BEYOND EHUD: THE LEFT-HANDED WARRIORS OF BENJAMIN PART 1: THE TRIBE THAT CARRIED AN UNUSUAL HAND

Image
BEYOND EHUD: THE LEFT-HANDED WARRIORS OF BENJAMIN PART 1: THE TRIBE THAT CARRIED AN UNUSUAL HAND Judges 20:16 (NLT) "Among Benjamin's elite troops were 700 select left-handed warriors, each of whom could sling a stone and hit a target within a hair's breadth, without missing." The story of Ehud introduced us to a powerful truth: God can use what people overlook. Ehud was not chosen because he fit human expectations. He was chosen because God saw purpose in what others may have considered unusual. His left-handedness was not a limitation. It was part of God's strategy. But after the story of Ehud, Scripture reveals something even more remarkable. Ehud was not the only left-handed warrior connected to Benjamin. There was a company of them. Seven hundred elite warriors. Men whose difference became their advantage. Men whose unusual ability became a weapon in the hands of God. This takes us beyond Ehud. A Tribe With A Surprising Identity The warriors of Judges 20 came...
Post a Comment

KINGDOM COLONIZATION: EXPANDING HEAVEN’S RULE ON EARTH PART 4: THE NECESSITY OF SPIRITUAL BIRTH — WHY NO ONE CAN ENTER GOD’S KINGDOM WITHOUT BEING BORN AGAIN

🌍 KINGDOM COLONIZATION: EXPANDING HEAVEN’S RULE ON EARTH


PART 4: THE NECESSITY OF SPIRITUAL BIRTH — WHY NO ONE CAN ENTER GOD’S KINGDOM WITHOUT BEING BORN AGAIN



John 3:1-17

There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God...Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God...

That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit...


Previously, we discovered that every colony mirrors the kingdom that rules it. Likewise, every believer should reflect Heaven’s values on earth — righteousness, love, and truth. We learned that God’s Kingdom expands through transformed lives, not territorial conquest.


No one becomes a citizen of a nation without first being born into it or legally accepted. Likewise, entrance into God’s Kingdom requires a new birth — not of the flesh, but of the Spirit (John 3:5). This divine transformation is not just a change in status but a complete renewal, marking the beginning of our journey as Kingdom citizens, aligned with God’s rule and purpose.


The Necessity of Spiritual Birth

Throughout history, colonized nations often had local leaders who resisted or misunderstood the ways of their new rulers. Similarly, Nicodemus — a respected Pharisee and teacher of the law — struggled to comprehend the nature of God’s Kingdom. He approached Jesus at night, seeking answers, yet his deep religious knowledge did not prepare him for Jesus’ profound statement:

“Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” — John 3:3 (KJV)


Nicodemus expected a conversation about laws and religious tradition, but Jesus introduced a radical truth — God’s Kingdom is not entered through rituals or good deeds but through spiritual rebirth. This rebirth is the gateway to experiencing the fullness of God’s reign and purpose.


Why Jesus Emphasized Being Born Again

Just as physical birth is essential for entry into the natural world, spiritual birth is essential for entry into God’s Kingdom. Without it, one cannot perceive, understand, or partake in God’s divine order.

Jesus clarified further:

“That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” — John 3:6 (KJV)

Spiritual birth, therefore, is not a human achievement but a divine work. It is God’s way of transforming us from within, so that we can live under His Kingdom’s influence.


Citizenship in God’s Kingdom is not inherited through family, tradition, or religious background — it is received through surrender and faith in Christ. The Holy Spirit gives us a new heart and nature, empowering us to live in obedience to the King’s will.



Reflection:

Have you truly experienced the new birth, or are you still relying on religion or effort?

Does your life reflect evidence of the Spirit’s transforming work?

In what ways is the Holy Spirit leading you to live more fully as a Kingdom citizen?

Take a moment to reflect: Jesus invites you beyond religion — into rebirth, renewal, and relationship.




Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of new birth through Your Spirit. Help me not to rely on my strength or religious performance, but to surrender daily to Your transforming power. Renew my spirit, align my life with Your Kingdom, and make me a true reflection of Heaven’s culture on earth. Amen.



Up next  Part 5: “Natural Birth vs. Spiritual Birth.

In part 5, we’ll explore the powerful difference between being born of the flesh and being born of the Spirit, and how this truth defines your identity as a Kingdom citizen.


Do you love this message?

Share it, reflect on it, and invite someone to experience God’s kingdom today!

✅ Follow The Herald’s Devotional for more insights from The Kingdom Colonization series.

✅ Comment your reflections — we’d love to hear what God is revealing to you.

📍 Visit: theheraldsdevotional.blogspot.com

God is speaking, are you listening?





✍🏽 Prince Julius Nenebi-Darkson

(El-PJ God’s Penman)

Comments

Post a Comment

We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your reflections, testimonies, or questions below. Let’s grow together in faith!

Popular posts from this blog

WHEN FOLLOWING JESUS COSTS EVERYTHING PART 7: WHAT IS YOUR “ONE THING”?

Image
WHEN FOLLOWING JESUS COSTS EVERYTHING PART 7: WHAT IS YOUR “ONE THING”? Luke 18:22 (NIV) When Jesus Christ heard this, he said to him, “You still lack one thing…” In Part 6, we encountered the rich young ruler—a man who was disciplined, moral, and sincere, yet walked away from Jesus Christ because of one thing he could not surrender. He was close to Jesus—but not surrendered to Him. Opening Thought 🌅 Sometimes, the greatest barrier between you and your next level in God is not many things—it is just one thing. Not obvious. Not loud. But deeply rooted. Key Phrase “ You still lack one thing …” Insight 🔍 This statement is both simple and profound. It means: You can be doing many things right… and still miss one thing. You can be progressing… and still be held back. You can be committed… and still be divided. The rich young ruler didn’t lack discipline. He lacked surrender in one area. And that one thing became everything. Deeper Application 🔥 Your “ one thing ” may not be money—but ...
Read more

WHEN THE ROBE COMES OFF: HONORING THE HUMANITY OF GOD’S SERVANTS PART 7: FINAL LAP: STANDING IN THE GAP — THE URGENCY OF INTERCESSION

Image
WHEN THE ROBE COMES OFF: HONORING THE HUMANITY OF GOD’S SERVANTS PART 7: FINAL LAP: STANDING IN THE GAP — THE URGENCY OF INTERCESSION  1 Kings 19:4 Ezekiel 22:30 “I searched for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand in the gap before Me for the sake of the land, that I would not destroy it, but I found no one [not even one].” (AMP) Becoming Watchmen Over God’s Servants Recap of Part 6: Yesterday, we exposed the reality that some ministers are hiding secret sins—not because they don’t love God, but because they don’t feel safe to confess. We were reminded to pray, not punish, and to cover, not cancel. Heaven is still searching. God is still looking. Not for another preacher. Not for another platform. But for a gap stander. An intercessor. A spiritual defender of those who are too exhausted to pray for themselves. Throughout this devotional, we've uncovered the hidden battles of pastors and ministers—the emotional lows, the secret temptations, the heavy loneliness, t...
Read more

THE GREAT WALL: WHEN WALLS FAIL PART 2 — THE ENEMY AT THE GATE: STRONG WALLS, WEAK WATCHMEN

Image
THE GREAT WALL: WHEN WALLS FAIL PART 2 — THE ENEMY AT THE GATE: STRONG WALLS, WEAK WATCHMEN In Part 1, we saw that walls do not fail because they are weak; they fail when the gates are compromised. Even the mighty Great Wall of China, built with stones, sweat, and sacrifice, could not stop an enemy when its gatekeepers failed. True strength lies not in the wall itself, but in the vigilance and integrity of those who guard it. Now in Part 2, we explore how weak watchmen at the gate can undo even the strongest defenses. Every wall has two sides: the builders who raise it and the watchmen who guard it. A wall can be tall, thick, ancient, and mighty…but if the hearts of its watchmen grow tired, distracted, or compromised, the enemy does not need strength — just an opportunity. The Great Wall teaches us this: Strength is useless without vigilance. Protection is fragile without attention. A boundary is only as safe as the person standing at the gate. Let’s journey deeper. THE STORY — Part 2 ...
Read more