“And those who will walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.” — Galatians 6:16 (NASB 1995)
Paul speaks a blessing over those who “walk by this rule”—the new creation life led by the Spirit, not the flesh.
This kind of walk is marked by peace and mercy—not perfection. The Spirit leads us in humble dependence, and when we walk that way, God’s peace and mercy rest on us.
There is deep rest in surrender. When we stop striving and walk in step with the Spirit, we find the peace we were made for.
Reflection: Am I walking in the Spirit’s leading—or my own strength?
Prayer: Holy Spirit, I want to walk in the peace that comes from following You. Keep me in step with Your voice today. Amen.
One World Government: “And the ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast. These are of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the beast.” (Revelation 17:12–13) — This speaks of a future global confederation of kings (or regions) who unite under the authority of the Antichrist. This is a centralized world government, short-lived and driven by satanic influence (Rev. 13:2), ultimately giving rise to the final Beast system described in Daniel and Revelation.
One World Religion: “So he carried me away in the Spirit into the wilderness. And I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast… And on her forehead a name was written: MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.” (Revelation 17:3–5) — Revelation 17 describes Mystery Babylon, a global false religious system that fornicates with kings and seduces the world into spiritual adultery. This woman rides the Beast, meaning the Antichrist initially uses religion to gain global control, but later destroys her (Rev. 17:16–17). This fits the image’s implication of interfaith ecumenicalism paving the way for universal worship , eventually pointing to the worship of the Beast himself (Rev. 13:8).
One Leader: “And he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week; but in the middle of the week he shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate…” — Daniel 9:27 (NKJV); “Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition.” (2 Thessalonians 2:3 (NKJV) — This leader is the Antichrist, described as the Little Horn (Dan. 7:8), the Beast from the sea (Rev. 13:1), and the man of sin (2 Thess. 2:3). He rises in a time of chaos, offering peace and order, but ultimately demands worship and blasphemes God.
One Purpose: “It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation.” (Revelation 13:7); “All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life…” (Revelation 13:8) — The “one purpose” of Satan is to unite mankind in rebellion against God, to exalt himself above all that is called God (2 Thess. 2:4), and to enslave the world in spiritual darkness.
“And in the Darkness Bind Them”: “He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark… and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast…” (Revelation 13:16–17) — This is bondage in darkness, not merely economic control, but spiritual enslavement, sealing allegiance to the Beast and eternal separation from God for those who take the mark (Rev. 14:9–11). The world is not heading toward unity, peace, and progress, it is heading toward consolidated rebellion under Satan’s final push. But Jesus Christ, the true King, will return and shatter this false unity with the sword of His mouth (Revelation 19:15).
“And the kingdom and dominion… shall be given to the people, the saints of the Most High.” — Daniel 7:27 (NKJV)
“But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” — Galatians 6:14 (NASB 1995)
We don’t brag about our toys, our grades, or how good we are.
We brag about Jesus—because He saved us!
That’s what Paul says in the Bible. The Holy Spirit helps us love the cross and live for Jesus.
Try This: Tell someone one thing you love about Jesus today.
Prayer: Holy Spirit, help me brag about Jesus, not myself. I’m so glad He loves me! Amen.
“But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” — Galatians 6:14 (NASB 1995)
Everything in this world tempts us to find value in ourselves—our work, image, influence, or performance. But Paul flips it all: Boast only in the cross.
The Spirit reveals this: the world no longer owns us. Its applause doesn’t define us. We are crucified to it, and it to us. Our life is hidden in Christ.
Reflection: What am I tempted to boast in besides the cross?
Prayer: Holy Spirit, remind me that the cross is enough. Strip away my pride and help me glory in what Jesus did—nothing more. Amen.
From the Series: The Ark of the Covenant as a Prophetic Game Changer
“For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect.” — Hebrews 10:1 (NKJV)
The Ark of the Covenant was the most sacred object in Israel’s history. It symbolized God’s presence, His covenant, and His holiness. But as powerful as those symbols were, they were never the end in themselves. They were shadows pointing forward to Christ — the true presence of God, the ultimate mediator, and the fulfillment of all God’s promises.
The Mercy Seat — Christ Our Atonement
The mercy seat atop the Ark was sprinkled with sacrificial blood once a year on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:14–15). This foreshadowed Christ, whose blood is the once-for-all atonement for sin:
“Whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith.” — Romans 3:25
Christ’s cross became the true mercy seat, where wrath was satisfied and mercy was poured out.
The Tablets of the Covenant — Christ the Word Made Flesh
Inside the Ark were the stone tablets of the Law (Deuteronomy 10:5). They testified to God’s righteous standard. But Israel could not keep the Law perfectly. Christ fulfilled it completely:
“Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.” — Matthew 5:17
He is the living Word, written not on stone but on hearts (2 Corinthians 3:3).
The Manna — Christ the Bread of Life
The golden pot of manna reminded Israel of God’s provision in the wilderness (Exodus 16:33). Jesus declared Himself the true bread from heaven:
“I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.” — John 6:35
The manna sustained for a day; Christ satisfies for eternity.
Aaron’s Rod That Budded — Christ the Resurrection and Life
Aaron’s rod budded with blossoms as a sign of God’s chosen priesthood (Numbers 17:8). This pointed forward to Christ, our eternal High Priest, confirmed by resurrection power:
“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.” — John 11:25
The rod bloomed with life from death; Christ conquered the grave.
The Ark Itself — Christ With Us
Above all, the Ark was the meeting place of God and man:
“There I will meet with you, and I will speak with you from above the mercy seat.” — Exodus 25:22
In Christ, God came to dwell with us: “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” — John 1:14
Where the Ark was a shadow, Christ is the substance.
Our Hope and Assurance
If the Ark is ever rediscovered, it will testify to history. But Christ is greater than history. He is the fulfillment of every symbol within the Ark, the true presence of God, and the sure hope of salvation.
The Ark pointed forward to Him. He is the greater glory, the eternal mercy seat, and the King who will return.
Reflection Questions
How does each item in the Ark point to Christ’s work and identity?
Why is it dangerous to focus on relics or symbols apart from their fulfillment in Christ?
How can this understanding strengthen your confidence in God’s promises today?
Closing Prayer
Lord, thank You that every shadow finds its fulfillment in Christ. Keep us from clinging to symbols when we have the substance. Fix our eyes on Jesus, our mercy seat, our bread of life, our resurrection and our eternal King. Amen.
The Man of Lawlessness (Antichrist) is a prophetic certainty (2 Thessalonians 2:3–4; Daniel 9:27; Matthew 24:15). The Ark of the Covenant is seen in heaven (Revelation 11:19).
However, the role of the earthly Ark in end-times prophecy is a matter of theory, not doctrine. Its rediscovery could align with prophecy (Temple rebuilding, Antichrist’s deception, global conflict), but Scripture does not require this for God’s plan to unfold.
We handle prophecy with reverence:
Certainties we hold tightly.
Theories we explore carefully.
Speculation we avoid.
Let Scripture remain our anchor as we watch and wait for Christ’s return.
“But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” — Galatians 6:14 (NASB 1995)
It’s natural for children to be proud of what they can do. But it’s supernatural to boast only in Jesus.
This kind of humility isn’t self-hate—it’s Spirit-born love for the cross.
As moms, we model this when we value Christ above everything else. The Spirit uses our example to shape their hearts.
Family Talk:
What kinds of things do people usually boast about?
Why does Paul say we should only boast in the cross?
Prayer: Holy Spirit, help our family see that Jesus is worth more than anything else. Let us boast only in Him. Amen.
