LE TRIOMPHE FINALE DE SAMSON

Je suis profondément reconnaissant à mon Seigneur, Créateur et Sauveur, Jésus-Christ de Nazareth, de partager avec vous un nouveau projet intitulé « Le triomphe final de Samson ». Il y a plus d’un mois, je me plongeais dans le livre des Juges, au sein de La Bible. Dans ce livre, on découvre l’histoire d’un Héros appelé Samson, reconnu pour son immense force physique. Sa vie extrêmement puissante et contrastée, se termine par une tragédie triomphale.

Résumons brièvement l’histoire. Dieu a délivré les Hébreux de l’esclavage égyptien par l’intermédiaire de Moïse. Plus tard, après avoir établi son alliance (la loi) avec le peuple, Dieu l’a établi sur la terre d’Israël. Malheureusement, après avoir vécu quelques années dans la Terre promise, les Hébreux ont rapidement abandonné l’Alliance de Dieu et ont commencé à adorer d’autres dieux et à faire toute sorte de mal. À cause de cela, Dieu a permis à leurs ennemis de régner sur eux. Dans notre histoire, l’ennemi était « les Philistins ». Un peuple ancien qui n’existe plus. Les Écritures disent :

« Les enfants d'Israël firent encore ce qui déplaît à l'Éternel; et l'Éternel les livra entre les mains des Philistins, pendant quarante ans. » — Livre des Juges, Chapitre 13. 

Alors que les Hébreux souffraient durement à cause des Philistins, ils commencèrent à se repentir et à appeler Dieu, à Sa Miséricorde et à l’aide. Dieu, plein de compassion, choisit de les aider en leur envoyant un homme du nom de Samson. Sa venue était très spéciale, et ce dès sa naissance.

Un ange de Dieu, sous l’apparence d’un homme, vint annoncer à sa mère qu’elle était sur le point de tomber enceinte. Elle devait suivre un régime spécial, car l’enfant était déjà consacré à Dieu. Dans le cadre de ce régime, elle ne devait boire ni vin ni alcool, ni manger des aliments impurs. Pourquoi ? Parce que Samson était déjà soumis à un vœu d’alliance spécial. Ce vœu se trouve dans la loi de Moïse et s’appelle : le vœu de naziréat.

Il stipule que lorsqu’une personne veut se consacrer entièrement à Dieu – quelle que soit la période – cette personne n’est pas autorisée à boire de l’alcool ni à manger des aliments impurs, ni de toucher des cadavres. De plus, le point clé que j’aimerais que vous reteniez est le suivant : Se laisser pousser les cheveux et ne jamais les couper.

« Un ange de l’Éternel apparut à la femme, et lui dit: Voici, tu es stérile, et tu n'as point d'enfants; tu deviendras enceinte, et tu enfanteras un fils. Maintenant prends bien garde, ne bois ni vin ni liqueur forte, et ne mange rien d'impur. Car tu vas devenir enceinte et tu enfanteras un fils. Le rasoir ne passera point sur sa tête, parce que cet enfant sera consacré à Dieu dès le ventre de sa mère; et ce sera lui qui commencera à délivrer Israël de la main des Philistins.  » — Livre des Juges, Chapitre 13, verset 3

Samson grandit et devient immensément fort. Physiquement fort. À tel point qu’il était en mesure de vaincre des armées à lui seul. La Bible enseigne que l’augmentation phénoménale de sa force était due à ses cheveux, qui symbolisaient sa vocation et sa relation avec Dieu. Il commença à vaincre les philistins avec force. Les philistins, ébahis par sa force, se demandaient d’où elle provenait. Samson ne leur a jamais révélé son secret.

Non seulement Samson était immensément fort, mais il était aussi profondément tendre et aimant. Malheureusement, il a montré de l’amour et de la tendresse aux mauvaises personnes. Cela l’a amené à faire des choix néfastes. Il est tombé amoureux de plusieurs femmes étrangères. Des femmes qui n’étaient pas d’Israël, et surtout pas de sa foi. Elles étaient toutes philistines. Et malheureusement, aucune de ces femmes étrangères ne l’aimait.

La dernière – payée par la sphère politique des Philistins, le trompa, feignant de l’aimer, pour connaître le secret de sa force. Vint le jour où Samson le lui révéla. Elle lui coupa les cheveux et Samson devint faible. Les Philistins l’attaquèrent, le capturèrent, lui crevèrent les deux yeux et le mirent en prison. Après un certain temps, les cheveux de Samson repoussèrent. Sa force lui revint. Un jour, les Philistins célébraient leur faux dieu et, dans le désir d’humilier Samson, le sortirent de prison et le prièrent de les « amuser ». C’était dans leur temple. Il était chargé de monde.

Alors elle lui dit: Comment peux-tu dire: Je t'aime! Puisque ton cœur n'est point avec moi? Tu t'es moqué de moi trois fois, et tu ne m'as point déclaré d'où vient ta grande force. Et elle le pressait tous les jours par ses paroles, et le tourmentait, de sorte que son âme en était affligée jusqu'à la mort. 

Alors il lui ouvrit tout son cœur, et lui dit: Le rasoir n'a jamais passé sur ma tête; car je suis Nazarien de Dieu, dès le sein de ma mère. Si j'étais rasé, ma force m'abandonnerait, et je deviendrais faible, et je serais comme tout autre homme. Délila, voyant qu'il lui avait ouvert tout son cœur, envoya appeler les princes des Philistins, et leur fit dire: Montez cette fois; car il m'a ouvert tout son cœur. Les princes des Philistins montèrent donc vers elle, et apportèrent l'argent dans leurs mains.

Et elle l'endormit sur ses genoux;
et, ayant appelé un homme, elle lui fit raser sept tresses des cheveux de sa tête. Elle commença ainsi à le dompter, et sa force l'abandonna. Alors elle dit: Les Philistins sont sur toi, Samson! Et il s'éveilla de son sommeil, et dit: J'en sortirai comme les autres fois, et je me dégagerai de leurs mains. Mais il ne savait pas que l'Éternel s'était retiré de lui. Les Philistins le saisirent donc, et lui crevèrent les yeux. Ils le firent descendre à Gaza, et le lièrent de deux chaînes d'airain; et il tournait la meule dans la prison.

— Livre des Juges - Chapitre 16 verset 15

Samson implora Dieu de le venger pour ses deux yeux. Il était au milieu de deux colonnes, au sein du temple païen des Philistins. Avec toute la puissance de Dieu, il les pressa si fort que le temple s’écroula, tuant tous les philistins et… Samson !

Alors Samson invoqua l'Éternel, et dit: Seigneur Éternel, je te prie, souviens-toi de moi! ô Dieu, je te prie, fortifie-moi seulement cette fois, et que je me venge des Philistins pour la perte de mes deux yeux! Et Samson embrassa les deux piliers du milieu, sur lesquels la maison reposait, et il s'appuya contre eux; l'un était à sa droite et l'autre à sa gauche.  Et il dit: Que je meure avec les Philistins! Puis il s'étendit de toute sa force, et la maison tomba sur les princes et sur tout le peuple qui y était. Et il fit mourir beaucoup plus de gens dans sa mort, qu'il n'en avait fait mourir pendant sa vie. 

— Livre des Juges, chapitre 16, verset 28

Nous allons examiner deux points moraux du récit, mais avant d’aller plus loin, bien que ma musique renferme des contemplations bibliques, il est très important pour moi de vous dire qu’elle s’adresse à tout le monde, aux croyants comme aux non-croyants. Tout le monde est le bienvenu ! Si vous ne connaissez pas encore Dieu personnellement, et que vous voulez le connaître, je vous encourage à lire jusqu’à la fin !

Revenons à l’application morale de l’histoire de Samson. Tout d’abord, nous ne sommes pas meilleurs que Samson. Nous sommes tous sujets à la même fragilité, mais Dieu nous aidera à vivre justement et à faire les bons choix. Nous nous souvenons souvent des erreurs de Samson, mais nous oublions trop souvent qu’il a dirigé Israël pendant 20 ans. Ces années ont été excellentes d’un point de vue moral. Cela en dit long sur le type de dirigeant qu’il était.

Première leçon de morale : ne pas se mettre en couple avec quelqu’un d’étranger à sa foi.

Je mets ici un bémol, ce genre d’affirmation peut paraître très dur à notre époque ! Bien sûr qu’il existe des couples qui s’aiment, même si l’un d’entre eux est incroyant. La Bible le reconnaît expressément et encourage ces couples à rester ensemble (voir ici) : La leçon de morale n’en fait pas abstraction. Mais le plan de Dieu pour vous et moi consiste à trouver quelqu’un qui a la même foi que vous, et un amour sincère pour le Christ-Jésus. C’est le plan initial de Dieu. Si vous êtes célibataire, soyez patient et cherchez à honorer Dieu par votre vie, car Dieu vous honorera et vous bénira au bon moment. Si vous êtes un couple qui ne connaît pas encore Dieu personnellement, je vous invite à lire jusqu’à la fin !

Deuxième leçon de morale : ne jamais être présomptueux à l’égard du don que Dieu vous fait. Dieu vous bénira avec de nombreux dons, mais Il désire que vous les utilisiez à bon escient, pour Lui et Sa Gloire, pour Son intérêt. Le don de Samson était une force formidable pour défendre son peuple, c’était un don de service. Il était tellement sûr de lui qu’il commença à jouer avec le feu, avec les ennemis de Dieu. Comment pouvons-nous appliquer cela dans notre vie de tous les jours ? Ne vous mêlez pas aux choses du monde et n’utilisez pas vos dons à mauvais escient. Évitez les endroits et les personnes dangereuses, qui peuvent ruiner votre vie et votre vocation. Aimez tout le monde, mais vivez saintement !

Si vous voulez connaître Dieu personnellement et être sauvé, je vais tenter de faire très simple. Jésus dit que Dieu existe et que l’essence de Dieu est constituée de deux piliers moraux. Le premier pilier est la sainteté. Dieu est pur, juste et saint. Cela signifie qu’il ne peut tolérer le mal et qu’il le punira. Si Dieu ne punit pas le mal, Il n’est pas juste. En raison de sa nature, Il doit le détruire. Le problème, c’est que vous et moi avons déjà fait notre part de mal. Devant un Dieu si Saint, nous ne pouvons échapper à Sa Justice Ultime, même un petit péché doit être puni. A-t-on menti ? A-t-on triché ? A-t-on blasphémé ? A-t-on idolâtré ? Avons nous haï ? Avons-nous volé ? Faisons une introspection afin de détecter et identifier nos propres péchés et erreurs, aussi loin que nous le pouvons. Si vous et moi mourons ce soir et devons faire face à Dieu pour rendre compte de notre vie sur terre, serons-nous coupables devant Lui ou justes ? Coupables, nos péchés nous barrent inévitablement le chemin de l’Éternité et de la Vie future, bien meilleure que celle-ci. Que pouvons-nous faire pour être justifiés ?

Le deuxième pilier de la nature de Dieu, selon Jésus-Christ, est sa Miséricorde. Dieu sait que vous et moi sommes des créatures imparfaites. Il sait que nous sommes faibles. Dieu nous aime tellement qu’il a imaginé un moyen légal de vous éviter, à vous et à moi, de payer le prix de nos péchés. Au lieu que vous mouriez et alliez à la perdition, Dieu est descendu sur terre, s’est créé un corps humain, a vécu une vie moralement parfaite (celle que nous aurions dû tous vivre), puis a souffert et est mort à votre place. Au lieu de vous punir pour vos erreurs et vos péchés, Dieu s’est puni lui-même. Il est devenu le Substitut. Pendant que Jésus était sur la Croix, tous vos péchés et toutes vos erreurs ont été absorbés dans son corps. Lorsque Jésus est mort sur la Croix, vos péchés comme les miens sont morts dans son corps. Lorsque Jésus est ressuscité, il a prouvé qu’il était bien celui qu’il prétendait être depuis le début. Dieu tout-puissant.

Jésus dit que si vous croyez sincèrement et personnellement en lui, du fond de votre cœur – en croyant que Il est mort à votre place, qu’il a pris le châtiment de vos péchés, et qu’il est ressuscité des morts – vous êtes maintenant une personne sauvée. Vous avez cru au don que Dieu vous a fait. Dieu vous voit purifié. Le sang de Jésus-Christ est si puissant qu’il détruit littéralement les péchés. Dieu vous donne un nouveau départ. Et lorsque vous quitterez cette terre, vous éviterez même le jugement de Dieu. Vous n’aurez pas à répondre de vos péchés parce que vous avez cru que l’Amour de Dieu les a tous détruits dans Son Corps, à la Croix, pour vous sauver.

Si vous voulez accepter Jésus-Christ dans votre cœur, trouvez un endroit tranquille, et dites ceci :

Cher Jésus,

Je ne te connais pas personnellement. J'ai entendu parler de toi, mais je ne te connais pas. J'ai appris que tu es venu sur terre pour moi. Tu es venu parce que tu m'aimais tellement que tu ne voulais pas que je meure et que je sois séparé de toi.

Je crois que tu as pris sur toi mes péchés, mes erreurs et mes fautes, et qu'au lieu de devoir en répondre un jour, tu en as payé le prix ultime. Tu as répondu à ma place. Je crois que tu es ressuscité des morts, prouvant ainsi que tu es Dieu.

Je te confesse tous mes péchés et toutes mes fautes. Celles dont je me souviens, et les autres que j'oublie. Je t'en prie, viens dans mon cœur, sauve-moi et remplis-moi de ton Saint-Esprit. Aide-moi à tourner le dos au mal, petit moyen ou grand puis à ouvrir mon cœur et mon esprit à Toi, et au bien, et à tout ce qui te plaît. Change-moi, guéris-moi !

Je te le demande au nom de Jésus, Amen.

La création des illustrations

Concernant l’histoire de la réalisation des illustrations de la musique de Samson — je parcourais différents sites dans le but d’acheter une image. Je cherchais pendant des jours une œuvre décente mais je n’ai rien trouvé qui me plaisait ! J’ai contacté des amis artistes qui m’ont gentiment répondu, au-delà de mes espérances ! L’une d’entre elles était Adriana Line, une artiste française. Par la Grâce de Dieu, elle a sauvé la mise et a accepté de concevoir deux œuvres d’art pour la musique, entièrement à la main. Je profite de l’occasion pour vous inviter à découvrir son univers et son cœur d’une grande gentillesse. Nous avons beaucoup parlé de Samson, et a vraiment compris mon désir ! Adriana m’a fait part de son cheminement spirituel, et c’était un vrai plaisir de l’entendre dans sa recherche de Dieu ! Si vous avez à cœur de prier pour elle, ce serait très gentil de votre part ! Que le Christ se révèle à elle !

Adriana Line,
Adriana Line, Illustratrice

Bonjour Adriana, pourriez-vous vous présenter et présenter votre travail ?

— Je suis une personne passionnée par l’art en général, j’aime expérimenter et toucher à plusieurs domaines artistiques, comme l’illustration que j’expérimente depuis mes cinq ans. J’aime amener la suggestion et la subtilité dans mon travail en général, dans la composition de plusieurs éléments en les rendant plus ou moins marquants.  Je dessine ce qui m’anime, ce qui me parle et résonne. Je suis soucieuse de chaque détail et depuis plusieurs années, je suis dans une quête absolue d’harmonie et d’équilibre entre les pleins et les vides, tout en voulant aller à l’essentiel. Je trouve que c’est un challenge pour chacune des illustrations et une véritable force au-delà même de l’esthétisme, il y a une quête de sens, différents niveaux de lectures comme un livre, qui paraît figé parce que nous le percevons comme un objet mais qui pourtant, vit et se revit à chaque période d’une vie, en fonction de notre état émotionnel et notre évolution personnel. Le vrai défi est de faire en sorte de rendre cette illustration vivante, vibrante et inlassable. Je dessine essentiellement en noir et blanc, j’aime utiliser tout une palette de trames comme une palette de couleur, à la différence que c’est moi qui créer la texture et la matière avec un stylo micropointe.  Depuis peu, je me remets gentiment à la couleur que j’expérimente et que j’essaye d’apprivoiser avec mon univers. 

Pourquoi avez-vous décidé de réaliser une deuxième illustration pour l’histoire de Samson ?

— C’est en faisant la première illustration, que j’ai réalisé que je devais en refaire une qui corresponde plus à mon univers. La première illustration est très bien, seulement, je ne m’y retrouvais pas à 100 %, il manquait selon moi cette subtilité que je m’efforce à trouver.  L’illustration en elle-même est très figurative et efficace, donc pas de risque possible. Mais devons-nous obligatoirement utiliser la figuration, pour communiquer et transmettre une idée ? Il y a effectivement d’autres moyens pour se faire comprendre, qui sont tout aussi puissant, voir même plus encore. Pour moi, le visage de Samson fait de pierres, emprisonné est encore plus puissant qu’un Samson en pleine action. Il devient la statue qui se fissure inévitablement. Il est englouti par les restes du temple et des statues qu’il a détruit avec sa force en laissant sa vie. Donc autant aller à l’essentiel et apporter une lecture plus synthétique et subtile, car en étant cette statue fissurée, il incarne d’une certaine manière, la fin du règne de l’idolâtrie païenne des Philistins. Cette inspiration a résonné comme une évidence,  j’étais parfaitement alignée artistiquement avec cette vision qui coulait de source et m’a permis de me retrouver dans cette illustration. Cependant, je trouve que les deux illustrations sont intéressantes à leurs manières, car le but avec une histoire comme celle de Samson, est bien entendu de la partager, qu’elle parle à une majorité de personne en fonction de leurs sensibilités, donc finalement qu’elles soient figuratives ou subtiles, ça n’a vraiment pas d’importance car il n’y a pas de vérité absolue.

Qu’est-ce qui vous a touché dans cette histoire ?

— L’histoire en elle-même est touchante dans son intégralité, car finalement,  je pense que tout le monde peut s’identifier à Samson  d’une certaine manière, je ne parle pas dans sa force surhumaine, mais plus dans sa vulnérabilité.  En dépit de sa force, Samson a fait preuve d’amour, de naïveté et d’innocence envers une personne qui ne lui voulait pas forcément du bien. Cet aspect de son histoire je l’ai trouvé très touchante et je trouve qu’effectivement avoir bon cœur ne suffit pas toujours si on ne fait pas preuve de discernement sur certaines situations.  En l’occurrence, il a voulu croire en l’humain quand il a donné sa confiance à Dalila, car il a été aveuglé par l’amour (qui l’a rendu aveugle pour de vrai !) en oubliant qu’elle faisait partie du peuple ennemi. En perdant sa rationalité, il s’est éloigné malgré lui de Dieu, en voulant croire cette femme qu’il aimait. Ce qui lui a été fatal ! Ce qui est touchant c’est sa transparence et la sincérité de son Amour envers elle, à sens unique. Même si cela peut être perçu pour de la naïveté, son cœur était droit et sincère. Je le trouve d’autant plus attendrissant. Cela nous interroge fondamentalement sur l’Amour de l’autre et notre manière d’aimer, en sachant que la confiance est un pilier et que l’Amour devrait logiquement transcender tout préjugé dans l’Absolu…Cela nous questionne également sur notre posture et la force, la sincérité de notre engagement. D’autant plus actuellement, où notre époque est régie par le mépris des classes, des genres et des croyances. C’est justement une vraie force de garder cette bonté en nous et garder foi en l’humain et en l’Amour dans sa pureté, en dépit de ce que ça peut coûter parfois. Sans se détourner de DIEU, qui est le seul qui peut nous combler de son Amour absolu, pas salis par le vice, la souffrance qui empêchent les cœurs en peines de véritablement aimer. Après tout, Jésus était pour l’amour et la paix. Il croyait au meilleur de chacun d’entre nous, sinon il ne se serait pas crucifié pour nous sauver. J’aurais pu aborder la trahison de Dalila dans les illustrations, mais j’ai choisi d’illustrer la destruction du temple, la perte de sa vue (symboliquement pouvant être perçu comme l’égarement du chemin de Dieu) ainsi que la chute des Philistins qui sont des éléments pertinents et parlants.

Pourriez-vous nous éclairer sur les détails de vos dessins afin de comprendre ce que vous avez voulu transmettre ?

— Dans la première illustration, j’ai réalisé une composition de plusieurs éléments, en essayant de les harmoniser au maximum entre eux. Je voulais que le regard se porte essentiellement sur ce qui se passe au centre. Un Samson déployant sa force, pour exterminer à la fois le lion et le temple, une pierre deux coups ! Le lion, je l’ai amené de sorte qu’il ne soit pas trop imposant, mais à la fois comme une référence à l’histoire et comme un symbole puissant caractérisant la force de Samson. Le troisième niveau de lecture est tout aussi puissant, car nous retrouvons l’homme au-delà de sa force dans sa plus grande vulnérabilité. Il est en train de prier Dieu, les yeux bandés et tachés de sang, symbolisant subtilement la perte de sa vue, ce qui peut amener à une autre narration de l’illustration: Samson, priant, retrouvant son énergie et sa force d’antan, rugissant comme un lion pour détruire le temple. C’est pour cela, que j’ai fait en sorte de suggérer la repousse de ses cheveux, symbole de sa force légendaire. À chacun la liberté de l’interpréter et de le lire comme il le souhaite. Pour la seconde illustration, je l’ai amené avec moins d’éléments, mais plus de subtilité. Le visage de Samson est fait de pierres détruites et fissurées, symbolisant la prison du temple dans lequel il a laissé sa vie et qu’il a détruit. D’une certaine manière, il incarne la fin du règne des Philistins et de leurs idolâtries pour les statues. Samson devient alors, une statue symbolisant leur ennemi qui les a conduits à leur fin ! Une belle ironie ! J’ai pris le parti pris de laisser apparaître un bout de visage, surtout son regard vitreux et étincelant, suppliant Dieu. Il suggère cette part d’humanité, ce qui en fait une vraie force je trouve à l’illustration, car cela la rend encore plus poignante et représente réellement la fin de sa vie. C’est pour cela, que j’ai insisté sur ce regard vitreux qui, selon moi, ne laisse pas insensible. J’ai bien évidemment, suggéré Samson, qui se fait engloutir par les pierres, parce que pour moi c’est un détail important. Avec le recul, je ne sais pas si cela aurait changé grand-chose, sur la force de cette illustration.  La démarche aurait été encore plus abstraite, mais il fallait tout de même que cette illustration fasse écho à une majorité de personnes.

A propos de la construction de la musique :

Il y a deux thèmes. L’un d’eux, le premier, représente la force et la lutte de Samson, et le second, le refrain, représente sa chute et son ascension. Les notes descendent, puis remontent et descendent à nouveau, symbolisant sa chute et son ascension.

SAMSON’S FINAL TRIUMPH

Hello everyone, I hope that you are all doing good, despite the difficult times we’re living in!

I’m deeply grateful to my Lord, Maker and Savior, Jesus-Christ of Nazareth to share with you a new piece of work called « Samson’s Final Triumph ». More than a month ago, I was reading in The Bible, the book of Judges. Within that book, you find the story of a Hero called Samson, known to have an immense physical strength. His life is extremely powerful and contrasted, and ends with a triumphal tragedy.

To resume you the story briefly. God delivered the Hebrews from Egyptians Bondage through Moses. Later, God — after having established His Covenant (The Law) with the people — established them in the land of Israel. Sadly, after living in the Promised Land for some years, they quickly abandoned God’s Alliance and started to worship other gods, and did evil. Because of this, God allowed their enemies to rule over them. In our present story, the enemy were « The Philistines». An ancient people no longer existing. The Scriptures says:

« Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord, so the Lord delivered them into the hands of the Philistines for forty years. »  — Book of Judges 13
Hand drawn by Adriana Line

As the Hebrews were suffering greatly because of the Philistines, they started to repent and cry out to God for mercy and help. God, full of compassion decided to help them and sent them a man by the name of Samson. His coming was very special, and this from his very birth.

An angel of God, through a man’s appearance, came to his mother and announce that she was about to become pregnant. She would need to follow a special diet, as the child was already consecrated to God. In that diet, she would not be allowed to drink any type of wine nor alcohol, nor to eat any unclean type of food. Why? Because Samson was already under a special covenant vow. This vow is found is the law of Moses, and is called : The Nazarite Vow.

It says that when a person wants to consecrate to God fully — whatever the period of time — that person isn’t allowed to drink alcohol nor to eat unclean food. Also, the key point, I would love for you to remember, is this: To let grow your hair and never cut them off.

« The angel of the Lord appeared to her and said, “You are barren and childless, but you are going to become pregnant and give birth to a son.  Now see to it that you drink no wine or other fermented drink and that you do not eat anything unclean. You will become pregnant and have a son whose head is never to be touched by a razor because the boy is to be a Nazirite, dedicated to God from the womb. He will take the lead in delivering Israel from the hands of the Philistines.” »  — Book of Judges 13, verse 3. 

Samson grew and became immensely strong. Physically strong. To a point that he was able to defeat armies alone. The Bible teaches that the phenomenal force increase was because of his hair, symbolising his calling and relationship with God. He started to defeat the philistines greatly. The philistines were astonished at his force and were wondering from where it came from. Samson never revealed anyone its secret.

Not only Samson was immensely strong, but was profoundly tender and loving. Sadly, he showed love and tenderness to the wrong persons. And this caused him to make harmful choices. He fell in love with multiple foreign women. Women that weren’t from Israel, especially from his faith. They were all from the Philistines. And sadly, not any of those foreign women loved him.

The last one — paid by the political sphere of the Philistines, tricked him, fainting to love him, to know the secret of his force. And came the day Samson revealed it to her. She cut off Samson’s hair, and then, Samson became weak. The Philistines attacked and captured him, pierced his two eyes and put him into their prison. A certain period of time passed, and Samson’s hair grew back. His force came back. One day, the Philistines were celebrating their false god and, in the desire to humiliate Samson, they took him from the prison and asked him to « amuse them ». It was in their temple. It was full of people.

“How can you say, ‘I love you,’ ” she asked, “when your heart is not with me? This is the third time you have mocked me and failed to reveal to me the source of your great strength!”

Finally, after she had pressed him daily with her words and pleaded until he was sick to death, Samson told her all that was in his heart: “My hair has never been cut, because I have been a Nazirite to God from my mother’s womb. If I am shaved, my strength will leave me, and I will become as weak as any other man.”

When Delilah realized that he had revealed to her all that was in his heart, she sent this message to the lords of the Philistines: “Come up once more, for he has revealed to me all that is in his heart.” Then the lords of the Philistines came to her, bringing the money in their hands.

And having lulled him to sleep on her lap, she called a man to shave off the seven braids of his head. In this way she began to subdue him,d and his strength left him. Then she called out, “Samson, the Philistines are here!”

When Samson awoke from his sleep, he thought, “I will escape as I did before and shake myself free.” But he did not know that the LORD had departed from him.

Then the Philistines seized him, gouged out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza, where he was bound with bronze shackles and forced to grind grain in the prison.

However, the hair of his head began to grow back after it had been shaved.

— Book of Judges, chapter 16

Samson, asked God to avenge him for his two eyes. He was in the middle of two columns. With all of God’s might, he pressed them so hard that the temple fell in itself, killing all the philistines and… Samson!

Artwork by Adriana Line
«Then Samson called to the LORD, saying, “O Lord GOD, remember me, I pray! Strengthen me, I pray, just this once, O God, that I may with one blow take vengeance on the Philistines for my two eyes!”» Judges 16:28

We will look into both points, but before to go further, even though my music has Biblical contemplations — it is very important for me to tell you that it is for everyone, both believer and unbelievers. Everyone is welcome! If you don’t know God personally yet, and want to know him, I encourage to read until the end!

Going back to the moral application, of Samson’s story. First of all, we aren’t better than Samson. We are all subject to the same fragility, but God will help us to live right and make the right choices. We often remember Samson’s mistakes, but we too often forget that He conducted Israel for 20 years. Those years were morally good years. It says a lot on what kind of a leader he was.

First moral lesson: Not to date someone foreign from your faith.

I put a disclaimer here, that kind of statement can sound very harsh to today’s age! Of course that they are couples that love each other, even if one of the people is an unbeliever. The Bible even acknowledge this here, and encourage the healthy couple to stay together: The moral lesson does not disregard this. But God’s plan for you and me, is to find someone that have the same faith, and a genuine love of Christ Jesus. That is God initial plan. If you’re single, be patient, and search to honor God with your life, because God will honor you and bless you in the right time.

Second moral lesson: Never be overconfident with God’s Gift to you. God will bless you with many gifts, but He wants you to use them very well, and for Him and His Glory, for His Sake. Samson’s gift was a tremendous force to defend His people, it was a serving gift. He was so confident of it that he started to play with fire, with the enemies of God. How can we apply this in our every day’s lives? Don’t mix yourself with worldy things and don’t use your gifts in the wrong manner. Avoid dangerous places and people, that can ruin your life and your calling. Love everyone, but Live holy!

If you want to know God personally and be saved, I will try to make it very simple. Jesus says that God exists, and that God’s Essence is constituted of two moral pillars. The first pillar is Holiness. God is pure, just and holy. Meaning that He cannot tolerate evil and will punish it. If God does not punish evil, He isn’t Just. Because of His Nature, He is due to destroy it. The problem is, you and I have done our parts of evil already. Before such Holy God, we cannot escape His Ultimate Justice, even one little sin needs to be punished. Have we lied? Have we cheated? Have we blasphemed? Have we idolized? Have we hated? Have we stolen? Let’s introspect ourself to find our own sins and mistakes. If you and I die tonight and face God, to give an account of our life on earth, will we be guilty before Him or just? Guilty, our sins are blocking the way for Eternity and the coming Life, far more better than this one. How can we do to be justified?

The second pillar of God’s Nature, according to Jesus Christ, is Mercy. God knows that you and I are imperfect creatures. He knows that we are weak. God loved you and me so much that He thought of a Legal way to save you from paying the prices of your sins. Instead of you dying and going to perdition, God came down on earth, created for Himself a human body, lived a morally perfect life (the one we should have lived), suffered and died in your place. Instead of punishing you for your mistakes and sins, God punished Himself. He became The Substitute. While Jesus was on the Cross, all of your sins and mistakes were absorbed in His Body. When Jesus died on the Cross, your and my sins died in His body too. When Jesus resurrected, He proved who He claimed to be all along. God Almighty.

Jesus says that, if you sincerely and personally believe in Him, from your heart — believing that Jesus died at your place, taking the punishment of your sins, and rose from the deads, you are now a saved human being. You believed God’s Gifts to you. God sees you clean. The Blood of Jesus Christ is so powerful, that it literally destroys sins. God gives you a new and fresh start. And when you will leave this earth, you will even bypass God’s Judgement. You won’t have to respond from your sins because you believe that the Love of God destroyed them all in His Body, at The Cross, to save you.

If you want to accept Jesus-Christ into your heart, find a quiet place, and says this:

Dear Jesus,

I don’t know you personally. I have heard aboutyou, but I don’t know you. I have learned that you came on earth for me. You came because you loved me so much, you did not want me to die and be separated for you.

I believe that you took upon yourself my sins, mistakes and error, and that, instead of having to respond one day for them, you paid the ultimate price, you responded at my place. I believe that you resurrected from the deads, proving that you’re God.

I confess you all my sins and wrongdoings. Please, come into my heart, save me and fill me with your Holy Spirit. Help me turn my back on evilness and open my heart and spirit to goodness and to what is pleasing you. Change me, heal me!

I ask this in Jesus Name, Amen.

If you want to know more about being saved, I have written a music and aN article about it here : Are You Saved?

The Making Of The Artworks

To tell you about the background story regarding the artworks for Samson’s music, I was scrolling on divergent websites to buy a piece of art to illustrate it. I researched days for a decent piece of work and found nothing that reached my heart! I contacted artist friends of mine, and they kindly responded, above my expectations! One of them was Adriana Line, an artist based in France. By God’s Grace, she saved the day and accepted to design two artworks for the music, 100 by hand. I take the occasion to invite you, friends, to discover her universe and incredibly kind heart. We talked about Samson a lot, and she truly understood my desire! Adriana shared with me that she is on her spiritual journey, and it was a true pleasure to hear her in her research of God! If you have in heart to pray for her, it would be so kind of you! That Christ would reveal Himself and His Love for Her!

Hi Adriana, could you present yourself and your work?

— I’m passionate about art in general, and like to experiment and dabble in several artistic fields, such as illustration, which I’ve been experimenting with since I was five. I like to bring suggestion and subtlety into my work in general, in the composition of several elements by making them more or less striking. I draw what moves me, what speaks to me and resonates. I’m concerned with every detail, and for several years now, I’ve been on an absolute quest for harmony and balance between full and empty, while striving to get to the heart of the matter. I find this a challenge for each of my illustrations, and a real strength that goes beyond aesthetics. There’s a quest for meaning, for different levels of reading, just like a book, which appears frozen because we perceive it as an object, but which nonetheless lives and revives itself at each period of our lives, according to our emotional state and our personal evolution. The real challenge is to make this illustration alive, vibrant and tireless. I draw mainly in black and white, and like to use a whole palette of screens like a color palette, except that I create the texture and matter with a micropoint pen. Recently, I’ve been experimenting with color, which I’m trying to tame to suit my world.

Why did you decide to do a second artwork for the story of Samson?

— It was when I was doing the first illustration that I realized I had to redo one that was more in keeping with my world. The first illustration is very good, only I couldn’t find 100% of myself in it; it lacked the subtlety I’m striving to find. The illustration itself is very figurative and effective, so there’s no risk involved. But do we have to use figurative art to communicate an idea? There are other ways of making a point that are just as powerful, if not more so. For me, Samson’s face made of stone, imprisoned, is even more powerful than Samson in action. He becomes the statue that inevitably cracks. He is swallowed up by the remains of the temple and the statues he destroyed with his strength, leaving his life behind. So we might as well get to the heart of the matter and bring a more synthetic and subtle reading, for by being this cracked statue, he embodies, in a way, the end of the Philistines’ reign of pagan idolatry. This inspiration resonated with me as a matter of course, and I was perfectly aligned artistically with this vision, which flowed naturally and allowed me to find myself in this illustration. However, I find both illustrations interesting in their own way, because the aim with a story like Samson’s is of course to share it, to have it speak to a majority of people according to their sensibilities, so ultimately whether they’re figurative or subtle, it really doesn’t matter, because there’s no absolute truth.

What touched you in this story?

— The story itself is touching in its entirety, because ultimately, I think everyone can identify with Samson in some way, I don’t mean in his superhuman strength, but more in his vulnerability. Despite his strength, Samson showed love, naivety and innocence towards a person who didn’t necessarily mean him any good. I found this aspect of his story very touching, and I think that having a good heart isn’t always enough if you’re not discerning about certain situations. In this case, he wanted to believe in human beings when he put his trust in Delilah, because he was blinded by love (which made him blind for real!), forgetting that she was part of the enemy people. By losing his rationality, he distanced himself from God in spite of himself, wanting to believe this woman he loved. And that proved fatal! What’s touching is his transparency and the sincerity of his Love for her, one-sided. Even if it could be perceived as naiveté, his heart was straight and sincere. I find it all the more touching. This fundamentally questions us about the Love of others and our way of loving, knowing that trust is a pillar and that Love should logically transcend all prejudice in the Absolute… It also questions us about our posture and the strength, the sincerity of our commitment. All the more so these days, when our era is governed by contempt for class, gender and beliefs. It’s a real strength to keep this goodness within us and to keep faith in human beings and in Love in all its purity, despite what it may sometimes cost. Without turning away from GOD, who is the only one who can fill us with his absolute Love, not sullied by the vice and suffering that prevent hearts in pain from truly loving. After all, Jesus stood for love and peace. He believed in the best in each of us, or he wouldn’t have crucified himself to save us. I could have touched on Delilah’s betrayal in the illustrations, but I chose to illustrate the destruction of the temple, the loss of her sight (which can symbolically be seen as straying from God’s path) and the fall of the Philistines as relevant and telling elements.

Could you shed some lights on the details of your drawings to comprehend what you wanted to convey?

In the first illustration, I created a composition of several elements, trying to harmonize them as much as possible. I wanted the eye to focus on what was happening in the center. A Samson deploying his strength to exterminate both the lion and the temple, killing two birds with one stone! I didn’t make the lion too imposing, but rather as a reference to the story and a powerful symbol of Samson’s strength. The third level of reading is equally powerful, as we find the man beyond his strength in his greatest vulnerability. He is praying to God, blindfolded and stained with blood, subtly symbolizing the loss of his sight, which may lead to a different narrative for the illustration: Samson, praying, regaining his former energy and strength, roaring like a lion to destroy the temple. That’s why I’ve made sure to suggest the regrowth of his hair, a symbol of his legendary strength. It’s up to you to interpret and read it as you wish.

For the second illustration, I brought in fewer elements, but more subtlety.
Samson’s face is made of destroyed and cracked stones, symbolizing the prison of the temple in which he left his life and which he destroyed. In a way, he embodies the end of the Philistines’ reign and their idolatry of statues. Samson then becomes a statue symbolizing the enemy who led them to their end! A beautiful irony! I’ve decided to leave a bit of Samson’s face visible, especially his glassy, sparkling eyes, pleading with God. It suggests this part of his humanity, which I think is a real strength of the illustration, as it makes it even more poignant and truly represents the end of his life. That’s why I insisted on that glassy stare, which I don’t think leaves anyone unmoved. Of course, I suggested Samson, who is swallowed up by the stones, because for me it’s an important detail. Looking back, I don’t know if it would have made much difference to the strength of the illustration. The approach would have been even more abstract, but the illustration still had to resonate with a majority of people.

About the construction of the music:

There are two themes. One of them, the first one, represents Samson’s force and battle, and the second one, the chorus, represents his fall and rise. The notes are descending, and re-scaling and descending again, symbolising his fall and rise.

MON SAUVEUR À ÉTÉ PERCÉ

Bonjour à tous

J’espère que vous allez tous très bien ! Je suis reconnaissant à Dieu de partager avec vous une nouvelle musique intitulée « Mon Sauveur a été percé ».

Il s’agit d’une des contemplations les plus importantes sur laquelle j’ai pu travailler. Comme plusieurs autres musiques, notamment « Are You Saved », cette nouvelle est directement composée dans le but de solliciter une décision de votre cœur, après vous avoir présenté Christ.

Jeune homme hébreu, profondément influent parmi les classes sociales de son pays (Israël) Jésus est arrêté, torturé puis mis à mort par l’élite politico-religieuse de son époque.

Le motif de son exécution est simple : Il prétend être Dieu fait homme, le Sauveur de l’humanité, tant promis au sein des Écritures hébraïques anciennes (connues aujourd’hui par le nom d’Ancien Testament).

Jeune homme particulier considérant les miracles inédits qui l’accompagnaient, miracles reconnus historiquement même parmi ses ennemis les plus féroces. (voir les talmuds juifs).

Pour en citer quelques-uns, guérisons de malades, (lourds comme légers), résurrection de morts, délivrance des multitudes possédées par des esprits. Soulagement des foules par démultiplication de nourriture.

Moralement irréprochable, douceur si vaste que même les castes les plus éloignées de la société osaient s’approcher de Lui. Réanimant le sentiment divin que leurs cœurs avaient depuis longtemps enfoui, les uns venaient pour pleurer à ses pieds, les autres pour simplement partager un repas avec et l’écouter.

Jeune homme terrifiant même pour les centurions romains, pourtant entraîné à la dureté et à la violence rigide des lois romaines. L’un n’osait pas le recevoir chez soi à cause de son propre sentiment d’indignité, un autre, participant à la torture et sa crucifixion, le reconnaît pour Fils de Dieu dans une terreur extrême quelques heures plus tard.

Terrifiant à cause de Sa Sainteté même pour ses plus proches disciples qui le priait de s’éloigner de lui !

Un portrait si brillant, qui enferme en lui-même toutes les perfections possibles et inimaginables du Divin, qu’il est si difficile à brosser pour un simple être humain. Un regard sur Lui, puis encore un autre, et c’est tout l’être qui s’y perd.

Jésus expire, et les cadavres doivent être détachés des croix, car c’est un jour, important pour le peuple juif. (La célébration de la délivrance de la servitude égyptienne, par Moïse, La Pâques).

Un homme de foi, Joseph d’arimathie, haut placé parmi les strates religieuses de son pays — croyant secrètement en Jésus — demande à Pilate, gouverneur romain, de détacher son corps afin de le mettre dans son propre tombeau.

Le but de la musique est celle-ci : remplacer cet homme qui Le détache et qui descend Son Corps meurtri, méconnaissable par la torture et la souffrance par vous-même.

Enlever les clous des mains et des pieds, et le porter en terre. Le but est de vraiment placer le corps de Jésus dans vos mains. Il n’y a que lui et vous. Personne d’autre sur la terre que Lui et vous-même.

My Savior Has Been Pierced – Efisio Cross Story Behind The Music

Maintenant, vient la question :

Pourquoi Jésus lui-même, affirme que son arrestation et condamnation n’est pas le résultat d’un simple élan humain, mais d’une Prescience Divine, écrite bien à l’avance ? En effet, Dieu dans ses attributs, savait que le peuple le rejetterait, Il se sert de ce moment précis de l’histoire pour accomplir Son Sacrifice pour nous tous.

Pourquoi fallait-il que Jésus meure pour nous ?

Jésus nous dit que Dieu dans son Essence est constitué de deux attributs primordiaux. L’un est sa Saintené, l’autre Sa Miséricorde. Dieu est tellement pur, et Saint qu’il ne peut tolérer et laisser impuni le mal commis.

Dans Sa Justice, Il doit agir et le punir, sinon il ne serait pas Juste. Si un juge laisse libre un violeur ou un meurtrier, ne crierait-on pas à l’injustice ? Que le juge n’exerce pas proprement sa fonction ? Même s’il adviendrait que le juge développe quelconque empathie pour le meurtrier ou le violeur, se laisserait — il gagné par son empathie pour laisser aller libre le coupable sans qu’il paie son méfait ?

Il ne serait pas un bon Juge. Il en est de même pour Dieu. S’il ne punit pas le mal, alors il n’est pas Juste. Sans comprendre cet attribut de Sa Personne, Sa Justice, il nous est impossible de comprendre le deuxième. Sa Miséricorde.

Sa justice, il faut le dire est terrible. Une personne s’analysant en lisant ceci pourrait penser qu’elle n’est pas une mauvaise personne. « Je n’ai pas tué, ni volé, ni violé, j’essaie d’être bon avec mon prochain après tout. » Cela va bien au-delà de cela. En effet, un simple mensonge est suffisant pour nous perdre tout entier. Une simple mauvaise pensée du cœur suffit pour nous perdre en face d’un Dieu Saint.

Jésus lui-même l’expliquait à ses disciples. Le mal commence dans le cœur, dans la pensée, et cela est suffisant pour nous condamner, et ne pas entrer dans la Vie qui vient. Je ne dis pas cela pour terrifié, mais pour crée un vaste contraste entre la dimension Sainte de Dieu et la notre, pour annuler en nous même, tout sentiment de justice propre que nous pouvons être si prompt à développé naturellement.

Beaucoup de gens, se réclamant de Dieu se pensait Juste, et mieux que les autres en les jugeant. Dieu met la barre si haute pour que nous puissions tous réaliser notre état de pécheur, nous savoir tous égaux dans nos fautes en face d’un Dieu Saint.

Si nous nous sentons condamnés par notre passé ou notre présent, par le poids de nos erreurs, c’est une bonne chose ! Si nous rougissons de notre passé en nous introspectant devant un Dieu Saint, c’est une très bonne chose ! parce que — sans se sentiment là — il nous serait impossible d’accédé la prochaine partie du message et d’en recevoir une pleine efficacité. Avant de se savoir sauvé — il faut déja se savoir perdu ! Sinon, sauver de quoi ?

C’est maintenant que prend effet pleinement le deuxième attribut de Dieu. Sa Miséricorde.

Au lieu, d’un jour, de devoir payer le prix de nos fautes en face d’un Dieu Saint — Dieu lui-même fait l’impensable, et se condamne Lui-même pour nous. Quand Jésus est mort sur la croix, c’est à ce moment précis de l’histoire qu’Il paie pleinement le prix de nos fautes et de nos erreurs.

Pensez à vos erreurs du passé et du présent. Elles sont transférées dans son corps pour y être enfermées puis détruites. Jésus trace un chemin légal de pardon pour la race humaine. Quand Jésus expire, nos fautes aussi expirent et ne sont plus. Pensons-y, encore une fois, à tout ce que nous avons commis de mal, depuis que nous sommes arrivés sur terre jusqu’a aujourd’hui. Jésus blanchit entièrement notre casier judiciaire.

Jésus dit, que si nous croyons du cœur, en son Sacrifice pour nous, de substitution, nous ne passerons pas en Jugement devant un Dieu Saint. Il paye le prix pour nous rendre parfaitement libres.

Après avoir lu ceci, si vous croyez, personnellement que Jésus est mort pour vos fautes à la croix, et que vous croyez que Dieu l’a ressuscité des morts, attestant sa déclaration au titre de Dieu, vous êtes sauvé. Vous ne passerez pas en jugement. Si vous mourez, vous entrerez dans la vie promise, éternelle.

Si vous voulez être sauvé, mais que vous n’avez jamais prié, je vous encourage à répéter cette simple prière :

Jésus, je ne te connais pas personnellement. J’ai entendu parler de toi, mais je ne te connais pas. Si tu es vrai, si tu existes, si tu es vraiment mort et ressuscité par amour pour moi, s’il te plait, révèle-toi à moi d’une manière si convaincante, qu’aucun doute ne puisse subsister en mon cœur. S’il te plait, sauve-moi. Je te demande pardon pour toutes mes fautes et mes erreurs, consciente ou inconsciente de mon passé et de mon présent. Je crois que tu es mort à la croix pour moi, et que tu es ressuscité des morts, prouvant que tu es Dieu. Je le demande, dans le Nom de Jésus Christ lui-même, amen.

MY SAVIOR HAS BEEN PIERCED

Hello everyone

I hope you are all doing very well! I am grateful to God to share with you new music entitled “My Saviour Has Been Pierced”. This is one of the most important contemplations I’ve been getting to work on. Alike the music “Are You Saved”, this one is directly composed with the desire to solicit a decision from your heart, after introducing Christ to you.

Jesus, a young Hebrew man, deeply influential among the social classes of His country (Israel), was arrested, tortured and then put to death by the religio-political elite of His day. The motive for His execution was simple: He claimed to be God made man, The Savior of mankind, The Messiah, The Ruler of the whole world — so promised within the ancient Hebrew Scriptures (known today as the Old Testament). See here and here

A peculiar young man considering the unprecedented miracles that accompanied Him, miracles even historically recognized even among his fiercest enemies. (See in the talmuds). To name a few: healings of the sick, (heavy cases as light), resurrection of the dead, deliverance of multitudes possesed by evil-spirits. Relief of crowds by multiplication of food.

Morally irreproachable, gentleness so vast that the most remote castes of society dared to approach Him, rekindling the divine feeling their hearts had long since buried. Some came to weep at His feet, others simply to share a meal with Him.

Terrifying young man even for the Roman centurions, yet trained in the harshness and rigid violence of Roman laws. One dared not receive him into his own home because of his own feeling of unworthiness. Others, having taken part in the killing, recognized Him as the Son of God only hours later, in a terrible fright. See here and here

Terrifying because of His Holiness, even for His closest disciples, one of them, Peter pray to Him to depart from him! See here and here :

A portrait so brilliant, encapsulating all the possible and unimaginable perfections of the Divine, that it’s so difficult for a mere human being to paint. One glance at Him, then another, and the whole being is swallowed up in His Glory.

Jesus expires, and the bodies must be removed from the crosses, as this is an important day for the Jewish people (celebration of Moses’ deliverance from Egyptian bondage on Passover).

A man of faith, Joseph of Arimathea, a high ranking member of his country’s religious strata, secretly believes in Jesus, and asks Pilate, the Roman governor, to untie His Body and place it in his own grave. The purpose of the music is this: Replace that man who unties Jesus and brings His mortified body down by yourself.

Remove the nails from His Hands and feet, and carry Him to the ground. The goal is to really place the body of Jesus in your hands and to let your heart reacts while you handle Him. It’s just Him and you. No one else on earth but Him and you. You can if you want, close your eyes and picture yourself with Him while listening the music. Remember. Jesus was a young man. He died for you and we will see why in the next section of the article below.

If your heart is moved by Christ and start to love Him, I hope the next part of the message will have an echo in your heart.

My Savior Has Been Pierced

Now comes the question :

Why did Jesus Himself affirm that His arrest and condemnation was not the result of a simple human impulse, but of a Divine prescience, written well in advance? In fact, God in His attributes knew that the people would reject Him, and He uses this precise moment in History to accomplish His Sacrifice for us all. Why did Jesus have to die for us?

Jesus tells us that God in His Essence is constituted of two primordial properties. One is His Holiness, the other His Mercy. God is so Pure and Holy that He cannot tolerate evil and leave it unpunished.

In His Justice, He must act and punish it, otherwise He would not be Just. If a judge let a rapist or murderer go free, wouldn’t we be crying out for injustice? That the judge is not exercising his function properly? Even if the judge were to develop some empathy for the murderer or rapist, would he let himself be won over by his empathy to let the guilty man go free without paying for his wrongdoing?

He would not be a good Judge. The same is true of God. If He does not punish evil, then He is not Just. Without understanding this attribute of His Person, His Justice, it is impossible for us to understand the second. His Mercy.

His justice, it must be said, is terrifying. A person analyzing himself by reading this, might think : “I’m not a bad person, I haven’t killed, stolen or raped, I’m trying to be good to my neighbor after all.” It goes far beyond that. Indeed, a simple lie is enough to lose us altogether. A simple wrong thought of the heart is enough to doom us in the face of a Holy God.

Jesus Himself explained this to His Disciples. Evil begins in the heart, in the mind, and that is enough to condemn us, to private us to enter into the Life to come. I’m not saying this to terrify, but to create in us, a vast contrast between God’s Holy dimension and our own — to cancel out within ourselves — any sense of self-righteousness we may be so quick to develop naturally.

"But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these things defile a man. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, and slander. These are what defile a man, but eating with unwashed hands does not defile him.”

Jesus - Book of Matthew, chapter 15 verse 16

Many people, claiming to be of God, think themselves righteous, and better than others in judging them. God sets the bar so high that we can all realize our sinful state, knowing we are all equal in our faults before a Holy God.

If we feel condemned by our past or our present, by the weight of our mistakes, that’s a good thing! If we feel ashamed of our past as we introspect before a Holy God, that’s a very good thing! Because — without that feeling — it would be impossible for us to access the next part of the message and thus receive its full effectiveness. Before we know we’re saved — we must already know we’re lost! If not, what’s there to be saved from?

It’s now that God’s second attribute takes full effect. His mercy.

Instead of one day having to pay the price for our faults in front of a Holy God — God Himself does the unthinkable, and condemns Himself for us. When Jesus died on the cross, it was at this precise moment in history that He fully paid the price for our sins and errors.

Think of your past and present mistakes. They are transferred into His Body to be locked up and destroyed. Jesus sets out a legal path of forgiveness for the human race. When Jesus expires, our faults also expire, and are no more. Let’s think again about everything we’ve done wrong, from the moment we arrived on earth until today. Jesus completely clears our history of sins and wrongdoings.

Jesus says that if we believe in His substitutionary Sacrifice for us, from the heart, we won’t have to stand trial before a Holy God. He payed the price of our faults to make us perfectly free. See here.

After reading this, if you believe, personally that Jesus died for your trespasses on the cross, and if you believe that God raised Him from the dead, attesting to His declaration to be God, you are saved. You will not pass into judgment. If you die, you will enter the promised, Eternal Life.

If you want to be saved, but have never prayed, I encourage you to repeat this simple prayer:

Jesus, I don't know you personally. I've heard about you, but I don't know you. Please save me.
I ask your forgiveness for all my faults and errors done consciously or unconsciously in my past and present. I believe that you died on the cross for me, and that you rose from the dead, proving that you are God. I ask this, in the Name of Jesus Christ Himself, amen.

Now that you’re saved, stay saved. In other words, live for Christ, get to know Him sincerely every day. Turn your back on your old life and your own sins. You’re a new person. Change your habits. Put an alaram on your phone to pray every day and start little by little (a few minutes a day). When you pray to Jesus, be transparent. Don’t lie to Him, don’t hide anything from Him, but tell Him everything. Even the ugliest. Try to read the Bible every day. Start with one of the four biographies of Jesus, Matthew, Mark, Luke or John! Ask Jesus for the Holy Spirit. It’s Jesus, in Spirit form, who will live in you to help you in your daily life with Him!

RODEO

Rodeo - Efisio Cross

Hello everyone, I hope you’re all well! I am deeply grateful to God to share with you a new music and video entitled “Rodeo”. If you have recently discovered my music, it may be through the orchestral style. However, when I have time, I like to compose in another genre – it helps me to decompress and explore music in a different way. Before I learned orchestral music, I started out singing, so don’t worry if it feels totally different!

I composed the instrumental for “Rodeo” a few years ago, but never got the time to finish it. A couple of months ago, I had in heart to give it a try and write some lyrics. The contemplation of music is that of living life fully but Holy. You may have heard the slogan “You live only once” or others that get along with it. The issue with this — even if it sounds relevant — is that it can drive people into sin, and make them fall into many dangerous traps, mistakes and decisions that will create a heart full of regret and shame, making life a living hell. I’ll try to deconstruct the lyrics so you can perhaps better grasp my contemplation!

The word “Rodeo” in the lyrics means the human desire to live life to the full. To make it a a beautiful adventure. The world will present you with its own “Rodeo” life, you already see it around. Jesus has His own, and that’s what I’ll try to share with you. If you’re young reading this, be wise and choose a good and holy life now — even if it’s hard sometimes, or counter-cultural. You will be extremely happy and grateful that you chose the right path of life early. If you already have entered life without Jesus, it’s not too late to live right with God and see your life fall into place. He loves you, whoever you are, whatever your past. You will never be the same after knowing Him personnally, even though sometimes the path is hard and painful.

"Rodeo, heard you wanna rodeo, go you gotta let it go, call upon the Holy Ghost, Holy Ghost".

The phrase “let it go” here illustrates the need to let go of old mentalities, old reflexes, old thought patterns that promote a sinful lifestyle (consciously or unconsciously), and to call upon the Holy Spirit (who is Jesus in Spirit form) to come and replace them. As Christ’s disciple, Paul says: “Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve God’s will – his good, pleasing and perfect will. Letter to the Romans chapter 12:2

"Long ago, should have come a long ago, all I need is Holy Love, Let it come, Holy Lord, Holy Lord". 

This line seeks to highlight the wide contrast between worldly life and that of Jesus. The regret it produces when we meet God personally. The intensity, beauty and love you receive make you wonder why you didn’t come to Jesus earlier — even in the pain you go through in the process of following Him.

“Tv Radio, Tv Radio, Scrolling on that phone ain't nowhere to go! In a teepee with my Lord”.

This line seeks to symbolize the end of procrastination. To stop wasting time on social media and spend time with Jesus instead. The “Teepee” is used here to represent distancing yourself from all distractions and embracing intimacy with Jesus. It could be your own room, or a place where you can be alone with Him. As Jesus Himself said: “You, when you pray, go into your closet, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will repay you openly.” Book of Matthew chapter 6 verse 6

"Reading through the Scroll, like an eagle in the storm, roaring far above the crows".

This passage tries to illustrate the life-changing experience of reading God’s Scroll, The Bible. It changes you so much that you feel as if you’re flying above the storms of life, just as eagles do in their in the natural way. “Roaring high above the crows” here means living above all kinds of evils and demons that inhabit the earth.

ABOUT THE VIDEO

It represents the journey of the Biblical Faith. The Lion represent Jesus. The white palace at the start of the video symbolizes His Kingdom. When you give your life to Him, you become One with Him. You live with Him, You share His life, His Mind, His Kingdom, everything. The red jacket, present all along represents the Blood of Jesus Christ — when He sacrificed Himself at the Cross of Calvary 2000 years ago. His Blood saved us and washed us. Symbolically we need to “wear” The Blood of Christ, to be justified before God. The huge red army represents His Saints, the ones that decided to follow him, who have been redeemed by Him. All of them are sinners like you and I, broken people that were saved as they accepted the Gift of Life, Salvation and calling from Jesus.

The second part of the video, is the preparation to war, and in the mean time, a preparation for adventure in unknown places. By war, I don’t mean war against other humans, involving weapons, bloodshed — but a spiritual war. When you give you life to Christ, you realize quickly that there is a solid spiritual world going on, with both good and evil entities. Paul disciples of Christ states: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. (Letter to The Ephesians, chapter 6 verse 12)

Furthermore, he says this: “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Ephesians 6 – 13

After the war, we see an ancient and royal tribe deep in the desert. These tribes represent the diversity of peoples that The Lion calls and comes to visit. He is Lord of all races and colors. He calls them into His Kingdom. He makes them kings and queens for His Glory.

The last part of the video, in which we see the huge golden cube, attempt sto represent the New Jerusalem that will come one day on planet earth. Jesus says that the world you and I see today will vanish. Not that it will be the end of the world, but the end of earthly rulers. The end of the ages of man. It will be replaced by the total and complete reign of God. Remember the prayer “Thy Kingdom Comes?”. It will be at this moment that earth we will reestablished. Jesus will rule the entire universe with peace and safety. And if you trust in Him, He said that you and I will also rule with Him. As states John His disciple:

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. 

There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life.

He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son. But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars--their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death."

Book of Revelation, chapter 21

If you want to be saved by Jesus and have part to His Kingdom, I have written an article and a song for that matter! You can check it out here : “Are You Saved?

Love you all so much!

Efisio

Lyrics

Rodeo
Heard you wanna
Rodeo
Go you gotta let it go
Call upon the
Holy Ghost
Holy Ghost
Long ago
Should have come
A long ago
All I need is
Holy Love
Let it come
Holy Lord
Holy Lord
You’re walking by my side
Watching over me
And healing all the
Ashes of my heart
Watching over me
O Rodeo
Rodeo
Rodeo
Heard you wanna
Rodeo
Go you gotta let it go
Call upon the
Holy Ghost
Holy Ghost
Long ago
Should have come
A long ago
All I need is
Holy Love
Let it come
Holy Lord
Holy Lord
Rodeo
Heard you wanna
Rodeo
Go you gotta let it go
Call upon the
Holy Ghost
Holy Ghost
Long ago
Should have come
A long ago
All I need is
Holy Love
Let it come
Holy Lord
Holy Lord
You’re walking by my side
Watching over me
And healing all the
Ashes of my heart
Watching over me
My Rodeo
Rodeo
Tv radio
Tv radio
Scrolling on that phone
Ain’t nowhere to go
In a teepee with my Lord
Reading through the Scroll
Like an eagle in the storm
Roaring far above the crows
Roaring far above the crows
Rodeo
Heard you wanna
Rodeo
Go you gotta let it go
Call upon the
Holy Ghost
Holy Ghost
Long ago
Should have come
A long ago
All I need is
Holy Love
Let it come
Holy Lord
Holy Lord
Holy Ghost
Fill my heart
O Holy Ghost
Heal my scar
O Holy Ghost
Should have come
A long ago
Long ago
Rodeo
Heard you wanna
Rodeo
Go you gotta let it go
Call upon the
Holy Ghost
Holy Ghost
You’re walking by my side
Watching over me
And healing all the
Ashes of my heart
Watching over me
My Rodeo
Rodeo
Oh hey
I’m gonna give it
Gonna give my life to
Jesus
Gonna give it
Gonna give my heart to
Jesus
I’m gonna give it
Gonna give my life to
Jesus
Gonna give it
Gonna give my heart to
Rodeo
Heard you wanna
Rodeo
Go you gotta let it go
Call upon the
Holy Ghost
Holy Ghost
Long ago
Should have come
A long ago
All I need is
Holy Love
Let it come
Holy Lord
Holy Lord
Rodeo
Heard you wanna
Rodeo
Go you gotta let it go
Call upon the
Holy Ghost
Holy Ghost
Long ago
Should have come
A long ago
All I need is
Holy Love
Let it come
Holy Lord
Holy Lord
You’re walking by my side
Watching over me
And healing all the
Ashes of my heart
Watching over me
My Rodeo
Rodeo
Oh hey
I’m gonna give it
Gonna give my life to
Jesus
Gonna give it
Gonna give my heart to
Jesus
I’m gonna give it
Gonna give my life to
Jesus
Gonna give it
Gonna give my heart to

FROM SATAN TO JESUS

Hello friends! first of all, I hope that you’re all doing good! I’m deeply grateful to God to share with you a new piece of music called « From Satan To Jesus ».

The contemplation is split into two layers. Regarding the first one and how the idea of the piece came: I was scrolling, searching for an artwork to buy for some pieces of music I’m working on. I suddenly came across that somber image, representing a sad, tormented woman in anime style. It wasn’t at all what I was searching for, but I could not get my eyes off that pic! It grabbed my attention in a particular manner, and right on, my heart wanted to start a new musical project — based on that art.

There was a rush in my heart to get my hands on the keyboard and play. As said many times, I truly belive that Music is a Gift from God, so, I asked God to compose through me, and by His Grace and Kindness, the first chords and notes came. I stopped the other musical projects to lean particularly on this one. The vision became sharper in me, I saw a woman deeply involved in the occult, completely immersed in Satanism, who was extremely tormented, who needed deliverance but was hopeless — without knowing where to go.

I genuinely believe that it comes from Christ and that this piece may have been created for that person. If you’re involved into the occult and are in torment, this music was certainly made for you, and your delivrance is none other than Christ. I hope this is your sign!

From Satan To Jesus

For the second layer of the contemplation, I wanted to take the occasion to share with you the story of Satan and his kingdom — from his origins, to his personality to his influence and activity upon the world and finally to share what God says about him — how to overcome the devil fully, and how to be saved. If you want to know more about being saved now, I have written an article on this specific subjet here : Are You Saved?

I believe that it is very important for the world, both believers and unbelievers to know what Jesus-Christ of Nazareth has to say about Satan. The Devil is not a little red creature with two little horns, a tail and a pitchfork. It’s not even an angel, but a cherub. Surely a complex creature with many detailed and intricate features (see as an example in the book of Ezekiel, chapter 10, verse 14). Perhaps the highest in the hierarchy of heavenly beings, seemingly even the closest to God.

He is not ugly but extremely beautiful ,isn’t an atheist but a devout and hateful religious being. His influence is more effective and increases the best, when no one knows who he is, when no one knows his involvement in Heaven, on earth, and on humans. The Bible says it clearly. You and I have an invisible enemy to identify and to defeat.

If you’re new here — before to go further in the description — I’m a simple Bible believing Christian. It means that I only believe the Bible. I don’t belong to any kind of denomination, but only the Scriptures. There is a great deal of differences between the Bible and all the denominations out there — some more than others — so I encourage you to go and stay to the source, (The Bible) and be grounded in it. Fact-check everything with it, and you won’t have any confusions in your faith regarding false and stranger teachings, for they will be easy to spot and to avoid.

Satan’s Origin and activity before he rebelled: Jesus says that Satan was created in the very beginning of time, perhaps even before planet earth came into existence. Perhaps, he was even rejoicing among the complete corpus of celestial beings, when our planet came into being, as states the book of Job :

«Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?
Tell Me, if you know understanding, Who set its measurements? Since you know. Or who stretched the line on it? On what were its bases sunk? Or who laid its cornerstone, When the morning stars sang together And all the sons of God shouted for joy? »

God — Book of Job, chapter 38 verse 4 to 7).

To clarify the context, God is replying to Job’s issues he had in his reasoning against God. To answer Job, God went back to the Creation Week, stating that the « Sons of God shouted for joy » when they saw the earth forming. The « Sons of God » are another recurrent expression to identify The celestial beings (see here and here). Based on that verse it is more likely that Satan was among them praising God. At that time, he did not fell and everything was made good, as God said.

His creation seems to be very special, as music was prepared for his service on the very day he came into existence. (It’s worth remembering that Satan is deeply connected to music, and seems to know it very well, furthermore, based on the King James Version, many think that music was even crafted in his very body). Moreover, The Scriptures tell us that he was covered with precious stones. We don’t know whether these stones were encrusted in his body or around him, but it says a lot about his stature. He was full of beauty, wisdom and authority. He was created free and good — full of integrity — until he rebelled against God. The Bible reveals two of his main geographical locations before he revolted. He was assigned to the very Mountain of God in Heaven, and was also assigned to the Garden of Eden on earth, to watch over it. He probably watched Adam and Eve from birth, and perhaps even “guarded” them, maybe even the flora and fauna. I’ve put the whole verse if you’d like to read it for yourself.

From Darkness To The Light
Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty.

Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created.

Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire.

Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.

By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire.

Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee.

Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffick; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee.

All they that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee: thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt thou be any more.

— God, Book of Ezekiel, chapter 28

As said, he spend his early life as a good and faithful, but got seduced by its own beauty, stature, wisdom and power. He wanted more, it wasn’t enough. He then became violent. Not only he decided to rebel against God, but he wanted to become like the God of the Universe himself — placing his throne above God’s. (Book of Isaiah chapter 14, and here). In His rebellion against Him, he also seduced a large nombers of other angels (Which were also created good and free, but decided to follow the fallen cherub.)

After his fall he went to Eve to seduce her. Note that he did not come to Eve as a cherub in its true physical shape, but certainly put his spirit through an animal « the serpent » — (that had at the time many amazing intellectual features, even capable of language and reasoning (see here and here) — had a completely different physical shape from the one we see today (see here) and agreed with the devil. The very animal got punished right after. He then approached her. Adam and Eve rebelled against God, humanity was doomed, death entered the world, our relationship with God was broken.

How did Satan dommed mankind? by evil wisdom, by a sweet, and ear candy lie. No weapon, no force, only well crafted lie. He said to Eve to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil to become… like God! (see here). (Note that it is still the same wicked desire Satan has, obsessed with the idea to become God. It worked for him enough to be doomed, so it must work for Adam and Eve!)

Satan’s Personality and Activiy :

1) Jesus says that Satan is the father of lies. Because he was the very first that lied in the creation, making him by default the father of liers. Each time we lie, we’re similar to Satan. He excels at lying, to the world, to you and me. He can make you believe that you are special on Monday, someone important — then make you believe that God cannot forgive you for you’re the worst sinner that ever walked planet earth, the very next day. Not all the voices you hear from within are from you, nor true or morals. Take into consideration the influence of Satan so that you won’t be fooled. Jesus explains how to defeat him, I’ll try to explain below. (God loves you very much, even in your lowest)

2) Jesus says that Satan is also a murderer since the beginning. It’s true that because of him and Adam, humanity, started to die, making him the worst murderer in history. Not only he killed in this way, but also through sickness, pain, diseases, and all sort of violence.

"He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it."

— Jesus, book of John, chapter 8 verse 44

3) Jesus says that Satan is also a Stealer. When God created the earth, it was for Himself and for humans to rule over. Adam was meant to control the earth in a good and holy way. When we fell and got doomed, we lost our control upon it, and was given for a certain time to The Devil — making him the greatest thief of the history of the world. He stole earth from us, humans. Not only that, but he wants to steal your joy, your hope, your life, your career, everything you have.

4) Jesus says that Satan also destroys. Everything you’re trying to build, he will do his best to destroy it. If you walk with God and follow Jesus, He won’t be able to but he will try. Remember that without Jesus you cannot defeat Satan! (See here and here).

"The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy"

— Jesus, book of John, chapter 10 verse 10

5) Jesus says that Satan is hatred. He hates you and me to the core. (See here). You might have noticed that secular entertainments, perhaps even philosophies likes to represent him as the victim or the “good guy”. It is his dream that anyone could believe this. His dream of dreams is to see you doomed with him, especially to see you suffer, in torment. He wants to see you loose all the things or people you love, including the smallest pet you cherish. As the proverbs states : «Misery likes company ».

"Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walketh about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour."

— Apostle Peter, first letter, chapter 5 verse 8

6) Satan is intensely religious. He knows the Bible better than any Bible scholar (see here). He tempted Jesus with the Bible. He seduced Eve with a distorted Bible (The very Spoken Word of God). They killed Jesus with the Bible. He is actively involved in religious affairs. He’s the creator of every religion on earth, he’s behind every idol you can imagine (see here and here and here), and he’s working hard in the Christian faith itself, to imitate, corrupt, confuse, disgust and destroy people from within. (See here, here and here). He does everything he can to keep mankind away from the Truth, Jesus-Christ, God in the flesh who came to die for us, to save us from our sins, to repear Adam’s fall, and who Rose Again. (See here).

Then the devil took Him (Jesus) up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: ‘He shall give His angels charge over you,’and, ‘In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’ ”

Satan — Book of Matthew, chapter 4, verse 1.

Right above is an exemple of Satan, tempting Jesus with the very Bible, saying “For it is written”. Well known expression in Scriptures, meaning “Written in The Scriptures”. Have you noticed that the world is not anti-God, but anti-Jesus? Have you realized that the world takes the name “Jesus” as its curse word, but no other name from any other faith? Have you noticed that so-called Christians used the very name of Jesus to kill people? This is Satan, and he must be exposed. Jesus Himself said so.

Before to continue, it’s important to emphasize that — according to Jesus Christ of Nazareth Himself, there is no other way to Salvation, to God than through Himself. We can only enter Eternity through Christ. His Divinity, His Death and Resurrection for us. Even if a religion presents Jesus differently, saying even good things about Him, but not as the Scriptures said, you know who’s behind it. Satan. As long as you deviate a bit, and don’t trust the real Jesus — Satan rejoices, because he knows that without Christ’s Sacrifice, you and I will remain in sin, and that one day we’ll have to answer for it!

Jesus saith unto him, 

I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

— Jesus, book of John, chapter 10 verse 10

7) The Bible teaches that Satan still has access to heaven. (See here, here, there and there). For some reasons we don’t understand fully, Satan has still access to God. As surprising as it may sound, Satan is more in heaven than on earth. So what does he do there? He accuses us. Day and night, he accuses us before God. He makes sure to remember God our sins, wrong doing, to solicit God’s Wrath and Justice upon us — so that we can get legally hit. (that is why it’s very important to always repent, so that the devil can’t have anything to bring to God). The following passage, talks about Satan’s future when he will be fully thrown on earth, then in hell:

And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: 

For the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them.
Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time."

— God - Book of Revelation, chapter 12 verse 10

8) Jesus says that world dominion has been temporary given to Satan

As we saw above, Satan has dominion over the earth for a certain period of time. (See Matthew chapter 4 verse 8 to 11). Clearly, the world we see today is in chaos. Some countries are worse than others. Satan can’t be everywhere at once. He has a well-articulated and coordinated kingdom, in which he reigns at the highest level.

The Bible breaks down the layers of Satan’s kingdom. As we said earlier, Satan seems to be more in heaven than on earth. Just below Satan, are the Principalities. What are they? Importants fallen angels who resides in heaven and influences regions, even countries or kingdoms, to evil, wickedness, through politics, and all possible spheres (see here).

« For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places

— Apostle Paul, book of Ephesians, chapter 6 verse 12

Then, on earth, Satan has his demons, who are also fallen angels but who’ve lost their bodies. That’s why a demon absolutely wants to live in a human, for he has no rest otherwise. We can’t estimate the number of demons roaming the earth, but we can be sure — given the high number of people tortured — that it’s in the millions, if not billions (I’m not affirming anything, it’s a purely subjective statement).

These demons all specialize in something. They cause mental illness, skyzophrenia and many other physical diseases. A person can be also possessed by several demons simultaneously (see here). When Jesus healed and delivered people from demons, He often called them by their specialty. See an example here:

He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You deaf and mute spirit, I command you, come out of him and do not enter him again.”

Jesus — Book of Mark chapter 9 verse 25
From Satan To Jesus

How to overcome Satan?

Jesus is God become human. Since the human race was condemned, Jesus came to save it and thus became man. When we rebelled against God, it is written that “sin” entered humanity. Sin is a law, living within us, which makes us live a life opposed to God, which makes us God’s enemy, which makes it impossible for us to please God. Furthermore, sins and all evil will have to be punished at some point, otherwise God wouldn’t be Just.

However, God loved us so much that instead of punishing you and me for our evil deeds, He punished Himself. When Jesus died on the Cross, He was punished in our place, so that you and I could be cleansed and saved from our sins and eternal punishment.

Your sins and mine were transferred to His Body. When Jesus died, our sins died too. When He rose from the dead, He proved that He was who He claimed to be — God.

If you believe that Jesus loves you, that He came and Died to save you from your sins, if you believe that God raised Jesus from the dead, you are now saved. And that’s how you defeated Satan. (See here).

Jesus gives us authority and power over demons and all Satan’s forces of evil. Demons can be cast out of people. Some may resist, but they will still be cast out through prayer and fasting (see here and here and here).

A demon enters when you open a door for it. It could be magic, tarot cards, new-age stuff, ouja boards, consulting mediums, invoking spirits, witchcraft, depravity, alcohol, drugs, sin in general, etc. Not everyone is possessed, though.

I was tormented by a demon for 7 months straight, day and night, until I gave my life to Jesus and was saved. I was delivered shortly after I started following Christ.

There are so many things and details to say about Satan. This is already a long article. Forgive me, it’s far from perfect! I hope you’ll catch the main points. I encourage you to give your heart to Jesus, and to follow Him through the Scriptures. He Loves You. I would like to conclude by a quote from Jesus, that gave the music its title (He is talking to Paul the Aposlte) :

 I'am sending you to them, to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

— Jesus, book of Acts chapter 26, verse 18

HE PRAYS FOR HER

He Prays For Her - Efisio Cross

Hello everyone,

I hope that you are all fine! I’m deeply grateful to God to share with you a new piece of music called “He Prays For Her”. It’s a masculine response to the previous orchestration named “She Prays For Him” which focused on the role of the woman in research for her husband.

The present music has two main contemplations: :

1 -) The first is to encourage every man to be saved and to become a sincere man of God.

2 -) The second one is to focus on how to prepare yourself to meet your future wife.

As my music is for everyone both believers and un-believers, I will try to stay as simple and basic as possible. If you’re a man and if you have never heard about The Love Jesus has for you, I encourage you to read this article I wrote here : Are You Saved?. You may have heard of Jesus but don’t know Him, or maybe you have been disappointed with people proclaiming to be Christians and ended up being hurt, I encourage you to go way above this.

The real Jesus, the One from Biblical Scriptures Loves you and I wish you with all my heart to meet Him in your personal life. It’s not about churches, clergy, denominations, it’s about Jesus’s Heart and Yours. You will never be the same after encountering Him.

Simply put, God created the world. God created mankind. Mankind decided to rebel against God and death entered the world. Our mistakes, sins and wickedness severed our relationship with Him. We can’t save ourselves, so God decided to become a man (since it’s the human race that must be saved) and came down on Earth. He then lived a morally and spiritually perfect life (the one we all should have lived) — without sinning once, and finally offered His Life in our place on The Cross. The third day, He Resurrected, proving who He claimed to be : God.

In order for us to be purified and brought back to our Creator, Jesus had to die, so that our sins would be transferred to His body to die as well. He paid the legal price of our sins, being a substitute. Jesus says that if you believe He died and rose for you, and accept His gift of Salvation, you are now a saved person. You won’t have to answer for your own sins on Judgment Day, because you’ve believed that God paid the penalty for them to bring you back to Him. You will also be offered Eternal Life. As we said earlier, we were not created to die.

Living now for Christ will be decisive, you’re a brand new person, the past is gone, so are your mistakes, just like your old identity that made you do bad things (big or small).

What does it mean to become a man? What is a man?

If we don’t have an ultimate foundation on what constitute masculinity, all is left to us is complete subjectivism, more or less shaped by culture. It won’t ever be stable, for culture and philosophies change all the time. If we believe Jesus, then our reference regarding masculinity won’t change at all. It might not be popular — often regarded as counter cultural — but at least, you can be sure that it won’t be shaken.

If you want to become a man, and embrace Biblical masculinity, simply observe Jesus-Christ of Nazareth and imitate Him. I will try to split the contemplation into different layers and stay focused on the big lines.

1 ) — The Spirital
2 ) — Your Character
3 ) — Holiness

4 ) — Work
5) — The Physical
6) — Sexuality

The Spiritual is pivotal. You have a spirit, and your spirit needs to receive Jesus’s Spirit, which is called « The Holy Spirit ». When you receive it, It will guide you to all truth and change you from the inside to the outside. It will comforts you and help you in all possible way to become like Christ.

Your Character : God shapes you through patience and waiting. Sometimes this comes at the price of a certain number of trials and difficulties. He lovingly erases the bad traits and wrong inclinations of heart that you and I have. He purifies you, removes evil and puts virtue inside. He makes you strong and prepares you for your future, to make it easier and smoother. The sooner we take care of our character and personality, the better for the future, and the fewer problems we’ll have. If we soften our hearts and accept God to change us according to His will, it will even come faster. Most of the problems society has today are problems caused by unprocessed character, simply because that we did not take it seriously. (divorce, violence, addictions, you name them etc.).

You can be 18 or 50, there’s no age limit to become a man of God and see your character transformed. Use what you have at hand to train yourself. If you live with your mother, father or both parents, train yourself now, look after them, love them, help them, show them you’ve changed. Become a true gentleman, even in the little things. Clean the house, cut the grass if you have any, do the groceries, never be ashamed to say you’re sorry if you’ve done something wrong. Destroy your ego, don’t let it ruin your life. You need to become Christ-like and shine in your ecosystem. Truly fall in love with the process. You may be the only light they’ll ever have, seize this opportunity to change their lives too. Your opponent is yourself in the ring. Don’t lie. Destroy anger at all costs. Embrace patience and humility. Jesus died for you and me, so we must adopt the virtue of sacrifice in our lives too. Remember that if God gives you a wife and family, their shield will be Him, of course — but so will you. You will be their protection and their roof. God has called you and me to protect and watch over them. Women and children are vulnerable; if you’re not there for them, imagine the ruins! Don’t be discouraged if you fall along the way; it happens to all of us. Get up and keep pushing, always ask God to forgive you, and push through.

Remember that God loves you and is touched to see you walk in His way. Never be discouraged or pay attention to what the devil may say to your heart to destroy you. We are all sinners. Don't go back to your old life, even if you think it was easier. It's really depressing not to make progress —  and our lives, before knowing God was like this. Keep pushing, and you'll rejoice to see yourself so different by God's Grace and Spirit.

Holiness : Jesus says that God is Holy, which means pure, so we too must become Holy. Identify and neutralize all the bad influences in your life that promote a sinful lifestyle — stealing, lying, drugs, alcohol, violence, sex outside marriage (God isn’t against sex but has His own directions for it), pornography, swearing, gossiping, jealousy, hatred, idolatry, any kind of esoterism —and turn your back on these things. From friends to the media you consume, bad movies, bad series or bad music, whatever the field, kindly avoid them. Do your research and choose only the good things that push you forward. Good movies, good music, good books, good videos to watch. Clean up your instagram or social networks, follow only good content. The Spirit of Christ in you will make the process so much easier. Again, I encourage you to fall in love with the process. And, as I said above, if you fall in course, don’t get discouraged, ask for forgiveness and get back up, we all fall short.

Pray all the time, talk to God all the time, in your mind or out loud. Read the Scriptures as much as you can, as often as you can. If you don’t understand a passage, google some commentaries. (I use the Bible Hub app). Be patient with yourself too. The Bible is sufficient, put nothing beside it or above it, for it will be your absolute foundation in life.

Work: Ask God for a job you love. If you’d rather become an entrepreneur and run a business, ask God for wisdom and direction to create one that’s fully suited to God and your life. A business that gives you plenty of time to work for God and your family. Be clean in your money, don’t scam anyone, nor the person nor the goverment. Select the main passions you have, and think about how you can turn one of them into work. If you prefer salaried work, it’s the same thing, ask God to find the best solution for you, that can leave you plenty of time to work for Christ and care for your loved ones. Make yourself a good heart, be generous, to the poor and whoever one in need, God will reward you being like this. Be patient in the process too, all good things take time!

The physical : God created us a body, demonstrating that both spirit and body are important. Jesus says it is God’s Temple, telling us how we should treat it. Optimize your waiting period to work on it! It’s good to eat well, exercise and have good hygiene. Become the best version of yourself for God and your future wife (although God will always love you, even at your lowest). Aim for elegance; The Temple of God was the pinnacle of Elegance! You don’t need fancy things to be well dressed. You can find beautiful clothes without spending a lot of money. Find good references on Pinterest, whatever suits you best, from hair to shoe take your time and ask God what whould fit you well. Did you know that Jesus Himself wore perfume?

Sexuality : This is a very important area to consider, as we live in an over-sexualized world. Note that sexuality is extremely beautiful and is a gift from God. God is for sexuality, not against it (He created it). He structures and protects it through Marriage and commitment. In the Bible, there’s an entire book about love and sexuality written in an erotic setting called “The Song of Songs”, which encourages us to develop a fulfilling and consistent sexuality throughout our lives. God steers us away from counterfeit sexuality, such as fornication or pornography. The very act of making love is about being one with the person you truly love — it’s highly sacred. We can’t be one person with many people.

It’s not perfect, but I’ve tried to be as transparent as possible in sharing the Biblical Worldview with you! I’ll try to add more content below, both in the form of books and videos if you’re interested in deepening your faith! I love you all very much! Thank you so much for being here! God bless you!

SHE PRAYS FOR HIM

efisio cross - she prays for him - story

Hello everyone, I hope that you’re all doing good!

I’m deeply grateful to God to share with you a new orchestral piece called « She Prays For Him » The music has two main contemplations:

The first one tells the story of a woman in search for her husband. (whether she knows him or not yet). She prays about it.

The second one describes the process of becoming a woman of God according to Jesus.

If you’re a woman and if you are searching for something serious — a life-long relationship — structured, solid and grounded , I hope this text will have an echo in your heart!

Important : Before to go further in the description, I will do my best by God’s Grace to talk about what constitute a man of God in the next coming weeks. It works both sense. The effort done by the woman should be done the same by the man.

Within our modern days and ever changing culture, it can be really confusing for a woman to find her identity. You might have noticed all the different philosophies out there saying all kind of different things.

What I’m about to share with you is definitely not popular, it can even be labeled as counter cultural, but you can be certain of one thing — it does not change with time — It’s solid and eternal, and you won’t be overwhelmed by any confusions of any sort.

According to God, the first step of becoming a woman of God is to be directly rooted in His Being. What does it mean? To know God and to be known by Him — through the person of Jesus-Christ. To « fuse » with Him.

Jesus-Christ is the bridge between our world and Heaven, and between humans and God. It is Jesus-Christ that truly establish our relationship and connection with God Almighty.

To make it very short and simple, we are not perfect, we make plenty of mistakes consciously or unconsciously (it’s called sin in The Bible.) and we need to be healed and saved from this. Our mistakes break our relation with God, because God is Holy. That’s the reason why Jesus came down on earth. He lived the perfect life we should have lived and died On The Cross in our place. He paid the legal price of all of our mistakes, sins, and evil so that we won’t be punished after we leave this planet to enter Eternity.

According to Jesus, if you personally believe in your heart that He loves you, that He lived and died and resurrected to save you from your sins — and say it with your mouth — you are now a saved person. Your relationship with God starts the moment you believed. If you want more informations about how to be saved I have written a music and a text here : Are You Saved?

Once you’re saved, God should become your number 1. No one, nor father mother, sister, brother, husband or wife, must have that place. He must be your everything. You need to cultivate your relationship with God everyday by talking to Him all the time, and reading His Word (The Bible).

While doing this, God will change you for your own best and joy. It’s called the sanctification process. He cleans you, re-shape your inside and out — according to His Heart. He purifies and prepare you for your own future, to make it solid and grounded.

What constitute the inside of a woman of God?

The inside is the most important. Your spirit and soul, the state of your heart, your personality, your character and emotions will become pivotal. Let’s see the different categories we will overview : 

1-) The Spiritual
2-) Holiness
3-) Your Character
4-) The Physical
5-) Sexuality
6-) Work

Spiritual : Your spirit must be united with the Spirit of God. His Life must overflow your being. It’s called « Receiving the Holy Spirit » The Spirit of Jesus lives in you and guide you all the way.

Your character (your personality and emotions) : What you should develop is tenderness, sweetness, patience, humility, sincerity, a clean talk, being a help for your future husband in all possible ways, being full of mercy and compassion and to submit to him, to trust him to lead you in Jesus. In the process, introspect yourself the best you can, and spot all the bad traits to delete them : Anger, hate, cussing, controlling, manipulating, ego, lying, gossiping, lazyiness unforgiveness, bitterness, pride etc. By being with Jesus, it will be much more easier to spot them and destroy them all.

Holiness : The Love of Jesus in you will create this desire to get Holy. If you smoke, or drink or do drugs, I encourage you to drop them. Avoid counterfeit sexuality such as pornography or erotic content. (sexuality is so beautiful to dwell in those fake spheres — God has real sexuality in store for you, far more intense, rich and beautiful than pornography). Avoid all kind of astrology or esoterism stuff. Avoid nightclubs. Avoid any kind of sexual relationship except the one you will have with your husband within Marriage. Avoid bad friendship, and bad company that will slow your process of becoming a woman of God. Work on your ecosystem, replace bad influence by good ones. Bad music by Good music, bad movies by quality ones, bad books by pure ones. You should have such an ecosystem that is recognizable but putting you up in your progress and never down. When you feel discouraged, don’t go back to your old self. Relax, pray and keep pushing on what’s good and qualitative.

The physical : Optimize your season of waiting by working on your own appearance. You should become the absolute best version of yourself to your future husband (and once again, Him as well for you) Eat healthy, exercice, and take grand care of yourself. Jesus says that your body is the temple of God. Back then, The Temple of God was full of beauty while being modest, it was the epitome of Elegance, aim for Elegance as well! You can be extremely beautiful without wearing heavy makeup, or wearing expensive jewelry or clothes. Look out on Pinterest styles that resonates with you to get inspired. Avoid all sort of vulgarity, keep your body for God and your husband, you’re sacred and you’re not for everyone, your precious.

Work: Your husband won’t look for you to have degrees or to have a career to be attracted to you. You don’t need to have any money to please him. You can be broke or rich, you can live in a teepee or a castle, it won’t change anything if you’re a woman of God. The definition of work for a woman in the Bible is very different that of the secular one. Taking care of your parents, brother or sister is work. Cleaning, cooking, going to the grocery is work. Raising children is work. Taking care of your husband is work. Also your husband must take care of yourself. Nothing wrong to have a career and your own money by the way, but I don’t want you to feel pressured by this. It’s not the most important.

Sexuality : I don’t know for you, but for me — Before to know God — I though that Biblical sexuality was boring! I knew nothing about it. I was wrong, there is a whole book in the Bible that is about Love and sexuality — and it’s actually an erotic book! (Called “The Song of Songs”) It describes the love between the husband and wife and shows how much all the body, the touch, is important, it’s full of imagery. It serves to encourage you to develop a flourished and constant sexuality. Remember, sexuality is good and sacred, it was created by God. God says to have a continuous and fulfilled sexual life within marriage. Anytime you need to have intimacy with your husband, he is due to give it to you and vice-versa. You must lack nothing and always be satisfied in that sphere as well.

It’s a lot to consider, especially if it’s brand new for you, but at least you know the big lines of becoming a woman of God. Whoever you are, whatever your past, God loves you and wants to write your future, trust Him!

How to find a Christian husband?

I recommend you to get around serious and genuine Biblical Christians locally or online and be familiar with them. The one condition you should look for is if they are rooted in The Bible. There are so many denominations out there, that sadly adds to Scriptures. Many of them add traditions, teaching that aren’t found in the Bible and that are even contradictory to it. Be strict and don’t let anything go above what is given by Jesus in the Bible, it will become your absolute foundation in life. If it’s not the case, confusions will arise.

If you’re on Instagram or YouTube, follow great Christian pages and connect. Pray before each of your next move, ask God directions and protection. Start friendship with them. Don’t be afraid to send messages. Never cease to pray, ask God to create connection with the right people and your future husband and to protect you from bad ones.

What to look in him? Observe his actions. Do they reflect Jesus and The Bible? Beware of counterfeit, people professing God with their lips but not with their heart and actions. If it’s not the right person, God will show you the red flags very soon. If he wants to sleep with you before marriage, leave. If he does not live a sanctified life like you are, leave. If he doesn’t put the same amount of efforts that you do, and play games with you, leave! Be patient. Remember that all the work you’re putting in yourself to please God, your future husband must do it as well. Don’t rush anything. Once you think you have found him, pray about the person constantly. And don’t be afraid to tell him that you like him. It’s also Biblical that the woman makes the first move!

God bless you!

NO WEAPON FORMED AGAINST ME SHALL PROSPER

No Weapons Forged Against Me Shall Proposer - Efisio Cross

Hello everyone,

I hope that you’re all doing great! I’m deeply grateful to God to share with you a new neoclassical piece called «No Weapon Formed Against Me Shall Prosper.» The title of the music comes directly from the book of the Hebrew prophet called Isaiah, wrote circa 700 years before the birth of Jesus-Christ. (chapter 54, verse 17). The music has multiple contemplations and many messages I want to share with you. As you all comes from different backgrounds, I will try to stay as simple as possible.

Here is a resume of the different layers of contemplations:

1) — The Fear of God

2) — God’s Protection

3)— The Story of Hezekiah and Sennacherib

4)— The application in our everyday life

Let’s start by the Story of Hezekiah and Sennacherib, as it will open and present all the other layers of meaning.

Around 2700 years ago, the biggest empire of that time was the Assyrian one. Their main capitals cities are known under the names of : Nineveh and Assur — Based in modern Iraq. Their Empire was huge. They ruled from south modern Turkey, to Egypt, from Israel to Babylon.

In red: the heart of Assyria with the main Assyrian cities. Orange: the Assyrian empire
Assyrian empire at its territorial peak during the reign of Assurbanipal (668-627
BC. J.-C.).
Source

They were famous for their cruelty and  brutality. Known to be merciless, country after country, region after region, town after town, they all fell into the Assyrian’s Dominion. Expect one little city called Jerusalem. They had mighty kings that you might already know. To cite some of the names: Ashurnasirpal II, Shalmaneser, Sargon II, Sennacherib. Let’s zoom in and focus on Sennacherib as he is one of the main character of the message of the music.

Sennacherib was fighting rebels within the empire. The Egyptians, the Babylonians, Phenicians and Israelies to name a few. He did well except In Israel — in Judea —, particualry in the city of Jerusalem. Here was a mighty king named Hezekiah. He refused to pay the yearly and heavy tribute to Sennacherib. It was a common practise back then, to pay heavy taxes to the most powerful ruler their time. But Hezekiah refused and rebelled. He is the second main character of the music.

Cast of a rock relief of Sennacherib from the foot of Cudi Dağı, near Cizre. The cast is exhibited in Landshut, Germany. Source

When Sennacherib heard that Hezekiah rebelled, he went furious and decided to attack Jerusalem. Lakish, one of the most important city of Judea fell into his hands. Next step was Jerusalem. It’s important to underline that our Biblical passage is confirmed by archeology and sources from outside the Bible.

Wall relief found in Sennacherib’s palace describing the siege of Lakish. Source

Before to attack Jerusalem, he sent his messengers and spoke through them with extreme arrogance. Here is some of the words he said, preserved in The Bible:

"Do you not know what I and my fathers have done to all the peoples of other lands? Were the gods of the nations of those lands at all able to deliver their lands out of my hand? Who among all the gods of those nations that my fathers devoted to destruction was able to deliver his people from my hand, that your God should be able to deliver you from my hand? Now, therefore, do not let Hezekiah deceive you or mislead you in this fashion, and do not believe him, for no god of any nation or kingdom has been able to deliver his people from my hand or from the hand of my fathers. How much less will your God deliver you out of my hand!" 

— Second Book of Chronicles, chapter 32, verse 13 to 15.

Sennacherib in his pride, thought that all of his achievements was coming from him. It reached a point of no return when he even blasphemed the God of Hezekiah, as related in the Bible passage above. Shortly after the assyrian ruler sent insulting letters to the king, in the same fashion.

Hezekiah was terrified. His kingdom was already extremely weakened by previous wars, and half of it was already deported to divergent Assyrian cities. In his fear, he even wanted to pay the tribute again to Sennacherib, in which Sennacherib accepted but nevertheless decided to attack Jerusalem.

Isaiah, the prophet we mentioned in the debut of the article, was a contemporary of Hezekiah. He was respected by the king for he knew that God was with him. He knew that Isaiah’s prophecies were true, for Hezekiah himself saw many of them fullfiled during his life time. In his despair, he did two pivotal things :

1) – He asked Isaiah to pray, Isaiah did, and God responded.

2)- He went himself in Solomon’s Temple and show one of the letter from Sennacherib to God and started to pray as well. God heard and responded a second time.

Allow me to share with you few passages of the Bible that describe Hezechiah’s reaction, and how amazing they were.

And Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers and read it; and Hezekiah went up unto the house of the Lord and spread it before the Lord. And Hezekiah prayed unto the Lord, saying, “O Lord of hosts, God of Israel, who dwellest between the cherubims, Thou art the God, even Thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; Thou hast made heaven and earth.

Incline Thine ear, O Lord, and hear; open Thine eyes, O Lord, and see; and hear all the words of Sennacherib, who hath sent to reproach the living God. In truth, Lord, the kings of Assyria have laid waste all the nations and their countries, and have cast their gods into the fire; for they were no gods, but the work of men’s hands, wood and stone. Therefore they have destroyed them.

Now therefore, O Lord our God, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that Thou art the Lord, even Thou only.”

— Book of Isaiah, chapter 37 verse 14

Some of God’s response, the third and key character of the music :

"But I know your sitting down, your going out and coming in, and your raging against Me. Because your rage and arrogance against Me have reached My ears, I will put My hook in your nose and My bit in your mouth; I will send you back the way you came.’... 

— Book of Isaiah, chapter 37 verse 28.

Sennacherib triggered God’s Wrath. In the night, God sent an angel against his army. The angel arrived and destroyed 185.000 Assyrian soldiers. Sennacherib, learning his defeat, went directly back to Ninevah and died here killed by his chlidren.

"And that night the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 in the camp of the Assyrians. And when people arose early in the morning, behold, these were all dead bodies." 

— Second Book of Kings, chapter 19 verse 35.

What does this historical event teaches us? So many things that are well embodied in our two characters figures., opening the second layer and message of the music : The Fear of God.

Hezekiah had the fear of God in himself. Sennacherib did not. What does it mean? It means reverence, respect and submission to God through Love and respect — Knowing that He has all authority and power upon everything. It does not mean, to be « scared » of him in the way that you want to hide from him. No, but the opposite, you want to give it all to Him. You want to trust Him. You want Him in your life. You want to surrender to Him because He created you and loves you so so much.

Observe that Hezekiah develloped The fear of God very soon in His life. He trusted God and God rescued Him. He could have called help from the Egyptians, or others military forces but He didn’t. He chose God and waited on Him, and God honored the Hebrew King.

If you want to know God, to be saved by Him, to have a relationship with Him based on Love, I have written an article and a music called « Are You Saved », that explains how to get to know God and to live for Him. So, The Fear of God is well embodied in our historical King Hezekiah.

Now, when we observe Sennacherib, rebellion, arrogance, self-sufficiency, pride is completely embodied in him. The more we contemplate Sennacherib, the more we can realize our own arrogance as well. It acts like a moral mirror and it’s good. It really helps to introspect ourselves, to identify our flaws and sins faster — The sooner the better, so that we can end it with God’s Love.

We can be arrogant thinking that we can handle everything, or that we are our own gods. We can be prideful thinking that our past victories or achievements in life are the proof that we don’t need God to achieve anything. Sennacherib was full of victories, and he got all of it wrong. He didn’t know that God allowed him to have them for God’s own purpose. Look what God says to the Assyrian king :

« Have you not heard? Long ago I ordained it; in days of old I planned it. Now I have brought it to pass, that you should crush fortified cities into piles of rubble… » 

— Book of Isaiah, chapter 37 verse 26.

Sennacherib’s end teaches us that pride, arrogance and self-sufficiency leads to a path of shame and destruction, while Hezechiah opens the door for a good life in front of God’s Eyes. A small city, with few habitants, smote the biggest empire of their time without any military actions only through prayer.

Now, the last later and message: God’s Protection.

I used to live without asking God’s Protection in my life, because I simply did not know who He really was. I was exactly like Sennacherib without realizing it. It added so much pain and sorrow to my life. So much suffering that could have been avoided. In my 19’s God sent me a trial that humbled me completely, and since, I gave Him my life. I ask Him to always live under His Protection, and encourage you to do the same, only God loves you and I perfectly. He is worthy of everything.

As you know, we are extremely fragile. We can die at any moment. What path do we want to follow in life? That of Sennacherib, or that of Hezekiah?

Hezekiah, by His devotion to God, not only save himself, but thousand and thousand of lives and family and his kingdom. He was blessed by God’s Protection. You can as well, without maybe realizing now save your family, friends and thousand if not millions of lives by simply following and trusting God. Sennacherib, by his arrogance, got 185.000 of his army killed. When we follow a wrong path, it affects not only us, but everyone around.

THE REPAIRER OF THE BREACH

The Repairer Of The Breach - Efisio Cross

Hello everyone

I hope you are all well. I am deeply grateful to God for sharing with you a new piece of orchestral music called “The Repairer of The Breach”. Before I begin to tell its story, I’d like to thank you all for your support, love and kindness over the years — and a big thank you to those of you who have just discovered my YouTube channel. For those who are new to my work, the musical contemplations are essentially drawn from the Bible, and as you all come from different backgrounds, I’m going to try to present its message in a simple way!

The story of the music is rooted in two passages of the Bible. One from the prophet Ezekiel (written around 591 BC), and the other from the prophet Isaiah (written around 732 BC). The two passages — though written in two distinct times and places — complement each other perfectly. (Ezekiel was written in exile in Babylon, and Isaiah in Israel).

The phrase “to stand in the breach” is extremely profound and significant in Scriptures. God often uses it to illustrate how to avoid danger and sudden ruin. To avert disaster, and even Divine Judgement, God looks for men and women who therefore “stand in the breach”.

Judgement is not something that gives God pleasure nor joy. If God can avoid it, He will. What God really loves and desires is Mercy.

For if you see a breach somewhere and are able to fill it, it may well be that the wall or support on which it stands will not collapse.

God is looking for men and women who will stand before Him and plead for a cause, or a person, or a nation, consistently — taking the cause deeply to heart.

Ezekiel: "I sought among them a man to build a wall, to stand in the gap before me on behalf of the land, so that I would not destroy it; but I found none" — (Book of Ezekiel chapter 22 verse 30.

This verse is key, and reveals the Personality of God. In this passage, God Himself says that one man is capable of stopping a massive ruin. One man or woman — by his or her intercession — can save thousands, even millions. You can be that person!

The other passage, from Isaiah, is brought in a different way. It explains how to stand in the gap effectively. I won’t quote the whole chapter, but I encourage you to read it. In this passage, God addresses the Jews, who were living in a state of great moral corruption, but who were nevertheless trying to return to God.

God explains to them that they were returning to Him, but in the wrong way. Because even when they did, they didn’t seem to get any answers. God told them that, in their efforts to return to him, they were not changing their ways.

God told them that, during their efforts and returns to him, they did not change their bad behaviour. They argued, hated each other and continued to be violent, so that their efforts were in vain.

God then gave them answers to their complaints and questions, explaining to them that, for their intercession to be effective and victorious, their inner being must be aligned with His own, that is, with the Good. If the man in question comes to Good, this is what God promises:

From Isaiah: "…. Your people will build on ancient ruins; you will raise up ancient foundations; you will be called the repairer of breaches, the one who restores paths, who makes the land habitable." — (Book of Isaiah, chapter 58, verse 12.)

Don’t hesitate to read and measure the weight of each word, absolutely heavy with blessing. (Survey of ancient foundations, making a land habitable).

The Repairer Of The Breach

If we want to make a personal application of this, it could be a country that is falling into ruin as a result of bad politics, a broken family, a person’s illness, and so on. It’s up to each of us to identify the gaps in our own lives, in the lives of others, and even in the lives of our nation, and to get to work. If someone wants you to believe that you are insignificant, you can be sure that they are wrong. As far as God is concerned, you can change the destiny of an entire nation. That’s how God loves you.

Once, just before the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, Abraham met God and pleaded on behalf of these two — deeply corrupt — cities. Here’s what he had at heart for them:

"He (Abraham) came near and said, Are you really going to destroy the righteous with the guilty? Perhaps there are fifty righteous people in the city; are you going to destroy them too? Will you not forgive the city for the sake of the fifty righteous in its midst? You can't do that! You cannot treat the righteous and the guilty in the same way, and put the righteous to death with the wicked! Wouldn't you, who judge the whole earth, do what is right? 
The Lord said to him, "If I find fifty righteous people in Sodom, I will pardon the whole city for their sake. Abraham said, "I am nothing but dust and ashes, yet I have dared to speak to my Lord. Perhaps five of the fifty righteous men will be missing. Are you going to destroy the whole city because of these five men? 
God answered: No, I won't destroy it if I find forty-five righteous men in it. Abraham answered again, "Perhaps there will only be forty righteous people there? 
And God said: I will not destroy it for the sake of those forty. Abraham continued: May my Lord not be angry if I insist. Perhaps there will only be thirty righteous? 
And God said, "If I find thirty, I will not destroy the city. Abraham said: "Now I have dared to speak to my Lord. But perhaps there will only be twenty. 
And God replied: "I will not destroy the city because of those twenty. Abraham said: "Do not let my Lord be angry, and I will speak one last time. 
Perhaps there will only be ten righteous people there. And God said, "For the sake of those ten, I will not destroy Sodom. When he had finished speaking with Abraham, the Lord went away, and Abraham returned to his home." Book of Genesis, chapter 18 verse 23.


Here Abraham shows us how to be a model of mercy. He did everything in his power to prevent the destruction of these two cities. And God certainly took great pleasure in listening to him intercede for them. You can also be like Abraham. If you’re looking for a purpose in your life, above and beyond the ones you already have, this is it!

Be a breach repairer, setting clear goals with God, and even writing them down. If you don’t know the God of the Bible in a personal way, and you feel in your heart this desire, I encourage you to read this article : Are You Saved? which explains — according to Jesus Christ of Nazareth — how to be saved, and to know God.

Concerning the aesthetic construction of the piece. It is divided into two distinct movements. The first tends to illustrate the urgency, the distress of continually pleading before God for the cause that is dear to you. The first piano melody, from 0 to 31 seconds, is used to illustrate a”holy” anguish. An anguish that becomes an effective fuel for the prayer in question. At the first minute and second, the second movement is introduced, this time illustrating the prayer for mercy articulated in the form of sighs and lamentations. The double bass melody illustrates the man’s prayer, and is doubled by another violin representing the Spirit of God. Higher in octave, it serves to illustrate the gentleness and tenderness and the answering of prayer. The rest of the piece is thickened with percussion, a choir and then the sound of a clock, symbolising the precious value of time. It serves as a reminder not to put off such work.

Using the example of the prophet Ezekiel and his geopolitical context, the people (like Isaiah) were in a state of violent moral decay. God warns them that if they do not return to righteousness, He will bring the Kingdom of Babylon to destroy them, raze Solomon’s Temple to the ground and take them captive. The sad outcome is that the warning did come, but could have been avoided if a man had stood in the gap for the country. The clock serves to illustrate this urgency.

When I wrote the violin line, I wanted to have it recorded by a violinist where the emotion of his playing is palpable. I’m grateful to God that I was able to work with Radhi Chawaly a violinist from Tunisia. You can hear his violin interepreation at 1 minute 19, 3 minute 21, 3m38, etc.

How do you take a cause to heart before God? Set yourself some objectives. You may never have prayed in your life. Put an alarm clock on your phone so you don’t forget them, and start by praying small, intimate prayers with God. According to the Bible, prayer means talking to God, like talking to a dear friend. As I said earlier, write down precise prayers in a notebook so that you don’t forget them, and get to know God more and more by reading the Bible.


I love you all,
May God bless you!