it Matters:
Holiness interrupts routine: Moses was tending sheep—and then everything changed.
God’s presence makes places holy: A bush becomes sacred ground when God steps in.
Reverence comes before mission: Moses had to stop and worship before he could go and serve.
God’s holiness invites but humbles: He calls us close but reminds us to come rightly.
Go Deeper:
Scripture Focus:
Exodus 3:1–6
A Bush on Fire
Moses didn’t expect anything unusual that day.
He was a shepherd now—wandering with his flock near Horeb, the mountain of God. Life had been quiet for 40 years. No signs. No callings. Just heat, rocks, and sheep.
But then… a flame.
“The angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush.”
(Exodus 3:2, ESV)
The bush was burning—but not consumed. That stopped Moses in his tracks.
What made it strange wasn’t just the fire. It was the persistence of the fire. It didn’t die down. It didn’t devour. It didn’t make sense.
That’s holiness: a fire that burns without destroying.
Holiness Breaks In
This fire wasn’t just a visual. It was a voice. From the flame, God spoke:
“Moses, Moses!”
“Here I am,” he answered.
“Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” (Exodus 3:4–5, ESV)
God’s presence turned ordinary dirt into holy ground. The wilderness became a sanctuary.
Moses didn’t make the place holy. God did.
This is a pattern throughout Scripture:
The tabernacle becomes holy because God fills it.
The temple becomes holy because His glory rests there.
Jesus’ body is the ultimate holy dwelling (John 1:14).
Now, the church—His people—are made holy by His Spirit (1 Cor. 3:16–17).
Holiness isn’t about geography. It’s about God being there.
Why Take Off Your Shoes?
In the ancient world, removing your shoes was a sign of honor, humility, and readiness.
Honor: You don’t bring the dirt of the world into the presence of a king.
Humility: You acknowledge you are not in charge.
Readiness: You’re prepared to listen, not run.
God says, in effect, “Stop walking. Stop moving. Take this seriously.”
God doesn’t rush into the calling. He doesn’t hand Moses marching orders until He first teaches him worship. Reverence comes before mission.
The God Who Calls
God identifies Himself clearly:
“I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” (Exodus 3:6, ESV)
He isn’t a new god. He isn’t a vague feeling. He is the same covenant-making, promise-keeping God Moses has heard about all his life.
That same holy God is now speaking directly to him.
“And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.” (Exodus 3:6, ESV)
That’s the right reaction. Not because God is cruel—but because He is holy. His presence is overwhelming, even for someone chosen to lead.
Holiness creates awe. Awe creates fear of the Lord. And the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10).
Holiness Is Not Casual
This scene reminds us: God’s presence is not to be treated lightly.
If we are too casual with God, we will miss the weight of His glory.
Moses could have:
Kept walking.
Talked back.
Approached arrogantly.
But he doesn’t. He removes his sandals. He hides his face. He listens.
We often do the opposite.
We approach God:
With noise instead of silence.
With pride instead of awe.
With comfort instead of confession.
But God’s holiness hasn’t changed. He is still the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). He is still fire. Still perfect. Still holy.
Four Ways Holiness Challenges Us
Holiness demands interruption
Moses’ entire life changed because he turned aside. God often shows up in the middle of our ordinary. But we have to stop and look.Ask yourself: When did you last pause and listen for God’s voice?
Holiness turns the ordinary sacred
It was just a bush. Just dirt. Just a shepherd.
But when God enters, nothing stays common.The places we dismiss may be where God wants to speak.
Holiness precedes calling
Before Moses goes to Egypt, he meets God at the bush.
Before we go to the world, we must meet God in worship.You can’t speak for God if you don’t first sit before Him.
Holiness is both near and weighty
God didn’t stay far away. But neither did He come lightly.
Holiness invites us—but humbles us first.Worship is not just singing—it’s surrendering.
A Pattern That Echoes
The burning bush isn’t an isolated moment.
We see this same theme again and again:
Isaiah: Sees the Lord high and lifted up—and cries, “Woe is me!”
Peter: Sees Yeshua’a (Jesus’) power and says, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man.”
John (again): Falls at the feet of Yeshua (Jesus) as though dead in Revelation 1.
Why? Because in the presence of God’s holiness, we see our sin, our smallness, and our need.
But here’s the beauty: God doesn’t push them away. He draws them near. Not by ignoring their sin—but by covering it.
The burning bush leads to the exodus.
The exodus leads to the tabernacle.
The tabernacle points to Messiah.
And Messiah Yeshua (Jesus) brings us into God’s presence—clothed in His righteousness.
Reverence Isn’t Fearful—it’s Freeing
We don’t need to be afraid of God’s presence—but we should never lose our awe.
Reverence is not about distance. It’s about respect.
It says: “You are God, and I am not. I’m listening.”
Taking off our shoes reminds us we come empty-handed.
No merit. No power. No plan.
Just open ears and humble hearts.
How does this help me understand, “Holy, Holy Holy: Understanding Holiness According to Scripture?”
What Would You Do at the Bush?
God still calls. Still speaks. Still shows up.
He may not appear in a flame—but He is present by His Spirit.
He may not light up a bush—but He’s written His Word.
He may not thunder—but He whispers.
So, how should we respond?
Turn aside: Don’t rush. Slow down and notice.
Take off your shoes: Remove whatever pride or distraction you carry.
Listen first: Don’t ask what to do—ask what to hear.
Live set apart: Holiness isn’t just for Sunday. It’s for every step.
Moses’ life didn’t change when he saw the bush. It changed when he stopped to see it.
Holiness isn’t just a heavenly concept. It’s an earthly call.
The God who met Moses in the wilderness is the same God who meets us in our weakness.
He doesn’t need a temple to be holy. He doesn’t need a fire to speak. He simply calls us by name—and invites us to respond.
So… take off your shoes. The ground may be more holy than you think.
Week #1: Heaven Sings What Earth Forgets
Blog Series Intention Recap
Holiness is not a distant concept—it is the defining characteristic of God and the central call for His people - both Israel and the Church. From the throne room of heaven to the burning bush, from the tabernacle to the trembling heart of a prophet, Scripture reveals that God’s holiness is not just something He has—it is who He is. This four-week series explores how holiness shapes heaven’s worship, how it demands reverence on earth, and how it transforms those who encounter it. As we listen to heaven’s song and trace God’s holiness through Scripture, we are invited to respond with awe, obedience, and lives that reflect His set-apart character.
This page is a post in the series “Holy, Holy Holy: Understanding Holiness According to Scripture.” Click here to see the rest of the posts.
Let’s jump into Week #1:
Holiness is heaven’s soundtrack… It defines who God is and demands our awe, shaping how we worship and live. Holiness is not one of God’s many attributes—it is the essence of who He is. In Revelation 4, heaven’s unceasing song centers on His holiness, reminding us that worship begins not with our needs but with His nature. When we see God as holy, our hearts respond with awe, our lives bend in surrender, and our worship realigns with heaven’s focus.
Why it Matters:
Holiness is central: The angels never stop saying “Holy, holy, holy”—it’s the core of God’s identity.
Holiness means otherness: God is set apart, pure, and unlike anything else.
Heaven’s worship is not casual: There’s thunder, lightning, and creatures who never stop.
Our response must match heaven’s: Reverence isn’t old-fashioned—it’s the right reaction.
Go Deeper:
Scripture Focus:
Revelation 4:1–11
Heaven’s View of Holiness
When the apostle John was caught up in the Spirit, he didn’t first see golden streets or pearly gates. He saw a throne.
He writes:
"Behold, a throne stood in heaven, with one seated on the throne" (Revelation 4:2, ESV).
Heaven begins with God at the center. Around that throne, worship erupts—not focused on what God gives, but on who God is.
The creatures don’t cry, “Love, love, love,” or “Power, power, power.” They cry:
“Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” (Revelation 4:8, ESV)
Holiness is heaven’s headline. It’s what angels sing. It’s what creation affirms. It’s what crowns are cast before.
What Is Holiness?
At its root, holiness means set apart. God is separate—not in distance, but in nature. He is not like us. He is not like His creation. He is in a category by Himself.
Holiness includes:
Moral perfection: He is without sin, impurity, or corruption.
Majestic glory: He radiates splendor, beauty, and brilliance.
Eternal constancy: He never changes, never weakens, never fails.
The triple repetition—“holy, holy, holy”—is a Hebrew way of expressing intensity. Like underlining something three times. He is not just holy. He is the holiest. No one else is close.
Holiness is not one of many attributes of God—it’s the banner over all of them. His love is holy. His justice is holy. His power is holy. Everything God does flows from this set-apart nature.
The God behind the Curtain
In the iconic movie The Wizard of Oz, the Wizard is exposed as a fraud when he tells Dorothy and her friends to “ignore the man behind the curtain,” revealing that his grand display of power was just an illusion. John has no such illusions or aspirations. He describes a scene filled with symbols and sounds meant to stop us in our tracks.
“From the throne came flashes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thunder…” (Rev. 4:5, ESV)
This is not a quiet cathedral. This is more like Mount Sinai—fire, thunder, and trembling. The throne radiates power.
Before the throne is a sea of glass—still, clear, undisturbed. Around the throne are four living creatures—like lions, oxen, eagles, and men. They represent all creation. But they aren’t resting. They’re praising.
“Day and night they never cease…” (Rev. 4:8)
That’s the phrase that hits hardest. Never cease. Worship never stops in heaven. Why? Because holiness never stops being true.
Worship Starts with Holiness
Why does this matter? Because worship on earth often starts with us. Our needs. Our preferences. Our songs.
Heaven starts with God.
He is holy—so we bow down.
He is worthy—so we cast our crowns.
He is eternal—so we don’t rush through it.
When we lose sight of holiness, we begin to treat God casually. We bring Him down to our level. We approach Him like a friend or a therapist—or worse, a vending machine.
But God is not ordinary. He is not common. C.S. Lewis records a conversation between the Pevinsie Kids and Mr. Beaver about Aslan the Lion.
Is he—quite safe?” I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion” – Susan
“If there’s anyone who can appear before Aslan without their knees knocking, they’re either braver than most or else just silly.” – Mrs. Beaver
“Then he isn’t safe?” – Lucy
“Safe? . . . Who said anything about safe? Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King I tell you.” – Mr. Beaver
C.S. Lewis, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (New York, NY: Harper, 1950)
This conversation prepares us for today’s topic.
He is holy, holy, holy.
Holiness demands our reverence. Reverence isn’t outdated. It’s right. It’s the only correct response to the God of Revelation 4.
Four Ways Holiness Shapes Us
Holiness puts God at the center
The throne is not empty. It’s occupied. God is on it, and everything else revolves around Him.We are not the center of the story. God is. Holiness reminds us to reorient our lives around His glory—not our comfort.
Holiness invites worship, not apathy
The elders fall down. The creatures sing. No one stands still.Worship is more than singing. It’s responding to who God is. Reverence is not stiffness—it’s surrender.
Holiness reveals our need for mercy
If God is holy, we are not. The clearer our view of Him, the clearer our view of ourselves.That’s why we need the gospel. The holy God made a way for unholy people to approach Him—through Yeshua (Jesus).
Holiness sets the tone for how we live
If heaven never stops worshiping, why should we?Holiness isn’t just what we admire in God—it’s what He calls us to reflect. As Peter writes:
“As he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct” (1 Peter 1:15, ESV).
Rethinking Our View of God
Too often, we reduce God to what feels manageable. We want a God who is close, not a God who is consuming. But both are true.
The God of Revelation is near, but He is also other. He is not like us. That’s why worship must be marked by humility.
When we gather on Sundays or pray in private, we aren’t just chatting with a buddy. We are standing before the throne.
This vision reminds us: worship is not entertainment. It’s not background music. It’s the response of heaven—and it should be the heartbeat of earth.
How does this help me understand, “Holy, Holy Holy: Understanding Holiness According to Scripture?”
Let Heaven’s Cry Become Yours
How do we respond?
Start here:
Worship God as holy.
That doesn’t mean just playing slower music. It means:
Slowing down and recognizing who He is.
Letting the awe of His nature humble your heart.
Approaching Him with respect, not routine.
Living in a way that honors His name.
Take a moment today.
No music. No hurry.
Just say: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty.”
Let those words shape how you pray, speak, think, and live.
In a world full of noise, heaven is clear. In a church culture often focused on relevance, heaven points us back to reverence.
We don’t need to invent better worship. We need to align with what’s already happening around the throne.
Holiness is not a side topic. It’s the starting point. And in God’s presence, it’s never boring—it’s blazing.
Book of the Month - August 2025
Sunrise on the Reaping
Suzanne Collins - ISBN: 978-1546171461 - 2025
Author:
Suzanne Collins
Suzanne Collins is the internationally bestselling author of the Hunger Games series, which also includes the novels The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, Mockingjay, and The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. Together, the books have sold over 100 million copies and were the basis for five popular films. Her other books include the acclaimed Underland Chronicles series, which begins with Gregor the Overlander, and the picture book Year of the Jungle, illustrated by James Proimos. To date, her books have been published in fifty-three languages around the world.
Brief Synopsis:
When you’ve been set up to lose everything you love, what is there left to fight for?
As the day dawns on the fiftieth annual Hunger Games, fear grips the districts of Panem. This year, in honor of the Quarter Quell, twice as many tributes will be taken from their homes.
Back in District 12, Haymitch Abernathy is trying not to think too hard about his chances. All he cares about is making it through the day and being with the girl he loves.
When Haymitch’s name is called, he can feel all his dreams break. He’s torn from his family and his love, shuttled to the Capitol with the three other District 12 tributes: a young friend who’s nearly a sister to him, a compulsive oddsmaker, and the most stuck-up girl in town. As the Games begin, Haymitch understands he’s been set up to fail. But there’s something in him that wants to fight . . . and have that fight reverberate far beyond the deadly arena.
Insights:
“All propaganda is lies, even when one is telling
the truth. I don’t think this matters so long as
one knows what one is doing, and why.” — George Orwell
“Good-bye, Maysilee Donner, who I loathed, then grudgingly respected, then loved. Not as a sweetheart or even a friend. A sister, I’d said. But what is that exactly? I think about our journey — everything from sniping with her in those early days after the reaping to battling those pink birds. I guess that’s my answer. A sister is someone you fight with and fight for. Tooth and nail.”
“They will not use our tears for their entertainment.”
“You were capable of imagining a different future. And maybe it won’t be realized today, maybe not in our lifetime. Maybe it will take generations. We’re all part of a continuum. Does that make it pointless?”
Should I read it or skip it?
Having read the books while my kids were in elementary school, I remember going to the movies with teachers and the principal of the lelementary school. There was this deep sadness as educators watched children kill each other. They wtestled with the idea of could their students find themselves in the middle of a “Hunger Games” type event in the USA. To me, this book’s emotional resonance hits even harder. Suzanne Collins expertly incorporates the familiar stakes and structures we know, all the while giving us compelling new insights into the depths Power (Snow) would go through Haymitch Abernathy’s eyes. This book’s setting during the brutal Second Quarter Quell, 24 years before Katniss’s rebels first challenged the Capitol, develops the dystopian world of the United States post apocalypse.
Yet, this isn’t just a rehash. Think of it as shifting from a sleek, modern-day dystopia to a story set in a smoky, raw, 1970s disco era film. The texture feels decidedly different: the tension is more grounded, the propaganda machinery still rough around the edges, and the characters tethered to simpler, grittier realities of their time. This temporal shift deepens the emotional impact—Haymitch’s younger self, his romance with Lenore Dove, and the alliances he forms all pulse with the same emotional stakes yet feel freshly vivid and urgent.
I love when series will do callbacks or Easter eggs with the original or first seasson’s episodes. Spotting echoes of the later series—Beetee’s early rebellion when forced to watch his son Ampert compete, the haunting foreshadowing of what would shape Katniss’s world, and the roots of the Mockingjay legacy—feels like rediscovering hidden layers in something you really care about and love. These moments aren't just fan service—they’re powerful connective tissue between past and future, grounding the epic saga in intimate human tragedy and resistance. I love the connections with a younger “Mags” and would love to see the aftermath that made Wireess who she became.
In short, Sunrise on the Reaping is more than a nostalgic revisit—it’s a narrative shift to a different cinematic era within Panem, maintaining the emotional core fans know and love while deepening our understanding of the world’s history. It’s a moving, richly layered continuation—and one I loved, having immersed myself in the original trilogy in both book and film.
Holy, Holy, Holy
Blog Series Intention Recap
Holiness is not a distant concept—it is the defining characteristic of God and the central call for His people - both Israel and the Church. From the throne room of heaven to the burning bush, from the tabernacle to the trembling heart of a prophet, Scripture reveals that God’s holiness is not just something He has—it is who He is. This four-week series explores how holiness shapes heaven’s worship, how it demands reverence on earth, and how it transforms those who encounter it. As we listen to heaven’s song and trace God’s holiness through Scripture, we are invited to respond with awe, obedience, and lives that reflect His set-apart character.
This post is the main page of the series “Holy, Holy Holy: Understanding Holiness According to Scripture.”
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 #4: From Cross to Crown: The Son of Man Exalted
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 #4:
Glory in Humility: The Son of Man Exalted… The Son of Man who suffered and was rejected will return in power and glory. In the Synoptic Gospels, Yeshua (Jesus) consistently connects His lowly mission with His future reign, teaching that humiliation precedes honor and suffering comes before exaltation. He did not come to avoid death but to walk through it, securing redemption through obedience. The same Yeshua (Jesus) who had no place to lay His head will one day rule over all creation. His return will not be hidden or symbolic—it will be visible, glorious, and final.
Why it Matters:
Yeshua (Jesus) connects His suffering with His future return in glory.
The “Son of Man” will come again as Judge and King.
His exaltation fulfills Daniel’s vision and affirms His authority.
Disciples are called to endure hardship with hope, following His example.
Go Deeper:
Scripture Focus:
The Son of Man Will Return in Glory
Throughout His ministry, Yeshua (Jesus) repeatedly referred to His coming again as the “Son of Man.” In Matthew 24:30, He describes His future return this way:
“Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man… and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.”
This is no longer the lowly teacher without a home. This is the King of heaven, the divine figure from Daniel 7—coming not to suffer, but to reign.
Yeshua (Jesus) connects His future glory with the cosmic hope of Israel: the day when God would judge evil, restore righteousness, and establish His kingdom forever. The Son of Man’s exaltation is not a new plan—it’s the culmination of the old one.
He Testifies to His Future Reign at His Trial
When Yeshua (Jesus) stood before the high priest in Mark 14:61–62, He was asked, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” His reply was unambiguous:
“I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.”
This statement sealed His condemnation—but it was also a prophetic declaration. The very leaders who judged Him would one day see Him return as their Judge. The courtroom of Jerusalem would give way to the courtroom of heaven.
The Son of Man would not remain the suffering servant. He would be exalted to God’s right hand, possessing divine authority to rule and to restore.
Resurrection Confirms His Exaltation
Yeshua (Jesus) had foretold that the Son of Man must suffer, die, and rise again (Luke 24:7). The empty tomb is not just proof of victory over death—it is the confirmation of His identity.
By rising, Yeshua (Jesus) validates every promise He made about His return. His exaltation has already begun. The resurrection is the first public act of His enthronement. As the risen and ascended Son of Man, He now intercedes at the right hand of God and will return to judge the living and the dead (Acts 1:11; 7:56).
We Wait in Hope and Live in Obedience
For now, we live between the two comings. The Son of Man has come—and He will come again. In this in-between space, His followers are called to endure hardship with faith, knowing that our present sufferings are not the end of the story.
Yeshua (Jesus) teaches us this rhythm: humility now, glory later. He was despised before He was enthroned. We too are called to take up our cross, trusting that the crown will come in due time (Luke 9:23–26).
The Son of Man’s return is not just a theological detail—it is the believer’s hope.
How does this help me understand, “Son of God, Son of Man: Understanding the Identity of Jesus in the Gospels?”
Yeshua (Jesus) Will Finish What He Started
We live in a broken world, filled with injustice and sorrow. But the Son of Man will return to set everything right. No act of evil, no moment of grief, will be overlooked. His return is the guarantee of final justice and perfect restoration.
Suffering for Christ Is Never Wasted
If the path to glory for Yeshua (Jesus) included betrayal, beating, and crucifixion, we should not expect comfort without cost. But just as the Father vindicated the Son, He will vindicate every believer who endures in faith.
We Live with Urgency and Hope
The Son of Man could return at any time. His coming will be visible, undeniable, and final. That truth gives us urgency in mission and steadfastness in faith. We do not live for this world—we live for the One who is coming to reign.
Our King Is Human and Divine
The One who is coming is not distant or detached. He is the Son of Man—who walked our roads, bore our sin, and conquered our grave. His glory does not remove Him from us; it draws us to Him in worship and longing.
How do I apply this to my life?
Live with confident hope in the returning Son of Man. Don’t let present trials shake your faith or present comforts dull your urgency. He is coming again—not in weakness, but in majesty. Let that truth shape your worship, your witness, and your daily walk.
Daniel 7:13–14 – The original vision of the Son of Man coming with power.
Matthew 24 – Yeshua’s (Jesus) teaching on His return and the need to be ready.
Mark 14:62 – Yeshua’s (Jesus) clearest claim about His future glory.
Luke 24 – Yeshua’s (Jesus) resurrection and explanation of His mission.
Take some practical steps:
Live with Expectant Hope - The Son of Man will return in glory, just as He promised. Let this coming reality shape your daily life. In moments of injustice, pain, or weariness, hold fast to the hope that Messiah will return to make all things right.
Endure Hardship with Faithfulness - Yeshua’s (Jesus) path to exaltation was marked by suffering. As His followers, we should not be surprised by trials. Stay faithful in seasons of difficulty, knowing that humility now leads to glory later.
Be Urgent in Mission - Since the Son of Man will come suddenly and visibly, we are called to readiness. Share the gospel boldly. Live alert and obedient, not distracted by the temporary comforts of this world.
Worship the Risen and Returning King - The Son of Man who walked among us is now exalted at the right hand of God. Let His majesty draw you to deeper worship, awe, and loyalty. He is both the Lamb who was slain and the King who will reign forever.
Week #3: Crowned with Thorns: The Son of God on the Cross
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 #3:
Power and Passion: The Son of God on the Cross… Yeshua’s (Jesus) death on the cross is not the defeat of the Son of God—it is the moment His identity is confirmed. In the Synoptic Gospels, the crucifixion reveals the depth of His obedience to the Father and the breadth of His love for humanity. The cross is both the place of suffering and the stage of divine revelation.
Why it Matters:
Yeshua’s (Jesus) divine identity is affirmed, not denied, at the cross.
The crucifixion is the ultimate display of obedience, love, and power.
Both Gentiles and Jewish leaders respond to Jesus’s claims with rejection—but some with faith.
The cross challenges us to see glory through suffering and to follow Yeshua (Jesus) in self-denial.
Go Deeper:
Scripture Focus:
Mocked for the Title He Rightly Bears
As Yeshua (Jesus) is crucified, He is taunted with the very titles that reveal His identity.
“If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross” (Matthew 27:40).
These words echo the temptation in the wilderness, where Satan also challenged, “If you are the Son of God…” (Matthew 4:3, 6). But Yeshua (Jesus) doesn’t come down. His silence is not weakness; it is victory. He does not need to prove His Sonship by power displays. He proves it by obedience.
The religious leaders and soldiers think they are ridiculing a false prophet. In reality, they are fulfilling God’s redemptive plan. Their mockery becomes ironic testimony—unwittingly pointing to the truth of who Yeshua (Jesus) is.
The Divine Son Submits to the Father’s Will
In Luke 22:70, during His trial before the Sanhedrin, Yeshua (Jesus) is asked,
“Are you the Son of God, then?”
He replies, “You say that I am.”
This response may seem vague, but it is legally loaded. Yeshua (Jesus) affirms His divine identity, knowing it will seal His death. He willingly walks into the suffering that had been foretold in Scripture. The Son of God does not cling to comfort or grasp for safety. He lays down His life in complete submission to the Father.
This obedience fulfills Isaiah 53 and Psalm 22. The sinless One bears the guilt of the many. The cross is not accidental—it is central.
A Roman Centurion Sees What Others Miss
At the climax of the crucifixion, something unexpected happens. After the darkness, the torn veil, and the earthquake, a Gentile soldier proclaims,
“Truly this man was the Son of God” (Mark 15:39).
This confession is stunning. While Israel’s leaders reject Yeshua (Jesus) and His own disciples scatter, a Roman outsider recognizes what others missed. This echoes the theme of the Synoptic Gospels: God’s kingdom is revealed to the lowly, the outsider, and the unlikely.
The centurion’s declaration affirms that Yeshua’s (Jesus) identity is most clearly seen in His sacrificial death. He doesn't see Jesus call down angels or destroy His enemies. He sees Him breathe His last—and worships.
Glory Through the Cross, Not Apart from It
To modern minds, crucifixion is a tragic ending. But in the Gospels, it is the turning point of redemptive history. Yeshua’s (Jesus) passion (His suffering) is His enthronement.
The crown of thorns becomes a crown of glory.
The cross becomes the throne of the King.
The broken body becomes the bread of life for the world.
Yeshua’s (Jesus) identity as the Son of God is not set aside in death—it is revealed through it.
How does this help me understand, “Son of God, Son of Man: Understanding the Identity of Jesus in the Gospels?”
The Cross Reveals the Character of God
If you want to know what God is like, look at Yeshua (Jesus) on the cross. This is how the Son of God loves. This is how He obeys. This is how He saves.
The Father did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all (Romans 8:32). At the cross, we see holiness and mercy, justice and grace—all at once.
The Cross Calls for Our Allegiance
Yeshua (Jesus) didn’t die for admiration. He died to win hearts and claim lives. His cross demands a response: Will you follow the crucified Son? Will you trust Him even when the path includes suffering?
To confess, “Jesus (Yeshua) is the Son of God” (1 John 4:15) is to bow your knee, surrender your pride, and embrace a life of faithful discipleship.
Suffering Does Not Mean Separation
The Son of God suffered, yet He was not abandoned. Even when Yeshua (Jesus) cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46), He was fulfilling Scripture and bearing our curse. His cry makes room for ours.
Your suffering does not mean God has left you. If the cross teaches anything, it’s that love runs deepest when pain is greatest. In quoting from Psalm 22, Yeshua (Jesus) points us to God and how he works on behalf of his chosen. In Psalm 22:24, the Psalmist points out the fact that God does not abandon or despise those in affliction. He hears and helps them.
The Cross Prepares Us for Resurrection
Death was not the end for Yeshua (Jesus), and it won’t be the end for those who are in Him. The Son of God laid down His life so He could take it up again (John 10:18). The cross leads to the empty tomb. That same pattern holds for all who follow Him.
How do I apply this to my life?
The cross is not a symbol of defeat, but of divine glory. Yeshua (Jesus), the Son of God, gave His life not only to forgive your sin but to reveal the heart of God. Trust Him when He seems silent. Follow Him when the road is hard. Worship Him—not just for His power, but for His sacrifice.
Matthew 27:27–54 – Trace the events of the crucifixion through the lens of divine irony.
Luke 22–23 – Watch how Yeshua (Jesus) affirms His identity even under pressure.
Mark 15 – Reflect on the centurion’s confession in the middle of chaos.
Take some practical steps:
See the Cross as the Revelation of God’s Character -At the cross, we don’t just see what Yeshua (Jesus) did—we see who God is. The Son of God reveals divine mercy, justice, and love in His suffering. Let the cross shape your understanding of God’s nature: holy enough to judge sin, loving enough to bear it Himself.
Trust Jesus When You Don’t Understand the Silence - Yeshua (Jesus) didn’t come down from the cross to prove His identity; He stayed to fulfill His mission. When God seems silent in your pain, remember that silence does not mean absence. Trust the Son of God who obeyed in the dark so you could live in the light.
Respond to the Cross with Worship and Surrender - The Roman centurion worshiped at the foot of the cross, confessing, “Truly this man was the Son of God.” We are invited to respond the same way—with reverent confession, humble worship, and full surrender to Yeshua’s (Jesus) lordship.
Follow the Crucified Christ with Daily Obedience - If Yeshua (Jesus) is the Son of God, then His call to deny ourselves and take up our cross is not optional—it’s essential (Luke 9:23). Faith in the crucified Son leads to a cruciform life: one shaped by obedience, sacrifice, and steadfast love for others.
Special Edition: Son of God, Son of Man, or Superman???
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 this Special Edition:
Superman: The Hero with Heaven’s Power and Earth’s Heart… I have made a lot of utilizing the new movie, “Superman,” by James Gunn and DC Studios for outreach, especially to our Jewish neighbors. You can see the article I collaborated on with Dr. Jeff Gutterman for Ariel Ministries here. Superman is more than a comic book icon. He reflects deep biblical themes that echo Yeshua’s (Jesus) identity as both Son of Man and Son of God. His story is not just myth—it’s a mirror that points us to truth, sacrifice, and hope.
Why it Matters:
Superman reflects the biblical title Son of Man: fully human, vulnerable, compassionate.
He also mirrors Son of God: possessing cosmic power used to rescue, not rule.
His story holds sacrificial patterns and moral weight that parallel the gospel.
He invites us to embrace heroic compassion, not just heroic strength.
Go Deeper:
The Gospel in a Cape
For nearly a century, Superman has been the world’s most recognized superhero. He’s faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, and—perhaps most remarkably—he remains culturally relevant in every generation.
But why?
What makes a man in tights, with laser vision and the ability to fly, still resonate so deeply?
The answer lies beneath the superpowers. At his core, Superman tells a very old story—one that echoes the Gospel. He is both Son of Man and Son of God in the way his creators (some knowingly, some perhaps intuitively) shaped his character. And those titles aren’t just biblical—they’re transformational.
Son of Man: Human Heart in a Super Form
Superman may be from Krypton, but he was raised human by Ma and Pa Kent. They echo Mary and Joseph in case you were wondering.
He looks human. He feels human.
Like Yeshua (Jesus) in the Gospels, Superman bears the marks of human experience—weariness, sorrow, tension, even isolation. He doesn’t stand above pain; he enters it. He bleeds. He grieves. He doubts.
This is what the biblical title Son of Man captures. In Scripture, especially in the Synoptic Gospels, Yeshua (Jesus) calls Himself “Son of Man” more than any other name. It emphasizes His real humanity. He weeps over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41), grows tired (John 4:6), and agonizes in prayer (Matthew 26:38–39). He suffers. He understands.
Superman is not divine—but he reflects this same humanity.
Despite being nearly invincible, he lives with the tension of two identities: Clark Kent and Kal‑El. One is grounded, uncertain, small-town raised. The other is alien, powerful, destiny-shaped. The conflict isn’t just external—it’s internal. Who is he, really? What does the world need him to be?
He lives with limits—by choice.
Superman could rule Earth. He doesn’t. He chooses restraint. He lets himself be misunderstood, criticized, and even feared. He loves people more than he loves his image.
This draws us into admiration—but more than that, it invites identification.
We all live with limitations. We feel the tension of calling and inadequacy, of strength and sorrow. Superman’s humanity makes him relatable. Like Yeshua (Jesus), he connects with the average person because he walks in their shoes.
In Man of Steel, Clark wanders the world anonymously, helping strangers, hiding his identity, working menial jobs. He listens. He learns. He suffers quietly. That humility—mirroring Yeshua’s (Jesus) own quiet early years—makes him not just someone we cheer for, but someone we trust.
Son of God: Power Wedded to Purpose
If Superman’s humanity is compelling, his power is astonishing. Much like Yeshua’s (Jesus) healings and ultimate resurrection, we see Superman leverage his power for the good of the weak.
He has cosmic strength.
Flight, heat vision, bulletproof skin, enhanced senses, invulnerability. In sheer physical terms, he could conquer planets. He’s a being of near-limitless ability.
But power alone doesn’t make a hero.
It’s how he uses it.
Superman doesn’t wield his gifts for attention, revenge, or self-promotion. He uses them to save, protect, and serve—even when it costs him dearly. This reflects the biblical picture of Yeshua (Jesus) as Son of God.
In Christian theology, the “Son of God” isn’t just a title of intimacy or sameness with the Father—it’s a title of authority. Jesus says, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18). He calms storms, raises the dead, and forgives sins. Yet He does not crush His enemies. He forgives them. He washes His disciples’ feet.
Power, shaped by purpose.
This is Superman’s moral center. In Batman v Superman, he saves people who call him a “false god.” In Superman Returns, he’s stabbed while saving Earth. In Superman (2025), he suits up when people who turned on him need him in Metropolis. In countless stories, he lays down his life so others can live. He absorbs damage rather than deflects it. He puts himself in harm’s way because others are worth it.
He’s willing to be misunderstood.
Yeshua (Jesus) endured rejection, slander, and the cross. He didn’t correct every false accusation. Why? Because His mission wasn’t popularity—it was salvation.
Superman carries a similar burden. The world doesn’t always understand him. Governments question his motives. Enemies twist his acts. But he doesn’t retaliate. He keeps saving people anyway.
This restraint isn’t weakness—it’s strength in its purest form.
It’s divine power under divine control.
The Cross in a Cape: Death and Resurrection Themes
Superman’s story doesn’t stop with strength and sorrow. It follows a deeper narrative—a death and resurrection pattern that unmistakably echoes the Gospel.
In Superman Returns and Batman v Superman, Superman willingly gives his life to save humanity. In Snyder’s universe, he’s stabbed, dies, is mourned—and then rises again.
This isn’t accidental symbolism.
In Batman v Superman, his final pose is cruciform—arms outstretched, pierced side, head bowed. A visual reference to Christ’s sacrifice.
The parallel is striking:
Superman dies to save a world that doubts him.
He is mourned by friend and foe alike.
He rises again, bringing hope renewed.
In Yeshua (Jesus), we find this not as myth, but as history. He was crucified under Pontius Pilate, dead and buried, and on the third day, rose again. Superman’s fictional resurrection echoes the real hope where believers can anchor their faith.
What does this mean for us?
It means our stories of sacrifice, justice, and love aren’t just good storytelling—they’re reflections of the greatest story ever told.
Superman’s Kingdom: Future Justice and Eternal Hope
In Daniel 7, the “Son of Man” is shown coming with the clouds of heaven to receive eternal dominion. He is both divine and kingly.
Superman doesn’t sit on a throne. But his presence in every story points to something bigger: the need for justice that is both righteous and compassionate.
He doesn’t just stop villains. He rebuilds cities. He rescues individuals. He cares—and his actions flow from love, not obligation.
In today’s fractured and broken world, Superman speaks volumes. While many fictional heroes are tortured antiheroes, Superman remains morally upright. He believes in truth. In mercy. In second chances. He doesn’t exploit the weak—he protects them. He doesn’t bend ethics for results—he holds the line.
Like Yeshua (Jesus), he lives by conviction, not convenience.
How does this help me understand, “Son of God, Son of Man: Understanding the Identity of Jesus in the Gospels?”
More Than a Man of Steel
A mother, who struggled with a literary quandary, once reached out to C. S. Lewis, explaining that her son Laurence, after reading The Chronicles of Narnia, had become worried. He feared he might love Aslan more than he loved Yeshua (Jesus) and this idea worried him. Lewis replied with gentle reassurance:
Laurence can't really love Aslan more than Jesus, even if he feels that's what he is doing. For the things he loves Aslan for doing or saying are simply the things Jesus really did and said. So that when Laurence thinks he is loving Aslan, he is really loving Jesus: and perhaps loving Him more than he ever did before.
CS Lewis - Letters to Children, pp. 52-53
We love Superman for the same reason Laurence loved Aslan so much. We love Superman for the way he exhibits who Yeshua (Jesus) or Messiah really is and what he really did.
Why It Resonates: The Gospel Blueprint in Popular Culture
After watching Superman (2025), I have had conversations with different people from the 18-25 year old age range around Superman, Messiah, and Jesus (Yeshua). The discussions ranged across the board. One voice felt they had emphasized Superman’s humanity too much compared to previous movies. Another didn’t like how Superman’s Kryptonian parents were depicted negatively. Someone else spoke to the comparison between how Superman was treated and how his Jewish creators might have experienced anti-semitism.
All of these comparisons and conversations can easily be applied to God the Father, Jesus (Yeshua), or modern day Israel.
Superman is not the Messiah. He’s a fictional character.
But he reflects something real.
He embodies power shaped by love, authority tempered by humility, and sacrifice born of compassion. These are not just superhero traits—they’re Messiah-like virtues.
That’s why Superman endures. That’s why his story matters.
Not because he wears a cape—but because he reminds us of someone who wore a crown of thorns.
Superman invites us to imagine what’s possible when divine power meets human compassion. He is not just a symbol—but a signpost. A myth that points to the Messiah.
How do I apply this to my life?
How to Live Like a Hero with a Human Heart
1. Embrace Hope in a Hopeless World
Superman never gives up on people—even when they give up on him. You are called to reflect the same resolve. Speak truth when it’s costly. Offer mercy when it’s undeserved. Cling to hope when the world goes dark.
2. Use Strength to Serve, Not Dominate
Whatever influence or power you have—use it for others. Defend the vulnerable. Encourage the weary. Lead with grace. Yeshua (Jesus) said the greatest are those who serve (Matthew 23:11). Superman shows us why.
3. Don’t Fear Misunderstanding
You won’t always be applauded for doing right. Like Messiah (jesus) and like Superman, you may be mocked or rejected. Stay faithful anyway. The reward for obedience isn’t always visible—but it’s always eternal.
4. Live as a Bridge Between Worlds
Superman lives between Krypton and Kansas—divinity and humanity. As Christians, we are citizens of heaven living on earth (Philippians 3:20). Be a bridge. Carry heaven’s values into earthly situations. Shine light in the dark.
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 #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.