The father of Will Smith asked him whether he could build a wall 🧱 when he was a child 🚸. He said he couldn't. The father then got him to start building one. Everyday they laid a few bricks; and soon they had a wall 🧱. Many people think 🤔 of success as a quantum leap but it is not 🚫. Think 🤔 of your success like a house 🏠 you are building 🏢. You put one brick on top of the other until you get a house 🏡. Be more interested in WHO YOU ARE BECOMING rather than what to do.Your success will be more lasting that way. If you focus on what to do it will have a temporary effect. When you BECOME a better person your results will reflect the new person you have become. If you improve your skills 1 percent every day in any area of your life, you will be 365 percent better in that area a year by this time. This means everyday you must wake up with the intention of BECOMING better than yesterday. The day will come when you will then see the compounded effect of what you have been bdoing. The Bible says the path of the righteous shines brighter and brighter unto a perfect day (Proverbs 4:18). This means it's all about getting better and better day by day. Have a lovely day 💘💘💘💖💖

SPEAKING HIS MIND...... A Wake-Up Call to Every Believer By Apostle Jeremiah Nyamvura Scripture Reading: Revelation 3:14-22 "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." — Revelation 3:22 DEVOTION: WHEN GOD SPEAKS, THE CHURCH MUST LISTEN There are moments in history when God does not only want to comfort His people; He wants to correct, awaken, and redirect them. We are living in days where many voices are competing for the attention of believers — the voice of culture, the voice of human wisdom, the voice of materialism, and the voice of personal desires. Yet above all these voices, there is still a voice that must be heard: the voice of God. God is speaking His mind in these days. He is calling His people back to prayer. He is calling His people back to holiness. He is calling His people back to truth. He is calling His people back to a genuine relationship with Him. The greatest danger facing believers today is not only persecution from outside the church, but spiritual blindness within the church. A person can be surrounded by spiritual activities and still lose sensitivity to the voice of God. Jesus warned the church of Laodicea that they had become lukewarm. They thought they were rich, successful, and in need of nothing, but spiritually they were poor, blind, and naked. This is a powerful warning for our generation: we must never measure spiritual health by outward appearance, popularity, wealth, or human approval. God is looking for hearts that are surrendered. A CALL TO WAKE UP Romans 13:11 says: "It is time to wake up from your sleep, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed." This is a divine alarm ringing over the body of Christ. Many believers have become comfortable when they should be watchful. Many have become distracted when they should be focused. Many have become silent when they should be declaring the truth of God. The enemy does not always destroy faith through open attacks; sometimes he destroys faith through gradual compromise. Little by little, prayer becomes less important. The Word of God becomes less valued. Sin becomes acceptable. The fear of God becomes forgotten. But today, God is calling His people to arise. GOD IS RESTORING TRUE WORSHIP The days we are living in require believers who do not only speak about God but walk with God. God is not impressed by religious performance without obedience. He is not looking for crowds without commitment. He is not looking for people who only seek His blessings but refuse His correction. True worship begins when our hearts are completely surrendered to Him. Jesus said in John 4:23: "The true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth." The world needs believers who carry the presence of God. Families need believers who demonstrate Christ-like character. Communities need believers who are examples of righteousness and love. DO NOT LOSE YOUR SPIRITUAL DISCERNMENT In Matthew 24:24, Jesus warned that deception would increase in the last days. This means every believer must grow in spiritual maturity and discernment. Not everything that looks spiritual is from God. Not every voice that mentions God represents God. Not every opportunity is a divine opportunity. We must return to the Word of God, because the Word gives us direction, correction, and protection. A MESSAGE TO THE CHURCH TODAY Beloved believer, this is the hour to examine your heart. Ask yourself: - Am I still passionate about the things of God? - Has my love for Christ grown stronger or weaker? - Am I seeking God or only seeking what God can give me? - Am I living as a light in a dark world? God is not calling us to fear the days ahead; He is calling us to prepare for them. A prepared believer will not be shaken by confusion. A praying believer will not be overcome by fear. A believer rooted in Christ will stand when everything else is changing. PRAYER Father, open our spiritual ears so that we may hear Your voice clearly. Remove every distraction that has taken our attention away from You. Restore our hunger for Your Word, our passion for prayer, and our desire for holiness. Help us to be faithful witnesses in these last days. Let our lives reflect Christ wherever we go. Wake up Your church and prepare us for the coming of Your Kingdom. In Jesus Christ's name, Amen. "The greatest need of this generation is not more noise; it is a people who can hear the voice of God." — Apostle Jeremiah Nyamvura- Voice in the Wilderness @ Pointing you to Jesus Christ. +263 772 808 580

Monday, 24th August, 2026 TITLE: "GROW INTO CHRIST: FROM SPIRITUAL INFANCY TO MATURITY" ANCHOR SCRIPTURE(S) Ephesians 4:13–15 (KJV) "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:" 2 Peter 3:18 (KJV) "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen." QUOTE TO REFLECT ON "Spiritual maturity is not measured by how long you have been saved, but by how much you have become like Christ." DAY'S REFLECTION Every living thing is expected to grow. A healthy child does not remain a child forever; growth involves increasing in strength, understanding, responsibility, and maturity. The same principle applies to our spiritual lives. Paul says in Ephesians 4:13 that God's purpose is for believers to come "unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ." The word "perfect" here carries the idea of being mature or complete. God's desire is not merely that we become churchgoers, but that we grow into mature followers of Christ. Spiritual maturity involves increasing in our faith, knowledge, character, obedience, and love. We should become more like Jesus in how we think, speak, respond to difficulties, forgive others, and treat people. Verse 14 warns us not to remain spiritual children, who are "tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine." A spiritually immature person can easily be influenced by every new teaching, popular opinion, emotional experience, or persuasive personality. Without a strong foundation in God's Word, it becomes difficult to distinguish truth from error. But verse 15 gives us the way forward: "speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things." Truth without love can become harsh, while love without truth can become compromise. Christian maturity requires both truth and love, with Christ as our standard. Peter reinforces this in 2 Peter 3:18: "Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." Grace is God's undeserved favour and enabling power. Growing in grace means becoming increasingly dependent on God's grace and allowing it to transform our lives. Growing in knowledge means continually knowing Christ more deeply through Scripture, prayer, obedience, and experience. Life experience teaches us that physical age does not automatically produce maturity. A person can grow older without becoming wiser. Similarly, years of church attendance do not automatically produce spiritual maturity. Growth requires intentional pursuit. Today, ask yourself: Am I growing? Am I more patient than I used to be? More forgiving? More disciplined? More grounded in God's Word? More loving? More like Christ? Do not be satisfied with yesterday's spiritual growth. Keep learning. Keep obeying. Keep growing. Keep becoming more like Jesus. MEDITATION SCRIPTURE(S) Colossians 1:10 (KJV) "That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;" Hebrews 5:14 (KJV) "But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." LIFE LESSONS (IMPLICATIONS) 1. God expects every believer to grow spiritually. 2. Spiritual maturity requires knowledge of Christ and obedience to His Word. 3. Immaturity makes us vulnerable to false teaching and deception. 4. Truth must be communicated with love. 5. Spiritual growth requires intentional effort and consistent fellowship with God. 6. The ultimate standard of Christian maturity is Christ Himself. EVERYDAY ACTION Read God's Word, practise what you learn, and consciously choose to respond to people today in a way that reflects Christ. PRAYER Heavenly Father, help me grow in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Make me spiritually mature, grounded in Your truth, rich in love, and increasingly like Christ. In Jesus' name, Amen. DECLARATION I am growing spiritually. I am grounded in God's Word and established in truth and love. I will not remain spiritually immature or be carried away by false teachings. I am growing in grace and becoming more like Christ every day. Amen. Devotion by Rev. Frank Fabian Aidoo 📞 +233 544 295 158 Follow us on WhatsApp 👇👇👇 https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6EpEqHbFV78wOHgv2P

📌 Today's Readings are from the Book of 2 Kings 21–22 | Galatians 6 📌 👇 Overviews Are Below (PLEASE READ YOUR BIBLE: Overviews Do Not Replace Daily Reading) 👇 2 Kings 21 The Depth of Sin and the Patience of God 2 Kings 21 records one of the darkest chapters in Judah's history through the reign of King Manasseh. Unlike his father Hezekiah, who led the nation in spiritual reform, Manasseh reverses nearly every godly change that had been made. He rebuilds the high places, promotes idol worship, practices occult activities, and even places pagan altars within the temple itself. Judah sinks into spiritual corruption unlike anything seen before. The tragedy of Manasseh's reign is not simply that he sins personally, but that he leads an entire nation into greater rebellion. Leadership always carries influence. The king's decisions shape the spiritual direction of the people, and under Manasseh the nation becomes more corrupt than the pagan nations God had originally driven out of the land. Despite such widespread wickedness, God continues speaking through His prophets. He warns Judah repeatedly, calling the people to repentance before judgment comes. Yet the nation refuses to listen. God's patience is extraordinary, but His warnings are not ignored forever. The Lord announces that judgment upon Jerusalem has become inevitable because of persistent and deliberate rebellion. After Manasseh's death, his son Amon continues the same sinful pattern. Rather than learning from the consequences of his father's rebellion, he deepens the nation's decline. His reign is brief, ending through violence, further illustrating the instability that sin produces. Although this chapter emphasizes judgment, it also quietly reveals God's faithfulness. The covenant with David remains intact. Even in the midst of overwhelming darkness, God's redemptive plan continues moving toward the coming Messiah. Human sin cannot overturn divine promises. Theologically, 2 Kings 21 reveals both the seriousness of sin and the remarkable patience of God. Persistent rebellion hardens the heart and eventually brings judgment, yet God's repeated warnings demonstrate His desire that people would repent rather than perish. This chapter points to Christ, who came to bear the judgment that humanity deserved. Where Manasseh filled the land with sin, Jesus came to cleanse sinners through His sacrificial death. The darkness of human rebellion only magnifies the greatness of God's redeeming grace revealed in Christ. For believers today, 2 Kings 21 reminds us never to underestimate the influence of our choices. Sin tolerated today often becomes greater compromise tomorrow. Yet it also reminds us that God's patience is an invitation to repentance. In Christ, forgiveness is available for every repentant heart, and His grace is greater than even the darkest chapters of our lives. 2 Kings 22 Rediscovering God's Word 2 Kings 22 introduces the reign of Josiah, one of Judah's most faithful kings. Coming to the throne as a young boy after generations of spiritual decline, Josiah demonstrates that age does not limit God's ability to use someone who seeks Him wholeheartedly. From the beginning of his reign, he desires to honor the Lord and restore proper worship. As repairs begin on the temple, an extraordinary discovery is made. The Book of the Law is found after having been neglected for many years. The fact that God's Word had been lost within God's own house reveals how far the nation had drifted. Religious activity had continued, but the authority of Scripture had been forgotten. When the book is read to Josiah, his response is immediate and profound. Rather than defending himself or ignoring what he hears, he humbles himself before the Lord. He tears his clothes in grief, recognizing that the nation has failed to obey God's covenant. His heart is broken not merely because judgment has been announced, but because God's people have wandered so far from His truth. Josiah seeks the Lord through the prophetess Huldah, who confirms that God's judgment upon Judah will indeed come because of generations of rebellion. Yet because Josiah humbled himself and responded with genuine repentance, God promises that the coming judgment will not occur during his lifetime. The king experiences God's mercy because he responds to God's Word with humility rather than resistance. The chapter demonstrates that true revival always begins with the rediscovery of God's Word. Spiritual renewal is not produced by emotion or tradition alone but by humble submission to the truth God has revealed. Theologically, 2 Kings 22 teaches that God's Word possesses the power to expose sin, awaken repentance, and lead people back to faithful obedience. It also reveals that God honors humble hearts. While His justice remains certain, His mercy is extended to those who genuinely repent. This chapter points directly to Christ, the living Word of God. Just as the rediscovered Book of the Law brought conviction and renewal, Jesus brings truth, exposes sin, and offers forgiveness to all who come to Him in repentance and faith. He fulfills the Law completely and invites believers into a restored relationship with the Father. For believers today, 2 Kings 22 reminds us that spiritual renewal always begins with God's Word. It is possible to maintain religious routines while neglecting the authority of Scripture. In Christ, we are called to approach God's Word with humility, allowing it to shape our hearts, expose areas needing repentance, and lead us into deeper obedience. When God's people return to His truth, genuine revival begins. Galatians 6 — Living Out the Freedom of the Christ Galatians chapter 6 concludes Paul's letter by showing what life looks like when believers truly understand the gospel of grace. After teaching that salvation is by faith and that believers are called to walk by the Spirit, Paul now demonstrates how these truths are lived out in daily relationships and faithful service. The redemptive plan of the Christ, the Son of God, produces a life marked by humility, compassion, perseverance, and a continual focus on the cross. The chapter begins by instructing believers to restore those who have fallen into sin with gentleness and humility. The goal is never condemnation but restoration. This reflects the heart of the Christ, who came to seek and restore the broken. Christian living requires believers to care for one another while remaining aware of their own need for God's grace. The Son of God calls His people to be instruments of healing rather than harsh judgment. Paul then encourages believers to bear one another's burdens. This command reflects the love of the Christ, who carried the greatest burden of all through His sacrifice on the cross. The redemptive plan creates a community where believers support, encourage, and strengthen one another through life's difficulties. Christian living is never isolated or self-centered but is lived within the fellowship of God's family. At the same time, Paul reminds believers that each person is responsible for faithfully carrying the responsibilities God has entrusted to them. These two truths complement one another. Believers are called both to help others with overwhelming burdens and to faithfully fulfill their own daily responsibilities before the Lord. The Son of God calls His followers to lives of personal faithfulness combined with compassionate service. The chapter introduces the principle of sowing and reaping. Every decision and every action produces consequences. Those who continually invest in sinful desires reap spiritual destruction, while those who continually invest in the things of the Spirit reap eternal blessings. This is not a teaching of salvation by works but a reminder that Christian living produces visible fruit. The redemptive plan transforms believers so that their lives increasingly reflect the character of the Christ. Paul encourages believers not to grow weary in doing good. Faithful obedience often requires perseverance because the harvest is not always immediate. The Son of God calls His people to continue serving faithfully, trusting that God will bring fruit in His perfect timing. Christian living requires patience, endurance, and confidence that every act of obedience matters within God's eternal purposes. Another important emphasis is doing good to everyone, especially to fellow believers. The love of the Christ is never limited to words alone but expresses itself through practical acts of kindness, generosity, and service. The redemptive plan changes the priorities of God's people, leading them to seek opportunities to bless others as they have first been blessed by the Son of God. As Paul concludes the letter, he once again contrasts those who boast in religious performance with those who boast only in the cross of the Christ. The false teachers sought recognition through outward religious achievements, but Paul points entirely to the cross. Everything necessary for salvation has been accomplished through the Son of God. Christian living begins and ends with gratitude for His finished work rather than confidence in personal accomplishment. The chapter closes by declaring that what truly matters is the new creation brought about through the Christ. Outward religious distinctions cannot produce spiritual life. Only the redemptive plan accomplished by the Son of God can transform the human heart. Those who belong to Him have become new creations, and their lives now reflect His grace rather than their own efforts. Throughout Galatians chapter 6, the Christ remains the center of the believer's life. His cross provides salvation, His Spirit produces transformation, and His grace empowers faithful service. The redemptive plan creates a people who love one another, persevere in doing good, and live for His glory alone. For believers today, this chapter reminds us that true Christian living is the practical outworking of the gospel. We are called to restore the fallen with gentleness, carry one another's burdens, faithfully fulfill our own responsibilities, and never grow weary in serving the Lord. Our confidence rests entirely in the cross of the Christ, not in ourselves. As we walk by the Spirit and continue sowing lives of faithfulness, love, and obedience, we demonstrate the transforming power of the Son of God and participate in His eternal redemptive plan. #DailyBibleReading #OpenYourBible #StudyTheWord #ScriptureForToday #FaithJourney #GodsWord #BibleTime #WalkWithGod

📖 TODAY'S BIBLE READING Monday, August 24 📜 OLD TESTAMENT RUTH 4 — Ruth Marries Boaz 🎉 Congratulations on completing the book of Ruth! Tomorrow we continue to the next book in our Old Testament progression. ✝️ NEW TESTAMENT 2 JOHN 1 — Walk in Truth and Love 🎉 Congratulations on completing 1 John! Today we begin 2 John. 🌿 MAJOR PROPHETS ISAIAH 35 — The Joy of the Redeemed 🌿 TODAY'S REFLECTION 📜 Ruth 4 Boaz acts as Ruth's redeemer and marries her, and their story becomes part of the family line of David. Ruth's journey reminds us that God can turn seasons of loss and uncertainty into stories of restoration and purpose. ✝️ 2 John 1 John encourages believers to walk faithfully in truth and love while remaining careful about teachings that deny Christ. Christian love is not separated from truth; both must guide our lives. 🌿 Isaiah 35 Isaiah gives a beautiful picture of restoration and hope. The wilderness will blossom, the weak will be strengthened, and God's redeemed people will return with joy. It points us toward the hope and salvation found in God. ✨ KEY VERSE “And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands.” — 2 John 1:6 🙏 PRAYER Heavenly Father, thank You for Your faithfulness and for the hope of restoration. Help us to walk in truth and love, remain faithful to Your Word, and recognize Your hand even when we cannot see the full picture. May our lives reflect the joy of those who have been redeemed by You. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen. 🌿 TODAY'S CHALLENGE Walk in truth and love today. Let your obedience to God be visible in the way you speak, serve, forgive, and treat others. WE STUDY. WE PRAY. WE OBEY. WE GROW. UNTIL WE ARE TOTALLY TRANSFORMED. 📖✨🙏

✝️ CHRISTIANITY IS MORE THAN A NAME Being a Christian is not only about saying, “I believe in Jesus.” True faith should be seen in the way we live, the way we treat others, and the way we respond when life becomes difficult. Jesus taught us to love, forgive, serve, pray, show compassion, and walk in truth. Our faith should not remain only in our words. It should be visible through our actions. Ask yourself today: ❤️ Do I love others? 🙏 Do I forgive? 🤝 Do I help those in need? 📖 Do I follow God’s Word? ✝️ Can people see Christ through my life? “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” — James 2:17 Let your life reflect Christ. Let your actions speak louder than your words. And wherever you go, let people see the love of Jesus through you. If this message touched your heart, please LIKE, SHARE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more Christian motivation and messages of faith. #Jesus #JesusChrist #Christianity #ChristianMotivation #Faith #God #Bible #ChristianLife #FaithInAction #JesusChangesLives #LoveLikeJesus #Forgive #Prayer #ChristianYouTube #GodsLove

❤️ Take every opportunity to do good and reflect God's love. 📲 Share this with someone who needs encouragement to keep doing good. #Galatians610 #DoGood #BeABlessing #LoveInAction #ServeOthers #FaithInAction #ChristianLiving #WalkByFaith #FaithInChrist #Lordsbook

Look to Christ, keep your eyes on Him, and show others His goodness, just as Paul did. Everything will be alright. Don’t focus too much on worldly matters, material possessions, or luxury. Instead, focus on Christ and let your life reflect His love and goodness. Keep shining for Him, and He will guide your way. 🙏

Loving and Gracious in All Things “There are those people who would say, ‘I’d rather deal with somebody who is rude, antagonistic and sarcastic, but when it really matters, is there for us in the big challenges of life.’ But when one reads the Holy Bible, Old and New Testament, the character of God is such that He expects us not only to be loving and gracious on the big things, but also on the little things. To be loving and gracious only when it really matters, or only when it is convenient, is not the character of Christ. We must be loving and gracious in all things—big and small.” Christian Character Is Revealed in the Little Things It is easy to admire someone who stands beside us during a great crisis. Faithfulness in difficult times matters. But Christianity calls us to something deeper. God does not ask us to love only when the circumstances are serious. He calls us to love in the ordinary moments of everyday life. Jesus said: “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much.” — Luke 16:10 The little things matter because the little things reveal the heart. How do we speak when we are irritated? How do we treat someone who inconveniences us? How do we respond when someone disagrees with us? How do we speak about people who aren’t present? These things may seem insignificant to the world, but they are not insignificant to God. Love Is Not Selective Jesus gave His followers a standard far higher than simply being decent when it is convenient: “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you.” — John 13:34 Christ’s love was not reserved for emergencies. It was woven into everything He did. Paul says: “Let all your things be done with charity.” — 1 Corinthians 16:14 Notice the word all. Not some things. Not the important things. All things. Our speech, our attitudes, our reactions and our relationships are all opportunities to reflect Christ. Paul also says: “Let your speech be always with grace.” — Colossians 4:6 Always. Not only when we are preaching. Not only when we are dealing with someone we love. Not only when someone is watching. Always. Even When People Are Difficult Christian love is tested most when people are difficult. Jesus said: “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you.” — Matthew 5:44 This does not mean Christians must tolerate abuse or refuse to confront wrongdoing. But even when we must establish boundaries or correct someone, we are not permitted to abandon Christlike love. Proverbs tells us: “A soft answer turneth away wrath.” — Proverbs 15:1 And Paul commands: “Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” — Ephesians 4:32 Kindness is not weakness. Grace is not weakness. Forgiveness is not weakness. These are marks of someone being transformed by Christ. The Fruit of the Spirit Should Be Seen Every Day Paul describes the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit: “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.” — Galatians 5:22–23 Notice how many of these qualities are revealed in ordinary interactions. Longsuffering. Gentleness. Goodness. Meekness. A person may demonstrate extraordinary courage during a crisis and still need the Holy Spirit to teach them patience in everyday life. Someone may sacrifice greatly for another person and yet continually wound others with their words. Christianity is not merely about doing great things occasionally. It is about becoming a person whose ordinary life reflects Jesus Christ. Christ in the Big and the Small Paul writes: “Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” — Colossians 3:17 Whatever you do. That includes the dramatic moments of life—and the mundane ones. So yes, be the person who stands beside someone when tragedy strikes. Be the person who answers the call when someone is hurting. But also: Be kind when nothing important is happening. Be patient when you are irritated. Speak graciously when you could speak harshly. Forgive the small offenses. Refuse to return sarcasm with sarcasm and hostility with hostility. Because the Christian calling is not simply to be loving when “it really matters.” It is to be loving because Christ lives in us. Jesus said: “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” — John 13:35 The world should see Christ not only in how we respond to life’s greatest tragedies, but in how we behave on an ordinary Tuesday afternoon. Love in the big things. Love in the little things. Grace in the big things. Grace in the little things. Mercy in the big things. Mercy in the little things. Because there are no insignificant moments when we are called to represent Jesus Christ. “Let all that you do be done in love.” — 1 Corinthians 16:14 That is the Christian life: not occasional goodness, but a life increasingly shaped by the character of Christ.

Isaiah 53 is the last of four messianic prophecies in the book of Isaiah known as the “Servant Songs” (chs. 42, 49, 50, 53) because they speak of the ministry, suffering, and exaltation of God’s Servant, the Messiah. Chapter 53 describes the rejection of Jesus (vv. 1-3), His suffering and death in our place (vv. 4-6), His sacrificial death and burial (vv. 7-9), and His resurrection (vv. 10-12). The New Testament unequivocally applies Isaiah 53 to Christ (see John 12:38; Romans 10:16 [Isaiah 53:1]; Matthew 8:17 [Isaiah 53:4]; 1 Peter 2:22-25 [Isaiah 53:4-9]; Acts 8:32-33 [Isaiah 53:7-8]; Luke 22:37 [Isaiah 53:12]). Peter quoted Isaiah 53:4-9 (1 Peter 2:22-25) to encourage believers in Jesus who were suffering because of their faith (1:6) that Christ also endured unjust suffering. When we put our faith in Jesus—the authentic Son of God—He’ll help us reflect Him in our lives and “follow in his steps” (v. 21).