Musting – Why are there Contrasting Views in our Bible?

Hebraic Musting – Why are there Contrasting Views in our Bible?

There are many contrasts between the Old Testament and the New Testament.  It’s challenging to believe that both messages belong in the same book, the Bible!  What can we learn from these sharply contrasting messages.

The OT starts with a Creator – “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Gen.1:1 NKJV   But, in the NT “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.” 2 Peter 3:10 NKJV    Why?  Did Almighty God change His mind?

We live in Spiritual darkness – “They do not know, nor do they understand; They walk about in darkness; All the foundations of the earth are unstable.” Psalm 82:5.    Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.’” John 8:12.

Satan was victorious in the OT – “And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden.” Gen. 3:6-8.    But Satan is finally defeated – “The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. Rev.20:10.  

Man was cursed - “Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat of it’: Cursed is the ground for your sake; In toil you shall eat of it All the days of your life. Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, …  Till you return to the ground,” Gen. 3:17-18.   But in the NT Christ is our Redeemer – “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”) Gal. 3:13.  Also, Almighty God provided a remedy in the NT - “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16.

Death reigned in the OT – “Till you return to the ground, For out of it you were taken; For dust you are, And to dust you shall return.” Gen. 3:19.   But Jesus assures us of a remedy in John 5:24 - “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.”

Bloody sacrifices were required in the OT – “And they shall take some of the blood (of the unblemished lamb) and put it on the two doorposts and on the lintel of the houses where they eat it. Then they shall eat the flesh on that night; roasted in fire, with unleavened bread and with bitter herbs they shall eat it.” Exod. 12:7-8.   In John 1:29 we hear – “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”   Which lamb is the OT pointing to?

We are in bondage in the OT because – “(Our) own iniquities entrap the wicked man, And he is caught in the cords of his sin.” Prov.5:22.   Thank you LORD - “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.” Rom.8:2   Thank you LORD Jesus!

In the OT we are given the “10 Commandments” in Ex 20:1-17.   But in Romans 1:16 we learn that our salvation is from the Gospel – “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.”  Do we still need the decalogue?

Job cried out “Oh, that I knew where I might find Him.” Job 23:3    But when Philip, a new believer, found Nathanael he proclaimed to him “We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” John 1:45   “Jesus answered and said to him, Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” v.50.

Points to ponder

How many more contrasts have you found between the OT and the NT?

Our paradise was lost; but now it can be gained!

We have more than a majestic God!  We have “Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.” Mt.6:9

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd              June 30, 2026 

Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 

“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings” 

Musing – What do we have to do to keep the Victory?

 

Hebraic Musing – What do we have to do to keep the Victory?

The Israelites won an important battle when they conquered the Promised Land.  They fought and won, BUT… the LORD chastised them.  “And you shall make no covenant with the inhabitants of this land; you shall tear down their altars. But you have not obeyed My voice. Why have you done this?” Judges 3:2 NKJV   I might ask a similar question of us Christians; why do we drift away from the LORD?   Are we truly discerning?

The LORD had already warned the Israelites in Judges 2.  “You shall make no covenant with the inhabitants of this land; you shall tear down their altars.  But you have not obeyed My voice.  Why have you done this?  Therefore I also said, ‘I will not drive them out before you; but they shall be thorns in your side, and their gods shall be a snare to you.’  So it was, when the Angel of the LORD spoke these words to all the children of Israel, that the people lifted up their voices and wept.” Judges 2:4 NKJV   Another warning!

What was the start of the problem?  “Thus the children of Israel dwelt among the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites.  And they took their daughters to be their wives, and gave their daughters to their sons; and they served their gods.” Judges 3:5-6   Were mixed marriages the LORD’s idea?  Were the Israelites to serve God, or other gods?!?!

Judges 3:7-11 describes the result, the problem.  “the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD. They forgot the LORD their God, and served the Baals and Asherahs.”  Then “the LORD raised up a deliverer for the children of Israel, who delivered them: Othniel…” and “So the land had rest for forty years.”

But again, Judges 3:12-30 describes how “the children of Israel again did evil in the sight of the LORD.”  As a result -- “So the children of Israel served Eglon king of Moab eighteen years.  But when the children of Israel cried out to the LORD, the LORD raised up a deliverer for them: Ehud the son of Gera, the Benjamite, a left-handed man.”  Ehud’s method of killing the fat Eglon is a favorite children’s story!  Then Ehud’s followers “killed about ten thousand men of Moab, all stout men of valor; not a man escaped.  So Moab was subdued that day under the hand of Israel. And the land had rest for eighty years.”

But once again, Judges 3:31 tells us that after Ehud’s deliverance “was Shamgar the son of Anath, who killed six hundred men of the Philistines with an ox goad; and he also delivered Israel.”  That’s a rather miraculous accomplishment considering that an ox goad is not an effective weapon!   Do we need the ‘right’ weapons when we have the LORD on our side?

There is a penalty for worshipping the other gods of this world.  We see above how the Israelites learned that.  “For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.” Deut.5:9-10   Do we hate God, or do we love Him and keep His commandments?

How might this apply to us?  We too have become leaders in our church, family, and/or fellowships.  What can we do to be sure we do not fall away by becoming like the world around us?  Equally important, how do we help the next generations to grow up as mighty Christians?  

Points to ponder

Do you and I as mature believers want to “pass on” our faith to the next generation(s)?

Did the Israelites practice discernment?   Or were they satisfied with being “almost right”?

How important is bold leadership amongst Christians?

Do we need to “wait” for the right weapons when we have the LORD on our side?

How often do we find ourselves serving the gods of the world?

♫  Be bold, be strong. For the Lord thy God is with thee.  We are not afraid, we are not dismayed,
            Because we’re walking in faith and victory. For the Lord your God is with thee. ♫

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                         June 23, 2026         
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

Note – Inspired by Dennis Rittle’s June 3, 2026 message at New Hope Assembly

Musing - Does the Church have Biblical Discernment?

 Hebraic Musing - Does the Church have Biblical Discernment?

What is “discernment”?  Charles Spurgeon says “Discernment is not knowing the difference between right and wrong.  It is knowing the difference between right and almost right.”  How does that apply to our Biblical Worldview?  Our worldview is like a lens that we see everything through.  How do you view Morality, Politics, Society and Social issues?  Research shows that even committed Christians struggle with application since an overwhelming majority of U.S. adults lack Biblical basics; they don’t even know their Bible!  Ouch!

According to Barna’s study 65-80% of U.S. adults claim to be Christian, but only 4-7% hold a Complete Worldview defined as Biblical Authority, Absolute Truth, God’s Nature, Human Sinfulness, Salvation, Life’s Purpose, and Biblical Obedience.  Alarmingly, only 1-2% of those younger than 25 years old hold a Complete Worldview according to Barna!

Where does this begin?  Of the senior pastors in the U.S. only 37-41% have a complete Biblical Worldview according to Barna!  The rest hold to a form of syncretism blending Biblical theism with fragmented secular subjective ideas.  Jesus contended with this.  “You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times.” Matthew 16:3   And 98% of the pulpits are not preaching about the 2^nd coming.  Most Christians now have a version of “Replacement Theology” and distance themselves from Israel’s role.

Were these days expected?  “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.” 2 Timothy 4:3-4 NKJV

Would Jesus claim that we have become lukewarm like the Laodicean Church in Revelation 3:14-22?   “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot.  I could wish you were cold or hot.  So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.  Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.  As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.  Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.  To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.  He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”  NKJV   Read that again; does that sound like today’s church?

We had a similar warning from John MacArhur. “There is no one further from the truth that the one who makes an idle profession but never experiences genuine saving faith.  No one is harder to reach for Christ than a false Christian.”

In contrast, we look ahead to our heavenly inheritance as Peter advised us.  “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials,  that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, “ 1 Peter 1:6-7 NKJV    And “So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace.” Romans 11:5    Might this refer to our role?  What are we to be doing?   “in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth,” 2 Timothy 2:25

Here’s a “Baptism Questionnaire” from a church in South Asia.  How would our congregations answer?
  - Are you willing to lose your job?
  - Are you willing to go to the village of those who persecute you, forgive them, and share God’s love?
  - Are you willing to be beaten rather that deny your faith?
  - Are you willing to go to prison?
  - Are you willing to die for Jesus?

In Summary –   Remember James’ words. “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” James 1.27 NIV     So: “… do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2 NKJV

Points to ponder

Are today’s churches Hot, Lukewarm or Cold?   Your church?   You?

What are we to do when the Worldview is promoted in our church(es)?

Should we evangelize even those who claim to be a Christian?

Has the time come when “they will not endure sound doctrine”?  2 Tim.4:3

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd              June 16, 2026 

Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

Note – Recap of Pastor Jason Buss’ message on May 31, 2026 at Immanuel Baptist Church

 

Musing – What is Church? How important is Fellowship?

 Hebraic Musing – What is Church?  How important is Fellowship?

A friend shared his Sunday’s “Church” experience in His 2,000-member Fellowship.  He always sits in same section and therefore knows the folks in that section because of the traditional “meet & greet” time during the service.  Is that what “Church” is about?  What is “Church”?  What’s the purpose of “Church”?  Why do we go to “Church”?

In Christian doctrine, the “Church” is the Christian religious community as a whole, or a body, or an organization of Christian believers.   It is people assembled for a religious purpose such as hearing the Law or fellowshipping:  “Then the LORD delivered to me two tablets of stone written with the finger of God, and on them were all the words which the LORD had spoken to you on the mountain from the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly.”  Deuteronomy 9:10 NKJV   In the New Testament the word “Church” is used in reference to the entire body of believing Christians throughout the world.  “I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church…”  Matthew 16:18.   

And what is the purpose of a “Church”, or of “Fellowship”, especially when it is part of the church’s name? 

·      Building Community & Partnership:  In the very beginning, God said, “It is not good that man should be alone.” Genesis 2:18 NKJV   Known as koinonia, fellowship is more than socializing; it is a partnership where believers share life together, accountable to one another.  It helps members grow in their faith, offering a sense of belonging that confirms they are not alone.

·      Mutual Encouragement and Support:  Fellowship allows Christians to bear one another's burdens, offering comfort and encouragement through both happy and difficult times.  It is a means of grace that prevents believers from feeling isolated and helps sharpen one another spiritually.

·      Growing in Faith and Truth:  Regular, intentional interaction helps Christians grow with believers learning from each other and holding one another accountable to live in accordance with God’s word.

·      Glorifying God Together:  A major purpose of fellowship is to unite in worship and mission, showcasing God's love to the world through a united community.  Example - “Now when they had come and gathered the church together, they reported all that God had done with them, and that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.” Acts 14:22

·      Using Spiritual Gifts:  The fellowship provides the environment for members to exercise their spiritual gifts to serve each other, rather than acting independently.

In other words, the purpose of fellowship in the church is to foster deep, accountable, purposeful, and mutually beneficial relationships among believers, rooted in their shared union with Christ.  It serves to encourage spiritual growth, provide support during life’s challenges, and build up the community through shared faith, prayer and study.

It’s interesting that the word ”Church” is mentioned almost 100 times in the NT; and “Synagogue” is mentioned over 40 times in the NT; but neither is mentioned in the OT!?!? 

A road sign entering Bella Vista reads “The Churches of Bella Vista Welcome You”.  Shouldn’t that sign say “The Church of Bella Vista Welcomes You”?

Points to ponder

How well does your “Church” fulfil all the above purposes?   What’s your role?

Why do we call our fellowship a “Church”, not recognizing the Christian Community as a whole?

How much “accountability” do we have in our traditional “churches”?   Or in your church?

What us the purpose of “Church”?  Why do we go to church?

I wonder if we could convert the whole world if all the “Churches” worked together in unity?

“And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church,” Ephesians 1:22

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd              June 9, 2026   

Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

Musing – How Well do We Understand the Far Left Agenda?

 Hebraic Musing – How Well do We Understand the Far Left Agenda?

Pastor Emeritus, Erwin Lutzer, of Moody Church in Chicago has declared on behalf of us Christians that “We Will Not Be Silenced; Responding Courageously to Our Culture’s Assault on Christianity.”*  His book is said by me and by others to be a must read for all Christians. “Why do the nations rage, And the people plot a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, And the rulers take counsel together, Against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying, ‘Let us break Their bonds in pieces And cast away Their cords from us.’” Psalm 2:1-3  NKJV   Lutzer’s book expounds on the forces that seek to dismantle the core values that built up America.  Let me tease you with chapter headings, introductions and a few of my salient snippets from the book.

Rewrite the Past to Control the Future - The strategies being used to delegitimize our Judeo-Christian past to make way for a wholly secular and Godless society.   What’s happening?  Destruction of History by burning books, toppling statues to delegitimize the Founding Fathers and our America’s Judeo-Christian heritage.  After History is erased, then erase the constitution and Judeo-Christian heritage.  “If a person loses his memory, he does not know who he is.  When a nation loses its history, it becomes whatever people say it is. Based on the loudest and angriest voices.”  BTW – Notice how our NT gets meaning from the history in the OT.

Use Diversity to Divide and Destroy - How harmful cultural ideologies are keeping races in perpetual, endless conflict.   Using Diversity with Victimology to Divide Races, Genders, White Privilege, etc.  In contrast, 1 John 17:22 says “…they may be one just as We are one.”  Victimization justifies Government dependency, providing “free” stuff for the “victims.”  But Prov. 14:23 says “In all labor there is profit,…”  NKJV

Critical Role of Families in Our National Struggles - Biblical Marriage** What percentage of school children go home to both original parents!?!?  Ask school teachers that question. (I suspect it’s only about 10% !?!?)

Freedom of Speech for Me, but Not for Thee - The growing trend to stifle and shame those who uphold conservative or Christian worldviews, And Using Slogans to Mask Evil.  So they twist definitions to sell their agenda as a Civil Right or as Love and/or Compassion by using Gaslighting to change Language to lower Crime Rates.  At first the Left applauded free speech; now it is deemed unfair, unjust and insensitive.  Ok for some groups, but not others.  Free speech for Christians is criminalized or shamed or mocked!  Defund the Police.  And calls from BLM to destroy images of Christ and deface houses of worship… (p.63)

Sell the Noble Cause - How propaganda is used to shape a population’s perception of reality so they will not change their minds even when confronted by compelling counterevidence.  The Importance of Climate Change.       “They” believe the earth cannot support more than about a billion people (not the 7 billion we have now), so abortion & euthanasia are needed.  Under the banners of compassion and justice, “Equality” is the banner for Same-sex Marriage and Economic Socialism.  The Focus is now on “Individual rights” instead of “love your neighbor.”  All these issues are not to help the poor, but to organize for power.  Social Justice, Critical Race Theory & Intersectionality stress inequality and assign blame and victimhood.  Their focus is on matters of diversity – gender identity, race, sexuality, ethnicity, class, etc. and ends with controversy about “White Guilt.”  BTW - Theirs is not a method to make people both free and equal.   “The Church is a Toxic Culture.”  The tone of “social justice” and CRT make it difficult to have Biblical discussions about race and gender.

Sexualize Children - How school curricula and popular culture are leading our children into sexual confusion and warped ideas of personal identity.  The Corrupting Influence of Our Public Schools.  Christian Colleges Submit to LGBTQ Values.  The Demonic Nature of What’s Happening in the Transgender Phenomenon.  Explicit curriculums subtly promote the LGBTQ agenda.  Thus, the Destruction of the nuclear Biblical family.**   Promotion and legalization of drug use and pornography.

Capitalism is the Disease; Socialism is the Cure - Why socialism is initially attractive yet ultimately leads to failure, and how capitalism can create wealth that furthers Christian work everywhere.   Capitalism is blamed for evil in society, charged with greed, materialism, selfishness, etc.; all leading to financial inequality.   BTW - Is Karl Marx still ruling from the grave?

Join radical Islam to destroy America - Why and how two very different worldviews are willing to set aside their differences to eradicate Christianity and capitalism.   

Vilify! Vilify! Vilify! - How disagreements today are no longer resolved with mutual respect and civility, but through shaming and outrageous denunciations.   “An educated citizenry is a vital requisite for our survival as a free people.” – Thomas Jefferson.

Wake Up!  Strengthen What Remains! - Jesus, speaking to a New Testament church, gives a warning that applies directly to us today, and His assessment is the only one that matters.   “Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God.  Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent.”  Revelation 3:2-3   Was Jesus speaking to us?

Points to ponder

Is Jesus our Lord, or has the world become our lord?  Whose judgement matters?

Can the Culture be Reclaimed without reclaiming the CHURCH?

How are we to protect Family, Friends and Ourselves from brainwashing?

“The kings of the earth set themselves, And the rulers take counsel together, Against the LORD…” Ps.2:2 NIV

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                          June 2, 2026    (Modified reprint of June 8, 2021 Musing)

Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”  Weekly “Hebraic Musings”      Insightsbyyosef.blogspot.com/

* Inspired by “We Will Not Be Silenced” by Erwin Lutzer, Pastor Emeritous of The Moody Church in Chicago.

** Recommended reading - “Biblical Marriage” by Yosef (Amazon search – “Biblical Marriage Yosef”)

Musing – Is Your Salvation Testimony Ready? On the tip of your tongue?

 

Hebraic Musing – Is Your Salvation Testimony Ready?  On the tip of your tongue?

Have you written out your Salvation Testimony?  Could you spontaneously deliver it?  Can you tell it in a 30-minute speech; or in a two-to-three-minute opportunity; or to someone in an elevator in 20 seconds?  Why might that be handy, or important?  When you share your Salvation Testimony, who benefits?

Let me propose a simple three-part outline:
(1) What was the sinfulness in my past life that I had to confess?   
(2) What did I experience the day I made Jesus my Lord? 
(3) What’s my life with Jesus been like ever since that day?   

Paul had a three-part testimony when he witnessed King Agrippa in Acts 26.
(1) What was Paul’s past life?  "I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus … I put many of the saints in prison, and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them … I went from one synagogue to another to have them punished, and I tried to force them to blaspheme. … I even went to foreign cities to persecute them.” Acts 26:9-11 NIV
(2) What did Paul experience when he encountered Jesus?  "On one of these journeys I was going to Damascus … as I was on the road, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, … I heard a voice saying …  'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?....'    Then I asked, 'Who are you, Lord?'   'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting … Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you …  as a witness ….   the Gentiles. I am sending you to them to open their eyes …, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.'” Acts 26:12-18
(3) What has Paul been doing since then?  "So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven.  First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and to the Gentiles also, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds.”  Acts 26:19-20

The impact!?!?  Festus interrupted Paul's defense. “You are out of your mind, Paul!" he shouted. "Your great learning is driving you insane.” Acts 26:24   And then Agrippa said to Paul in Acts 26:28 “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?"  We will learn the result when we get to Heaven!   Interesting!  “The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing.” 1 Cor.1:18

Can you tell your testimony in a similar three-part outline?  Why is it important to write it out?  A - So you are ready to deliver it whenever or wherever the Holy Spirit asks you to.  “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” 1 Peter 3:15

When Jesus commanded us, he also empowered us.  “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, ...”  Matthew 28:18-20

There are more examples of the importance of Testimonies.  In Acts 22 – Apostle Paul’s defense before the Jerusalem Mob.   In Acts 7 – Stephen‘s address before his execution.   And in Mark 5:19 Jesus said, “Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you."

People disagree with my preaching; they even argue with my teaching; BUT they cannot argue with my testimony.  It is real and it is the truth!   And each time you share your Testimony you remind yourself!!!

A good friend of mine outlined this Musing – “I screwed up. I gave up. I made up.”

Points to ponder

Have you ever shared your salvation testimony?   What happened?

Who do you know who needs to hear your testimony?  Who would relate to your past life?

To fulfill the “Great Commission” how might our personal salvation testimony help?

BTW - You can also “testify” about how God blessed you in a special way recently!

   RSVP

Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. Matt.10:32

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                          June 26, 2026 (Originally published 8/6/19)  
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

Musing - Do we kick against the Goads?

 Hebraic Musing - Do we kick against the Goads?

Ever heard of someone being Goaded on?  I recently read the familiar description of Paul’s conversion in Acts.  We’ve all read it many times but this particular reading caused a single word to jump out at me.  We should never sit down with the Word of God without first asking the Holy Spirit to help understand and clearly see what Scripture is trying to say.  Sometimes I have to read a passage several times and patiently meditate on it for a time, sometimes days.  But the answer faithfully comes forth. 

In this instance, the word in Acts 9:4 of “Me” caught my attention.  This is also repeated in Acts 22:7 and Acts 26:14.   We all know that Saul of Tarsus was journeying to Damascus to persecute and imprison followers of Jesus, the Nazarenes whom he was convinced were blaspheming Jehovah and corrupting the Law of Moses.  Saul’s fervent and sincere passion to defend his God came from a deep love and commitment to the holiness of the Jewish faith and temple.  He thought he was doing the right thing!

Here is Saul plodding along a dusty road in broad daylight when a bright light suddenly hits him, blinding him, and a voice addresses him saying, “Saul, Saul!  Why are you persecuting Me?” Acts 9:4 NKJV   Jesus was speaking directly to him.  What struck me was that Jesus didn’t ask him, “Why are you persecuting my followers?” which is exactly what Saul was engaged in doing.  Rather, Christ took the persecution personally.  Why?  The answer forthcoming from the Holy Spirit was that Jesus was claiming all who believe upon Him as His own.  He possesses and claims personal ownership of us.  Scripture tells us frequently in Saul’s/Paul’s later letters that we are “in Christ” and Christ is “in us.”  Christ owns us -- every bit of us from the air we breathe to the cells in our body and the life force that inhabits them.  When we claim Him, He claims us.  Jesus once taught His disciples/us that whatever they would to the “the least” of them… “Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did unto Me.” Matthew 25:40.  So, Jesus took it very personal!

We are adopted.  We are part of His family, with the same Father.  Christ shares an allegiance with us that is sealed in covenant and cannot be broken.  Hence, he takes the persecution of His followers as an attack upon Himself.

There is one more part of this Scripture in Acts that is often sidestepped -- Jesus’ comment about it being “hard to kick against the goads.”  In Acts 9:5 “Then the Lord said, ’I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’”NKJV  A goad is a sharp, pointed prod used to steer and motivate cattle and sheep along, giving rise to our expression of “goading someone into it.”  Jesus was saying to Saul that when you resist the Lord’s prompting and interfere with His plan and efforts, you will find it difficult.  Saul, sitting there, blinded, had just gotten a taste of what happens when one “kicks against the goads.”

Do we “kick against the goads” that God has placed in some of our experiences?  Have we discovered that it’s just easier to trust Him and let His promptings unfold in His way and His time in our lives?  Paul found out that it was just easier to trust and go along with God’s directions through the Holy Spirit’s quiet guidance than to try to create his own path and run into difficulties and resistance.  To be sure, Saul ran into many obstacles and problems in his ministry, but those were the enemy’s doing, not God’s.  The Lord’s power guided Saul through all of them and at the same time allowed him to preach the Gospel to all he encountered, including his enemies, fulfilling his divine purpose.

How many “goads” are we kicking against in our daily walk?

Points to ponder

When we kick against the goads, do we recognize the goads are there for our benefit?

Who is goading us into stubbornness, laziness, non-compliance, etc.?  

How are we goaded by His Holy Spirit?

♫  Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me. Break me, melt me, mold me, fill me. ♫

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                            May 19, 2016

Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”