Category: Conviction

Reflecting on 2025 Before Launching 2026

Walking in my neighborhood, I spied several families already taking down lights and removing lawn decorations. At home, pine needles shedding from my Christmas tree announce the final days of the “most wonderful time of the year.” The holiday season is coming to a close, but regular life hasn’t kicked back into gear yet for some of us. It’s the perfect opportunity to reflect on the past twelve months in preparation for the year ahead. Will you consider joining me in pondering the three questions below before you get swept into the current of 2026?

  1. What shaped your character, faith, and worldview?

I try to be intentional about what I allow into my mind since the things we read, watch, listen to, and experience all affect our mental, emotional, spiritual, and relational health. Here are few inputs that have shaped me positively in 2025:

Bible in a Year:  I always made excuses for not committing to reading the Bible in a year, but in 2025 I gave it a try using a chronological reading plan on the YouVersion app. Instead of going through a devotional book, I started reading Scripture daily on my phone while eating breakfast.  I’d be lying if I didn’t confess a few sections were a bit of a slog, but overall, the experience enhanced my understanding of the Bible’s cohesiveness. Reading it chronologically also brought depth and context to the specific books I studied with groups during the year (Revelation and Matthew).  I benefitted from  my daily reading so much, I’m doing it again in 2026. Want to join me? Studies show that reading the Bible four times or more each week is a key indicator of life transformation.1 Let me know if you’re giving it a try.

Studying Revelation: I’ve always shied away from the last book of the Bible but when my women’s Bible study at church chose Jen Wilkin’s Revelation workbook, I dove in headfirst. Writing blogs about this apocalyptic book for ten weeks felt like being back in college. Despite the challenge, I realized that I’ve been missing out on understanding the whole story of Scripture by avoiding Revelation. With a reliable teacher guiding me and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, even the most intimidating book of the Bible became not only accessible, but inspiring.

Books: A few years ago, a friend gave me Name Above All Names by Alastair Begg and Sinclair Ferguson. Finally making time to read it this year, I see it as a new classic. Examining seven key qualities of Jesus’ identity and ministry helped me to have a clearer picture of who He is and all He has done for us. I also re-read an old classic: Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. So many familiar examples we use to explain our faith find their roots in Lewis’ writing. Classic books and older authors sometimes don’t grab our attention the way popular or current ones do, but many newer books just re-package great writers’  ideas. Will you consider reading or listening to at least one classic book this year that will expand your knowledge about the Lord or some aspect of your faith journey?

Practical Podcasts: Among the many I listened to, one that consistently expanded my knowledge and spurred on my faith was Susie Larson Live. Susie’s knowledge of Scripture and desire to bring health and wholeness to her listeners’ minds, bodies, and spirits provide meaningful content and clear action steps.

Now, that you’ve read my answers, consider what shaped your character and worldview this year for better or for worse. What will you add or eliminate for 2026 so that the world shapes you less and the Holy Spirit shapes you more?

2) Where did you see God at work? How did you grow personally and/or spiritually?

In-Person Discipleship: Studying the Bible with small groups of high school girls regularly and mentoring a few college girls one on one showed me the power of consistent connection. Asking the Spirit to use the gifts, wisdom, and knowledge He’s given me has led to relationships that have blessed me beyond measure. I’ve seen that growth happens little by little studying God’s Word together. As relationships deepen, trust grows, and life transformation occurs for everyone involved.

If you’re a mature believer, will you pray and invite the Lord to use you to walk alongside someone younger in faith this year? And if you’re new to faith or just checking things out, will you ask the Lord to lead you to a spiritually mature person who can help you learn and grow?

Stillness and Silence: I am a person of action, but the Lord has reminded me that I need to slow myself to His pace instead of demanding that He move at mine (which is usually faster and involves less patience.) Through slowing down over the holiday season and practicing silence and stillness daily, I experienced some profound moments with the Lord. In one instance, He convicted me of sin, in another He reminded me to seek Him for comfort about a situation I was grieving. During another time of stillness He reminded me that even good things like family and friends can become idols that take His rightful place on the throne of my life. Had I been rushing through the holiday season and using busyness to avoid confronting pain, I would have missed hearing from the Lord.

Fasting: Studying the Gospel of Matthew recently, I was struck by a statement Jesus makes in the Sermon on the Mount: “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do…put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting.” (5:16a, 17, 18a) Jesus assumes that His followers fast regularly, and although I’ve practiced it from time to time, this has never been a regular discipline for me. So, in the past few months, I’ve given it a try. Fasting has been a physical way to direct my energy (and angst) when I’m praying for something that feels beyond me. I’m still learning, but it’s been a surprisingly positive experience thus far.

Now, how did you grow personally and/or spiritually in the past year?

3) Where will you focus your energy in 2026?

I want to be used by God to bless others, make disciples, expand His kingdom, and bring Him glory. I want to trust God with the unknowns that lie ahead. I pray the Lord will expand my capacity to receive His Spirit and that He will use my time, resources, and gifts to pour into others and point them toward Him. This year I hope to grow in my understanding of God’s grace and to recognize I am never above needing it. I also hope to re-route some of my unhealthy thought patterns by asking the Lord to help me take my thoughts captive (2 Cor 10:5) and renew my mind (Romans 12:1-2).

Before launching into 2026, take some time to ponder where you’ve been. Reflecting on the past helps us to be more intentional about the future. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.” (Proverbs 3:5-8, NIV) Happy New Year!

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  1. “Bible Engagement and ‘The Power of 4’: A Key to Spiritual Growth”, Center for Bible Engagement  

Reactions to the Passion of the King

Throughout the fall I had the privilege of serving with ten other women as part of a teaching team at one of our church’s Bible studies. Each week I sat in the front row beaming as a different woman on our team delivered a powerful message from the Gospel of Matthew in conjunction with our study book: Knowing Jesus as King by Tara Leigh Cobble. All the while, I knew my turn to teach was fast approaching. Each time I thought about it, I’d find my heart pounding with a mix of fear and excitement. The weightiness of preparing to teach on the crucifixion, resurrection, and Great Commission was significant for me.

Studying chapters 27 & 28 in Matthew’s gospel to prepare, I found myself intrigued by the many people who interacted with Jesus at the end of His life. Though their names and stories are familiar, placing myself in their shoes gave me a surprising glimpse of my own weaknesses and propensity to sin.

Below you’ll find some excerpts from my teaching that explore different reactions to Jesus in the final day of His pre-resurrection life. Each one includes a question for personal reflection that may sting a bit, but is intended to uncover mindsets that may be hindering you from growing deeper in faith.

Judas: Scholars have different theories on why Judas betrayed Jesus. While it seems obvious that money was part of the motivation, I think there may have been a deeper issue. Perhaps Jesus wasn’t meeting whatever expectations Judas had for the Messiah. Like many Jewish people of the time, Judas may have been envisioning a mighty conqueror overthrowing Rome, not a humble servant coming to save souls.

 It’s easy for us to criticize Judas but are you ever disillusioned when God doesn’t respond to your prayers the way you expect or in the timing you want? We may share some of Judas’ tendencies by wanting to mold Jesus into our image of Him. We see examples of this in different attitudes all the time:

  • those who think freedom in Christ means they’re free to do whatever makes them happy rather than understanding they’ve been freed from sin
  • those who want to make Jesus the mascot for their political views
  • those  who pick the words of Jesus that feel good but ignore the teachings that make them uncomfortable.

We all have a tendency to want Jesus to fit our personal agendas at different times. So, let me ask a hard question: How are you tempted to fit Jesus into your kingdom instead of seeking your place in His kingdom?

Pilate: Under Roman rule, the Jews didn’t have the authority to give Jesus the death penalty. Although their main charge against Him was blasphemy, they described Jesus as a rebel who claimed to be a king so that He would be viewed as a threat to Caesar and eligible for death under Roman law.

Pilate believed Jesus was innocent but washed his hands of the situation and satisfied the angry crowd. He was under pressure from his superiors to keep peace in the region, so handing over Jesus was preferable to having a riot. He knew Jesus wasn’t guilty but wasn’t willing to put his career on the line for Him. Do you know people like Pilate who have encountered Jesus but won’t let the truth of who He is disrupt their lives? If a specific face popped in your mind when you read that, pray for that person today instead of losing hope or writing them off. Or if you’re the one who is leery of letting Jesus change your life, will you be honest and admit it to Him in your prayers?

The Crowd: As a gesture of goodwill toward the people at Passover Pilate gives the crowd a choice of letting one prisoner go free: “Which one do you want me to release to you: Jesus Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah?” For he knew it was out of self-interest that they had handed Jesus over to him… But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed.” (Matthew 27: 17, 18, 20, NIV)

It’s amazing to see how a little manipulation from the chief priests stirs the crowd to turn on Jesus just a few days after hailing Him as the Messiah, shouting “Hosanna,” and waving palm branches when He entered Jerusalem in Matthew 21. Now they’re so caught up with emotions they don’t pause to consider they’re demanding the execution of an innocent man. Stop and think for a moment: How are we like the crowd letting persuasive voices manipulate us and our emotions lead us? It’s easy to fall prey to all sorts of different agendas in our world today with so many inputs from our various electronic devices.

Barabbas: Ironically, Barabbas was guilty of the crime for which Jesus was being accused—he had taken part in a rebellion against Rome. One commentary explains, “The story of Barabbas and his release from condemnation is a remarkable parallel to the story of every believer. We stood guilty before God and deserving of death (Romans 3:23; 6:23a). But then, due to no influence of our own, Jesus was chosen to die in our stead. He, the Innocent One, bore the punishment we rightly deserved. We, like Barabbas, were allowed to go free with no condemnation (Romans 8:1). And Jesus ‘suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God’ (1 Peter 3:18, ESV).* Do you recognize yourself in the person of Barabbas? Understanding the exchange of his life for the life of Jesus gives us an incredible picture of God’s grace. This holds deep relevance for all who call on the name of Jesus as their savior and king.

This Christmas season, consider reading or listening to the Gospel of Matthew paying attention to the ways people react to Jesus. Where do you find yourself in the story? Who do you identify with most? What  might the Lord be asking you to consider so that you can grow as a citizen in His upside kingdom?

To watch my full teaching on Matthew chapters 27 & 28, click here.

Painting in header: “Behold the Man” by Antonio Ciseri, 1871

*”Who was Barabbas in the Bible?” Gotquestions.org, Click here to read full article.

Betrayal of the King: Matthew 26

We’ve been traveling through Matthew in the fast lane covering three chapters at a time for the past few months. Although this post focuses on a single chapter, it’s a dense one as Jesus draws nearer to His final destiny. Let’s take a look at three key moments from this pivotal part of Holy Week.

Anointing at Bethany

Sandwiched between Jesus’ warning to the disciples that He’s two days from being crucified and Judas putting plans in motion to betray Jesus, Matthew includes a poignant moment of worship.

“While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table. When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. ‘Why this waste?’ they asked. ‘This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.’ Aware of this, Jesus said to them, ‘Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.’” (Matthew 26:6-13, NIV)

Tara Leigh Cobble notes, “How beautiful that in the midst of this story about His final days, Jesus took the time to highlight the offering of a woman—someone who had little value in that culture. It has always been like Jesus to see the lesser, the outcast, and to remind them of their value to God (10:31).1

Charles Spurgeon explains, “She probably did not know all that her action meant when she anointed her Lord for his burial. The consequences of the simplest action done for Christ may be much greater than we think…She thus showed that there was, at least, one heart in the world that thought nothing was too good for her Lord, and that the best of the very best ought to be given to him.”2

Mark’s Gospel includes the same story, with one additional statement by Jesus, “She did what she could.” (Mark 14:8, NIV) A friend of mine screen printed this verse on a tote bag to remind herself of the profound freedom it gives her. She said, “Jesus sees what we offer, however incomplete, inexperienced, inconsistent, or inept and receives it with love as good. “

Sometimes we beat ourselves up for not doing “enough” and forget that God rejoices whenever we turn toward Him and offer what we have. A pure heart seeking to honor Jesus will never be overlooked. Bible teacher Jennie Allen recently wrote: “I just want to remind you today: it matters. Every quiet conversation. Every prayer that feels like it’s hitting the ceiling. Every act of faithfulness when you can’t see the outcome. You may not see the fruit for years, maybe not until heaven, but it lasts.”3 In a world that fixes its gaze on whatever is loud, shiny, and grand, this woman reminds us that God’s upside kingdom values heartfelt service done with humility and love.

All four gospels include a story of a woman anointing Jesus. Most scholars seem in agreement that the accounts in Mark and Matthew are the same event while a similar story in Luke 7:36-50 records a separate event occurring earlier in Jesus’ ministry. However, there is some debate as to whether the story in John’s gospel about Mary of Bethany (sister of Martha and Lazarus) is the same as the one in Matthew and Mark or a separate event. Regardless, the beauty of the act is in the extravagant worship of Jesus despite the disdain and criticism of onlookers.

The Lord’s Supper

Jesus and His disciples gather in an upper room in Jerusalem to celebrate a meal during the lead up to Passover. “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is my body.’ Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.’” (Matthew 26:26-29, NIV)

Using symbolism from the Passover meal, Jesus reveals Himself as the perfect sacrifice whose body will be broken and blood will be shed to atone for the sins of all people. He sets a pattern for the Christian practice of Communion. The root word of “communion” is the Latin word commūniō, which means “sharing in common” or “mutual participation”. It is also related to the Greek word koinōnía, which is often translated as “fellowship” and can mean partnership, joint participation, or community. So, participating in this sacrament identifies us with Christ and reaffirms our bond with fellow believers.

Receiving Communion is a sacred moment to recognize the sacrifice Jesus made for us and to join with other believers in re-affirming our faith in Him. It’s meant to be a solemn time of personal conviction and spiritual reflection, not performed as a mechanical religious ritual. May we never become numb to the familiar words our pastors use as they lead us in celebrating Communion.

Gethsemane

Finishing their final meal together, Jesus takes the disciples to a garden called Gethsemane to watch and pray. Pulling away from the group with His three closest disciples, Jesus reveals dread and anguish about what awaits: “He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, ‘My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.’ Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.’” (26:37-39, NIV)

While the disciples who are supposed to be keeping watch slumber nearby, Jesus pleads with His Father three times to let the cup of suffering pass from Him; despite His dread, He models ultimate submission each time by saying “your will be done.”

Later, when Judas arrives with temple guards to arrest Jesus, one of His disciples rushes to protect Him and Jesus says, “Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?” (26:53-54)

Jesus never loses sight of the purpose for which He came to earth. He willingly endures what He dreads, knowing it will bring about ultimate good. In a world that prizes comfort and ease and takes great measures to avoid pain, it’s a powerful example of living according to God’s upside kingdom. Jesus assures His followers that they will also face suffering; may we never circumvent what He can use for our good and His glory.

Follow along with our study by ordering your copy of Tara Leigh Cobble’s Knowing Jesus as King.

Was this forwarded to you? You can receive new posts automatically in your inbox by going to www.marybethmccullum.com, entering your e-mail address and clicking “subscribe.”

  1. Tara Leigh Cobble, Knowing Jesus as King, Bethany House, 2024, 206.
  2. Enduring Word Commentary, Matthew 26- Jesus’ Betrayal and Arrest 
  3. Jennie Allen, “Let Me Tell You About My Weekend,” Nov. 5, 2025

Purpose of the King: Matthew 14-16

Continuing our journey through Matthew, chapters 14-16 include some familiar stories about Jesus and His followers: the devastating beheading of John the Baptist, Jesus feeding crowds of 5000 and 4000, Jesus and Peter walking on the waves during a storm. They also include multiple healings and deep expressions of faith from Gentiles contrasted with hard hearts of the Pharisees.

Chapter 16 includes two significant conversations between Peter and Jesus that show a sharp contrast. First Jesus asks His disciples “Who do people say the son of man is?” They list off a variety of answers: “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” (16:13-14, NIV)

Next, Jesus probes a level deeper: “’But what about you? Who do you say I am?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.’” (16:15-16, NIV) Jesus affirms Peter’s response: “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” (16:17-18, NIV)

Tara Leigh Cobble explains, “The rock that the Church would be built on isn’t Peter. It can’t be; Peter is a pebble. The mountain-rock that the Church would be built on was the truth that Peter confessed…While Jesus affirmed Peter’s statement of faith, this moment really wasn’t about Peter at all— it was about King Jesus the Messiah, the Son of Man, the foundation of our faith.”1

Not long after this, Jesus begins explaining that He will suffer at the hands of the chief priest, that He will be killed and then raised back to life. Dismayed, Peter pulls Jesus aside and reprimands Him saying, “Never, Lord…This shall never happen to you!” Jesus responds with a sharp rebuke: “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” (Matthew 16:23, NIV)

The pivot from affirming Peter for his faith to calling him an adversary and a stumbling block highlights Christ’s ultimate purpose. “Jesus was saying that the way of the cross was God’s will, the plan of redemption for all mankind…Peter was inadvertently being used of Satan in thinking he was protecting Jesus…He had not yet grasped Jesus’ true Messianic purpose. Although Peter had just moments before declared Jesus as the Christ, he turned from God’s perspective and viewed the situation from man’s perspective, which brought about the stern rebuke”2

This interaction prompts me to consider when I’m viewing a situation from my perspective instead of God’s. When do I allow a stumbling block to derail me from the Lord’s purposes? When have I become a hindrance for someone else?

Most of us have a natural instinct to protect and comfort those we love, but there are times we insert ourselves where we don’t belong. Instead of helping, we become an impediment to growth.  Here are words of wisdom I’ve gleaned  over the years:

-Don’t steal the struggle. I learned this from a friend and it reminds me that rushing to help/ rescue someone who needs to contend with God can short-circuit their spiritual growth. When a spouse, son, daughter, grandchild or close friend is grappling with something they need to learn and we rush in to fix the situation, we may unintentionally prolong the struggle, prevent learning, or avert them from encountering the Lord personally.

-Don’t over-function. Author and pastor Pete Scezzerro defines this as doing for others what they could and should be doing for themselves.3 Spoon feeding those who have the capacity to hold their own utensils prevents growth. It’s possible we’re taking more ownership for them than we should be and derailing the maturing process.

-Beware of assuming everything painful is bad. Struggles and challenges that we find difficult and want to avoid may be the very tools God uses to refine and transform us. “Great temptations can come from those who love us and seek to protect us. Be cautious of advice from a friend who says, ‘surely God doesn’t want you to face this.’ Often our most difficult temptations come from those who are only trying to protect us from discomfort.”4

-Don’t squelch the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Lisa Chan, wife of pastor Francis Chan, shared this at an event I attended many years ago. In our desire to give comfort and reassure, we offer reasonable explanations instead of letting people grieve their sin and repent. Consider where you’re tempted to excuse sin in yourself or others by rationalizing or aligning with practices in our current culture.

 “If Jesus hadn’t suffered and died, Peter (and we) would have died in his sins…Satan is always trying to get us to leave God out of the picture. Jesus rebuked Peter for this attitude.”5 Let’s pray for discernment to know when people we love need to wrestle with the Lord without our intervention. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you if you’re stealing the struggle, over functioning, prioritizing comfort over growth, or squelching spiritual conviction. Whether it’s a stumbling block to you or someone you love, let’s stop trying so hard on our own strength and give it over to the Lord instead.

Matthew’s gospel shows us the disciples didn’t always get it right, but they remained humble and teachable, growing stronger and wiser all the time.  May the same be said of us.

You can follow along with our study by ordering your copy of Tara Leigh Cobble’s Knowing Jesus as King.

Was this forwarded to you? You can receive new posts automatically in your inbox by going to www.marybethmccullum.com, entering your e-mail address and clicking “subscribe.”

  1. Tara Leigh Cobble, Knowing Jesus as King, Bethany House 2024, 122-123
  2. “Why Did Jesus say to Peter, ‘Get behind me Satan’”, Got Questions.org
  3. Pete Scezzero, “Emotionally Healthy Leader Podcast”
  4. NIV Life Application Study Bible, Zondervan, 1988, 1686
  5. ibid

Reflecting on Revelation

Gathering my bags and trudging out to the curb, I peered into the darkness looking for the shuttle. My family was exhausted after several long international flights and relieved when our ride pulled up. Twenty minutes later we stopped and the driver pointed toward a dimly lit alley to indicate we’d arrived at our destination.

The next morning, we traced our way back through the alley to a corner restaurant for breakfast. That first day in Rome was disorienting as we adjusted to a new time zone, climate, and culture. Heads down, we followed maps on our phones to traverse the web of narrow streets accosting us with unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells. As the days passed, our surroundings became familiar; we learned to navigate narrow alleys and bustling piazzas and even had a few favorite spots we visited several times. If we ever go back, I’m confident we’ll be able to pick up where we left off and discover even more of the unique sights  and experiences in that iconic city.

That’s a bit how I feel wrapping up Revelation. A book that was new and foreign to me has become more familiar and less intimidating. I even have some favorite passages that I’ll circle back to again. At the same time, I see there is still much to uncover in this mysterious piece of apocalyptic literature.

I’m still processing all that I’ve learned from studying Revelation. After reading descriptions of Jesus with eyes like fire, riding a white horse, dressed in a blood-soaked robe, with “King of Kings and Lord of Lords” written on His thigh, I have a new level of awe and wonder for Him. I can’t seem to make it through a worship service without a lump forming in my throat and tears welling up in my eyes. When I’m able to sing, it’s with more confidence and conviction.

Reading Revelation has erased any sense of entitlement about what I “deserve” from God. I am humbled understanding the ugliness of my own sin and Christ’s willingness to shed His perfect blood on my behalf. It gives me a renewed fervor to “walk in a manner worthy of my calling.” (Ephesians 4:1) After reading about the fall of Babylon, I’m considering where the greed, materialism, and consumerism of our current culture have crept into my mindset undetected. I want to be more prayerful and thoughtful about what I buy and how I use the things I think I “need.”

Reading about those who accepted the mark of the beast for temporary convenience and comfort reminds me to persevere in faith. I don’t want to be like Esau, who sold his birthright to satisfy momentary hunger (Genesis 25). I have a new resolve to keep what I’ve learned in the forefront of my mind and to put it into practice consistently. Following Jesus will lead to trials in this broken world, but they are momentary compared to spending eternity with Him (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).

This study of Revelation wraps up another incredible year of delving into the Bible alongside faithful followers of Jesus. As we move into the less structured season of summer, let’s be diligent about continuing to walk in faith, to spur one another on, and to stay grounded in Scripture. Let’s pray for those who don’t know or believe the truth about Jesus. Let’s shrug off the influence of the world and invite the Holy Spirit to form our minds and prompt our actions.

With that resolve, why not make plans now for how you’ll continue to grow spiritually this summer? Who can you invite to join you in studying God’s Word for mutual encouragement? If you want to learn more about Jesus, or the new heaven and new earth, consider exploring one of these resources (click on the title for more information):

I’ll continue posting blogs periodically throughout the summer. If you’re not yet a subscriber, now is a perfect time to become one! You can receive new posts automatically in your inbox by going to www.marybethmccullum.com, entering your e-mail address and clicking “subscribe.”

Post inspired by the wrap up in Jen Wilkin’s Revelation: Eternal King, Everlasting Kingdom, Lifeway Press, 2024.

Seven Words of Woe

So far in the book of Revelation we’ve studied seven churches, seven seals, seven trumpets, seven histories, and seven bowls. Now, we’ll contemplate seven words of woe regarding Babylon. Jen Wilkin explains, “John uses Babylon symbolically to represent all ruling empires…In chapters 17 and 18 we hear about Babylon’s downfall at length, examining the nature of her sins, the extent of her rule, and the outcry of her destruction.” (115)

John begins Revelation 17 describing a vision of a woman and the scarlet beast. She personifies the spirit of Babylon–everything detestable, blasphemous, and impure in the world. The chapter opens with one of the seven angels with seven bowls showing John “the judgement of the notorious prostitute who is seated on many waters.” (17:1b) Jen Wilkin explains that waters symbolize opportunities for commerce and communication– showing the vast reach of Babylon’s influence on the world.

In his vision John sees the woman “sitting on a scarlet beast that was covered with blasphemous names.” (17:3b) An identical description from Revelation 13:1, clarifies the beast she rides is the Antichrist. “The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, adorned with gold, jewels, and pearls. She had a golden cup in her hand filled with everything detestable and with the impurities of her prostitution.” She makes no secret of who she is, bearing her names on her forehead: “Babylon the Great, the Mother of Prostitutes and of the Detestable Things of the Earth.” (17:4 & 5) She gloats with satisfaction over her revolting behavior that has cost the lives of God’s beloved people: “Then I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the witnesses to Jesus.” (17:4-6a)

The enemy uses her to deceive people with the allure of worldly pleasures but lurking underneath the glitter is the stench of death. “The kings of the earth committed sexual immorality with her, and those who live on the earth became drunk on the wine of her sexual immorality.” (17:2) The sin of sexual immorality highlighted here links with idolatry–both involve seeking satisfaction and fulfillment outside the Lord’s wise boundaries. People taken in by the seduction of the Mother of Prostitutes want to satiate their desires more than they want to wait for God’s good plans to unfold. They scoff at the fruit of the Spirit choosing lust, temporary happiness, numbness, urgency, self-indulgence, evil, infidelity, harshness, and impulsivity over love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). The prostitute dripping with jewels and fine clothing captivates many, but the cup she holds is “filled with everything detestable and with the impurities of her prostitution.” (17:4b) How does the lure of temporary satisfaction play out in your life? What spiritual tools can you employ to resist that urge?

John’s vision continues: “The beast that you saw was, and is not, and is about to come up from the abyss and go to destruction. Those who live on the earth whose names have not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world will be astonished when they see the beast that was, and is not, and is to come.” (17:8) This vision circles back on the fatally wounded beast who is healed—the Antichrist mimicking Christ’s resurrection and astonishing earth dwellers in the process. John warns believers not to fall for the deception: “This calls for a mind that has wisdom.” (17:9)

Next, in verses 9-11,  John sees the woman seated on seven mountains that represent seven kings in verses 9-11. These kings likely symbolize kingdoms from the past, present, and future. Keep in mind that according to Pastor Matt Chandler, John’s visions aren’t necessarily chronological–they are more like looking into windows of a house and seeing several of the same rooms from different angles.*

The vision continues by explaining that the Antichrist will raise up a group of worldly powers: “ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but they will receive authority as kings with the beast for one hour. These have one purpose, and they give their power and authority to the beast. These will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will conquer them because he is the Lord of Lords and the King of kings. Those with him are called, chosen, and faithful.” (17:12b-14)

While we may not know the identity of the kings or the timing of their reign, we do know they are aligned with the enemy, rule for a short time, and are defeated by Christ. Ironically, the kings and the beast then turn on the woman: “They will make her desolate and naked, devour her flesh, and burn her up with fire.” (17:16) Perhaps the enemy no longer needs the enticement of the prostitute’s charms because people have so fully embraced everything detestable. The chapter ends clarifying the symbolism of John’s vision: “the woman you saw is the great city that has royal power over the kings of the earth.” (17:18)

With the prelude in chapter 17 complete, chapters 18 through 19:10 launch into the seven words of woe:

First Word of Woe (18:1-3): An angel announces that Babylon, personifying worldly powers and ideals, has fallen. “For all the nations have drunk the wine of her sexual immorality, which brings wrath. The kings of the earth have committed sexual immorality with her, and the merchants of the earth have grown wealthy from her sensuality and excess.” (18:3-4) This echoes a prophecy from Jeremiah 50 & 51 and also calls to mind Paul’s warning in another New Testament book: “But those who want to be rich fall into temptation, a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and by craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” (1 Timothy 6:9-10)

Second Word of Woe (18:4-8): Again paralleling prophecies in Jeremiah 50 & 51, another voice from heaven says, “Come out of her, my people, so that you will not share in her sins or receive any of her plagues…As much as she glorified herself and indulged her sensual and excessive ways, give her that much torment and grief…For this reason her plagues will come in just one day—death and grief and famine. She will be burned up with fire, because the Lord God who judges her is mighty.” (18:4b, 7a, 8) This warning for followers of God to reject the worldly ways of Babylon and remove themselves from the coming wrath may remind you of Lot’s family fleeing the destruction of Sodom in Genesis 19. Where might you need to reject worldly perspectives that have influenced your thoughts and actions?

Third, Fourth, and Fifth Woes (18:9-20): Here John witnesses the reactions of the kings, merchants, and seafaring people who have prospered from Babylon’s sin and excess. Rather than being humbled by God’s wrath, they stand far off watching the city burn and lament all that they’ve lost saying, “Woe, woe, the great city, Babylon, the mighty city! For in a single hour your judgement has come…Woe, woe, the great city, dressed in fine linen, purple, and scarlet, adorned with gold, jewels, and pearls; for in a single hour such fabulous wealth was destroyed…They threw dust on their heads and kept crying out, weeping, and mourning” because they became rich from her wealth. (18:10b, 16, 19a) They don’t grieve over the loss of life or repent from their greed, they mourn the destruction of their wealth and the source from which it came.

Perhaps all of the lamenting should prompt some personal reflection for each of us. Jen Wilkin comments that “Christians are by no means immune to the allurement of the kingdom of this world.” (128).  John writes words of warning about this in one of his epistles: “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride in one’s possessions—is not from the Father, but is from the world. And the world with its lust is passing away, but the one who does the will of God remains forever.” (1 John 2:15-17) Is there a worldly ideal or tangible object that you may be grasping tightly that needs to be relinquished to the Lord?

Sixth Woe (18:21-24): “Then a mighty angel picked up a stone like a large millstone and threw it into the seas, saying, ‘In this way, Babylon the great city will be thrown down violently and never be found again.’” (18:21) Never again will the city be a center for beauty, industry, sustenance, safety, or raising future generations. (Paraphrased from Jen Wilkin’s Week 8 teaching on 18:22.) In a final pronouncement, John writes “All this will happen because your merchants were the nobility of the earth, because all the nations were deceived by your sorcery.” (18:23b) Let that last verse sink in— it is ungodly merchants who hold all the power and deceive the rest of the world with the allure of material possessions, pleasurable experiences, comfort, and excess. We don’t have to look far to see the hold greed and materialism have on the world today. Take a moment to pray and ask the Spirit to reveal where they have a hold on you.

Seventh Word (19:1-10): Rather than being a word of woe, the final word declares God’s victory over Babylon and all that she represents. “Hallelujah! Salvation, glory, and power belong to our God, because his judgments are true and righteous, because he has judged the notorious prostitute who corrupted the earth with her sexual immorality; and he has avenged the blood of his servants that was on her hands.” (19:1b-2) Jen Wilkin explains that the proper response to the judgement of Babylon is praise. It is the cry of celebration that God’s towering justice has been executed. (Paraphrased from Week 8 teaching.)

With the prostitute of Babylon stripped bare and destroyed, John describes what unfolds next in God’s throne room: “Then I heard something like the voice of a vast multitude, like the sound of cascading waters, and like the rumbling of loud thunder, saying, ‘Hallelujah, because our Lord God, the Almighty, reigns! Let us be glad, rejoice, and give him glory, because the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his bride has prepared herself. She was given fine linen to wear, bright and pure. For the fine linen represents the righteous acts of the saints.’” (19:6-8) A radiant bride who has prepared for her groom personifies those justified  by Christ’s blood (Romans 3:22-4) and sanctified by walking worthy of Him (Ephesians 4:1, Philippians 2:12-13). They have persevered in waiting patiently and faithfully for their groom and rejoice at being unified with Him in the throne room. The city of folly, sin, and death has been destroyed and is being replaced by the city of wisdom, righteousness, and abundant life. Consider this incredible future reality. How are you preparing now for the day of Christ’s triumphant return?

Jen Wilkin, Revelation: Eternal King, Everlasting Kingdom, Lifeway Press, 2024.

All Scripture quoted from the Christian Standard Bible (CSB), unless noted otherwise.

To access Matt Chandler’s sermon series on Revelation, click here. 

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Seven Bowls

Never get between a mama bear and her cubs. This is true with both literal bears and human mothers. The wrath of my inner “mama bear” has only been aroused a few times, but when it has, my instinct to protect and defend my boys has reared up in ways that have surprised even me. Recognizing this innate characteristic in all moms may help us to understand how Jen Wilkin explains God’s wrath: “[It] is not the opposite of His love. Rather, it is an expression of His love. Because He deeply loves the saints, any harm done to them necessarily stirs His wrath. No love, no wrath.” (101)

So far in Revelation we’ve read about seven letters written to seven churches, seven seals opened by the Lamb, seven trumpets heralding God’s judgement, and seven histories giving us a window into realities from the past, present, and future. Now, we turn to another set of seven: “In the judgement of the seven bowls, all who have not called on the name of Christ are given the cup of God’s wrath, whose contents they themselves have produced.” (p. 101) Pastor Matt Chandler contends the parallel descriptions in the seals, trumpets, and bowls represent three views of the same events from different perspectives: we see the seal judgement from the perspective of the suffering saints, the trumpets from the perspective of the unrepentant earth dwellers, and the bowls from the perspective of Jesus in the throne room.

Revelation 15 circles back to the throne room of heaven in preparation for the bowl judgements. (Verses 1-4 were covered in my previous post, “Seven Histories.”) Now, John describes seven angels coming out of the temple with seven golden bowls containing God’s wrath. “Then the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from his power, and no one could enter the temple until the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed.” (15:8) In His mercy, God has given numerous opportunities for the hard-hearted to repent with partial judgements. Now, His wrath will be poured out in full measure. Jen Wilkin contends that no one can enter the temple because the time for the priests’ prayers of intercession for the people has come to a close.

While the notion of God’s final judgement makes us squirm with discomfort, we can’t take this out of context. Why is it so easy for us to feel critical of God’s wrath but so hard to tell others about Him? Keep in mind, the day of God’s wrath has not yet arrived; there is still time for us to pray for the lost and unrepentant. New Testament texts refer to all believers as priests (see 1 Peter 2:9), so interceding for others in prayer is meant to be a regular practice for us.  In his second epistle, Peter says, “Dear friends, don’t overlook this one fact: With the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord does not delay his promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:8-9, CSB)  Jen Wilkin asks, “For whom are you praying regularly and fervently to know the Lord and to walk according to His statutes?” (105)

Revelation 16 moves into the vision of the bowls of wrath being poured onto the earth. As with other portions of Revelation, we see a recapitulation of some of the Egyptian plagues from Exodus that affect different domains of the earth: sky, land, and water.

The First Bowl: God’s wrath pours out on earth dwellers as “painful sores broke out on the people who had the mark of the beast and who worshiped its image.”(16:2) The mark of the beast that previously enabled people to buy and sell now brings intense physical pain, much like the sixth plague in Exodus 9:8-12.

The Second and Third Bowls: Seas, rivers, and springs turn to blood. God brings justice for the martyred saints to the earth dwellers: “Because they poured out the blood of the saints and the prophets, you have given them blood to drink; they deserve it!” (16:6)

The Fourth Bowl: Affecting the heavens, this bowl allows people to be scorched with fire from intense heat of the sun. “So they blasphemed the name of God, who has the power over these plagues, and they did not repent and give him glory.” (16:9b) Instead of recognizing God’s power and their need for Him, earth dwellers remain stubborn and hard-hearted, profaning His name.

The Fifth Bowl: An angel pours out his bowl and the world is plunged into darkness, just like the ninth plague in Exodus 10:21-21. “People gnawed their tongues because of their pain and blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, but they did not repent of their works.” (16:1b-11) How often do we blame God for pain and refuse to acknowledge how sin in played a role in causing it? Being indignant with the Lord because we live in a fallen world shows a lack of understanding about the measures He has taken to redeem us:  “For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” (John 3:16-17, CSB)

The Sixth Bowl: With the sixth bowl, the Euphrates River dries up “to prepare the way for the kings of the east.” Three unclean spirits that look like frogs emerge from the mouths of the dragon and the two beasts. “For they are demonic spirits performing signs, who travel to the kings of the whole world to assemble them for the battle on the great day of God the Almighty.” (16:14) John follows this vision with a warning from Jesus, “Look, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who is alert and remains clothed so that he may not go around naked and people see his shame.” (16:15) Several parables and teachings of Jesus convey the importance of being prepared and alert for Jesus’ return including Matthew 22, 24 & 25. As believers, we demonstrate our readiness by walking in a manner worthy of our calling, as Paul describes, “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:22-24, NIV)

The Seventh Bowl: As an angel pours out the seventh bowl into the air, “a loud voice came out of the temple from the throne saying, ‘it is done!’” (16:17b) Following the voice, lightning, thunder, an earthquake, and hundred-pound hailstones pummel the earth. The city splits in three parts, Babylon falls as God gives “her the cup filled with the wine of his fierce anger.” (16:19) Still, people “blasphemed God for the plague of hail.” (16:21b) Pastor Matt Chandler explains, “God’s wrath is pure and sinless. His holiness incinerates anything that hasn’t been covered by the blood of Jesus. His holiness decimates unrighteousness.” Once God’s wrath ends, those delivered from it by Christ will live eternally lavished by God’s love.

Many of us are uncomfortable with the concept of a holy God exacting justice. But people choose God’s wrath by rejecting Him, despite the way He lovingly reaches out to humankind in every generation: “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them.  For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” (Romans 1:18-20, NIV)

Pastor Matt Chandler contends that God’s wrath poured out into the air is targeted at the enemy. Those who reject Christ are condemned alongside Him. For believers, it’s a different story: “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.” (Ephesians 2:1-5, NIV). God makes His grace available, but those who choose to be disobedient and suppress the truth receive His wrath alongside the enemy of our souls.

Jesus says it this way: “Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.” (John 3:18-21, NIV)

Let’s continue to walk worthy of our calling in Christ and to respond with humble repentance when the Spirit convicts us of sin so we can live the life of flourishing God intended for us from the beginning.

Jen Wilkin, Revelation: Eternal King, Everlasting Kingdom, Lifeway Press, 2024.

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Matt Chandler, “Revelation: Seven Bowls- Week 9” sermon, The Village Church, April 12, 2021. Available on YouTube by clicking here.

Seven Trumpets

We’re heading into some intense chapters of Revelation in the next few posts, but don’t lose heart. Remember that this book is meant to encourage believers and reveal God’s perfect love and perfect justice.

John’s vision continues in Revelation 8:2-11:19 where he describes an angel approaching the golden altar and offering the prayers of the saints who have been slaughtered for their faith. The angel takes an incense burner filled with fire and hurls it to earth. This prompts seven angels to blow trumpets one at a time, beginning the next phase of God’s wrath by unleashing a recapitulation of several Egyptian plagues described in Exodus 7-12. Pastor Mason King explains the seven trumpets as a window into the mercy of God toward those who have yet to repent and believe in Jesus.

Judgement rains down with an increased impact and intensity on all three domains of creation: the heavens, the waters, and the earth. While the first four seal judgements from Revelation 6 affect one-quarter of the created domains, the first four trumpet judgements of Revelation 8 affect one-third. The Lord’s justice requires atonement for sins and avenging of martyred saints, but He demonstrates mercy by giving the unrepentant additional time to humble themselves and turn to Him before the final judgement.

With the first trumpet, hail and fire mixed with blood burn up one third of the earth. As the second angel blows his trumpet, “something like a great mountain ablaze with fire was hurled into the sea,” turning a third of the sea to blood, killing a third of the creatures, and destroying a third of the ships. (8:8b CSB) The third angel blows his trumpet and a great star called Wormwood falls from heaven onto one-third of fresh waters causing them to become bitter and deadly. You may recognize Wormwood as the name of the junior demon in C.S. Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters who is tasked with corrupting and distracting his Christian “patient.” Perhaps bitter waters symbolize the pervasive spread of bitterness toward God among hard-hearted people on earth. Maybe this explains why “The rest of the people, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent.” (Revelation 9:20a, CSB)

The blowing of the fourth trumpet affects the heavenly realm, causing one-third of the sun, moon, and stars to darken and a third of day and night to be without light. This brings to mind the short and frigid days of a place like Alaska in the dead of winter. For anyone who craves natural light, this would be brutal.

Next, an eagle cries aloud “Woe! Woe! Woe to those who live on the earth, because of the remaining trumpet blasts that the three angels are about to sound.” (Revelation 8:13b, CSB) What follows is an unsettling description: “The fifth angel blew his trumpet, and I saw a star that had fallen from heaven to earth. The key for the shaft to the abyss was given to him. He opened the shaft to the abyss, and smoke came up out of the shaft like smoke from a great furnace so that the sun and the air were darkened by the smoke from the shaft. Then locusts came out of the smoke on to the earth.” (Revelation 9:1-3a, CSB) Led by the destroying angel of the abyss, called Abaddon in Hebrew and Apollyon in Greek, the locusts represent demonic power and suffering being loosed on humanity.* They are held back from harming all vegetation but given permission to inflict pain on people who do not have God’s seal on their foreheads. The Lord limits Apollyon’s power to five months and forbids him from killing anyone. Again, this is God’s mercy—preventing physical death so more people have time to repent and be saved from eternal separation from Him.

The sixth trumpet unleashes more destruction: “A third of the human race was killed by these three plagues—by the fire, the smoke, and the sulfur that came from their mouths.” (Revelation 9:18, CSB) Sadly, “The rest of the people, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands to stop worshiping demons and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood, which cannot see, hear, or walk.” (Revelation 9:20, CSB) Although believers are sealed and saved, we still need to heed God’s conviction of sin. We may not worship statues, but what about material things or wealth? Could greed be a form of worshiping gold and silver? Could our fixation on beautiful homes, cars, or possessions be a form of worshiping idols of wood, metal, and stone? We must be willing to let the Lord reveal sin and quick to confess and repent.

The list of practices the unrepentant refuse to relinquish continues: “And they did not repent of their murders, their sorceries, their sexual immorality, or their thefts.” (Revelation 9:21, CSB) While it’s easy to point the finger in blame or judgement, where might we be actively disobeying God or passively accepting worldly practices and attitudes that lead to sin? Do we consider vulnerable people and children whose dignity is stolen while making inexpensive products we consume? Let’s stop and ask ourselves where we, as a followers of Jesus, might be complicit with collective sin. As God convicts us, let’s consider how we can stand up for those being exploited. (See below for some practical ideas.)

Revelation 10 and 11 pause from the trumpet judgements as John describes a mighty angel with a rainbow over his head giving him a little scroll to eat. The angel says, “Take and eat it; it will be bitter in your stomach, but it will be as sweet as honey in your mouth.” (Revelation 10:9b, CSB) Jen Wilkin asserts that God’s justice is both bitter and sweet. He does not delight in putting the wicked to death but must bring justice to the souls of faithful martyrs.

Next, John receives a rod to measure God’s temple interior and to count those who worship there. He’s instructed to exclude the outside courtyard because it will be “given to the nations, and they will trample the holy city for forty-two months.” (Revelation 11:2b, CSB) During this same three-and-a-half-year period, two witnesses reminiscent of Moses and Elijah will continue to prophesy, to display supernatural abilities, and to bear testimony to God’s power. Like Christ, they’re killed by people who they offend but resurrect three days later. They ascend to heaven while a violent earthquake causes a tenth of the city to fall and seven thousand people to die. Those fortunate enough to survive give glory to the God of heaven.

Revelation 11 closes with the seventh trumpet blast and the twenty-four elders falling facedown before the throne of God in worship proclaiming, “We give you thanks, Lord God, the Almighty, who is and who was, because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign. The nations were angry, but your wrath has come. The time has come for the dead to be judged and to give the reward to your servants the prophets, to the saints, and to those who fear your name, both small and great, and the time has come to destroy those who destroy the earth.” (Revelation 11:17-18, CSB) God’s temple in heaven opens and the ark of the covenant appears with lightning, thunder, earthquakes, and hail.

These chapters remind us that God is still sovereign, even as our culture rejects Him and moves further and further away from all that is right, good, and true. As His followers, let’s continue to pray that He will build His kingdom and dominion on earth through us. Let’s stand apart by actively repenting of sin and sharing our hope in Christ with others. Let’s pray that those who are bitter or unrepentant will experience God’s love through us and choose to follow Him now and into eternity.

Want to learn more about people being exploited and how you can fight for them?

Check out the incredible work being done to protect vulnerable people all over the world by International Justice Mission by clicking here.

Learn how New Day for Children is helping child survivors of human trafficking in the U.S. by clicking here.

Read Beneath the Seams, a social impact novel by Peyton Roberts, and learn about people being exploited to produce inexpensive “fast fashion.” Click here for more information.

*Pastor Mason King sermon “Seven Trumpets,” The Village Church, March 8, 2021

Jen Wilkin, Revelation: Eternal King, Everlasting Kingdom, Lifeway Press, 2024.

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Life in the Kingdom

If you’ve ever watched a show and taken a break between seasons, you know the value of the recap after the opening credits that says, “Previously on…”

Since we’ve had some time off, let’s do a quick review of where we left off in From Beginning to Forever by Elizabeth Woodson. Here are the highlights of Session 4 “A Divided Kingdom”: Joshua leads the Israelites into the promised land; judges rule over Israel until the people demand a king. Saul becomes the first king but loses God’s favor when he disobeys Him. David becomes the next king and, although he commits some major sins, he shows repentance and seeks God’s heart. Solomon succeeds David as king and is wise and wealthy, but unfaithful to the Lord by marrying Gentile women and worshipping their false gods. Solomon’s son, Rehoboam, becomes king and the kingdom splits in two—Israel to the north and Judah to the south. Disobedience to God causes both nations to be taken captive and exiled at different times—the northern kingdom of Israel in Assyria and the southern kingdom of Judah in Babylon. After exile, those from the southern kingdom return and rebuild the temple and walls of Jerusalem under the leadership of Ezra and Nehemiah. The Jewish people continue to struggle with disobedience and worship false gods in the years that follow. (Phew–we just covered a lot of ground!)

This week, we circle back to the same time period to examine the wisdom literature of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs and all of the major and minor prophets in the Old Testament. These twenty-two books teach us what it means to live as people of God “during the in-between moments of joy, sorrow, anger, and celebration.” (Woodson, 98) With so much rich content in Elizabeth Woodson’s book, let’s pull out some key points that prompt personal reflection, soul searching, and prayer.

Job: Living in obedience to God doesn’t mean we avoid pain and suffering. The wisdom offered in the book of Job focuses on how we respond to hardship.  “Job’s story taught Israel, and also teaches us, that righteousness and suffering are not contradictory but two sides of the same coin.” (Woodson, 100) Often in our culture today, we see pain, hardships, challenges, and trials as “bad” because we’ve been taught to prize comfort and ease. But through Job and others in Scripture, we see pain and hardship are tools God uses for ultimate good.

Our reflex is to avoid pain or to numb ourselves in the midst of it. But, what if, instead of turning away, we leaned into it? What if we asked God what He wanted us to learn from it or how He wanted to reveal Himself through it? What if, instead of being angry or offended when we go through trials, we counted them as joy, just as James encourages us to do: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4, NIV)

Psalms: The 150 songs written by a variety of authors including David and Moses “don’t rush past emotion but give space for our gamut of emotions to be felt and expressed before the Lord…Whether the psalmist was expressing bitter sorrow or exuberant joy, he was ultimately leading the reader to worship the Lord. The life of flourishing is one fully engaged in the worship of God, even during the hardest seasons.” (Woodson, 101)

Is worshiping God the first response you have in difficult times of life? Do you believe true flourishing comes from obeying the Lord? If so, how has your life shown this to be true?

Proverbs: The thirty-one chapters of Proverbs show us “how to live God’s way in God’s world…[but they are] principles, not promises.” (Woodson, 103) Proverbs sets up contrasting ways to live—the way of wisdom or the way of folly. It shows that “Only by following Him can we be formed into the kind of people who experience true flourishing in His kingdom.” (Woodson, 104) If we want the blessing and benefit of living within God’s kingdom, our focus needs to be on aligning with His will, not expecting Him to do things our way.

What practices have you incorporated into your daily rhythms that keep you walking the path of wisdom and aligning with God’s will? When you veer into folly, what safeguards do you have in place to bring you back into the way of wisdom?

Ecclesiastes: This book’s author, Solomon, had all that life could give any one person—wealth, power, relationships, and wisdom. Yet, he “realized that ultimate meaning was not found in possessions, intellect, or experiences but in God.” (Woodson, 105)

Where are you prone to seek ultimate meaning in life other than God? What distracts you most from spiritual pursuits? How might the frustration, disappointment, resentment, fear, or hurt that you experience be an indicator that you’re seeking fulfillment in something other than the Lord?

Song of Songs: This series of love poems reveals a flourishing, vibrant relationship between a husband and wife. Elsewhere in Scripture we see that marriage is a picture of the relationship between Christ and His church. Intimacy, mutual submission, and willingness to serve one another reveal love on many levels.

How has our culture cheapened the sacredness of marriage and sexual flourishing? How are you tempted to buy into the “low view” of marriage as a legal contract instead of a holy covenant?

The Prophets: The seventeen books of prophecy that make up the last chunk of the Old Testament were written by “covenant enforcers” to urge the Israelites to “obey the covenant, reminding them of the blessings that would come from obedience and the curses from disobedience…They spoke of consequences but also gave Israel encouragement, reminding the people of the hope of their promised King.” (Woodson, 107) Prophets warned the people to return to God when they strayed before they were exiled, encouraged them to trust God and not lose hope during exile, and urged them to stay on track once they returned to Judah. In every season of Israel’s history, the prophets admonished the people not to engage in social injustice or idol worship. “God showed His patience through the message of the prophets, giving the Israelites a long time to repent and return to living as His people in obedience to the covenant. But He was also faithful, upholding the promises of judgement He made to Israel, even as far back as Moses.” (Woodson, 110)

In our culture, we are often quick to reject words of conviction or correction and react to the concept of God’s judgement by feeling offended (It’s not that different from the Israelites’ reaction to the prophets). We live in a period when truth is relative and based solely on feelings and opinions. But our choices to ignore God’s Word impact us and others. As my pastor likes to say, “sin splashes.” If we’re following Jesus, we need to be open and responsive to conviction. Rather than hiding our sin or making excuses, we need to follow the example of David and see confession and repentance as an opportunity to restore a right relationship with the Lord: “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24, NIV) We need the wisdom and discernment to stand firm in a culture that tells us right and wrong are based on personal preference.

Do you float with the current of popular culture without considering where it differs from God’s ways? Do you know where you’re vulnerable to sin? Are you open to conviction and willing to be held accountable?

With so many questions in this post, one or two might have poked at you and made you uncomfortable. Consider stopping to pray and admit your feelings of conviction to God. Invite Him to speak to you and ask for His help to obey Him where you’ve veered off course. His mercies are new every morning and He’s always ready to hear your heart and help you realign with His.

Was this forwarded to you? You can receive new posts automatically in your inbox by going to www.marybethmccullum.com, entering your e-mail address and clicking “subscribe.”

Elizabeth Woodson, From Beginning to Forever: A Study of the Grand Narrative of Scripture, Lifeway Press, 2022.

Three Aspects of Walking Worthy

Although the words in Paul’s letter to believers in Ephesus were penned two thousand years ago, they contain rich relevance for us today. Filled with wisdom on a wide array of specific topics, he shows us how to walk in a manner that’s worthy of our calling as God’s beloved children (Ephesians 4:1). As one commentary explains, “Christian living requires certain and specific actions. The Christian faith is not a passive religion; it is an aggressive pursuit of the productive and beneficial.”1 

Ephesians 5 touches on specific actions that have a profound impact on our pursuit of Jesus. Let’s look at three topics from this important book that show us how to walk worthy of our calling.

Sexual Purity: “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people.” (Ephesians 5:1-3 NLT)

Continuing one of his themes from chapter 4, Paul reminds believers here that we’re meant to live differently from the world in regard to sexual practices. We’ve thrown off our old selves and have been made new in the attitudes of our minds. Our hearts are no longer hardened or ignorant about sin. (4:18-24). In Christ, our habits, behaviors, and attitudes about sexual activity set us apart from the world because we have a “new nature” (4:24). Rather than taking our cues from popular culture, personal feelings, physical urges, or worldly influences, we seek the wisdom of the Bible as our guide. 

Of course, with the steady influence of the world, it’s still easy for believers to fall into misguided views on this topic. When we avoid hard truth in Scripture and float with the current of popular culture, we’re bound to make compromises when it comes to sex. Rather than being deceived or confused by current practices, let’s stand solidly on the wisdom of God’s Word that has remained unchanging for thousands of years. We need to open our Bibles and allow God’s truth to buff away the callouses of the world that desensitize us to sensuality and lust. Let’s stop normalizing habits of mind and body that ultimately damage our souls and our relationships. 

This is a sensitive topic that may make you uncomfortable. Will you invite the Lord to speak into your life around your views and practices regarding sex? 

Speech and Language: “Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God.” (Ephesians 5:4, NLT) As with sexual practices, Paul continues his discussion from Ephesians 4. He explains language believers should avoid: Foul, abusive, obscene, foolish, coarse. He also lays out what language they should use instead: Good, helpful, encouraging, thankful (4:25-32).

Foul language has become pervasive in our culture. We’ve been desensitized by hearing it used frequently in media and by public figures. Because humans are prone to social contagion, we unconsciously mirror what we see and hear. The prevalence of swear words and harsh language used in casual conversation has become commonplace, even among followers of Jesus. Choosing to be intentional about preventing obscene and foul language from polluting our vocabularies sets us apart from the world. Being deliberate about speaking words of encouragement, kindness, and gratitude differentiates us and shows we’re walking in a manner worthy of our calling as followers of Jesus.

Have you allowed the world to influence the way you talk? Consider spending time with the Lord and inviting Him to search your heart and show you any behaviors, tendencies, or vocabulary that you need to confess. Let His cleansing mercy free you to walk unfettered by sin and to live worthy of your calling. 

Drinking Alcohol in Excess: “Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit.” (Ephesians 5:17-18, NLT)

Paul compares two different elements that have the power to control a person’s mind and behavior: alcohol and the Holy Spirit. The effects have vastly different results. One commentary explains, “Getting drunk leads to a loss of self-control; being filled with the Spirit leads to more self-control (Galatians 5:22–23). We cannot be controlled by both alcoholic spirits and the Holy Spirit at the same time. When we choose to ingest mind-altering substances, we are effectively choosing to give ourselves over to the control of something other than the Holy Spirit.”2  

Some believers avoid alcohol altogether while others drink in moderation. Regardless of where you stand on this issue, the Bible is clear that getting drunk isn’t harmless fun—it dishonors God, causes us to lose our inhibitions, and often leads to further sin. In a culture that celebrates and focuses on alcohol consumption, we need to be thoughtful as believers about how we handle this challenging topic. Let’s walk worthy of our calling, following the wisdom of Scripture: “Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour.” (1 Peter 5:8 CSB)

How might you be acting thoughtlessly when it comes to alcohol? Do you drink to numb negative emotions? Is alcohol your source of courage or relaxation? Is it the main ingredient required to have fun? What are you modeling for your kids or grandkids? Will you pray and invite God to speak into your views and habits around drinking and let Him renew your mind wherever you’ve gotten off track? (Romans 12:1-2)

Paul addresses many hard topics in Ephesians 4 & 5. While some of his words may cause conviction or discomfort, his purpose is to show us how to mature in our faith and avoid hindrances to our growth (Hebrews 12:1-2). His wisdom is for our good and God’s glory. “So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.” (Ephesians 5:15-17, NLT) 

If one of these topics brought the discomfort of conviction, don’t miss the opportunity to seek the Lord in prayer. Lean into your loving Heavenly Father, be honest with Him and confess where you’re struggling. He’s there to forgive you and guide you onto a better path that will bless you and honor Him.

Was this forwarded to you? You can receive new posts automatically in your inbox by going to www.marybethmccullum.com, entering your e-mail address and clicking “subscribe.”

Inspired by Ephesians: A Study of Faith and Practice by Jackie Hill Perry, Jasmine Holmes and Melissa Kruger, Lifeway Press, 2024

  • 1. Klyne Snodgrass, The NIV Application Commentary: Ephesians, Zondervan, 1996 as quoted in Ephesians: A Study of Faith and Practice by Perry, Holmes and Kruger, 133.
  • 2. Got Questions Website