Meditate on the Word - For a Decent and Investigative Christianity (EN)

When we analyze Scripture, the name Melchizedek stands out as one of the Bible's most enigmatic figures. He appears briefly, yet with a depth that challenges the reader to grasp his theological significance. Was Melchizedek merely a historical person, or did he represent something greater in God’s divine plan? Historical Context Melchizedek is first mentioned in Genesis 14:18-20, shortly after Abraham wins a battle to rescue his nephew Lot. He is introduced as the "King of Salem" and "Priest of God Most High." In this encounter, Melchizedek brings bread and wine, blesses Abraham, and receives a tithe of everything from him. His brief mention in Genesis is rich in symbolism and raises important questions: How did he become a priest? And why is he unconnected to the Levitical lineage, which would only be established much later? Melchizedek as a Prophecy of the Messiah In Psalm 110:4, David prophesies about the Messiah: “You are a priest forever, in the order of Me...

  Holiness, often understood as a state of moral and spiritual purity, is God's call to His children throughout all ages. In the face of the challenges of the modern world, where cultural values often clash with Christian principles, living a life set apart for God can seem increasingly difficult. However, the command to pursue holiness remains unchanged and is vital for those who wish to see the Lord. This article explores the meaning of holiness in light of the Scriptures, highlighting the importance of a life of separation, correction, transformation, and constant communion with God. Holiness and Separation from the World (Hebrews 12:14) The author of Hebrews challenges us with this exhortation: "Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14). Sanctification, or holiness, is the process of being set apart for God, which implies living according to His teachings and rejecting values and practices that are contrary to ...

  Luke 15:4-5 presents one of Jesus' most beautiful parables, the Good Shepherd seeking his lost sheep. In Luke 15:4-5, we read: "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home." This passage illustrates the immense love and care of God for each of us. Even when we stray from the path, the Good Shepherd never gives up on us. He seeks us with patience and tenderness until He brings us back to the safety of His presence. How often, in the midst of our daily struggles, do we feel lost, like that sheep wandering away from the flock? The emptiness, the sense of loneliness, and the search for answers in the wrong places make us feel disconnected and directionless. Yet, just like the shepherd in the parable, Jesus sees us in our distress and comes to our rescue. He not only finds us, but He ca...

  Holiness, often understood as a state of moral and spiritual purity, is a call from God to His children throughout all ages. Amid the challenges of the modern world, where cultural values often clash with Christian principles, living a life set apart for God can seem increasingly difficult. However, the command to seek holiness remains unchanged and vital for those who desire to see the Lord. This article explores the meaning of holiness in light of the Scriptures, highlighting the importance of a life of separation, correction, transformation, and constant communion with God. Holiness and Separation from the World (Hebrews 12:14) The author of Hebrews challenges us with the following exhortation: "Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14). Sanctification, or holiness, is the process of being set apart for God, which implies living according to His teachings and rejecting values and practices that conflict with His w...

 Forgiveness is a deeply transformative act, and while many focus on the importance of forgiving others, self-forgiveness is equally crucial. The way we judge ourselves, often harsher than the judgment we receive from others, can leave us trapped in a cycle of guilt, shame, and self-condemnation. In this article, we will explore the steps toward self-forgiveness, drawing from a reflective devotional journey to understand how to extend grace and mercy to ourselves, just as we are called to do with others. Facing the Reality of Our Mistakes When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, their first reaction was to hide—using fig leaves to cover their shame and guilt. This instinct to conceal our mistakes is common to all of us. We often try to mask our errors with excuses, distractions, or defensive behaviors. However, just as hiding did not solve Adam and Eve’s problem, avoiding or denying our mistakes only prolongs the pain. Facing the reality of our sins head-on is the first step...

  My focus is eternity Anxiety is a powerful force that ties us to the future, diverting our attention from the present and stealing our peace. Jesus calls us to live one day at a time, trusting that He will take care of us. When we focus on eternity, we find peace and purpose in the present. The Traps of Anxiety Anxiety makes us constantly think about the "what ifs." What if we lose our job? What if we get sick? What if something happens to our loved ones? These thoughts paralyze us, preventing us from enjoying the present moment and fully trusting in God's provision. Jesus instructed us not to worry about tomorrow, for each day has its own challenges (Matthew 6:34). He invites us to live in the present, to focus on His presence, and to trust that He will meet all our needs. Identifying the Source of Anxiety To deal with anxiety, it's essential to identify the areas where it is stealing our peace. It could be at work, in the family, with health, or finances. By rec...

Matthew 7:13-14  "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." Jesus presents us with a clear choice between two paths: one leading to life and the other to destruction. The wide gate and broad road represent easy and popular choices that often seem attractive because they require little effort and sacrifice. However, this path leads to destruction. In contrast, the small gate and narrow road represent the commitment and dedication required to follow Christ, a path that few choose because it is difficult and demanding. The metaphor of the narrow gate is a call to serious and deep commitment to God. Jesus challenges us not to follow the crowd that opts for the easy path, but to choose the path that leads to life, even though it is harder. This path requires us to leave behind our comforts and face challenges. ...