We see in this text the first words given to the Apostle John were fear not, fear not for I am the first and the last, I am He that was living and was dead and am now living, and I have the keys of hell and death. Now that fear that our Lord spoke of before this came to pass, that fear of fearing God, for He had the power to not only take our bodies, but our souls in hell, that fear now was no more for the believer, for everyone that believes that our Lord came into the world, and He was the first and He will be the last, and that He has the keys of hell and death. No longer should we fear but we should reverence God’s name and give thanksgiving unto the Almighty God at all time, that He has given to the world this great gift, this gift where one has made a sacrifice great enough to overcome that power of hell and death.

It is only our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ who holds those keys, and if we live according to His teaching, those keys He has already said they will be coupled with other keys. He had already said to His Apostles that He gives unto them the keys to the kingdom of heaven. They were not the keys to hell or death, they do not have that power that is only vested in our Lord. But the keys that He gave His Apostles were the Word of God, the gospel of salvation, the keys that open our heart and allow His word to enter in and increase our faith so that we understand that now as we leave this life, whether it is a natural death or whether it is a forced death, we do not fear, for we know that death has been overcome and there will be a resurrection again. Death is only the temporary ending of this body, but it will rise again when our Lord returns.

We should not fear hell for hell is the place of going to wait for judgment and for us in the Christian Church, judgment is with us each day of our lives, that is why we are taught that, that is one of the commissions of the Apostles to preach repentance and remission. We can now in sincerity, repent for our sins, we can receive remission of our sins through the partaking of the body and blood of Christ and through that, we no longer have to answer for that sin. Even all of those sins that are committed, as the Lord said in the quietness of the night, those things that we do when we think others cannot hear them. If we do not recognize them as sins, then they will be broadcast out on the day our Lord returns, but if we are sincere and we are humble and meek and recognize that we are sinners, we can have those taken away from us and therefore then there will be no need for judgment, for we have already judged ourselves unworthy and been given the remission  or the righteousness of Christ, to make ourselves worthy so that we can stand before this glorified Christ and look unto the blessings that He will bring unto us when He returns.

Now all of this is only made possible through the teachings of the Holy Spirit, for the Holy Spirit has been sent into the world to give us this guidance and this teaching and it was already foretold many, many years ago that this would happen and we today are blessed that we live in this period of time when the Holy Spirit labours through flesh and can give us that hope, can give us  that understanding so that we in our lives, can make this preparation. The Psalmist already wrote of this preparation in Psalm 34:11 “Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the Lord. What man is he that desireth life, and liveth many days, that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. The face of the Lord is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivered them out of all their troubles. The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivered him out of them all. He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken. Evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate. The Lord redeemed the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.” 

We see the great promise foretold those many years ago. We must hold fast to these promises of God, remembering His words, “I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last.”

When our Lord spoke this parable to the people, all scribes and Pharisees, and all of the devout Jews all roundabout
were horrified. This offended the Jews to no end, because the pearl comes from the oyster and the oyster under the
Jewish law was regarded as an unclean animal. Who was this man who was telling them that out of an unclean
living being could come a great treasure? Our Lord of course was testifying to them that while they were unclean
in their own being, and the same applies to us today, we can never become a treasure. We have to go through a
cleansing process. He was telling them that the Kingdom of God would be like that great pearl, and He was
testifying that He would bring into the world the teachings, the way He would be the head, but there would have to
be also in this life a living being or a living organism that could bring about the way and show the door to this
Kingdom of God. Revelation Chapter 21 verses 19-22, the city that will become the Kingdom of God: “And the
foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was
jasper; the second, sapphire, the third, chalcedony, the fourth, an emerald, The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius;
the seventh, chrysolyte; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz, the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the
twelfth, an amethyst. And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street
of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass. And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and
the Lamb are the temple of it”. If we follow that description and we relate it back to our Lord’s teachings, all those
treasures and all those valuable stones, none of them are living. They are all metals that have been created down
through the years through the acts of God. There was only one living treasure described there and that was the
pearl, the gate or the entry into this city where the light of God will shine at all times. Therein we see that our Lord
was testifying of a way, a living way that we could go and become part of this. He was testifying of the Church that
He would establish on this earth and it could be the means of showing the way, providing access to those doors to
allow us in.
We then have to contemplate on how the pearl is created. Firstly it needs the oyster which we have already heard
under the Jewish law was regarded as an unclean animal. We are all in that situation. We are unclean until we are
redeemed through the Grace of Christ. The oyster is not an animal that moves from place to place seeking and
looking and trying to find a better place. It sets itself firmly on a rock. We the Church must set ourselves firmly on
the rock of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. We must not move to other places thinking that they will be more
prosperous, that they will be better for us, that we will receive more from following this around. The rock of our
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ will be the only thing that will hold firm no matter what happens. The oyster does
not travel around looking for its food. It sits and waits patiently, opening its doors so that God can provide it with
its sustenance. That sustenance comes through the water being distributed through it back and forth, and it is the
same with the Church. The water of the Holy Spirit has been given unto us to feed us with the proper things in life.
This water will always come. Every now and then a grain of sand will come which is an obstacle, which is
something that gives us pain we might say. That is not the kind of thing that we would look for, and so it is within
the Church. Many things come within the Church that we think are objectionable; but does the oyster throw it out –
No. Through the Grace of Christ it takes that objectionable thing and it works on it, and it coats it in a coating, a
white coating, a coating of righteousness, and this then becomes a shining precious pearl that others can look upon
and wish that they also could be partakers of this. That is why our Lord said – We must never judge in this life.
‘Judge not, and ye shall not be judged.’ We must show mercy, we must show compassion, we must show love, we
must follow His example. We must treat everyone as having God within them and we must never reject. We must
always try and encase them, lead them to the Grace of Christ so that they too can become another pearl, another
door, showing the way into this great kingdom that our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ has prepared for us. We are
blessed. We have received the Word of God over many years. We understand the blessings, but there are many out
there in the oceans as grains of sand that are flowing here and flowing there, and they have not yet lodged within
this home or within this living creature that can bring about a peace and contentment and beauty that they cannot
find within the world. We must constantly be aware of the obligation to tell others of this wonderful way into this
Kingdom of God.

Most of us make promises to ourselves to mark the beginning of a new year. We may resolve to save more, to exercise more, less time on the internet, to watch our diet, more contact with the family, work more for the church, more leisure time etc. etc. We begin with good intentions, but before long old habits tempt us to take up our old ways. We slip occasionally, then more frequently, and then most of the time. Finally, it’s as if our resolution never existed.

Instead of choosing our own self improvement goals, we might be better to ask ourselves “what does the Lord desire of me?” Our text, through the prophet, answered this in his day when the people were planning all the different sacrifices and offerings they could bring, when he told the people God wants us to do what is right, to be merciful, and to walk humbly with Him. All of these things relate to soul improvement rather than self improvement.

Thankfully, we don’t have to rely on our own strength. The Holy Spirit has the power to help us as believers in our Spiritual growth. Ephesians 3: 16-19 “That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ May dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.”

As we begin a new year let us resolve to allow The Spirit to allow us to be more like Christ and to walk humbly with God. The words in the often sung hymn tells us what we should ask of the Spirit.

Holy Spirit, faithful guide!

Ever near the Christians side,

Gently lead us by the hand,

Pilgrims in a desert land.

The above text shows us the scene of Christian Judgment.
In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus had already said that not all who said to Him: “Lord!”, would enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, but those who do the will of His Father in Heaven. “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name?, and in thy name have cast out devils?, and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity”. (Matthew 7:22-23)
To want to serve Jesus is good and lovely, but learn from His words: “inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” and “inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me!”
One still frequently hears too, words of so-called friends of Jesus: “Lord!, we have heard thy sermon, we have eaten and drunk in the fellowship, and participated in Holy Communion.” Then He will say to them: “Yes, you have served me and built me churches, you have worshipped me; but you have not helped me. I suffered, I strove, I fought against unrighteousness, I suffered slavery and misery, and you did not help me!” “Then comes the question: “Lord!, when have we seen you thus?” and Jesus answers emphatically: “No, you have not seen me thus, but you have seen your fellow men, your brethren and sisters, who have found themselves in all sorts of dire straits with regard to money and possessions, rest and solace, education and improvement. You have not helped, supported, saved. You have been unconciliating and have kept your time, your possessions, your knowledge, your love for yourselves.”
The Lord counts all these things as sins of commission and omission against Him. He says therefore: “Go from me, I do not know you. I do not recognize your Christianity!” “If only we had known!, “some will say. Here our error comes to light. We must not do good in order to please God and Christ or anyone else, but simply because it is good! The people around us are God’s creatures, just as we are, and therefore they are our neighbours, and God’s Kingdom must be spread amongst them. This has been understood by the other friends of Jesus who have blessed their fellow men and have stood by them without ever guessing that they were thus serving the Lord personally.
All service to man is service to idols. Jesus demands of us service to God such as He Himself performed. Service to God is perfect service. In this context we can learn from Him, who loved the world (mankind) so much that He gave His own life for men, that they might not be lost, but might have eternal life. His voice does not sound out for His own honour and His own glory, but to keep and to save, to perfect everything that is imperfect in us and around us. Inasmuch as we turn to Him out of gratitude, He says to you and me: “See, those are your neighbours, my brethren and your brethren!” – A day’s work for the Saviour, that is worth the trouble!

The story of David and Goliath becomes profound for Apostolic people of God when viewed through the lens of reliance on the Triune God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). It teaches us that life’s battles are not won by human strength or strategy alone but through faith, dependence, and obedience to God’s will. David’s strength was not in his own abilities but in his unwavering trust in God. “The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine” (1 Samuel 17:37).

In life, we often face our own “Goliaths” that seem impossible to overcome or opportunities that appear impossible to obtain. The lesson here is that our faith in the Triune God equips us to overcome and obtain. “For with God nothing shall be impossible.” (Luke 1:37).

David knew that he had to totally rely on God’s Divine Intervention and not just on his own physical ability and skill – nor on Saul’s armour. “Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.” (1 Samuel 17:45). We are reminded that our battles are not fought with worldly weapons but through the power of God. “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds.”(2 Corinthians 10:4).

No matter the trial or challenge we face, we must trust in the Lord’s wisdom and foresight with the full belief that He will provide and sustain us. “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” (Psalm 23:1) “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19).

David’s triumph over Goliath reminds us of the ultimate victory that Jesus Christ secured over Sin, Hell and Death.  Just as David’s battle was the Lord’s, so too is our victory in Christ. “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57)

David’s courage and precision did not come from human skill alone but from the empowering presence of the Spirit of God. In our lives, the Holy Spirit strengthens and guides us to face challenges and to obtain the perceived impossible. “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” (Zechariah 4:6). We are empowered by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit intercedes for us and gives us wisdom when we are weak. “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities.” (Romans 8:26).

God directed David’s hand and the stone to strike at the exact spot necessary for victory. When we rely on God, He directs us to the solution, even in the most impossible situations. The stone found the physical weak spot between Goliath’s eyes (unprotected by Goliath’s armour) due to spiritual insight and guidance, demonstrating how God guides us to victory, even against overwhelming odds – no matter how mighty or imposing an obstacle appears, there is always a weakness when viewed through the lens of God’s power and guidance. “He taketh the wise in their own craftiness: and the counsel of the froward is carried headlong.” (Job 5:13).

We are called to depend entirely on the Triune God: God the Father, who plans and provides for our needs.  The Son, who secures our victory through His Crucifix. The Holy Spirit, who empowers, guides, and sustains us in every battle, challenge and opportunity.

When faced with life’s “Goliaths”, we must remember through faith, obedience, and reliance on the Triune God, we can face any challenge and glorify Him in victory.  “If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). God sees what we cannot – their weaknesses – He guides us to strike at the precise point.  “The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.” (Exodus 14:14). “For the battle is not yours, but God’s.” (2 Chronicles 20:15).

The story of David and Goliath becomes profound for Apostolic people of God when viewed through the lens of reliance on the Triune God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). It teaches us that life’s battles are not won by human strength or strategy alone but through faith, dependence, and obedience to God’s will. David’s strength was not in his own abilities but in his unwavering trust in God. “The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine” (1 Samuel 17:37).

In life, we often face our own “Goliaths” that seem impossible to overcome or opportunities that appear impossible to obtain. The lesson here is that our faith in the Triune God equips us to overcome and obtain. “For with God nothing shall be impossible.” (Luke 1:37).

David knew that he had to totally rely on God’s Divine Intervention and not just on his own physical ability and skill – nor on Saul’s armour. “Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.” (1 Samuel 17:45). We are reminded that our battles are not fought with worldly weapons but through the power of God. “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds.”(2 Corinthians 10:4).

No matter the trial or challenge we face, we must trust in the Lord’s wisdom and foresight with the full belief that He will provide and sustain us. “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” (Psalm 23:1) “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19).

David’s triumph over Goliath reminds us of the ultimate victory that Jesus Christ secured over Sin, Hell and Death.  Just as David’s battle was the Lord’s, so too is our victory in Christ. “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57)

David’s courage and precision did not come from human skill alone but from the empowering presence of the Spirit of God. In our lives, the Holy Spirit strengthens and guides us to face challenges and to obtain the perceived impossible. “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” (Zechariah 4:6). We are empowered by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit intercedes for us and gives us wisdom when we are weak. “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities.” (Romans 8:26).

God directed David’s hand and the stone to strike at the exact spot necessary for victory. When we rely on God, He directs us to the solution, even in the most impossible situations. The stone found the physical weak spot between Goliath’s eyes (unprotected by Goliath’s armour) due to spiritual insight and guidance, demonstrating how God guides us to victory, even against overwhelming odds – no matter how mighty or imposing an obstacle appears, there is always a weakness when viewed through the lens of God’s power and guidance. “He taketh the wise in their own craftiness: and the counsel of the froward is carried headlong.” (Job 5:13).

We are called to depend entirely on the Triune God: God the Father, who plans and provides for our needs.  The Son, who secures our victory through His Crucifix. The Holy Spirit, who empowers, guides, and sustains us in every battle, challenge and opportunity.

When faced with life’s “Goliaths”, we must remember through faith, obedience, and reliance on the Triune God, we can face any challenge and glorify Him in victory.  “If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). God sees what we cannot – their weaknesses – He guides us to strike at the precise point.  “The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.” (Exodus 14:14). “For the battle is not yours, but God’s.” (2 Chronicles 20:15).

Proverbs 13:4 “The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: But the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.”

Proverbs 15:19 “The way of a slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: But the way of the righteous is made plain.”

Sluggards, is also described in scriptures as the slothful, aim to do as little as possible and to live off the labour of others. Like the animal that gives rise to the name, the person of sloth is slow moving, not concerned about completing tasks quickly or well. Lazy people want a life of ease with no commitment or responsibility. Sloth results in all kinds of problems. These may include loss of job, fractured relationship, stress, poverty and acute focus on self instead of pleasing God.

But the signs of sloth are not always obvious. A spirit of laziness can creep into our lives when we find excuses for not reading and studying scriptures or when we can’t seem to find time to participate in the work of the local Church or when we are just too tired to pray. Spiritual laziness leads to compromise and spiritual ignorance, which will keep us from maturing in the ways of the Lord.

Sloth is a tool of the enemy. He knows that if we allow laziness to rule, we will never fully realize the hope and promise that are ours in Jesus Christ. The good news is that laziness doesn’t have to become a fatal distraction; we can make a choice to turn away from that sin to view every tack as an opportunity to faithfully serve the Lord.

Spend some time in prayer asking God to show us any areas of laziness in our life. Remember, we are accountable for the talent and spiritual gifts God has given us. We are meant to be “a vessel for honour, sanctified, useful to the Maker, prepared for every good work”.

Knowing that, slothfulness is often characterized by laziness, an unwillingness to work, a lack of self-discipline. Slothfulness is the sin of doing nothing or as little as possible.

2 Thessalonians 3:6

“Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ that you withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.