Shiloh: Faith isn’t ritual—keep it real

 Shiloh: Where God’s Presence Once Dwelled

By: JK. Woodall, Ph.D.

In Israel’s early history, Shiloh stood as a place of great significance. It was here, after the conquest of Canaan, that the people set up the tabernacle, and God’s presence dwelled among them in a profound way (Joshua 18:1). For years, Shiloh served as the center of Israelite worship, where the Ark of the Covenant rested, and the people would come to offer sacrifices, seek guidance, and experience God’s presence. This sanctuary represented hope, promise, and the fulfillment of God’s word to bring Israel into the Promised Land. At Shiloh, the people encountered God’s blessings and protection and felt secure in His covenant relationship with them.

The Positive Significance of #Shiloh

Shiloh carried a beautiful and powerful symbolism in Israel’s story. It represented stability after years of wandering in the wilderness and served as the first permanent worship center in the land given by God. Shiloh was a place where God’s promises were realized, where the people could gather in unity, and where His presence was manifest. Here, Joshua divided the land among the tribes (Joshua 18:10), and people came to celebrate the annual feasts, binding them together as a nation under #YHWH. Shiloh was also the place where Hannah, in deep prayer, received God’s promise for a son, Samuel, who would grow up to be a prophet and leader of Israel (1 Samuel 1:9-20). These stories reflect Shiloh’s role as a place where God hears, answers, and fulfills His #promises.

Why #God Forsook Shiloh

Despite Shiloh’s initial role as a #holy place, over time, the people’s attitude and behavior deteriorated. Israel began to stray from their covenant responsibilities, treating the tabernacle, the Ark, and even God’s presence with a casual, entitled mindset. Instead of honoring God with true devotion, they relied on rituals and symbols, assuming that God’s presence in Shiloh would automatically protect them, regardless of their spiritual state.

One of the most striking examples of this #spiritual decay came through the actions of Eli’s sons, Hophni and Phinehas, who were priests at Shiloh. They abused their priestly role, exploiting the people and desecrating the sacrifices intended for God (1 Samuel 2:12-17, 22). Their corruption and disrespect for the sacred elements of worship turned Shiloh from a place of holiness into one of moral decline. This led to a dangerous mindset among the people, who began to treat the Ark as a mere object of power rather than a symbol of their covenant with God.

In response, God allowed the Philistines to defeat Israel and capture the Ark (1 Samuel 4:1-11). This was a moment of profound judgment: not only was the Ark taken, but Shiloh itself was destroyed, symbolizing that God’s presence could not be contained by buildings or rituals if His people were unfaithful. Psalm 78:60 and Jeremiah 7:12-14 reference Shiloh as an example of God’s judgment, showing that God would abandon even the most sacred of places if His people abandoned Him. This forsaking of Shiloh was a divine warning to all generations that God’s blessings are conditional upon true faith and obedience, not empty rituals.

The #Lesson of Shiloh for Today

As we consider the legacy of Shiloh, it serves as both an inspiration and a caution. Naming an event “Shiloh” or choosing to gather in the spirit of Shiloh should remind us of the profound presence of God that once rested there and the blessings of obedience and faith. However, we must also remember the downfall of Shiloh, a warning against complacency, entitlement, and the dangers of corrupt leaders who do not honor the sacred calling of their roles.

As in the days of Shiloh, we are called to seek God with genuine hearts, to honor His holiness, and to reject any sense of ritualistic faith that lacks true devotion. Shiloh reminds us that God’s presence cannot be confined to symbols or locations; it resides where there is purity, humility, and reverence for Him. Let the story of Shiloh inspire us to pursue an authentic relationship with God, free from compromise and corruption, so that His presence may truly dwell among us. And if we are ever tempted to trust in symbols over substance, or to place our faith in leaders rather than in God Himself, let us remember Shiloh’s fate—and beware of corrupt priests who lead us astray.

We Want To See Jesus

 #Biblical Commentary: Nisan the 10th Day

We Want To See Jesus

#Introduction

Nisan 10 marks a day of profound significance in the biblical calendar, falling on April 6, 32 AD in the Julian calendar. It’s on this day that Jesus entered Jerusalem, initiating a series of events that would forever change the world. Here, the convergence of ancient Passover practices and Jesus’ actions reveal a divine timeline, leading us to witness the powerful parallels between the Passover lamb and Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. By tracing these events from Nisan 10 through Nisan 14, we see God’s redemptive plan unfold in ways both awe-inspiring and deeply personal.

#Nisan 10 (April 6, 32 AD): The Presentation of the King

On Nisan 10, Jewish families began selecting their Passover lambs—lambs without blemish, chosen as the sacrificial offering (Exodus 12:3). These lambs were more than just symbols of tradition; they represented deliverance and protection. 

As the people of Israel prepared for Passover, Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey to the cheers of an enthusiastic crowd. Cries of “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Mark 11:9) filled the air. This was not just a kingly welcome; it was a declaration, a recognition that Jesus was indeed the Messiah, the chosen Lamb who would bring deliverance from sin. As the Passover lamb was selected for Israel’s deliverance from Egypt, so was Jesus chosen by the people—though they did not yet fully understand that he was destined to be their ultimate sacrifice.

#TheInspection Period: Divine Scrutiny

From Nisan 10 to Nisan 14, the selected lambs were inspected meticulously, ensuring they were flawless. Jesus, too, faced intense scrutiny during this period. The religious leaders questioned him repeatedly, testing his teachings and looking for any flaw. Yet, like the Passover lamb, Jesus remained blameless, standing as the embodiment of the perfect, unblemished sacrifice.

This inspection period highlighted a painful irony: those who should have recognized Jesus as the Messiah instead interrogated him. Their scrutiny was itself a sign of his fulfillment of the sacrificial lamb’s role, as the Lamb of God was tested and found faultless.

#Nisan 14 (April 10, 32 AD): The Ultimate Sacrifice

On Nisan 14, as families in Jerusalem prepared to sacrifice their Passover lambs, the prophecy reached its fulfillment. That same day, Jesus was crucified, becoming the true Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7). As he hung on the cross, his blood was poured out for the world, securing eternal deliverance for all who believe. Just as the lamb’s blood marked the Israelites' homes, shielding them from death (Exodus 12:6), Jesus’ blood offers us eternal protection from spiritual death.

When a Roman soldier pierced Jesus’ side and blood and water flowed out (John 19:34), this final act signified the completion of his sacrifice. This ultimate shedding of blood sealed our salvation and affirmed his identity as the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world.

#TheSignificance of the Sacrificial Lamb

The Passover lamb stood as a powerful symbol of atonement and protection, but it was always intended to point beyond itself. The lamb’s sacrifice was a foreshadowing of the Lamb of God, whose blood would bring not just temporary deliverance, but everlasting salvation.

John the Baptist’s words, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29), resonate with new depth in light of these events. Jesus is the fulfillment of every Passover lamb, inaugurating a new covenant of grace, forgiveness, and redemption.

#Conclusion

Reflecting on Nisan 10 and its culmination on Nisan 14 reveals the breathtaking precision of God’s redemptive plan. Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on Nisan 10 (April 6, 32 AD) leads to his sacrificial death on Nisan 14 (April 10, 32 AD), where he fulfills the role of the ultimate Passover Lamb. His sacrifice marks us for deliverance, just as the blood of the lamb protected the Israelites.

Let this truth resonate deeply in our hearts: as the Israelites were shielded by the lamb’s blood, we are eternally covered by the blood of Christ, our Savior. Embracing this reality allows us to celebrate the victory of the Lamb who was sacrificed for our sins and resurrected for our justification. Walking in the light of this truth, may we proclaim the Good News of our King and Lamb, forever grateful for his redeeming love.

Fallen Asleep: Waking Up or Transformation

Biblical Commentary
Fallen Asleep: Waking Up or Transformation

By Dr. JK Woodall

When Jesus arrived at the grave of Lazarus, He told His disciples, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up” (John 11:11). The disciples, thinking Lazarus was simply resting, responded, “Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better” (John 11:12). Their misunderstanding was rooted in a limited perspective, one bound by human logic and a natural understanding of death. Yet Jesus, as the Lord, was speaking of something much deeper. To Him, Lazarus was not dead, but alive. Jesus was preparing to reveal a profound truth: in His presence, death is not the end but the beginning of life.

The conversation between Jesus and His disciples is pivotal because it highlights the gap between human perception and divine reality. The disciples struggled to comprehend that, in the hands of the Lord, death could be reversed and transformed into life. Jesus, knowing their confusion, clarified: “Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe” (John 11:14-15). He needed them to witness this miracle, not just for Lazarus’ sake, but for their own faith journey.

The Lord’s Perspective: Speaking Life Into Death

As they approached the tomb of Lazarus, Jesus knew His disciples still had difficulty seeing beyond the natural realm. To them, a tomb was a place of finality—a symbol of death. But to Jesus, it was a temporary resting place. When He said Lazarus was “sleeping,” He was speaking from His divine perspective. In His eyes, death was nothing more than sleep, a state from which He could awaken anyone by the power of His word.

Jesus wasn’t simply offering comfort in a moment of grief; He was making a declaration about His authority over life and death. The same Lord who had spoken the world into existence (John 1:1-3) was now speaking life into what appeared to be the ultimate end. His words, however, were more than a command for Lazarus—they were an invitation to the disciples to see beyond the tomb, beyond the grave, and into the life-giving power of God.

The Struggle to See Life in the Tomb

This interaction between Jesus and His disciples foreshadows a greater challenge they would face just days later: seeing life in the tomb of Jesus Himself. If they struggled to comprehend the reality of life at the tomb of Lazarus, how would they understand what would happen at Jesus’ own tomb? The raising of Lazarus was a sign meant to prepare them, yet even then, their human limitations made it difficult for them to grasp the fullness of life that Christ would bring.

Jesus’ miracle at Lazarus’ tomb was not just about calling a man back from the dead—it was about revealing that death is not an obstacle to God’s plan. In fact, death is part of the process of transformation. This event was a prelude to the ultimate victory Jesus would achieve over death in His own resurrection. The disciples’ struggle to see life at Lazarus’ tomb mirrors the challenge we all face when confronted with circumstances that seem beyond hope.

If We Cannot See Life in Lazarus’ Tomb, How Will We See Life in Christ’s?

The tomb of Lazarus was a foreshadowing of another, more significant tomb: the one Jesus Himself would occupy. Jesus knew that if His disciples could not see life in what appeared to be a lifeless situation with Lazarus, they would struggle even more to believe when He lay in His own tomb. Jesus was preparing them, teaching them that the presence of death is not the absence of life. What seems dead to us is alive in the hands of God.

When Jesus stood before Lazarus’ tomb and called out, “Lazarus, come forth,” He wasn’t just performing a miracle; He was demonstrating His mastery over death. The disciples needed to witness this, to understand that life in Christ cannot be extinguished by death. But even after seeing Lazarus rise, they would still find it difficult to fully believe in the resurrection power of Jesus when He Himself was placed in the grave.

It wasn’t until after Jesus rose from His own tomb that the disciples fully grasped the depth of His words. In both cases, the lesson was the same: life, not death, has the final word in the kingdom of God. Just as He called Lazarus forth from the grave, Jesus would rise by His own power, transforming the grave from a symbol of defeat into a gateway to eternal life.

Seeing Life in What Appears Dead

For us today, the lesson remains: we must learn to see life where we perceive death. Jesus continually calls us to look beyond the natural, to see with the eyes of faith. What looks dead—a relationship, a dream, a calling—is not dead to Jesus. He sees life where we see only lifelessness, and He invites us to trust in His ability to bring forth life from even the most hopeless situations.

In the same way that Jesus declared Lazarus to be asleep, He speaks to the dead areas of our lives, saying, “This is not the end; life is still here.” We may struggle, like the disciples, to understand His words, especially when faced with circumstances that seem final. Yet Jesus calls us to believe—to see life, not death, as the final state. When we view our lives through the eyes of Christ, we discover that what we thought was dead is merely sleeping, waiting for the voice of the Lord to call it forth into newness of life.

Conclusion: From Death to Life, From Sleep to Awakening

The story of Lazarus is more than a miracle of resurrection; it is a call to see life in what we may perceive as dead. Jesus, who spoke life into Lazarus’ tomb, would later conquer His own grave, transforming death into life for all who believe. The challenge for us is to open our eyes, to see with faith, and to trust in the life-giving power of Jesus.

As we stand before the tombs in our own lives—places that seem lifeless and beyond hope—let us remember that Jesus does not see death as the final state. To Him, death is sleep, and sleep is an invitation to awaken to the transformation that only He can bring. Just as He called Lazarus from the grave and walked out of His own tomb, He calls us to believe in the life that is always present, even when we can’t yet see it.

Biblical Commentary: Temples Will Fall

 

Biblical Commentary: Temples
By JK. Woodall, Ph.D.

Throughout the Bible, temples serve as significant places of worship and the presence of God. Yet, the destruction of three prominent temples—the Temple of Baal-Berith in Judges 9, King Solomon's Temple, and the Second Temple in 70 AD—reveals deep lessons about misplaced faith, judgment, and the ultimate protection we find in Jesus Christ, our Rock and Fortress.

The Destruction of the Baal Temple: A False Security

In Judges 9, the leaders of Shechem sought refuge in the Temple of Baal-Berith, trusting it to shield them from Abimelech’s attack. However, the temple was set ablaze, and all those who ran inside perished. This tragic event illustrates the futility of relying on false gods and idols for protection. The people of Shechem had turned away from the true God and placed their trust in a powerless structure. The fire that consumed them revealed the spiritual emptiness of their choice, showing that misplaced trust leads to destruction.

King Solomon's Temple: Judgment on a Nation

King Solomon’s Temple was a magnificent symbol of Israel's covenant with Yahweh. Yet, when the nation repeatedly turned to idolatry, forsaking their commitment to God, the temple was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BCE. The fall of Solomon’s Temple serves as a sobering reminder that even sacred structures cannot protect a people who have abandoned their God. Despite its beauty and grandeur, the temple was consumed because the people’s hearts had strayed far from their covenant with the Lord.

This destruction emphasizes that true faith is not found in external structures but in a living, active relationship with God. The burning of Solomon’s Temple foreshadows the consequences of forsaking God, no matter how great the physical manifestations of our faith may seem.

Jesus’ Prophecy and the Destruction of the Second Temple

In Matthew 24:1-2, Jesus warned of the destruction of the Second Temple: “Do you see all these things? Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.” This prophecy was fulfilled in 70 AD, when the Romans destroyed the temple, as recorded by the historian Josephus. Josephus recounts that the people fled into the temple for protection, believing its walls would save them, only to be consumed by fire. Once again, the temple, once thought to provide safety, became a place of judgment.

Jesus' words were not only a prophecy of physical destruction but a warning against the emptiness of religious formalism. The temple, a symbol of God's presence, was no longer enough to protect those who had forsaken true worship and obedience. Their reliance on the external without a heart for God led to ruin.

Jesus Christ: Our Rock and Fortress

While the physical temples in Scripture were destroyed due to misplaced trust, we are reminded through these events that Jesus Christ is our true Rock and Fortress. Just as Moses was placed in the cleft of the rock for protection from the overwhelming glory of God in Exodus 33, we find our protection in Jesus. 1 Corinthians 10:4 tells us that the spiritual rock that accompanied Israel was Christ Himself. Jesus shields us from judgment, covering us with His righteousness and giving us access to God.

Just as Moses found safety in the rock, we are called to stay in Jesus, our firm foundation. He is the Rock in whom we find shelter from the storms of life and the only one who can protect us from the eternal consequences of sin. Trusting in external rituals or structures will lead to destruction, but trusting in Jesus, the Living Rock, leads to life.

Lessons from the Destruction of the Temples

The destruction of the Baal Temple, Solomon's Temple, and the Second Temple shows that placing trust in anything other than God leads to judgment. The people who ran into these physical structures for refuge found death, not safety. These events serve as powerful warnings: we cannot rely on the external without cultivating a true, internal faith in God.

In contrast, through Jesus Christ, we have an eternal Rock and Fortress who will never fail. Temples may fall, but those who stand firm in Christ will endure. He is our protector, and it is in Him alone that we find salvation and refuge. We must stay in Jesus, the One who provides the ultimate protection, and build our lives on His unshakable foundation.

The Word Became Something

 

The Word Became Something

In the beginning was the Word. This Word was with God, and this Word was God. Through Him, everything was made. Yet, in an act of unimaginable love and humility, the Word became something—He became flesh. He chose to lower Himself, stepping down from His divine glory to walk among us, to live as one of us, and to bring us back into the family of God.

In John 1:14, we read, “The Word became flesh and tabernacled among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” Here, "the Word" (Logos) refers to Jesus Christ. In John’s Gospel, Logos isn’t just a spoken word; it refers to the eternal expression of God Himself. Just as words are derived from the mind to express thoughts and intentions, Jesus is the true Logos—the ultimate expression of God's mind, heart, and purpose—walking on the earth.

John reveals that the Word, who existed from the beginning, was not only with God but was God. This profound connection means that when Jesus came to earth, He was the visible, tangible Word of God, showing us the Father in human form. In John 1:18, it says, “No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is Himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made Him known.”

Jesus, the Logos, is the living message of God. He is the wisdom, the mind, and the very essence of God in bodily form. Through Him, we see who God truly is—full of grace and truth. Jesus didn’t just speak words of life; He is the Word of Life itself.

This understanding emphasizes that the only way to truly see God and know His heart is through His Son, Jesus Christ. As John 14:6 says, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Jesus is the Logos—the way we understand and experience God, and the only path to eternal life with the Father.

But how does this relate to our journey with Christ? The same humility that brought Jesus down from heaven is the path we must take to become the sons and daughters He calls us to be.

Jesus' journey of lowering Himself shows us that the way to God isn’t through pride, self-exaltation, or striving for status. Instead, it’s through humility and surrender. Philippians 2:6-8 reminds us that, although Jesus was in the very nature of God, He “made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant... He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!”

Jesus lowered Himself so that He could lift us up into the family of God. He calls us to follow Him, not by trying to elevate ourselves, but by surrendering our lives and embracing humility. Just as the Word became flesh, we too must become something different—we must humble ourselves to become who God calls us to be.

As the Word became something, so too will we become the Imago Dei—the image of God. When we humble ourselves and follow Christ, we are transformed to reflect His likeness. We were created in God’s image, but through the humility and surrender of Christ, that image is restored and renewed in us. Romans 8:29 tells us that we are predestined "to be conformed to the image of His Son," meaning that as we lower ourselves, God shapes us into the perfect reflection of Christ.

The Bible says in James 4:10, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.” This is the heart of the gospel: when we lower ourselves in humility, God raises us up as His sons and daughters. To be a follower of Christ is to take up our cross daily, to deny ourselves, and to follow His example of servanthood and sacrifice.

Jesus' life was one of servanthood, and so is ours. When we humble ourselves, God works through us in ways we could never imagine. It’s in lowering ourselves that we make room for God’s grace to fill us, transform us, and elevate us into the sons and daughters of the Most High.

Today, let us be encouraged to reflect on how Jesus, the Word, became something for us. He became flesh, lived among us, and tabernacled in our midst so that we could rise in Him. The only way we can truly see the Lord is through His Son, Jesus, the true Logos of God. He is the way, the truth, and the life. We are invited to humble ourselves, to follow His example, and to allow God to lift us up into His family.

As we lower ourselves, we become the Imago Dei—restored in His image, sons and daughters reflecting the beauty and love of our Lord.

Let’s embrace humility, follow Christ’s example, and walk confidently in the truth that we are God’s children—called, loved, and lifted by His grace.

JK. Woodall, Ph.D. 

RESISTANCE is Victory!

 

RESISTANCE is Victory!

Dear Fellow Saints,

I greet you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

In 1 Peter 5:8-9, the Apostle Peter gives us a powerful command: “Be **sober**, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. #Resist him, steadfast in the faith.”

My fellow saints, #resistance is not just about enduring; it is #victory in the life of a believer. The place where we can successfully #resist the devil is in faith. It is **in faith** that we find the strength to push back against the enemy’s attacks. Faith is our place of refuge and our ground for battle. Outside of faith, we are weak, but when we remain **in faith**, we are fortified and able to withstand every scheme of the adversary.

Peter also urges us to be **sober**. This is more than staying free from substances that dull our minds—it’s about freeing ourselves from the worldly intoxications that can blur our focus. Titles, recognition, and people’s praise can all become traps. The enemy uses these to shift our attention away from Christ and toward self-exaltation, but when we are #sober, we see clearly. We recognize these distractions for what they are and refuse to be ensnared by them.

Being **in faith** means keeping our hearts and minds aligned with God’s will, refusing to let the world’s praises or temptations pull us away. **In faith**, we stay grounded, knowing that our strength comes not from human accolades or our own achievements, but from Christ alone.

So, my fellow saints, I encourage you today: **Resist** the devil, but know that your place of **resistance** is **in faith**. **In faith**, we find the strength to remain vigilant and sober. **In faith**, we stay focused on Jesus. **In faith**, we have already won the victory. 

Stay strong, stay sober, and remain **in faith**, for **resistance** is truly **victory**.

With love and steadfast faith,  

Pst. JK. Woodall  

Mountain Mover

 

Is This Mountain an Obstacle or a Path to Elevation?

---

Dear Friends,

I hope this letter finds you in peace. As I reflect on life’s challenges, I’m reminded that mountains can either feel like obstacles or opportunities for elevation. Paul’s experience in 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 paints a clear picture of this dual reality. Though he was “caught up” to new spiritual heights by God, he still faced a thorn in his flesh—a challenge that remained. Despite his prayers for it to be removed, God reminded him that His grace was sufficient.

We often look at the mountains in our own lives and see only the difficulties. But I want to ask you a question today: Is this mountain an obstacle, or is it here to elevate you?

In Deuteronomy 33:29, God says, “Your enemies will cower before you, and you will tread on their heights.” This verse reminds us that the very mountains we face might be lifting us up, not blocking our way. Like standing on the shoulders of giants, God positions us on higher ground—giving us a greater perspective, strength, and vision through His grace.

As you face your own mountains, consider whether they are meant to hold you back or if God is using them to elevate you. Even with the thorns that may remain, His grace is all we need to keep climbing and rise above.

In His grace,

JK. Woodall, Ph.D.