Hosted by TruLight Ministries – The Place of Truth
The olive tree is mentioned frequently in the Bible, from as early as the time of the flood when the dove from the ark brought an olive branch back to Noah, to Revelation 11:4, where the two witnesses are represented as two olive trees. As one of the most highly valued and useful trees known to the ancient Jews, the olive tree is significant for several reasons in the Bible. Its importance in Israel is expressed in the parable of Jotham in Judges 9:8–9: “One day the trees went out to anoint a king for themselves. They said to the olive tree, ‘Be our king.’ But the olive tree answered, ‘Should I give up my oil, by which both gods and humans are honored, to hold sway over the trees?’”
Rather common in the Holy Land, the olive tree is a multi-branched evergreen with a knotted trunk, smooth, ash-colored bark, and oblong, leathery leaves that are silvery green. Mature, cultivated olive trees grow to 20 or more feet in height and produce small flowers of yellow or white around the first of May. When the blooms begin to fall, olives, the fruit of the tree, start to form. At first, the fruit is green but turns to a deep, blue-black or dark green color when the olives are fully ripened and harvested in early fall.
In the ancient Near East, olive trees were an essential source of food (Nehemiah 9:25), lamp oil (Exodus 27:20), medicine (Isaiah 1:6; Luke 10:34), anointing oil (1 Samuel 10:1; 2 Kings 9:3), sacrificial oil (Leviticus 2:4; Genesis 28:18), and wood for furniture (1 Kings 6:23, 31–33).
An extremely slow-growing plant, the olive tree requires years of patient labor to reach full fruitfulness. Being well-suited to grow in the Mediterranean climate, the olive tree played a significant role in the region’s economy. The outer, fleshy part of the oval-shaped fruit is what yields the highly valuable commodity of olive oil. Still today, olive oil is considered good for health.
The olive tree and olive branch have been symbols of peace and reconciliation ever since the account of Noah’s flood. When the dove brought Noah “a plucked olive leaf in its beak,” the olive branch represented new life sprouting on the earth (Genesis 8:11). The olive tree was alive and growing. The promise of the dove’s olive branch was a new beginning for humanity, peace and reconciliation with God, renewal, and revival. The slow and hearty growth of the olive tree also implies establishment and peace. Some of the oldest olive trees in the world still grow today in the Garden of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives.
The flowering olive tree is a symbol of beauty and abundance in the Bible. The tree’s fruitfulness and ability to thrive suggests the model of a righteous person (Psalm 52:8; Hosea 14:6), whose children are described as “vigorous young olive trees” (Psalm 128:3, NLT). Olive oil was also used in the anointing and coronation of kings, making it an emblem of sovereignty.
Olive tree oil is symbolic of the anointing of the Holy Spirit, as it was used as the carrier for a mixture of spices that made up the holy anointing oil. In Zechariah 4, the prophet has a vision of two olive trees standing on either side of a solid gold lampstand. The olive trees supply the oil that fuels the lamps. The two olive trees represent Zerubbabel and Joshua, the governor and high priest. The Lord encourages them not to trust in financial or military resources, but in the power of God’s Holy Spirit working through them (verse 6). As in other Old Testament analogies, God’s Holy Spirit is represented by the oil of the olive tree.
The process by which olives are beaten and crushed to produce olive oil contains spiritual significance as well. Jesus Christ was beaten and crushed on the cross so that His Holy Spirit would be poured out on the church after His ascension to heaven. In essence, Jesus Christ is God’s olive tree, and the Holy Spirit, His olive oil. It is not mere coincidence that Christ’s agonized prayer, just before His arrest, occured in Gethsemane, a place of many olive trees and whose name means “olive press.”
God uses the imagery of an olive tree in Jeremiah 11:16–17 to remind His people of the covenant relationship He has with them. God’s people (the nation of Israel) are depicted as an olive tree and God as the farmer. He planted them as a beautiful olive tree but warned He would cut them down if they disobeyed His laws and worshiped false gods. The apostle Paul makes use of this imagery to teach a lesson to Gentile believers in Romans 11:17–24. Paul chooses the cultivated olive tree to portray Israel and the wild olive tree to represent Gentile believers. The cultivated olive tree is pruned and nurtured so that it bears much fruit. The fruitless, ineffective branches are trimmed and discarded, but the root remains intact. God has preserved the holy root of Israel and pruned off the worthless branches.
The Gentiles, represented by the wild olive tree in Romans 11, have been grafted into the cultivated olive root. As a wild olive tree, their root was weak. Their branches were incapable of bearing fruit until they were grafted into the nourishing, life-sustaining root of the cultivated olive tree. Gentile believers now share in Israel’s blessings, but Paul warns, “Do not boast that you are better than those branches. But if you do boast—you do not sustain the root, but the root sustains you” (CSB). Paul wants Gentile believers to understand that they have not replaced Israel. God has done a beautiful thing for the Gentiles, but Israel is still God’s chosen nation and the source of the riches of salvation that the Gentiles now enjoy.
Jesus Christ, Israel’s Messiah, is the root of Jesse, or the root of the cultivated olive tree. From Him, the Church draw their life.
Die olyfboom word gereeld in die Bybel genoem, van so vroeg as die tyd van die vloed toe die duif uit die ark ‘n olyftak na Noag teruggebring het, tot Openbaring 11:4, waar die twee getuies as twee olyfbome voorgestel word. As een van die mees gewaardeerde en nuttige bome wat aan die antieke Jode bekend was, is die olyfboom om verskeie redes betekenisvol in die Bybel. Die belangrikheid daarvan in Israel word uitgedruk in die gelykenis van Jotam in Rigters 9:8–9: “Eendag het die bome uitgegaan om ‘n koning vir hulleself te salf. Hulle het vir die olyfboom gesê: ‘Wees ons koning.’ Maar die olyfboom het geantwoord: ‘Moet ek my olie prysgee, waardeur beide gode en mense vereer word, om oor die bome te heers?’”
Die olyfboom, wat nogal algemeen in die Heilige Land is, is ‘n veelvertakte immergroen boom met ‘n geknoopte stam, gladde, askleurige bas en langwerpige, leeragtige blare wat silwergroen is. Volwasse, gekweekte olyfbome groei tot 20 voet of meer hoog en produseer klein blomme van geel of wit rondom die eerste Mei. Wanneer die blomme begin val, begin olywe, die vrug van die boom, vorm. Aanvanklik is die vrug groen, maar dit verander na ‘n diep, blouswart of donkergroen kleur wanneer die olywe volledig ryp en in die vroeë herfs geoes is.
In die antieke Nabye Ooste was olyfbome ‘n noodsaaklike bron van voedsel (Nehemia 9:25), lampolie (Eksodus 27:20), medisyne (Jesaja 1:6; Lukas 10:34), salfolie (1 Samuel 10:1; 2 Konings 9:3), offerolie (Levitikus 2:4; Genesis 28:18) en hout vir meubels (1 Konings 6:23, 31–33).
Die olyfboom, ‘n uiters stadiggroeiende plant, benodig jare se geduldige arbeid om volle vrugbaarheid te bereik. Omdat dit goed geskik is om in die Mediterreense klimaat te groei, het die olyfboom ‘n belangrike rol in die streek se ekonomie gespeel. Die buitenste, vlesige deel van die ovaalvormige vrug is wat die hoogs waardevolle kommoditeit van olyfolie lewer. Olyfolie word vandag nog as goed vir die gesondheid beskou.
Die olyfboom en olyftak is simbole van vrede en versoening sedert die verslag van Noag se vloed. Toe die duif vir Noag “‘n geplukte olyfblaar in sy bek” gebring het, het die olyftak nuwe lewe verteenwoordig wat op die aarde ontkiem het (Genesis 8:11). Die olyfboom was lewendig en het gegroei. Die belofte van die duif se olyftak was ‘n nuwe begin vir die mensdom, vrede en versoening met God, vernuwing en herlewing. Die stadige en hartlike groei van die olyfboom impliseer ook vestiging en vrede. Van die oudste olyfbome ter wêreld groei vandag nog in die Tuin van Getsemane op die Olyfberg.
Die blom-olyfboom is ‘n simbool van skoonheid en oorvloed in die Bybel. Die boom se vrugbaarheid en vermoë om te floreer, dui op die model van ‘n regverdige persoon (Psalm 52:8; Hosea 14:6), wie se kinders beskryf word as “kragtige jong olyfbome” (Psalm 128:3, NLT). Olyfolie is ook gebruik in die salwing en kroning van konings, wat dit ‘n embleem van soewereiniteit maak.
Olyfboomolie is simbolies van die salwing van die Heilige Gees, aangesien dit as die draer gebruik is vir ‘n mengsel van speserye wat die heilige salfolie uitgemaak het. In Sagaria 4 het die profeet ‘n visioen van twee olyfbome wat aan weerskante van ‘n soliede goue kandelaar staan. Die olyfbome voorsien die olie wat die lampe aandryf. Die twee olyfbome verteenwoordig Serubbábel en Josua, die goewerneur en hoëpriester. Die Here moedig hulle aan om nie op finansiële of militêre hulpbronne te vertrou nie, maar op die krag van God se Heilige Gees wat deur hulle werk (vers 6). Soos in ander Ou-Testamentiese analogieë, word God se Heilige Gees verteenwoordig deur die olie van die olyfboom.
Die proses waardeur olywe geslaan en fyngedruk word om olyfolie te produseer, bevat ook geestelike betekenis. Jesus Christus is aan die kruis geslaan en fyngedruk sodat Sy Heilige Gees op die kerk uitgestort sou word na Sy hemelvaart. In wese is Jesus Christus God se olyfboom, en die Heilige Gees, Sy olyfolie. Dit is nie bloot toevallig dat Christus se folterende gebed, net voor Sy arrestasie, in Getsemane plaasgevind het nie, ‘n plek met baie olyfbome en wie se naam “olyfpers” beteken.
God gebruik die beeldspraak van ‘n olyfboom in Jeremia 11:16–17 om Sy volk te herinner aan die verbondsverhouding wat Hy met hulle het. God se volk (die nasie Israel) word uitgebeeld as ‘n olyfboom en God as die boer. Hy het hulle as ‘n pragtige olyfboom geplant, maar gewaarsku dat Hy hulle sou afkap as hulle Sy wette ongehoorsaam sou wees en valse gode sou aanbid. Die apostel Paulus gebruik hierdie beeldspraak om ‘n les aan nie-Joodse gelowiges in Romeine 11:17–24 te leer. Paulus kies die gekweekte olyfboom om Israel uit te beeld en die wilde olyfboom om nie-Joodse gelowiges te verteenwoordig. Die gekweekte olyfboom word gesnoei en versorg sodat dit baie vrugte dra. Die vrugtelose, ondoeltreffende takke word afgesny en weggegooi, maar die wortel bly ongeskonde. God het die heilige wortel van Israel bewaar en die waardelose takke afgesnoei.
Die heidene, verteenwoordig deur die wilde olyfboom in Romeine 11, is in die gekweekte olyfwortel geënt. Soos ‘n wilde olyfboom was hul wortel swak. Hul takke was nie in staat om vrugte te dra totdat hulle in die voedende, lewensonderhoudende wortel van die gekweekte olyfboom geënt is nie. Heidengelowiges deel nou in Israel se seëninge, maar Paulus waarsku: “Moenie spog dat julle beter is as daardie takke nie. Maar as julle spog – julle ondersteun nie die wortel nie, maar die wortel ondersteun julle” (KSB). Paulus wil hê dat heidengelowiges moet verstaan dat hulle Israel nie vervang het nie. God het ‘n pragtige ding vir die heidene gedoen, maar Israel is steeds God se uitverkore volk en die bron van die rykdom van verlossing wat die heidene nou geniet.
Jesus Christus, Israel se Messias, is die wortel van Isai, of die wortel van die gekweekte olyfboom. Uit Hom put die Kerk hul lewe.
Bible Verse and Prayer for Today
God hates violence and demands that we not admire those who are violent or share in their violent lifestyles (Proverbs 3:31). God abhors those who do evil. God not only opposes them when they are alive, but he also mitigates their influence and poisons any memory of them after they are gone. God helps us see “those who do evil” for who and what they really are and what they have done. Far from being viewed as heroes, their legacy of hate and wickedness is spurned, shunned, disdained, and forgotten. God will “cut off the memory of them from the earth.”
Prayer
In our own time, dear Father, help us see the wickedness done by “those who do evil” for who they are. O LORD, please render their threats impotent and ensure that any remembrance of them is a foul stench in the nostrils of those who come after them. Please, don’t let them deceive and co-opt others into doing their evil will after they are gone. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen and Amen .
Bybel Vers en Gebed vir Vandag
God haat geweld en eis dat ons nie diegene bewonder wat gewelddadig is of deelneem aan hul gewelddadige leefstyle nie (Spreuke 3:31). God verafsku diegene wat kwaad doen. God staan hulle nie net teë wanneer hulle leef nie, maar Hy verminder ook hul invloed en vergiftig enige herinnering aan hulle nadat hulle weg is. God help ons om "diegene wat kwaad doen" te sien vir wie en wat hulle werklik is en wat hulle gedoen het. Ver van om as helde beskou te word, word hul nalatenskap van haat en goddeloosheid verwerp, vermy, verag en vergeet. God sal "die herinnering aan hulle van die aarde af uitroei."
Gebed
In ons eie tyd, liewe Vader, help ons om die goddeloosheid wat deur "diegene wat kwaad doen" gedoen word, te sien vir wie hulle is. O HERE, maak asseblief hul dreigemente magteloos en verseker dat enige herinnering aan hulle 'n vuil stank in die neusgate van diegene wat na hulle kom, is. Moet asseblief nie toelaat dat hulle ander mislei en koöpteer om hul bose wil te doen nadat hulle weg is nie. In Jesus se Naam, bid ons. Amen en Amen.
Bible Teaching of the Day
In the Bible olive oil is mentioned several times as the oil used for lighting lamps (Leviticus 24:2; Exodus 27:20). Olive oil was also used for anointing oil (Exodus 30:23–25) and as part of the grain offerings (Leviticus 2:1–10). Kings were anointed with olive oil as a sign that they were chosen by God to rule (1 Samuel 16:1). As an important ingredient in the recipe for anointing oil, olive oil was used to sanctify priests (Exodus 29:7), the tabernacle, and all its furnishings (Exodus 40:9). Olive oil was also used in cooking. Olive trees grew in Israel (Deuteronomy 8:7–8), and the people in that region used the oil from pressed olives as people in other cultures might have used butter or animal fats.
Olive oil was an important part of Jewish culture because of its many uses. Because of its centrality to much of Jewish life, olive oil was sometimes used as a symbol of richness, joy, and health (Jeremiah 31:12; Hebrews 1:9). Times of judgment were described as a season when “the olive oil fails” (Joel 1:10).
Olive oil can also be seen as a symbol of the Holy Spirit (or possibly of faith) in Jesus’ parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1–13). The five wise virgins in the wedding party had made sure they had olive oil for their lamps as they waited for the bridegroom to come. The five foolish virgins did not think ahead and had brought no oil. As the bridegroom drew near, the five foolish virgins begged the wise ones for some of their oil. But the wise virgins could not spare any. While the foolish virgins were out buying more oil, the bridegroom came, and their chance to join the wedding celebration was gone forever.
Jesus gave the point of the parable: “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour” (Matthew 25:13). At the end of the age, when Jesus comes back, some will be ready for His arrival (illustrated by the wise virgins who had olive oil); others will not be ready (symbolized by the foolish virgins who had no oil). Considering the olive oil as a symbol of the Holy Spirit (or of faith), we could say that only those who have the Spirit (or faith in Christ) are truly ready for Jesus’ second coming.
Not every reference to olive oil in the Bible is symbolic, of course. But there are passages in which olive oil can be a picture of the Holy Spirit, the One who sanctifies us, fills us, readies us to see Christ, and brings us light, joy, and spiritual health.
Bybel Lering vir die Dag
In die Bybel word olyfolie verskeie kere genoem as die olie wat gebruik word om lampe aan te steek (Levitikus 24:2; Eksodus 27:20). Olyfolie is ook gebruik vir salfolie (Eksodus 30:23–25) en as deel van die graanoffers (Levitikus 2:1–10). Konings is met olyfolie gesalf as ‘n teken dat hulle deur God gekies is om te regeer (1 Samuel 16:1). As ‘n belangrike bestanddeel in die resep vir salfolie is olyfolie gebruik om priesters te heilig (Eksodus 29:7), die tabernakel en al sy toebehore (Eksodus 40:9). Olyfolie is ook in kookkuns gebruik. Olyfbome het in Israel gegroei (Deuteronomium 8:7–8), en die mense in daardie streek het die olie van geperste olywe gebruik soos mense in ander kulture botter of dierlike vette sou gebruik het.
Olyfolie was ‘n belangrike deel van die Joodse kultuur vanweë die vele gebruike daarvan. As gevolg van die sentraliteit daarvan tot ‘n groot deel van die Joodse lewe, is olyfolie soms gebruik as ‘n simbool van rykdom, vreugde en gesondheid (Jeremia 31:12; Hebreërs 1:9). Tye van oordeel is beskryf as ‘n seisoen wanneer “die olyfolie opraak” (Joël 1:10).
Olyfolie kan ook gesien word as ‘n simbool van die Heilige Gees (of moontlik van geloof) in Jesus se gelykenis van die tien maagde (Matteus 25:1–13). Die vyf wyse maagde in die trougeselskap het seker gemaak dat hulle olyfolie vir hul lampe het terwyl hulle gewag het vir die bruidegom om te kom. Die vyf dwase maagde het nie vooruit gedink nie en het geen olie gebring nie. Toe die bruidegom nader kom, het die vyf dwase maagde die wyse maagde vir van hul olie gesmeek. Maar die wyse maagde kon niks spaar nie. Terwyl die dwase maagde meer olie gekoop het, het die bruidegom gekom, en hul kans om by die troue aan te sluit, was vir altyd verby.
Jesus het die punt van die gelykenis gegee: “Waak dan, want julle weet die dag of die uur nie” (Matteus 25:13). Aan die einde van die tyd, wanneer Jesus terugkom, sal sommige gereed wees vir Sy koms (geïllustreer deur die wyse maagde wat olyfolie gehad het); ander sal nie gereed wees nie (gesimboliseer deur die dwase maagde wat geen olie gehad het nie). As ons die olyfolie as ‘n simbool van die Heilige Gees (of van geloof) beskou, kan ons sê dat slegs diegene wat die Gees (of geloof in Christus) het, werklik gereed is vir Jesus se wederkoms.
Nie elke verwysing na olyfolie in die Bybel is natuurlik simbolies nie. Maar daar is gedeeltes waarin olyfolie ‘n beeld van die Heilige Gees kan wees, die Een wat ons heilig, ons vul, ons gereed maak om Christus te sien, en ons lig, vreugde en geestelike gesondheid bring.
Today’s Devotional
The apostle Paul compares the ministry of the gospel to a “treasure in jars of clay.” In Paul’s metaphor, God stores the priceless gospel ministry in fragile, everyday human vessels. Then Paul lists some of the real hardships he and other ministers encounter: “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:8–9).
Jars of clay are common, earthenware containers, but the ministry of the gospel is the most valuable treasure on earth. The New Living Translation makes Paul’s meaning evident: “We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies” (2 Corinthians 4:7–10, NLT).
Paul cites four contrasts to show the lives of gospel ministers are like ordinary jars of clay containing a precious possession. First, he describes the hardships they experience. Then he explains how God’s power sustains them through times of adversity.
We are pressed but not crushed is the first hardship and corresponding display of God’s power. The word for “pressed,” in the original Greek, means “afflicted, to be brought into difficulties, trouble, distress, or suffering.” The term translated “crushed” is similar but speaks of being afflicted or distressed to the point of total hopelessness. It describes being in a situation without any hope of escape or survival. Paul asserts that, even when placed under the most severe pressure and strain, the jar of clay—the frail human minister in a perishing body made of dust—will not be broken or smashed to the point of hopelessness and despair because of the great treasure held within—the gospel of Jesus Christ or the grace and truth of God.
We are pressed but not crushed means that, even though we suffer tremendous affliction, we will not be overcome by it because of God’s sustaining power. We have the treasure of Christ within us and the message of the gospel, which is the power of God (Romans 1:16).
Paul often spoke of suffering as part of the Christian experience, especially for ministers of the gospel (Galatians 6:17; Philippians 3:10–11). “If we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering” (Romans 8:17, NLT). We should not be surprised or give up when we experience hardships, “For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!” (2 Corinthians 4:16–17, NLT). Although we may feel hard pressed on every side, the power of God working within us will never leave us without hope (Psalm 94:14; Hebrews 13:5 Matthew 28:20).
We have hope in this life because we know that the difficulties we endure as believers will give way to future glory in the world to come. Our suffering has an eternal purpose: “Yes, we live under constant danger of death because we serve Jesus, so that the life of Jesus will be evident in our dying bodies” (2 Corinthians 4:11, NLT). The life of Christ is displayed through what God does in our weakened earthen vessels. Our sufferings give opportunity for God’s power to be revealed, but they also bear witness to the death of Jesus and His resurrection life (2 Timothy 2:11).
Paul never sugar-coated the Christian experience, and neither should we. If we are to speak honestly about what it means to be a sold-out minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ, like Paul, we won’t cover up the gritty and sometimes harsh realities. At times we will feel hard pressed on every side by troubles, but we will not be completely crushed. We can admit when our circumstances are perplexing, but they will never reach the point of hopelessness and despair. We may sometimes feel hunted down, but God will never abandon us. Even if we get knocked down, with God’s power in us, we will never be destroyed. The priceless treasure hidden deep within assures us “that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself” (2 Corinthians 5:1, NLT).
Vandag se Bemoediging
Die apostel Paulus vergelyk die bediening van die evangelie met ‘n “skat in kleipotte.” In Paulus se metafoor bêre God die kosbare evangeliebediening in brose, alledaagse menslike houers. Dan lys Paulus sommige van die werklike ontberinge wat hy en ander bedienaars teëkom: “Ons word in alles verdruk, maar nie terneergedruk nie; ons is verleë, maar nie wanhopig nie; ons word vervolg, maar nie in die steek gelaat nie; ons word neergewerp, maar nie vernietig nie” (2 Korintiërs 4:8-9).
Kleipotte is algemene erdewerkhouers, maar die bediening van die evangelie is die waardevolste skat op aarde. Die Nuwe Lewende Vertaling maak Paulus se bedoeling duidelik: “Ons het hierdie lig wat in ons harte skyn, maar ons is soos brose kleipotte wat hierdie groot skat bevat. Dit maak dit duidelik dat ons groot krag van God kom, nie van onsself nie. Ons word van alle kante verdruk deur probleme, maar ons word nie breek nie. Ons is verleë, maar nie tot wanhoop gedryf nie. Ons word gejag, maar nooit deur God verlaat nie. Ons word neergewerp, maar ons word nie vernietig nie. Deur lyding bly ons liggame deel in die dood van Jesus, sodat die lewe van Jesus ook in ons liggame gesien kan word” (2 Korintiërs 4:7–10, NLT).
Paulus noem vier kontraste om te wys dat die lewens van evangeliedienaars soos gewone kleipotte is wat ‘n kosbare besitting bevat. Eerstens beskryf hy die ontberinge wat hulle ervaar. Dan verduidelik hy hoe God se krag hulle deur tye van teëspoed onderhou.
Ons word gedruk, maar nie gebreek nie, is die eerste ontbering en ooreenstemmende vertoon van God se krag. Die woord vir “gedruk” in die oorspronklike Grieks beteken “geteister, om in moeilikhede, benoudheid, nood of lyding gebring te word.” Die term wat as “verpletter” vertaal word, is soortgelyk, maar spreek van geteister of benoud wees tot die punt van totale hopeloosheid. Dit beskryf om in ‘n situasie te wees sonder enige hoop op ontsnapping of oorlewing. Paulus beweer dat, selfs wanneer dit onder die ergste druk en spanning geplaas word, die kleipot – die brose menslike bedienaar in ‘n verganklike liggaam van stof – nie gebreek of verpletter sal word tot die punt van hopeloosheid en wanhoop nie as gevolg van die groot skat wat daarin gehou word – die evangelie van Jesus Christus of die genade en waarheid van God.
Ons word gedruk maar nie verpletter nie, beteken dat, al ly ons geweldige verdrukking, ons nie daardeur oorweldig sal word nie as gevolg van God se ondersteunende krag. Ons het die skat van Christus binne-in ons en die boodskap van die evangelie, wat die krag van God is (Romeine 1:16).
Paulus het dikwels van lyding gepraat as deel van die Christelike ervaring, veral vir bedienaars van die evangelie (Galasiërs 6:17; Filippense 3:10–11). “As ons in sy heerlikheid wil deel, moet ons ook in sy lyding deel” (Romeine 8:17). Ons moenie verbaas wees of moed opgee wanneer ons swaarkry ervaar nie, “Want die probleme wat ons nou het, is gering en sal nie lank duur nie, maar dit bring vir ons ‘n heerlikheid wat dit verreweg oortref en vir ewig sal duur!” (2 Korintiërs 4:16–17). Al voel ons dalk aan alle kante swaar, sal die krag van God wat in ons werk, ons nooit sonder hoop laat nie (Psalm 94:14; Hebreërs 13:5; Matteus 28:20).
Ons het hoop in hierdie lewe omdat ons weet dat die probleme wat ons as gelowiges verduur, plek sal maak vir toekomstige heerlikheid in die toekomstige wêreld. Ons lyding het ‘n ewige doel: “Ja, ons leef in voortdurende gevaar van die dood omdat ons Jesus dien, sodat die lewe van Jesus in ons sterwende liggame sigbaar kan wees” (2 Korintiërs 4:11). Die lewe van Christus word vertoon deur wat God in ons verswakte erdevate doen. Ons lyding gee die geleentheid vir God se krag om geopenbaar te word, maar dit getuig ook van die dood van Jesus en Sy opstandingslewe (2 Timoteus 2:11).
Paulus het nooit die Christelike ervaring versoet nie, en ons moet ook nie. As ons eerlik wil praat oor wat dit beteken om ‘n uitverkoopte bedienaar van die evangelie van Jesus Christus te wees, soos Paulus, sal ons nie die growwe en soms harde realiteite toesmeer nie. Soms sal ons van alle kante hard gedruk voel deur probleme, maar ons sal nie heeltemal verpletter word nie. Ons kan erken wanneer ons omstandighede verwarrend is, maar dit sal nooit die punt van hopeloosheid en wanhoop bereik nie. Ons mag soms gejag voel, maar God sal ons nooit verlaat nie. Selfs al word ons neergeslaan, met God se krag in ons, sal ons nooit vernietig word nie. Die onskatbare skat wat diep binne ons verborge is, verseker ons “dat wanneer hierdie aardse tentwoning waarin ons woon, afgebreek word (dit wil sê, wanneer ons sterf en hierdie aardse liggaam verlaat), ons ‘n huis in die hemel sal hê, ‘n ewige liggaam wat deur God self vir ons gemaak is” (2 Korintiërs 5:1, NLT).
The Collectors of Manna – Women of the Word // Gaarders van Manna – Vroue van die woord
Dilize Light has Managed a TruLight Ladies Group on Telegram for the Past 6 Years and from Today . she will be Sharing her Manna with the Ladies in The TruLight Daily Manna Platform . Dilize is the only Daughter of Pastor Dirk and has been part of the Ministry since the age of 11 . Dilize is also the Radio Host for the Popular TruLight Top 10 that airs on TruLight Radio XM saturdays at 17h00′
Dilize Light bestuur die afgelope 6 jaar ‘n TruLight Damesgroep op Telegram en van vandag af sal sy haar Manna met die Dames deel op die TruLight Daaglikse Manna-platform. Dilize is die enigste dogter van Pastoor Dirk en is deel van die bediening sedert die ouderdom van 11. Dilize is ook die radio-aanbieder vir die gewilde TruLight Top 10 wat Saterdae om 17:00 op TruLight Radio XM uitgesaai word.
Die Einde ?
Alles in hierdie wêreld kom een of ander tyd tot ń einde. Dis ń taamlik ontmoedigende gedagte. Dis die gevoel wat jy kry wanneer jy ń goeie, interessante boek lees en nie wil hê dit moet eindig nie. Of miskien kyk jy na ń rolprent of luister een van jou gunsteling liedere en jy wens dit kan net nog ń bietjie langer aanhou.
Maar alle dinge, die goeie en die slegte, kom een of ander tyd tot ń einde. Om die waarheid te sê wat nie baie mense wil hoor nie is dat die lewe kom ook tot ń einde – heelwat gouer as wat ons verwag.
Maar gelukkig het Jesus ingetree en ons terminale teleurstellings deur sy bloed en opstanding verander en aan ons nuwe hoop gegee. In Hom is die einde maar net ń voorspel tot ń ewigheid waar die dood nie meer heers nie, en die woorde soos ” dis verby ” word vervang met woorde soos ń vreugde volle ” vir ewig saam Hom ” Aangesien ons liggaame nie ” ewig is nie, verseker Paulus ons dat almal verander sal word ( 1 Kor 15:51 ). Hy herinner ons daaraan dat ons, as gevolg van Christus se oorwinnende sterwe, met sekerheid kan sê: Dood waar is jou oorwinning ? Dood, waar is jou angel ? ( Vs 55 ).
Laat jou hart dus nie onsteld wees nie. Ons hartseer is ń realiteit, maar ons kan nogtans met dankbaarheid vervul wees omdat God aan ons die oorwinning gee deur ons Here Jesus Christus ( vs 57 ).
Here, hou asseblief ons gedagtes op die oorwinnende realiteite van die ewigheid gevestig en nie op tydelike vreugdes en teleurstellings nie. Dankie vir U dood en opstanding wat aan ons ń ewige sekerheid waarborg.
In Christus is die einde in werklikheid die begin !
The End?
Everything in this world comes to an end at some point. It’s a pretty discouraging thought. It’s the feeling you get when you’re reading a good, interesting book and don’t want it to end. Or maybe you’re watching a movie or listening to one of your favorite songs and you wish it could go on just a little longer.
But all things, the good and the bad, come to an end at some point. To tell the truth, what many people don’t want to hear is that life also comes to an end – much sooner than we expect.
But fortunately, Jesus stepped in and changed our terminal disappointments through his blood and resurrection and gave us new hope. In Him the end is but a prelude to an eternity where death no longer reigns, and words like “it is past” are replaced with words like “forever with Him.” Since our bodies are not eternal, Paul assures us that all will be changed ( 1 Cor 15:51 ). He reminds us that because of Christ’s victorious death, we can say with certainty: Death, where is your victory? Death, where is your sting? ( v. 55 ).
So do not let your heart be troubled. Our sorrow is a reality, but we can still be filled with gratitude because God gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ ( v. 57 ).
Lord, please keep our minds fixed on the victorious realities of eternity and not on temporary joys and disappointments. Thank you for your death and resurrection that guarantees us eternal security.
In Christ, the end is actually the beginning!
TruLight Ministries Daily Entertainment
TruLight TV – No more guilt, no more shame
Today on The Josh and Ashley show, The Chandlers travel in a ministry of singing and preaching conducting concerts, revivals, camp meetings and conferences. Their travels have taken them all over the United States, Canada, Serbia, Poland, Slovakia, and The Philippines. The group consists of: Tim, Lana, and their two daughters, Tiffany, and Lyndsey. and later Do you get the sense that God isn’t using your life? If you’re a believer in Jesus Christ – this is a real concern. Hear Dr. Charles Stanley’s biblical counsel about what to do in this situation. Enjoy the music and message and share this video with your friends.
Today on TruLight Radio XM
TruLight Radio XM 24/7
Program
GMT / UTC +2
Monday To Fridays
00:15 Words to Live By Testimonies
01.15 Science Scripture and Salvation
02.15 Ground Works
04.00 Gospel Concert of the Day
05.00 The Daren Streblow Comedy Show
5:55 It is Today devotional
6:00 Gaither Homecoming Morning Show
7:15 Discover the Word
8.15 Destined for Victory
8:55 Science Scripture and Salvation
9:00 Holy Spirit Hour – Normally Sermons
10:15 Hope of the Heart
11:15 Unshackled
11.45 Words to Live By
12:15 Truth for Life
13:15 Living on the Edge with Chip Ingram
14:15 Focus on the Family
15:00 Kids Hour
16:00 In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley
16:30 Groundwork
17:15 Live in the Light
18:15 Renewing your Mind
19:00 Gaither Homecoming Show
20:15 Growing Hope
21:15 Adventures in Odyssey Radio Drama
21:45 Bible Reading
22:15 Nightsounds
23.00 Good Old Country Gospel / Rhema Gospel Express
VISIT THE WEBSITE
https://TruLightRadioXM.org.za
BIBLE PROPHECY IN THE NEWS
A Muslim Prayer Carpet In The Vatican – Interfaith Warnings For The Church
Interfaith cooperation is the new religion of the modern age. It promises peace, mutual understanding, and unity across all faiths. Yet beneath that soft language lies a dangerous assumption: that all worship is equal, that all prayers reach the same destination, and that doctrine is secondary to goodwill.
The line between Christian hospitality and spiritual compromise is growing thinner by the day. What once would have shocked the Church is now praised as “progress.” The latest example comes from Rome, where the Vatican Apostolic Library–a cornerstone of Catholic heritage–has granted Muslim scholars a private prayer room.
Its Vice Prefect, Fr. Giacomo Cardinali, confirmed the decision plainly: “Some Muslim scholars have asked us for a room with a carpet for praying, and we have given it to them.”
To secular ears, that may sound harmless–a polite gesture, even admirable. But to those who still believe the Bible means what it says, this is not progress. It is the same ancient pattern of compromise that led Israel into judgment: trying to please everyone while dishonoring the only true God.
When “Tolerance” Replaces Truth
Interfaith cooperation is the new religion of the modern age. It promises peace, mutual understanding, and unity across all faiths. Yet beneath that soft language lies a dangerous assumption: that all worship is equal, that all prayers reach the same destination, and that doctrine is secondary to goodwill.
But God does not measure worship by sincerity–He measures it by truth. A thousand prayers offered to a false god are not heard in heaven. The Bible says it clearly: “You shall have no other gods before Me.” (Exodus 20:3)
The Vatican’s decision, then, is not just about courtesy. It is about confusion–confusing the world about what it means to worship the God of Scripture.
“We Worship the Same God”? No, We Do Not
The most repeated slogan in interfaith dialogue is also the most deceptive: “We worship the same God.”
Nothing could be further from the truth. Islam and Christianity may share some vocabulary–God, faith, prayer–but those words mean radically different things in each faith.
Let’s be clear:
Islam denies the Trinity. Christianity confesses one God in three Persons–Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Islam calls this idea blasphemy and insists that Allah is an absolute, solitary being with no partners or equals.
Islam denies the divinity of Jesus. Christians worship Christ as God in the flesh (John 1:14). Muslims view Him only as a prophet–one among many, far below Muhammad.
Islam rejects the crucifixion. The heart of the Christian faith is the cross–the atoning death of Christ for our sins. The Quran explicitly denies that Jesus was crucified, claiming instead that God took Him to heaven without dying.
Islam offers no assurance of salvation. In Christianity, salvation is a free gift through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). In Islam, eternal life depends on one’s deeds, measured on scales of merit, with no guarantee of forgiveness.
Islam has no mediator. Christians believe Jesus stands between humanity and God as the only Mediator (1 Timothy 2:5). Islam denies the need for a mediator at all–each person must stand before Allah alone.
Islam denies the Sonship of Christ. While Christians proclaim, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son,” Islam calls it an abomination to say that God has a Son (Quran 19:88-92).
Islam’s concept of God’s nature is distant and impersonal. The Christian God invites relationship; He is “Abba, Father.” The Allah of Islam demands submission, not fellowship.
These are not minor differences. They are eternal ones. The god of Islam and the God of the Bible are not the same being described in different languages–they are entirely different deities.
When the Vatican opens its doors to Islamic prayer, it does not honor God; it equates Him with a god who denies His Son. And that is not tolerance--it is blasphemy.
SIGNS OF THE TIMES
Pastor Condemns ‘Great Commission’ As Tool Of White Supremacy
In a stunning act of defiance, Rev. Dawn of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Ontario, Canada, has publicly declared that she refuses to read or acknowledge Jesus’ Great Commission for fears it will be used to justify colonization, racism, and the subjugation of non-Christian peoples.
China’s Digital War On Christianity: The Cross Meets The Firewall
The persecution of Christians in China is hardly new. But we are witnessing something different now: persecution morphing. It is more technologically invasive, more strategic, more suffocating–and far more dangerous to the underground church than ever before.
GOG AND MAGOG UPDATE
Trump’s Peace Deal Will Soon Be Tested
So long as Palestinians, whether supporters of Hamas or the supposedly more ‘moderate’ Fatah Party that runs the corrupt Palestinian Authority, still believe that their national identity is inextricably linked to a war on the Jews and Zionism, all the Trumpian optimism in the world won’t matter. This conflict is far from over.
TruLight Ministry News
TruLight Ministries orders from God since 2012 . Teach Them , Comfort Them and Warn Them!
////////////
TruLight Ministries opdrag vanaf God sedert 2012. Leer hulle, Troos hulle en Waarsku hulle!
PASTOOR DIRK – DIE HEILIGE GEES
Share this Feeding of Manna with your Friends and Family. just click on the Social Media icon and share !
