Everyone wants to be blessed. The good news is that every Christian is blessed. Legend says that Alexander the Great visited the homeless philosopher Diogenes one day who was enjoying lying in the sun and said he would grant any wish. Diogenes replied, “Stand out of my light” implying he didn’t need anything Alexander could offer. Later, Alexander the Great said if he wasn’t Alexander he would want to be Diogenes because Diogenes was so content and happy. Diogenes didn’t need or want anything, he considered himself blessed. What does it mean to be blessed? Who is truly blessed? Is it the rich, powerful, and famous? One thing is true, we all want to be happy.

Many people are mistaken about being blessed, like the woman who proclaimed blessing towards Jesus. Jesus gently corrects her and clarifies what true blessing is. It is trusting and obeying God’s word. This is the only true blessing, nothing else.

One characteristic of the blessed is that they are sure of their blessing. They do not consider themselves blessed according to other people’s standards. What other people call blessed is not true blessedness because they are never satisfied. Riches, health, and other worldly blessings are not true blessings because ultimately even with those things you still stand condemned as a sinner. How can you be blessed and condemned? Like Esau, you are deceived and call yourself blessed when you are not (Genesis 33:9).

There are also those who have a carnal heart and are not satisfied with God’s blessing. They seek more and desire more. The truly blessed understand God’s true blessing in Jesus Christ and are fully satisfied in Him (Philippians 3:4-8). Apostle Paul understands that Jesus is everything and that without Jesus we have nothing. How blessed the believer is because we have the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3). The blessed have their sins forgiven, the old is gone and new has come, and they have been restored in Jesus (Romans 4:7-8). The true blessing is only found in Jesus and it is all the blessing we need. This blessing is not given or obtained through the world. It is only obtained by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Our faith and hope is in the resurrection! Our faith is a gift of heaven from God.

Another blessing the believer has is God’s ear which means God hears our prayers (1 John 3:21-22). We get the right to ask and it is God’s duty to answer. We are able to bring our matters to God and God actually responds to us. This is our blessing! Don’t hesitate to use it because God is waiting and ready to hear and answer our prayers.

We also have God’s peace and joy. Even though we are going through a hard time and the world is in chaos, we have peace. Jesus gives us real peace because He experienced the world and overcame it (John 16:33). Our peace is not theoretical but actual. We have peace with God and the peace of God. God is the God of peace and He is with us, therefore His peace is with us as well.

Some Christians might never experience anything pleasant in this world no matter how righteous and obedient they are. But that doesn’t mean they are without blessing. Those who do not experience blessings on earth will experience true blessing in eternal life (Hebrews 11:39-40). Be assured that if you are a Christian then you are blessed.

The means of our blessing is the Word of God. The Bible is the common denominator of all blessings. Jesus is the central figure of Scripture and Scripture reveals Jesus to us. Hearing the Word of God spiritually in our hearts results in knowing more about Jesus. Jesus is the radiance of God’s glory who reveals God the Father to us (Hebrews 1:1-3). So we need the Word of God to know God and it is only by the Word of God that we are blessed.

The word of God is certain and it reveals the will of God. If we are to follow God’s will then we must listen to God’s Word. Jesus says to be blessed we must hear and obey God’s word. This is because God guides us in His word. Therefore the blessed seek God’s will in His word (Psalms 1:2-3). We must strive to know the mind of God by reading the Bible like a man digging for treasure.

The blessed live a life of obedience. In fact, the supreme mark of blessing is obedience. If we are holy, sanctified, and beloved then that means we are being obedient. The world only knows how to obey themselves but the Christian obeys God. The singular mission of the blessed Christian life is obedience to God. “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it”. “To keep God’s commandments is to obey them, and the primary, the fundamental thing in obedience is the desire of the heart; and it is on the heart that God ever looks.” (A. W. Pink) Every true believer loves Jesus Christ and therefore would obey His commands. Love leads to obedience. This love is more than sweet affection but a devotion to the Lordship of Jesus Christ in obedience. Obedience therefore is an existential matter. A Christian’s identity and blessing is based on love from God and love for God which is in obedience to God’s commands.

We must also remember that salvation is not a matter of our works and blessing is not a matter of our labor. (Luke 5:5,8; Romans 10:9) When Jesus is truly Lord in your heart and you love Him then you will obey. From that moment we will continually pursue a greater obedience in Jesus Christ. Obedience is striving to enter through the narrow gate. How do we strive continually, how can we fulfill the roles of Christian, husband, father, and worker while obeying? Often these roles seem to conflict with our obedience. We must pray. Jesus prayed because He needed to pray (Hebrews 4:15, Hebrews 5:7). Jesus sought the Father in every temptation and trial. Jesus knew the way to obey was through prayer.

In Jesus we are assured of our blessing, we are blessed through the Word of God, and we are blessed with obedience sustained by prayer. God is the one who blesses. Be confident of the true blessing found in obedience to Him.

In this world, the two most beautiful words in any language are “Jesus Christ” because he is the source of true blessing. Without Jesus, there is no true blessing. What seems like a blessing this world offers is merely fool’s gold. In today’s text, we see a woman raising her voice saying that the womb that bore and breasts that nurses Jesus is blessed (v 27). We see Catholicism praising Mary even today. But Jesus said, “On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it” (v 28).

Religious men attempt to find blessing in this world through means other than through faith in Jesus Christ. Some of the ways they seek blessing or success is through moralism or legalism. Moralism deceives men because they seemingly keep the law but it is dangerous as it produces hypocrisy. They become hypocrites as they externally pursue good but their hearts are still sinful. Without the work of the Holy Spirit, moralistic people are actors and pretenders of being good. Only through Jesus Christ, they are made righteous and find true blessing.

The word “blessed” means to be happy or blissful in the original Greek. This blessing possesses an internal joy that goes beyond any circumstance. However, Scripture describes blessing as true joy in all circumstances because they have Jesus Christ. Another way to understand blessing biblically does not only constitute the emotional aspect but to realize God’s supernatural favor. It is more than how you feel. It is more about how God knows what we need most and that he is the provider. Moreover, God gives assurance and security that he is able to handle anything pertaining to faith and life for the Christian. Ultimately, God blesses the believer’s heart with salvation and ongoing sanctification by the Holy Spirit.

Jesus describes the truly blessed in the Beatitudes from his Sermon on the Mount. He says, “Blessed are poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the lowly, for they shall inherit the earth” (Matt.‬ ‭5‬:‭4‬-‭5‬). This was in stark contrast to what the Jewish customary thinking was that is revealed by the woman in the crowd who attributed Jesus’ success to his mother nurturing and raising him.

This Jewish thinking also implies cultural Christianity today. A mark of a cultural Christian is a continual struggle of their faith year after year because the Holy Spirit is absent. They are also dependent heavily on circumstances rather than leaning on the word of God. They might use the name “Jesus” but what is lacking is true heart transformation. In the United States, more than 75% of evangelical Christians deny Jesus is Lord and more than 85% think that all humans are inherently good.

True success and blessing are manifested in the few words of Jesus in today’s text: “On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it” (v 28). From God’s perspective, this is a true blessing. Beyond obedience to God’s word, there is no true blessing or success. What Jesus is also implying here is that we can be blessed as he is as we put our faith in him and live a life of obedience.

Hearing the word of God to understand our sin and depraved state before God is the start of blessing as the Spirit awakens the soul. Hearing also entails seeking the Lord’s mercy and forgiveness and ongoing desire to be saved. Ultimately, hearing the word of God is understanding the need for the gospel of Jesus Christ. True blessing only comes from the gospel as it produces repentance and faith in Jesus.

Jesus is the only answer to man’s problem of sin and death. There is only forgiveness and redemption in Jesus Christ! Only in him is there reconciliation with God. Once reconciled, obedience is possible. In this order, true blessing and success are experienced.

Warfare has changed greatly from ancient times. What has stayed the same is that warfare relies on the high ground, having vantage points and pinpointing the enemy. During the Korean Civil War, there was the punch bowl battle where they fought intensely over three hills which were crucial strategic points on the battlefield. Whoever took those hills would have an advantage in the war. It is the same in the heart of a man where there is a battle going on between Jesus and Satan. Whoever has control of your heart will have control of your behavior and life. The Christian’s heart belongs to God because we believe in our heart that Jesus is Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9). We are told to guard our hearts and examine who sits on the throne of our heart if it is God or Satan (Proverbs 4:23). Who is in your heart? It is either Jesus or demons. There are no neutral hearts. By this parable, we know that our behavior reveals who is in our hearts. Jesus is showing us how our hearts lose to the demons.

Luke 11:24 “When the unclean spirit goes out of a man.” This man is reminiscent of the man who was healed in Luke 11:14, who had experienced the grace and power of God. The man in the parable has tasted the heavenly gift of God yet his heart remains unchanged. (Hebrews 6:4-5). Ten lepers were healed by Jesus but only one returned to thank Him while the other nine remained unchanged in heart. This sort of story is also common in our churches which are filled with those who experience God and change morally but have not surrendered to God and transformed inwardly. Eventually, they scatter because they are truly not with Jesus and serving Him as Lord (Luke 11:23). They might be physically present in the church community but they are not participating in their heart. They are nominal Christians who are only Christians in name and appearance but they lack true faith and repentance and a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus might be outside the door knocking but He has not entered yet (Revelation 3:15-17). The nominal Christian lacks the inner qualities of a true Christian.

Social Christians also fall under this category. They believe in justice and freedom and the ideals of God but only in the realms of society and government instead of their personal faith. They can understand and pursue these aspects of God because we are all under God’s common grace who works his judgment and righteousness in the world. However, there is no middle ground, you either belong to God or Satan (1 John 5:19). Being a social Christian does not mean your heart belongs to God.

Jesus continues, “the demon passes through waterless places.” The waterless place is a desert with no life. Satan is constantly wandering, seeking for those to consume and take over (Job 1:6-7). Satan targets the nominal, the moral, and the ones who desire truth in anything. Men will look for all sorts of salvation except in Jesus Christ. They are the lifeless desert Satan passes through.

After wandering the demon says he will return to his former home. He finds the heart empty because it has not been occupied by Jesus. What a foolish man! He has filled his heart with everything in the world but Jesus. The room looks very attractive to the demon, it is clean and put in order. What this really means is that the heart is full of wickedness (Mark 7:21-23). They might be very disciplined, more disciplined than anyone else, and they might be principled, more principled than anyone else. This is exactly the kind of heart that a demon loves most because it is a wicked heart wrapped in moralism, a mere change in behavior pretending to be righteous.

Satan loves morality without Christ. He loves hypocrisy. Moralism is more dangerous the immorality. Those who are moral deceive themselves with a false sense of security. Those who are religiously moral do not seek Christ because they think they don’t need Christ. This was the condemnation against the self-righteous Pharisees (Matthew 23:15). Satan loves the moral man because a moral man doesn’t realize they are sick and dying. Remember Jesus didn’t come to call the moral but the sinners to repentance (Luke 5:32; 1 Timothy 1:15). We must confess we are sinners. The greatest enemy of the true gospel is moralism. It is correct, that Christians should be moral and obey God but obedience comes after we repent and believe in Jesus. Do not be deceived, we cannot be saved by morality!

Morality will never work because a moral change is superficial (Matthew 23:25-28). The leaves might be green but the root is rotten. Like the Pharisees, the outside of the cup is clean but the inside is dirty, the outside looks nice but the inside is dead. Only the true Christian is transformed inside and out by the power of the gospel. By the gospel people’s hearts are made alive resulting in an outward change of life also. Behavior modification can appear to be true change but they falsely worship in their hearts. A person can even deceive themselves and others that their change is true and genuine because it appears that way. Their change is affirmed and recognized by other Christians. Satan loves the behavior modified.

We can discern the behavior modified by their preferences. They seek the artificial and are satisfied with actions that feed their emotions. They use the Word for their emotional benefit. Their change is short-lived and constantly changing again. True change is consistent and persevering because it is wrought by the Holy Spirit. True change starts with being dead to self (self-denial). Without denying yourself you cannot change. It is God who must change us and He changes us through repentance. God is sovereign and every situation He ordains is an opportunity for our repentance and change. True change is through the Holy Spirit who must dwell in your hearts. Jesus promised it is better for us that the Holy Spirit would come and dwell in us, teach us, strengthen us, and change us. Therefore we must seek the Holy Spirit if we are to change from the inside.

“Then it goes and takes along seven other spirits more evil than itself.” (Luke 11:26) There are now eight spirits. This is much worse than before. Why? Because that heart was empty. Without Jesus, the heart is utterly empty. Many will try to fill their heart with so many wicked and foolish things in order to satisfy their emptiness. All their attempts always end up in a worse situation. That’s why we see it getting worse and worse in our society today and no man, no president, no policy, and no ideology will improve it. Our country and all people are cursed (2 Kings 23:26-27). God has pronounced his judgment on our world today by leaving it to a reprobate mind. Morality will not save us. However, God will not abandon His chosen. God still has His people and He will save them through Jesus. So you must decide who you believe in and serve. If you wish to be transformed then be saved by repenting and believing in Jesus Christ.

Someone like Rahab is the unlikeliest person who would be mentioned among the faithful servants of God such as Abraham, Noah, and Moses. But because God saved Rahab and used her for his purposes is mentioned by the Hebrews author. It was not Rahab who was special and set apart, but rather that God saved her out of many and gifted her with saving faith. Without saving faith, it is impossible to draw near and please God (Heb. 11:6). And what is attributed to her saving faith is God’s grace toward an undeserving sinner as it is with all Christians then and now (Eph. 2:8).

God miraculously saves the depraved sinner. The world only deserves God’s justice and punishment because of our sin of unbelief. No one deserves to be saved by God, but by his grace, he chose some to be redeemed. Salvation is a gift of God that is given to those whom he has elected. One of the elect was Rahab.

Even though all have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23), Rahab was a harlot and considered the worst of the worst sinners from man’s perspective. She was sexually immoral. But God still demonstrated his own love and showed mercy and grace to forgive her of her sins. By grace, Rahab was elected by God before the foundation of the world. None of God’s elect dies before they are converted (Ralph Venning).

Rahab was supposed to perish with the disobedient but was saved by faith (v. 31). The disobedient, in general, are those who have heard the gospel but refuse to believe and reject God (Jos. 2:10-11). Even though many do not believe and die in their unbelief, Rahab believed and was saved.

What set apart Rahab’s faith from the rest of those who were disobedient? Her saving faith began with hearing and understanding God’s word and the gospel (Jos. 2:11). She heard and knew who Yahweh was because the Holy Spirit helped her to understand. Conviction and salvation are possible as the Spirit quickens the heart and soul. This saving knowledge and faith transforms the heart and mind from loving sin to loving God. Spiritual understanding does not happen with our own will and might but by the Spirit alone (Zec. 5:5-6).

Even though two people hear the same gospel message, the Holy Spirit must be at work to give life and faith to the spiritually dead. Reading many books, listening to countless sermons, or anything intellectual cannot save a person. Despite who we are and what we do, it is only the Holy Spirit who saves and gives life.

Sinners are not saved by works, but by faith that acts. Rahab welcomed the spies in peace. Rahab not only welcomed the spies as strangers but considered them as brothers. Saving faith always results in deed and obedience. One of the main ways a believer obeys the Lord is by sharing their transformed life with others. Not being ashamed of the gospel and declaring to as many people is the calling of all Christians. Another way to obey is to pursue fellowship with God and other believers because faith does not stand alone. Those who are saved desire to share their lives and grow in faith together with the church (Acts 2:46).

By faith, Rahab also was bold and courageous because she knew God was with her. Rahab risked her life because she believed in finding rest in God and his providence. Rahab believed and knew the rewards God would give to those who were faithful. God does not forget and brings blessings to those who are faithfully obedient to him and his will. Some of the rewards given to believers are adoption and eternal life. This motivated Rahab to live by faith.

Just as the Lord transformed Rahab’s life by gifting her saving faith in his eternal plan so that she would live faithfully in obedience to his will, the same God has gifted the same saving faith to Christians today. Therefore, let us also live by faith and obey God and his word in all circumstances. No matter how small or big, God’s saving faith enables all believers to obey and give him glory.

Few things have remained the same throughout the centuries. One of those things is the potter’s wheel. Even now you can buy a potter’s wheel on Amazon which is similar to the first ones ever used. The same is true for faith. The faith of our fathers in the Old Testament is the same faith we have now.

In Hebrews 11:29 we see one generation under Moses pass through the waters of the Red Sea by faith. Forty years later the next generation, under the new leadership of Joshua, the Bible says the same words, “By faith”. Usually with new leaders and a new generation, things would change. However, Joshua and this generation practiced the same faith as Moses and their parents’ generation. Many things change over time. Even science has changed. The way science is used, applied, and trusted has changed drastically in our generation. The church has also changed. She has become more seeker-sensitive and more secular. This change is wrong and dangerous. Our faith must not change and we must live by faith alone in God. We are warned by the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul that some will fall away from the faith, in other words, apostates (1 Timothy 4:1). Therefore we must continually live by faith, the same faith of Abraham, Moses, and Jesus Christ.

Our faith is unchanging because Jesus Christ, the object of our faith, is unchanging. The faith repeatedly referred to in Hebrews 11:2-29 for each generation was faith in Yahweh. God does not change so faith in God does not change either (Malachi 3:6, Hebrews 13:8). God is always faithful, always has been, and always will be.

Even though Moses died, God did not change His plan or promise (Joshua 1:1-2). Joshua was instructed to obey the same word that God had given to Moses. Our faith is also grounded in the same word given to Moses. We have the same word of God and so our faith is the same. Though everyone is different in how we talk or look, we are all the same in our sinful nature. (Titus 1:2,12). We are all alike in our unfaithfulness, but God is unchanging in His faithfulness. Therefore our faith must be Him.

God never lies. 1718 prophecies in the Bible and not even one prophecy has ever failed, including the hundreds of Messianic prophecies about Jesus Christ. His truthfulness qualifies Himself as worthy of trust and faith. He never changes His truth over the centuries for a thousand years is like one day to God. If God’s truth never changes then our faith is also unchanging.

Why do we still need faith? Because men are still sinful. Without faith, no one can be saved. We all stand condemned. The whole humankind needs faith or else they will perish. Archaeologists found a two-thousand-year-old plaque complaining that the teenagers of that generation were problematic. It’s a familiar complaint of every generation. The solution to every generation’s problem has also remained the same: faith (Genesis 15:6). From the beginning, faith in the gospel of Jesus is the only way to be saved.

The gospel is the universal truth for all people in all nations for all time. Faith does not change from place to place or situation to situation (Acts 16:30). This is because believing in Jesus Christ is the only solution to man’s damnation. We need the gospel above all else. It is absolutely essential for all men everywhere. Many great men have tried to find salvation elsewhere but all have failed. Only Jesus is the light of the world and we must follow Him if we are to be saved (John 8:12). So our faith must be in Jesus just like the days of old.

The Israelites in Hebrew 11:30 were a new generation and they faced the city of Jericho. Jericho was a large and impressive fortress. If they were to dwell in that land, the Israelites had to conquer Jericho. How could they conquer such a formidable city? Only by the power of God. Archaeologists have discovered that Jericho’s walls had fallen outward, not inward. This shows that the walls did not fall by invasion but by some other force. The impregnable fortress of Jericho fell by faith.

Man’s dilemma never changes. We might think that the 21st century is different. We are much more educated and technologically advanced. Shouldn’t we have moved on to greater things? But we face the same problems. We are also facing our own Jericho’s. It might be our personal sin, an idol, our enemies, or our circumstances. We know for sure Satan is our enemy, prowling around like a lion, waiting to devour us. Our fights are not physical but spiritual. We must face and defeat our enemies by faith. We need faith more than ever. Without faith, we cannot persevere to the end. The Christian walks by faith, not by sight. There are no other means God provides for the believer but faith alone. In whatever we do we give glory to God through faith lest we sin (1 Corinthians 10:31, Romans 14:23).

Faith is daring. The Israelites had to be committed and risk their lives to conquer Jericho. When they crossed the Jordan River to face Jericho there was no turning back. Behind them was the wilderness and Egypt. They could only move forward and face the enemy. With an attitude like Jacob, they did not let go of their faith until they were blessed.

Faith is obedient to God’s instructions. God had instructed them to march around the walls of Jericho for seven days. On the seventh day after they had finished marching, they were to blast their trumpets and shout. No matter how you look at it, these instructions seemed foolish. Unsurprisingly, obeying them resulted in insults and embarrassment. This is a common experience among believers who obey God’s word. The world finds Christians very foolish. Not only did the Israelites obey God’s instruction but they obeyed them exactly. They did not alter or compromise on the orders. For seven days they were disciplined and kept quiet. They didn’t question or complain. They were disciplined to avoid the ways of sin and diligently obeyed God’s word (Psalm 1:1-2). By faith, they waited for God’s appointed time. God could easily have destroyed the walls on the first day. It was for His glory that God commanded seven days. We don’t have to be anxious but simply wait for the will of God to be fulfilled (Habakkuk 2:3). Jesus tells us that we must wait prayerfully while our patience is sustained by His grace and presence (Luke 18:1).

By faith, we have great expectations for God. If we obey and wait faithfully then we can also expect God’s word to be fulfilled as He promises. We expect great things because our God is able and willing (Romans 8:32). God has already given us a great salvation, and He will give us all things. But we need faith that trusts and expects. At the very least, we will receive beyond what we expected in heaven, and even on earth. Our God does not leave faith unrewarded. Listen to Joshua after he had conquered the land by faith. “As for me and my house we will obey Yahweh” (Joshua 24:15).

In today’s society, we think that we are self-sufficient and do not consider our need for faith in God for salvation and life. But we must not forget that we live in a fallen world where God is most needed. There are myriad challenges, sufferings, and calamities. What may seem impossible to solve, God can resolve as we put our trust in him for the forgiveness of our sins and navigate through life’s difficulties.

The characteristic of the faith stated in verse 29 can be understood by the faith that is explained in verse 28. The Israelites were sandwiched between two dangers. Pharaoh and his special forces on chariots were chasing them on one side and the big body of water known as the Red Sea blocked them from advancing and escaping the Egyptians. Our powerful faith always comes from our genuine saving faith based on repentance. This saving faith is effectual as we face challenges in our lives as the Israelites face their challenges. Faith always has its origin as our salvation is secure and it is biblically based on repentance and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.

What is often misunderstood is that everyone needs the blood of Jesus Christ; that is, the gospel. At the time when the Israelites were freed from Egypt, both the Israelites and Egyptians needed the blood of the lamb to be saved. Left to our own free will, we would only serve ourselves and continue on the path of destruction. Only by God’s intervention and election can we be rescued from our damned state and future judgment and death.

Only the biblically converted possess saving faith, which enables us to face and go through the daily challenges we inevitably face. Salvation is a supernatural miracle that is only possible by the grace of God (Jn. 5:24). It is the gift of God. And because we have faced the miracle of salvation, we are faithful to go through anything in this life because God has already done the impossible.

The Bible is the only source to work out our salvation and grow in sanctification. Faith is the only means to deal with our difficulties. God causes all things and the only thing we can show is our faith. In other words, God is providential as he causes all things to occur in the world. But because he is a good God, the Bible guides us to trust him and helps us understand God’s providence.

Anyone without faith will lead to death. The text describes the Egyptians attempting the same act as the Israelites but this led to their death. The key difference is that they did so without faith. The Egyptians illustrate the world as the world produces so many other false faiths. False faith is attractive but only temporarily. Just as God allowed them into the midst of the sea, they could not survive till the end.

In the end, all perish without saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. But for those that have saving faith, we must practice and live out our faith as Jesus is always with us. And the Lord never disappoints those who obey him.

When we think about faith our mind races toward Abraham who is recognized as our father in faith. In Hebrews 11, Abraham has two major moments of faith highlighted, his pilgrimage and the sacrifice of his son Isaac. However, Moses has six cases of faith highlighted in the Hall of Fame. Moses truly was an example of faith and reveals how faith works in our lives.

The background of Moses’ life sets the stage for Moses’ faith. When Moses was born, Pharaoh was slaying all the newborn males by throwing them in the Nile river. However, Moses was saved and raised by Pharaoh’s family. Then Moses lived in the wilderness for forty years and God heard the cries of His people. God sends Moses as His messenger to confront Pharaoh and commands, “Let my people go”. After God executed His ten judgments on Egypt. Right before the final plague, while still under Pharaoh’s oppression, Hebrews 11:28 says “By faith he kept the Passover”. Moses’ faith is characterized by obedience. He kept the Passover in obedience to God.

Faith and obedience are inseparable. They are always intermingled, working together. True faith always acts in obedience. Faith without obedience is a farce. Faith manifests in our speech, behavior, and actions. The first thing faith understands is that God’s word is the truth that God’s truth is Jesus. Faith trusts in Jesus who is true. That is why knowing the truth is not the full extent of faith. Even the demons also know the truth but do not obey (James 2:19). The power of faith is in obedience. Every Christian must be obedient to God because Yahweh is their authority (Exodus 12:12).

There was a Korean man over 60 years old who decided to become a missionary and go to the Philippines. Many fellow Christians doubted he should be a missionary at that age. Yet he went and God blessed his ministry. Why? Because he was called and obeyed. Apostle Peter had toiled all night without catching a single fish, but Peter obeyed Jesus’ command to cast the net on the other side. Faith obeys Jesus’ word even though it makes no sense, even though it is unreasonable, even though it is improbable. Faith obeys because God says so.

There are some warnings to those who claim to have faith without obedience. James 2:26 says just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead. Apostle John also calls those who claim to know God but do not keep His commandments as liars (1 John 2:4). They are deceived and caught in the snare of Satan, the father of lies.

How do you know you are faithfully obedient? The intention is not to make you feel guilty but to clarify and convict. Psalm 119:11 “Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against you”. Do you love the word of God and constantly meditate on it? Do you cherish the Word of God above all the other necessities in your life? Our worship must be regulated purely by the Word of God. It is our rule and guide for all things. How can we understand or handle our hardships or our difficulties? God’s word holds the answer. He never makes any mistakes, which is why we can rejoice always (1 Thessalonians 5:16).

Faithful obedience is a matter of life and death. Your obedience can affect the lives of many others. Obedience is a requirement for saving faith. It is not that obedience saves us, but without obedience, we cannot receive salvation. If we look at Hebrews 11:28 obedience is necessary for them to be passed over and avoid death. God had commanded the Israelites to take the blood of a lamb and put it on their doorposts. In the houses with blood on the doors, the firstborn son would be saved from death (Exodus 12:5,21-23). Unless they obeyed, they would have died. Salvation requires obedience.

It is the same for the Christian. Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sin (Hebrews 9:22). The shedding of blood has been accomplished in Jesus Christ. Jesus is our Passover lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7). John the Baptist proclaims about Jesus, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). It is the blood of Jesus that saves us from the hand of God’s judgment. In a way, by his obedience, Moses was like Jesus, saving many. On the night of Passover, every firstborn of the Egyptians died but none of the sons of Israel died. They were saved because Moses kept the Passover. The basis of salvation is Jesus Christ. Jesus alone saves us and we are saved by His grace through faith. We are not saved because of our obedience but the condition of salvation is obedience.

Saying “I believe” does not save you. Think how modern Americans in churches are saved these days. We hear, “I accepted Jesus into my heart”, “I believed in Jesus”.,“I prayed the sinner’s prayer”. These are mere words that have no power to save. Saying you know Jesus while neglecting obedience is not true salvation (Luke 13:25-27).

Obedience which leads to salvation begins with repentance (Mark 1:4,15). Repentance precedes faith. Jesus demands your repentance for forgiveness. When there is little obedience in one’s life, it means they lack repentance. Repentance is the turning away from sin out of sorrow and hatred of it, and turning towards Jesus in humility and love. Repentance is God’s grace. We are not saved by our giving but by God’s giving of repentance. In repentance, we forsake our sins and the world and consider Jesus our true Lord and Savior. Jesus must be Lord of all. This is a sure sign of faithful obedience. When you are free from sin, you know Jesus is the Lord.

We don’t know who is truly saved. There are wolves in sheep’s clothing. So outward obedience is not a guarantee of salvation. What we do know is that everyone needs the blood of Jesus Christ to be saved. Even Moses had to place the blood of the Lamb on his doorpost. This is why we must repent.

Faithful obedience powerfully loves others

“So that he who destroyed the firstborn would not touch them.” The purpose of obedience is to protect others. By Moses’ obedience, many were protected and saved. Imagine what would have happened if Moses had disobeyed. By one man’s obedience, many sons and families were saved. In the call for obedience, God doesn’t ask for many. Remember Gideon’s small army. Remember Hudson Taylor who changed the nation of China. A few women in the state of Mizoram set aside a handful of rice for the church, and now that region is 90% Christian. Jesus chose twelve disciples and the whole world has been changed. It is through the faithful obedience of the few that God uses to save others.

Are we obedient to God in all matters and in all circumstances? Faithful obedience is not merely our duty but our forte. At the center of our faith is the risen Jesus. It is our privilege to obey Him and we pursue obedience with our best.

Christians will declare boldly that they stand with Jesus, but sometimes it is merely external. What the Lord desires from every believer is an internal love and standing with the Lord Jesus Christ. There is no middle ground when it comes to the allegiance of Christ. It is imperative in the eyes of the Lord that the Christian’s faith and love for him is wholehearted. It is either we serve the Lord Jesus or we serve the devil. There is no neutrality when it comes to lordship. In other words, it is impossible to love Jesus and the devil. 

The fight that continues to go on for every person is which kingdom they belong to; that is, the kingdom of God or the kingdom of darkness. The devil (also known as Satan) rules the kingdom of darkness with power that must not be taken lightly. In the prior verse of 21 in Luke, Jesus demonstrates the power of God as demons can be cast out by the finger of God (v. 20). However, the subsequent verses also show that Satan is powerful when he attacks and produces destruction.

Satan demonstrates strength through the use of many weapons. At his disposal, he will utilize his weapons to lead as many as he can to sin and death. One of those weapons is the power of his lies. Without the power of God and his help, the sinner will succumb to the devil’s lies and deceptions. He also uses the weapon of temptation. He even attempted to tempt Jesus three times in the wilderness. Christians can discern whether or not they are being tempted by Satan when the fear of God is absent or diminished. Moreover, Satan weaponizes his ability to murder and bring death. He murders the spiritual life of a person more so than their physical life. Ultimately, the devil’s goal is to separate as many people from Jesus as possible. 

In verse 21, Jesus is implying that the one who is “guarding his own house” is Satan. Satan’s house includes the sinners who are enslaved to their heart’s desires. “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, sexual immoralities, thefts, murders, adulteries, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness” (Mk. 7:21-22). Not only is the devil strong to guard his own house, but “his possessions are undisturbed”. This illustrates a peaceful home as it is protected by a powerful person, but Jesus quickly states there is someone stronger who will bring down his house and possessions. That person is Jesus Christ. 

Even though Satan is undeniably strong, he is no equal to God. Jesus is the Creator and Lord who alone can attack him and overpower him (v. 22). The Lord Jesus Christ is omnipotent and is on the offense. Jesus calls disciples to himself and casts out demons to demonstrate his strength. As the disciples witnessed the power of Jesus and were also given that same power in their ministry, today’s Christians are under the same powerful Lord.

Jesus alone “takes away from him all his armor on which he had relied and distributes his plunder” (v. 22). All of Satan’s ways to deceive and lead sinners to destruction can be taken away by the Lord. Jesus is also able to distribute the plunder of Satan and turn it around for his purpose and glory. The strength of the Lord Jesus Christ strengthens every believer and enables them to fight and resist the devil. 

In verse 23, Jesus differentiates the true followers of Christ versus the false followers. The false followers of Christ are “waverers, doubters, half-hearted, and excuse-making people” (J.C. Ryle). God cannot be deceived. Commitment to Christ is loving him in truth and obedience. Those who are with Jesus and follow him have truly repented and believe in him. Faith in the Lord is marked by their continual devotion to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to the prayers (Acts 2:42). And in Matthew 7:22-23. The Lord separates the believers and unbelievers not by their works, but by their hearts. 

Furthermore, Jesus also differentiates the true followers of Christ versus the false followers on whether or not they gather with him. Gathering with Christ involves proclaiming the gospel, making disciples, living righteously, fearing God more than man, loving God wholeheartedly, and loving the lost soul. Therefore, the believer must continue to gather with Jesus to advance his kingdom through the gospel. 

Unless a person loves Jesus, Satan will continue to overpower and destroy the sinner. There is no room for neutrality when it comes to faith and commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ.

In Los Angeles, a man named Gerardo Cabanillas was falsely accused and wrongfully imprisoned for almost 30 years. Due to scientific advances applied to the DNA evidence, he was found to be innocent and freed. In this passage, Jesus casts out a demon from a man. Judaism couldn’t save this man but Jesus did. Yet they falsely accused Jesus of healing by the power of Beelzebub. No matter how many miraculous signs Jesus demonstrated, the Jews could not accept Jesus as the Messiah.

Essentially, they’re saying what Jesus did is Satanic. Beelzebub is a reference to the idols of Babylon, the ruler of demons. The Pharisees and Sadducees were jealous of Jesus and hated Him. It wasn’t only these elite who doubted Jesus, but everyone else wanted to test Jesus and demanded signs. Jesus’ response to them was, “If you don’t trust what I say, at least trust the works that I do”. Jesus had done countless miracles all throughout His ministry yet they still did not believe. The Pharisees falsely accused Him while the people demanded more signs. Even though Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead some believed but many didn’t. It’s bewildering that they would be first-hand witnesses to such signs and not consider Jesus as the Messiah and believe.

Why should Jesus be the ultimate choice? Because of the way Jesus responds to their false accusations, we have no choice but to believe in Jesus. There is no excuse. Jesus uses this moment to prove that He is the Savior. Jesus presents them with an irrefutable argument where the choice is obvious, they must surrender to Him.

“Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a house divided against itself falls.” This is a universal and undeniable truth that is easily observed in life. No nation, no business, no family will survive if there is constant fighting within. Phillip II, who conquered much of Greece and was the father of Alexander the Great is attributed with implementing “Divide and Conquer”.  Throughout history, many politicians and military leaders have also used this tactic effectively. This universal principle would also apply to Satan’s kingdom. So Jesus presents their argument, that if he does this by the power of Satan but he is also against Satan, which would mean they are divided and would not be able to stand.

A counterargument could point out that Satan is inconsistent. He is not omniscient or truthful. Satan’s only goal is to harm the kingdom of God and in certain cases might allow self-harm to deceive us. He even disguises him as an angel of light and deceives ministers who do the same.

Jesus continues to solidify His case and position. “If I by Beelzebul cast out demons, by whom do your sons cast them out?”. Jesus was referring to Jewish exorcists who practiced casting out demons in the name of God. Jesus uses the name of God just as they do. However, Jesus never failed to cast out demons while the Jewish exorcists had a poor success rate (Acts 19:11-16). Because of His complete and overwhelming demonstration of miracles, massive crowds would come to Jesus presenting their sick. Judaism had failed to heal them but Jesus healed them all. So if those so-called exorcists poorly cast out demons by the power of God then what about Jesus who was clearly the greater. Jesus is just being honest and asking them to use common sense and admit their dishonesty. Every work of Jesus is the power of God in the Holy Spirit. Miracles are an act of the Triune God. It is irrefutable.

Then Jesus moves from the general principle to a specific reality they must face. “But if I cast out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon”. This is the crucial statement we must understand. Jesus is bringing a colossal truth that has an impact on everyone. This is the point that Jesus wants to make. “The kingdom of God has come up you” does not refer to a realm but to His rule. If Jesus is who he proves Himself to be, then God must rule in your heart.

“Finger of God’. This refers to the power of God that only God can do. In the book Exodus, God told Moses to turn the staff into a snake or the river into blood and Pharaoh’s magicians were able to do the same thing. However, when the magicians could not reproduce the plague of gnats, they exclaimed “This is the finger of God”. The miracle was a true divine power that only God could do. It is God’s unlimited power that intervenes in the world of man. The finger of God is unmistakable and cannot be imitated.

The finger of God is also the Word of God. God’s miracles are always in conjunction with His word. In Matthew 12:28 it does not say the finger of God but the Spirit of God. The Spirit of God is the Spirit of truth who reveals God’s word in the hearts of men. The power of God is the truth of God which is the word of God (John 17:7).

The kingdom is the King’s power over the King’s people in the King’s place. These three realities (power, people, place) interrelate, and although they can be distinguished, they never can be separated. They are like strands of a rope tightly twisted together.” – Patrick Schreiner

The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel. (Mark 1:5) If the kingdom of God is at hand then Jesus must rule in your heart through repentance and belief in the gospel. To enter the kingdom of God you must be born again. You cannot be a coward and enter the kingdom of heaven. Cowardice is a sign of the old life. Being born again means you have a new life, a spiritual life, which is the gift of God. It is a sanctifying life, a struggling life that fights for obedience and holiness. It is not a life that seeks worldly comforts. A new life cannot be complacent with no change. Have you experienced this new life? If you have not, then cry out to Jesus. 

How do you check if you are in the kingdom of God? Do you love Jesus more than anything? (John 14:15) Do you love others? For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. The one who is born again lives righteously in obedience to God and righteously towards others. They have peace because they have been forgiven and saved from the wrath of God. Finally, they have joy in the Holy Spirit. A Christian that is not happy is not worthy of the name. The Christian has joy in God Himself in all circumstances (Hebrews 13:5).

The Kingdom of God does not consist in words but in power (1 Corinthians 4:20). Be wary of those who talk a lot but have no power. The kingdom of God is evident and produces fruit because of its power (Luke 1:35, Romans 1:16). Where there is power, there is an effect upon life. Examine your life and your sins. Do you still struggle with the same sins? Either you are not a Christian or you have no power. The kingdom of God is here, Jesus offers Himself, His kingdom, and His power as salvation to you.

The U.S. Constitution is not being interpreted according to the author’s intended meaning in the name of modernity. In other words, the U.S. Constitution is antiquated and needs to be interpreted based on changes taking place in the form of modern ideology. In the same manner, the Bible, and in particular, Easter, is being misinterpreted by many so-called Christians today. The resurrection of the Lord cannot be merely a memory but a constant reality personally and relationally for every believer.

Unfortunately, there are Christians who agree and understand the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ in theory and doctrine but not in practice. When it comes to Easter, the resurrection has no place and function in their hearts. Even though the resurrection of Jesus Christ is of utmost importance to salvation and the Christian’s walk, it is sadly forfeited in people’s daily lives.

The Bible says that Jesus Christ physically rose from the dead two thousand years ago and sits on the right hand of the Father today. However, some doubters did not believe that Jesus had really risen from the dead at that time and it goes the same today. Scripture states that there were more than five hundred eyewitnesses who saw the risen Lord. There are countless pieces of evidence to affirm the resurrection of Jesus historically occurred.

In today’s text, Marth demonstrates how she was wrong in her thinking in the following ways:

• Martha limits Jesus to the physical when she says, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died” (v 21a).
• Martha limits Jesus as her view of his deity as subordinate to God the Father (v 21b).

Jesus responds by saying, “Your brother will rise again” (v 22). By this simple statement, Jesus manifests his power and ability. However, Martha’s problem still is that she limits Jesus again by saying the resurrection is in the future on the last day (v 23).

But the ultimate reality Jesus reveals to Martha is that he is “I am”, the God who is unchanging and not limited to time. Jesus also shows that he is Yahweh, which is God’s personal name who is self-existent and self-sufficient or more concretely meaning “He who lives”.

Jesus also reveals that he is the resurrection and the life. In other words, Jesus is saying that he is the author, giver, and maintainer of life; and that life is himself (CH Spurgeon). Moreover, when people face physical death, it is just the beginning for the Christian as their spirit enters into eternity with God.

The reality of the resurrection of the Lord is not only applicable on Easter but every day. The reality of the resurrection life is promised to anyone who believes in Jesus (Jn. 11:26). Therefore, the Easter message is so powerful and Christians must never hold this truth to themselves but declare it to all.

Do you believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ? Believing in Jesus brings salvation and eternal life. “If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, leading to righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, leading to salvation” (Rom. 10:9-10).

How can the Christian believe in the reality of Easter not as a memory but as a lifestyle? We must truly believe in the gospel of Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 15:1-4). The disciples of Christ were transformed and relevant as they truly believed in the gospel and the risen Lord. They constantly thought about the risen Lord which resulted in active faith (Acts 4:20). We must seek to enter into the fellowship with Jesus and his risen life (CH Spurgeon). When the reality of the risen Lord is constantly at the forefront of our thoughts and lives, it will become a lifestyle.