Pastor Luke Fraser

12/11/2024

This past week, a very insightful woman in our church emailed me with a question about a verse in Amos 3. Specifically, in verse 7 when the prophet writes, “For the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets.” She wondered whether or not God still works by revealing His plans to individual prophets today. Her inquiry is among the most frequently posed by Christians globally. So, not only for this conscientious woman in my church, but for those who might share her curiosity, here’s what the Scriptures teach.

Amos was the holder of the office of Old Testament prophet. During this period, God communicated His will, proclaimed truth, and delivered judgments through these ordained spokesmen. The prophets served a unique role, acting as direct messengers from God until the canon of Scripture was complete. John the Baptist was the last person to hold this office.

With the arrival of the New Testament, however, we see a shift in how God reveals Himself. Jesus tells His disciples, "everything I have heard from the Father, I have made known to you.” Said differently, the fullness of God’s revelation to mankind comes to us through Jesus Himself, who is “the Word” made flesh (John 1:14). Hebrews 1:1-2 makes this crystal clear – “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.” This passage very clearly articulates that while God communicated through prophets in the past, His ultimate and final revelation has come through Jesus Christ. Through His life, teachings, death, and resurrection, Jesus fulfills the prophetic role, providing the complete revelation of God’s redemptive plan.

The Apostle Paul also explained that “prophecies will cease” (1 Corinthians 13:8), pointing to a time when God’s revelation would be complete. Today, the Holy Spirit continues to work by illuminating the Scriptures for us, helping believers understand and apply the truths already given. Rather than providing new prophecies or future predictions, the Spirit guides us into all truth (John 16:13) through God’s written Word.

God’s Word is not a dusty relic but a living guide! In this current Church Age, God’s “revealing of secrets” is not through new revelations but through deeper understanding of His already revealed Word. His Scriptures remain “living and active” (Hebrews 4:12), entirely sufficient for all aspects of life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3).

Satisfied in Him,
Pastor Luke

07/11/2024

🎙️ Episode 23 of Satisfied in Him is live!

The exclusivity of Jesus Christ and His message is at the heart of the Gospel, and yet oftentimes skeptics struggle with the narrowness of this claim. Pastor Luke tackles this objection, and unpacks Jesus' assertions in John 14:4-11. Join us as we seek to equip the believer to share the truth in love.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3hzwQj2C6RZKvJLRUvsyoc?si=mC9ln3qvQ4KOKLtzKh7pAg

05/11/2024

One of our small groups is studying Daniel and has reached chapter 7. A particular statement there is worth your attention, especially if you’re feeling worn out. Speaking of the Antichrist’s strategy, Daniel writes that he will seek to “wear out the saints of the Most High” (Dan. 7:25). In the end times, Satan’s plan is to exhaust Christians so they stop fighting for truth, stop caring about Christ, and give up the battle against deception. As a pastor, I’ve often heard a deep sense of exhaustion—both emotional and spiritual—from many over the past five years. The pressures of daily life, roles, and maintaining strong faith in these turbulent times are overwhelming. Adding to that are the chaotic state of our government, the betrayal of truth by trusted voices, and the rising tide of evil in the world. John reminds us that this is because “the spirit of Antichrist is already in the world” (1 John 4:3). If you feel like giving up, take heart. Endurance begins with training your mind. If it seems like the world is too ugly to keep moving forward, too broken to be healed, or too full of hate for you to respond in love, here are five biblical principles to help you endure like Jesus, the forerunner of our faith.

1. God rewards faithful endurance – To the one who does not “burn-out” in love, God promises that he or she will reap the benefits of a lifestyle of love. Galatians 6:9 – “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”

2. Jesus endured as your model of stamina – The simple fact that Jesus Christ endured the most heinous act of evil ever perpetrated against a human being, is a daily reason to keep loving your way to the finish line. Hebrews 12:3 – “Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

3. Keep an eternal perspective – There are 3 absolutions on the horizon that ought to motivate your daily fight for endurance. (1) This world is not your home; Jesus is (Jn.14:3). (2) The King is coming again and when He does, He will make all things new (Rev.21:5). (3) The “god of this world” (2Cor.4:4) has been overthrown, death has been defeated and whatever you lose in the service of your King, “will be repaid at the resurrection of the just” (Lk.14:14).

4. Somewhere out there, someone has it worse – The Bible commends to you a daily recollection of the endurance of others that have gone before you. James 5:11 – “Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.” Make a habit out of reading about those who endured before you.

5. Learn the nobility of longsuffering – Feel like giving up on your marriage, your family or your church? The inclination to turn your back on something that has become corrupt in your eyes is commonplace among the weary. But consider one glaring truth. Jesus didn’t turn His back on you when your heart was utterly black, and He will remain faithful to you until the end. Want to be like Jesus? The path is paved with longsuffering. James 1:2-4 – “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

Satisfied in Him,
Pastor Luke

29/10/2024

In Isaiah 3:12, God delivers the sobering reality of the shameful state of His people: “My people—infants are their oppressors, and women rule over them.” This was no random observation. It was a condemnation, a judgment against Israel’s sin, and an indictment against their lazy, weak men. When God allowed women to rule over the men of Israel, it marked a low point, a deep inversion of His design. Rather than upholding godly, strong male leadership, Israel’s men had grown weak, turning away from God’s high calling.

God’s design for authority throughout Scripture typically centers on male leadership, from the heads of families to the elders of the church. Now, I can already hear someone yelling at their phone, “Wait a minute, Pastor Luke…what about Deborah!?” When God raised up Deborah in Israel, it was in a time of crisis—her leadership was an exception, not the standard. Similar to the case in Isaiah 3, Deborah’s presence was a judgment against the men of Israel who were unwilling to lead. Her courage and faith stood in stark contrast to a nation that had drifted far from God. Rather than celebrating Israel’s health, her appointment spotlighted the broken and shameful condition of Israel’s men.

In Isaiah 3, the rule of women was a clear sign that Israel had lost its way. God was saying to Israel, “Look at what you have become!” Israel’s men had strayed so far that they could no longer sustain the kind of godly leadership He intended for them. Sound familiar? It should. As we consider the future of our own nation, men need to examine the God-given role to lead our homes toward God’s good design. A nation that continually turns away from God will see His standards turned upside down. Weak, misguided leadership doesn’t happen by accident; it reflects the spiritual condition of the men of our country. A potential female president, in this case (and a wicked one at that), would not be an isolated occurrence but a sign of the upside-down order of our homes—an indicator that we, too, have abandoned the wisdom of God.

God’s judgment is often subtle…like a slow drift, and one of the ways He judges is by giving us over to what we want (Rom.1:28, Ps.81:12). By allowing national leadership that mirrors our disordered homes, it’s critical that Christian men take this as a personal call to re-assume the mantle of responsible, cross-carrying headship in our homes. But remember men, leadership is not about power or prestige but about laying down our lives for those whom we love.

So what do we, as believers, do in this climate? We don’t blindly accept our culture’s redefinition of right and wrong. Instead, we pray fervently, asking God to turn the hearts of men back to Him, to awaken husbands and dads to the truth of our calling. The warning of Isaiah 3 is to recognize that when a nation willfully ignores God’s order, the leadership that follows is often the clearest sign of His judgment.

Satisfied in Him,
Pastor Luke

22/10/2024

Next Thursday, many people will observe what has become a cultural tradition of costumes, candy, and festivities. But while the world may focus on ghosts, goblins, and ghouls, there is a far more significant and profound event that occurred on this same day over 500 years ago—a day that brought light into spiritual darkness. On October 31st, 1517, Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church, marking the beginning of the Protestant Reformation. This bold act shattered centuries of spiritual bo***ge, reclaiming the gospel of grace and forever changing the course of Christian history. So, while many may celebrate fleeting, worldly things, we celebrate the eternal truth that was brought to light on this historic day.

At the heart of the Reformation were five foundational truths, known as the Five Solas, that summarized the reformers’ protest against the distortions of the gospel:

1) Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone): The Bible is the final and ultimate authority for faith and practice, standing above any human tradition or decree.
2) Sola Fide (Faith Alone): Salvation is received by faith alone in Jesus Christ, not by any works or merits of our own.
3) Sola Gratia (Grace Alone): Salvation is a gift of God’s grace, completely unearned and undeserved.
4) Solus Christus (Christ Alone): Jesus Christ alone is the mediator between God and man. No earthly priest, saint, or sacrament can take His place.
5) Soli Deo Gloria (To the Glory of God Alone): All of life, including our salvation, is for the glory of God alone.

These truths, often called the “battle cries” of the Reformation, serve as a reminder that the gospel of Jesus Christ is simple, pure, and glorious. The fight for truth, however, did not end with Luther and the reformers. The very same distortions of the gospel—works-based righteousness, human authority over Scripture, and the pursuit of man’s glory—continue to creep into the church today. We must be vigilant, ready to defend the gospel and proclaim it boldly in every generation. The Apostle Paul urged the early church in 1 Timothy 6:12, “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called.”

As Martin Luther so powerfully said of his own role in the Reformation, “I simply taught, preached, and wrote God’s Word: otherwise I did nothing… the Word did it all.” This is a reminder that it is not by our strength or strategy that the gospel prevails, but by the power of God’s Word. We owe a great debt to those courageous men and women who stood against the deception of their day, even at the cost of their lives. Now, it’s our turn. In the spirit of the reformers, we must continue to stand firm, holding fast to the Word of Truth and proclaiming the true gospel of grace for the sake of His glory.

Satisfied in Him,
Pastor Luke

17/10/2024

🎙️ Episode 22 of Satisfied in Him is live!

The first three verses of John 14 provide three powerful promises that effectively serve as an anchor for the weary soul. Join us as Pastor Luke explores why we can rest in these truths and how they can be gloriously re-orienting.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2iJb2hzNEUjgw36zTG2wRe?si=n86YirnfR2qy7fyUnX_Ivg

15/10/2024

My wife recently came across an experiment from the 1980s that caught my attention, and after reading about it, I wanted to share it with you. The Dartmouth Scar Experiment, conducted by Dr. Robert Kleck, highlights the incredible power of perception over reality. In the experiment, participants were told that a large scar would be painted on their face before they engaged in a series of interviews. However, just before the interviews, the scar was secretly removed, leaving participants to believe they still had the scar. Interestingly, those who thought they had a scar reported feeling judged and treated differently by their interviewers. The participants without the “scar” had no such experiences. They felt they were treated fairly.

The most remarkable part of the experiment is that no interviewer ever saw a scar because it wasn’t there. The participants’ feelings of judgment and alienation were entirely based on their own perception, not on the actual reality of how they were treated. This experiment reveals a powerful truth: how we perceive ourselves can dramatically influence how we think others treat us. If we believe that we are disadvantaged or marginalized, we may begin to interpret every interaction through that lens, regardless of the truth.

This brings to mind the current cultural trend of defining ourselves by our perceived disadvantages. One of the more concerning developments in recent years has been the rise of frameworks like Critical Race Theory (CRT), which encourages individuals to see themselves primarily through the lens of race and systemic oppression. While there is no doubt that injustice and inequality exist in our world, this mindset leads people to adopt a “victim mentality,” much like the participants in the Dartmouth study who believed they were being judged because of a scar they didn’t actually have.

From a biblical perspective, those of us in Christ find our identity rooted firmly in Him and not in the injustices or disadvantages we perceive. Romans 12:2 instructs us “not to be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” The power of the gospel is that it transforms how we think, aligning our perceptions with the truth of God’s Word rather than the shifting ideologies of a society obsessed with power narratives. In Christ, all the worldly labels that we use to define ourselves or perceive others begin to lose their power. Our unity and identity in Him transcend race, gender, and social status. Instead of adopting a mindset of powerlessness or victimhood, we are called to look at what we can control—our attitudes, our actions, and our intentions.

Just as the participants in the Dartmouth study imagined slights that weren’t there, you, too, can fall into the trap of attributing every hardship to external forces. The world is conditioning you to see yourself as a victim, but you must resist that snare of Satan. God calls us to “renew our minds” daily, focusing on what is true and taking responsibility for our own lives as new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). Your identity is in Christ, and the true worth and value you’re looking for is found in Him. We must choose to live based on the transforming power of the gospel, not the labels the world places on us or the perceived scars we carry.

Satisfied in Him,
Pastor Luke

08/10/2024

Two drivers were stopped at a red light. They were arguing out their open windows, yelling obscenities at one another. The tension had built when one of them ignored a clearly posted sign nearly causing an accident. The upset driver leaned out and shouted, “You didn’t follow the sign! You nearly caused me to crash my car!” The other driver, unbothered, replied, “I don’t care what the sign says. That’s not how people drive around here anymore.”

This scenario is all too familiar in how people respond to God’s Word. Too often, two believers will find themselves in a disagreement. One stands firm, saying, “This is what the Bible says.” The other responds with something like, “That’s not how things work these days,” or “That’s not how people live anymore.”

This argument reflects a dangerous trend. Just like disregarding a traffic sign leads to confusion and danger on the road, disregarding God’s Word leads to confusion and spiritual danger. God’s Word, like that traffic sign, has been placed to guide us, to warn us, and to keep us on the right path. Not only that, but the Word of God has been given by a loving Heavenly Father to bring order to the home and the local church, providing clear expectations for His people to follow. The Bible doesn’t change with culture, and it isn’t meant to shift with local customs. It remains steadfast, a beacon for truth and righteousness.

When we allow culture or popular opinion to dictate how we navigate life, we risk not only harming ourselves but also leading others astray. Obedience to God’s timeless Word is the only path to wisdom and truth, especially when the world around us seems to be driving in a different direction. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105).

Satisfied in Him,
Pastor Luke

07/10/2024

🎙️ Episode 21 of Satisfied in Him is live!

In The Shepherd Leader, Timothy Witmer talks about the importance of the shepherd knowing the sheep, but also the sheep knowing the shepherd. And so in this episode, we host Pastor Luke and his wife Ashlee with a series of "get to know them" questions. Topics include how their upbringing shaped them, how they discern God's Will in decisions, navigate disagreements, and what God has on their heart for the sheep of their pasture.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0lFo3IBuNUNgga3AX8UAZ5?si=mAiRByBXR5GxF3wOctI5sg

01/10/2024

Widely regarded as one of the most influential thinkers of the 20th century, Jean-Paul Sartre won the Nobel Prize in literature. He was a man who rigorously pursued knowledge and hunted hard after human wisdom. Sartre was an atheist who championed the idea that life has no inherent meaning and that each individual must create their own purpose. So, he pursued knowledge and human wisdom as the brass ring of life’s purpose.

Such pursuits always lead to the same destination – despair. Listen to what Solomon discovered when he sought the meaning of life and decided to try to find it in the acquisition of human knowledge – “I said to myself, “Behold, I have grown and increased in wisdom beyond all those before me who were over Jerusalem, and my mind has observed a wealth of wisdom and knowledge.” So I set my mind to know wisdom and madness and folly; I learned that this, too, is a pursuit of the wind. For with much wisdom comes much sorrow, and he who increases in knowledge increases in sorrow” (Ecclesiastes 1:16-18). Solomon tried everything to find meaning in his life. He chased pleasure, money, women, and power and found them all meaningless. Even the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom only led Solomon to discover the depth of man's wickedness and misery, so the more he knew, the more he found himself increasingly sorrowful.

At the end of his life, Jean-Paul Sartre reflected on the futility of existence, stating, "I existed like a stone, a plant, a microbe… here we are, eating and drinking to preserve our existence, and there’s nothing, absolutely no reason for existing.’" Sartre and Solomon came to the same conclusion: the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom, apart from God, leads only to despair, not meaning. What then is the solution? Sartre never found it. Solomon did. Solomon concludes that the only meaningful pursuit is one rooted in a relationship with God. In Ecclesiastes 12:13, he writes, “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” Solomon learned that reverence for God and obedience to His will is the only pursuit that brings true satisfaction. The pursuit of knowledge, when sought as the key to life’s meaning, is like chasing the horizon — the farther you run, the more elusive it becomes. True meaning is not discovered in what we know, but in who we know.

Satisfied in Him,
Pastor Luke

01/10/2024

Here is the repaired sermon video from this past Sunday, 9/29. Thank you for your patience.

D.L. Moody wrote, “You might as well try to see without eyes, hear without ears, or breathe without lungs, as to try to live the Christian life without the H...

29/09/2024

24/09/2024

I think it’s safe to say that we live in a culture of “outrageous offendability.” Little-by-little over the years, Americans have strategically crafted for ourselves a climate of unusually high sensitivity to violations of our perceived identity. As soon as someone or something undermines a person's sense of self-worth, they are quickly categorized as inherently evil. When you find yourself getting easily offended by others, it's a sign that you have allowed their opinions to shape your sense of self-worth and to assign your value.

The most surprising thing to me is that this sort of thinking has crept its way into the minds of those claiming to be Christians. How can this be!? Have we forgotten that God is actively working to shape, mold, and even break down every false idea of "self" so that we are being transformed to be like his Son (Romans 8:29)? Those of us who follow Jesus are supposed to be devoted to becoming like Jesus. So, let’s remind ourselves what the Lord’s response was when he was insulted – “When they hurled their insults at him (Jesus), he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly” (1Peter 2:23) Isaiah the Prophet also described Jesus like this – “He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He did not open His mouth; Like a lamb that is led to slaughter, And like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, So He did not open His mouth.” (Is.53:7).

Let me say this outright so that there’s no misunderstanding – your spiritual immaturity can often be measured by the degree to which you are easily offended. Today, I challenge you to examine your heart, my fellow follower of Christ. Could God be allowing offenses to come your way for the purpose of conforming you to the image of His Son? If so, don’t resist them, and certainly don’t allow them to threaten your sense of self-worth. These are reasons to “rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matt.5:12).

Satisfied in Him,
Pastor Luke

23/09/2024

🎙️ Episode 20 of Satisfied in Him is live!

Pastor Luke tackles questions from our listeners. Topics include the temptation of Jesus, discontentment in the midst of circumstances, the salvific state of children, and a question about the Holy Spirit. Click the link to listen now...

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2XckmGJTEIOwpYoNEKWWVo?si=ycZ1n9ycRRaDuUijzlzMDQ

17/09/2024

(Let the reader understand)…” (Matthew 24:15). Matthew, Mark, Daniel, and John all call their readers to strive for understanding. Understanding is the aim of every communicator, including God Himself. Jesus spoke with the intent of being heard and understood by those who had ears to hear. Since God communicates to be understood, it should be the goal of every follower of Christ to become a conscientious communicator.

A conscientious communicator avoids misunderstandings by carefully considering both verbal and non-verbal communication. Studies suggest that a large portion of communication is non-verbal: 55% is body language, 38% is tone of voice, and only 7% is the actual words spoken. This breakdown highlights the importance of how we communicate, not just what we say. Research shows that when verbal and non-verbal cues contradict each other, people trust the non-verbal more. This principle has been crucial in my role as a preacher and teacher. Over the years, I’ve learned a great deal about tone, countenance, posture, and timing in communication. Let’s explore each one:

Tone – The pitch and attitude of your voice play a significant role in how others receive what you say. When Jesus was angry, His tone reflected His Father’s righteous anger. Conversely, when He was tenderhearted, His voice carried the compassion in His heart. For effective communication, it’s essential that our tone matches the message we wish to convey.

Countenance – The Bible frequently mentions the concept of reading people's faces. Proverbs 15:13 says, “A joyful heart makes a cheerful countenance, but sorrow of the heart crushes the spirit.” After Cain’s offering was rejected by God, Scripture says, “So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. The Lord said to Cain, 'Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen?'” (Gen.4:5-6). Cain’s facial expression revealed his inner anger and disappointment, and God pointed it out. Just as God could read Cain’s face, others can read ours, so we must ensure that our countenance reflects the message of God’s heart.

Posture – Our posture communicates just as much as our words. Jesus used His posture intentionally—sitting to teach (Matt.5:1), stretching out His hand to heal (Mk.1:41), and standing firm when driving out the money changers (Matt.21:12). A slumped or rigid posture can reveal disengagement or defensiveness. As followers of Christ, our physical stance should align with the truth we proclaim—confident yet humble…engaged and eager to understand and be understood.

Timing – Timing is critical in communication. Solomon wisely said, “There is a time to keep silence, and a time to speak” (Ecc.3:7). Jesus was a master of timing—He waited before answering the Pharisees about the woman caught in adultery, writing on the ground to create anticipation before speaking (Jn.8:6). Good timing ensures that our message has the greatest impact. Whether in encouragement or rebuke, discerning the right moment requires sensitivity to the Holy Spirit.

As a follower of Christ, your words, tone, posture, and timing should be the language of truth, love, and grace. In every interaction, you either build bridges of understanding or walls of division. The Bible calls each of us to be intentional in how we communicate, so that through us, the heart of God may be clearly heard, seen, and felt.

Satisfied in Him,
Pastor Luke

10/09/2024

Two men were living in a season of extraordinary blessing. One enjoyed the ease and comforts of life without considering the potential for pain and hardship in the future. The other, wiser than the first, trained himself to be uncomfortable, knowing that hardship was always just one day away. When adversity inevitably arrived, the first man was devastated, unprepared for the challenges that lay ahead. But the second man stood firm, having trained himself to face both the highs and lows with equal grace.

Paul pioneered the second man's wisdom, and he described his secret to enduring any season of life like this – “I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil.4:12-13). It’s a shame that modern athletes have hijacked Paul’s last statement as a slogan for competitive dominance. Paul’s aim is not for Christians to go through life with “a competitive edge” but with an aptitude for suffering for the glory of Christ. Life is full of seasons—times of abundance and times of need, seasons of ease and seasons of struggle. While it’s natural to enjoy the good times, Paul's pilgrimage of pain implores all believers to prepare for seasons of discomfort. In fact, he learned to be content in every situation, not by accident, but through intentional training of his heart and mind. Whether in times of plenty or times of want, Paul discovered true prosperity isn’t found in ease and abundance, but in the presence of Christ through every season of life.

As believers, we too must train ourselves to be spiritually resilient. When life is comfortable, it’s easy to fall into complacency, thinking that the good times will never end. But the reality is that hardship will come, and when it does, we need to be ready. This doesn’t mean living in fear of the future, but rather training ourselves to depend on Christ regardless of what we face.
How do we train ourselves to be uncomfortable? We begin by embracing spiritual disciplines—practices like prayer, fasting, and sacrificial giving. These are intentionally uncomfortable. They stretch us, teaching us to rely on God rather than on our own means. They remind us that our ultimate joy and security are found in Christ, not in the fleeting pleasures of this world.

Satisfied in Him,
Pastor Luke

03/09/2024

Whenever I fly, I look for opportunities to share the Gospel with those seated next to me. Two months ago, on a flight from Newark to Los Angeles, God provided a unique encounter with two Jewish rabbis. After a brief introduction, I asked them what they were reading. One was studying Torah, and the other was reading a community newsletter. After some time had passed and I had developed a bit more rapport, I inquired about their understanding of Messiah, to which they replied that Messiah represents “hope.” Their hope was in the appearance of Messiah to redeem and rule Israel, leading them into an unprecedented age of peace and prosperity. As our conversation deepened, I asked if they were familiar with the Prophet Isaiah, particularly Isaiah 53. Much to my surprise, they seemed unfamiliar with it, so I began explaining the contents of the 53rd chapter. Their Torah describes a suffering servant who would “bear our griefs and carry our sorrows” (Is.53:3-4). It says that Messiah would be “pierced for our transgressions and crushed for our iniquities” (Is.53:5). I explained that this prophecy, written 600 years before Yeshua (Jesus) was born, was fulfilled in His life, death, and resurrection.

At this point, I could sense a shift in their demeanor. They spoke only in Hebrew to one another, and despite my attempts to re-engage, they stonewalled me, making it clear they were not interested in continuing the conversation. Soon, they became noticeably silent and, shortly after, pretended to fall asleep for the remainder of the flight (see the photo above).

At first, I was disappointed because I thought I was making headway into their hearts. Then I was reminded that evangelism is not about winning debates or seeing immediate results. It’s about planting seeds and trusting God to bring the growth in His timing. Our role is to share the truth of Jesus Christ faithfully, leaving the outcome to Him. The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 3:6, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.”

If there’s something to be learned from my experience, it’s to keep your hand on the plow, knowing that God will bring the harvest in His perfect time. Every seed planted is a victory in His kingdom, even when we don’t see it sprout. Keep planting, keep trusting, and know that your labor in the Lord is never in vain.

Satisfied in Him,
Pastor Luke