THE LION, THE PIT, AND THE PROMOTION PART 1: THE MAN BEHIND THE EXPLOITS

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THE LION, THE PIT, AND THE PROMOTION PART 1: THE MAN BEHIND THE EXPLOITS   2 Samuel 23:20–23 (NKJV) "Benaiah was the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man from Kabzeel, who had done many deeds. He had killed two lion-like heroes of Moab. He also had gone down and killed a lion in the midst of a pit on a snowy day."   Some people become known for their positions, while others become recognised for their exploits. In the Bible, Benaiah was one man whose courage and extraordinary deeds distinguished him among David's mighty warriors. His story is fascinating, but before we examine the lion, the pit, and his eventual promotion, let's first understand the man behind these remarkable achievements. 1. A MAN WITH A BACKGROUND Benaiah was the son of Jehoiada, a valiant man from Kabzeel. He was not an ordinary warrior. Scripture records several extraordinary victories that distinguished him among David's mighty men. His background introduces us to a family ass...
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KINGDOM COLONIZATION: EXPANDING HEAVEN’S RULE ON EARTH PART 7: THE UMBILICAL CORD – JESUS, OUR CONNECTION TO LIFE

KINGDOM COLONIZATION: EXPANDING HEAVEN’S RULE ON EARTH 
PART 7: THE UMBILICAL CORD – JESUS, OUR CONNECTION TO LIFE


 John 3:1–16-17

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.


Previously, we explored “The Placenta – God’s Word, Love, and Provision,” and discovered how God’s Word nourishes and sustains our spiritual growth just as the placenta sustains a baby in the womb. Without the Word, we cannot grow, thrive, or represent God’s Kingdom effectively.


In God’s plan to expand His Kingdom on earth, every citizen must remain connected to the King. Just as a baby depends on the umbilical cord for life and nourishment, our spiritual growth and Kingdom impact depend on our connection to Christ.

Jesus declared:

“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me.” — John 15:4 (KJV)

Today, we explore the umbilical cord as a symbol of our divine connection to Christ—the lifeline that sustains, empowers, and prepares us to manifest Heaven’s rule on earth.


1. The Umbilical Cord – Jesus, Our Connection to Life

📖 John 15:4–5; John 3:14–15; John 14:6

The umbilical cord is the baby’s lifeline—the single channel through which oxygen and nutrients flow, while toxins are removed. It is impossible for the baby to survive without it.


Spiritual Parallel:

After receiving God’s Word, our connection to Christ keeps us spiritually alive. Jesus said:

“I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.” — John 14:6 (KJV)

Without Jesus as our lifeline, we disconnect from the source of spiritual nourishment and power. Every believer must remain “plugged in” to the Vine to stay fruitful and effective in God’s Kingdom.


2. Jesus, Our Lifeline – The Bronze Serpent Connection

In the wilderness, when the Israelites were dying from venomous snake bites, God told Moses to lift up a bronze serpent. Whoever looked at it lived (Numbers 21:8–9).

That bronze serpent foreshadowed Christ, who would later say:

“As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up.” — John 3:14 (KJV)

Just as the umbilical cord removes waste, Jesus cleanses us from sin.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” — 1 John 1:9 (KJV)

Sin is the poison that brings death, but Christ is the lifeline that brings healing, renewal, and access to eternal life.


3. Staying Connected to the Source

A baby cannot live without the umbilical cord; likewise, believers cannot experience Kingdom life without a living connection to Christ. Staying connected to Jesus means abiding in His Word, yielding to His Spirit, and drawing daily strength from His presence. Disconnection leads to spiritual death; connection brings life, fruitfulness, and Kingdom expansion.



Reflection

How strong is your connection to Christ?

What areas of your life need to be reconnected to your true Source?

Are you abiding in Christ, or trying to sustain yourself?



Prayer

Lord, help me stay connected to You as my source of life. Remove anything that blocks my spiritual flow, and keep me nourished, fruitful, and effective in expanding Your Kingdom on earth. Amen.


Stay Tuned for Part 8:

“The Amniotic Fluid – The Presence and Protection of the Holy Spirit.”

Just as a baby is surrounded, cushioned, and protected by amniotic fluid in the womb, the believer’s life is enveloped by the Holy Spirit’s presence—bringing comfort, safety, and divine guidance through every season of life.


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)






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