A play on words: Ginosko

  

Ginosko is a Greek word which means to, “know”, “come to know”, “recognize” and “perceive”.

Ginosko is not head knowledge but lived experience; it’s not data but a lived revelation.

As Jesus said,

everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock – Matthew 7:24 (NIV)

Jesus here, is speaking of spiritual wisdom which isn’t determined by what you know, but by living what you know.

Unlike our English verb “know”, the Greek “ginosko” carries the implication of a full, intuitive, and penetrating knowledge.

Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, “You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread? – Matthew 16:8 (NIV)

It’s a keen awareness; it’s an absolute knowing – that you know that you know that you know – something that emanates from deep within. Jesus had perceived the disciples’ bewilderment.

Ginosko also speaks of intimate knowledge, as in Mary’s encounter with Archangel Gabriel.

Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” – Luke 1:34 (NKJV)

In this context, the word “ginosko” is used idiomatically to indicate that Mary had not experienced sexual intimacy with a man.

When Jesus spoke of knowing the Father in John 8:55, again it implies an intimate and relational knowledge, based on His personal experience.

Though you do not know him, I know him. If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and obey his word. (NIV)

Beloved, even though “ginosko” has been translated to English in our bibles as “to know”, “to come to know”, “recognize” and “perceive”, with a play on words, still there is no equivalent to truly convey what this Greek word implies.

Ginosko is experiential knowledge, it is therefore not abstract, or theoretical, or merely intellectual but so much deeper.

When Jesus said, I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me (John 10:14 NIV), He was not speaking superficially, Jesus was speaking of being in close, personal and intimate relationship with His sheep, that’s you.

And Jesus knowing you, is you experiencing everything that “ginosko” encompasses being in a real living relationship with Him, right now.

Amen †

Shelley Johnson “A play on words: Ginosko” © 2026 October 23, 2026

 

A play on words: Transformation

…a wicked person who turns his back on that life of sin and keeps all my statutes, living a just and righteous life, he’ll live, really live. He won’t die. I won’t keep a list of all the things he did wrong. He will live. Do you think I take any pleasure in the death of wicked men and women? Isn’t it my pleasure that they turn around, no longer living wrong but living right—really living? (Ezekiel 18:21-23 MSG); if a bad person turns away from his bad life and starts living a good life, a fair life, he will save his life. Because he faces up to all the wrongs he’s committed and puts them behind him, he will live, really live. He won’t die. (Ezekiel 18:27-28 MSG)

This seems like quite a lot to assimilate but in these verses God’s message through the prophet Ezekiel is speaking of turning the course of one’s life around.

Now, this is not an unfamiliar topic, you’ve heard this before, you’ve even read about it right here in Bethel at Balata but it’s a good habit to revisit topics from time to time.

God asks, Isn’t it my pleasure that they turn around, no longer living wrong but living right—really living?  

Turn around, turn one’s back on, turn away from are other ways of saying “repent”, it’s a play on words that speaks of transformation and God’s message is very clear.

Too many people are still under the impression that repentance is only tied to one’s emotions – feelings of guilt and remorse but that’s just the beginning of it.

Repentance involves the changing of your mind and direction. As Paul said in Romans 12:2,

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but be a new and different person with a fresh newness in all you do and think. (TLB)

Repentance is transformation because it is a conscious turning from that life of sin. It’s purposefully leaving that life behind, completely walking away from it to start living a good life in order that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

This profound transformation, simply expressed, is a life-altering shift from a self-centred, sin-centred lifestyle to a life that is God-centred and God-dependent.

The Greek word is “metanoeo” which describes an inner reorientation toward God, such that the very way a person perceives life itself is transformed.

solemnly [and wholeheartedly] testifying to both Jews and Greeks, urging them to turn in repentance to God (ref. Acts 20:21 AMP)

Here, Paul is saying that repentance to God is a necessity.

Beloved, in the Amplified version of Matthew 4:17 it is written,

 Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent [change your inner self—your old way of thinking, regret past sins, live your life in a way that proves repentance; seek God’s purpose for your life], for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

You see, repentance was never about your wallowing in guilt and shame, it’s so much deeper than that, it speaks of a radical, intentional, change in consciousness.

It is “metanoeo”, a word for which our English language has no equivalent.

It is a complete transformation of your life, of your mind, of your direction, of your previous spiritual condition; it is a spiritual awakening where your new life begins.

Amen †

Shelley Johnson “A play on words: Transformation” © 2026 October 22, 2026

 

A play on words: the Word

 

Many years ago, I was explaining to someone the meaning of a passage of Scripture that I’d read and researched. The person did not agree with my explanation, not because it did not make sense but, as they said, “You’re not a priest, you didn’t go to theological college. If you were a priest, then I’d agree with you.”

That person was right, I did not go to theological college, and to date I haven’t been but that does not disqualify me or you or anybody else from being used by God to spread the Word.

Now, if you take it upon yourself to simply memorize and rattle off the Word, without proper study, without thorough research, without context and all without Spirit’s guidance, then there’s a danger in that, as chances are, you’d be misleading others. And, frankly, even some who have been ordained or attended Bible School can sometimes convey inaccuracies.

That’s why we’re warned to not believe all who claim to have the Spirit, but test them to find out if the spirit they have comes from God (ref. 1 John 4:1-3).

We must read the Word for ourselves but not in a vacuum. Ministers, Reverends, Priests and Pastors are there to lead and assist in steering the flock in the right direction, but what happens after Church? What happens to our bibles when we get home? Does your bible go back on a shelf until the next Lord’s Day?

You may be daunted to venture into the Word on your own but in these modern, digital times, there are tools at our fingertips that can help us better understand the Word. And of course, our first port of call must be the Holy Spirit who is always available; He is our Teacher (ref. John 14:26); He is at the ready to lead you into all the truth (John 16:13).

It is the Holy Spirit who reveals the truth about God (John 16:13). He reveals the things of God to us and searches everything, even the depths of God (1 Corinthians 2:10).

The Word is a play on words in the sense that throughout the Word, words are interwoven with other words like fabric. Looking closely, you can see the same theme appearing in several books and something in the Old Testament reflected in the New.

Take a look at Jeremiah 17:13 and John 8:1-11, what do you see?

The Apostle Paul rests his doctrine of faith, Romans 1:17, on the word of Habakkuk 2:4.

It’s all connected and every word matters. Deep dives are necessary because the Bible was not originally written in English so, much has been lost in translation. In many cases, our English words simply cannot convey the nuances found in the Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic. Therefore, the deeper meaning of the verses is not translated.

For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. (1 John 5:4 ESV)

For example, “faith” in this verse is the Greek word “pistis”. “Pistis” isn’t just a matter of our belief. According to Strong’s Lexicon, it is “"God's divine persuasion" and therefore distinct from human belief (confidence) yet involving it. The Lord continuously births faith in the yielded believer so they can know what He prefers, i.e. the persuasion of His will”.

“Pistis” is not the only word translated as faith in the Word, however, in the New Testament it is the most used word, appearing almost 500 times. That’s because “pistis”, a genuine act of faith, was and is required to believe that Jesus is the Messiah.

It’s not a superficial belief that He is but an absolute trust that He is.

Beloved, you don’t need to be in possession of a degree in theology, you don’t need to be fluent in Hebrew and Greek and Aramaic but you do need to be willing to read and learn and study and become spiritually aware and sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading.

And you must be open to receive information that may be new to you that does not align with what you’ve believed all your life; you must approach the Word not with arrogance but with reverence, only then would you truly be able to apprehend a play on words that is the Word.

Amen †

 

Shelley Johnson “A play on words: the Word” © 2026 October 21, 2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A play on words: Magdalene

 

Traditionally Magdala is believed to be the town from which Mary Magdalene came. Though the word itself does not explicitly occur in the biblical text, it does appear in footnotes.

And immediately he got into the boat with his disciples and went to the district of Dalmanutha.[a] – Mark 8:10 (ESV)

[a] Some manuscripts Magadan, or Magdala 

Like Paul of Tarsus or Jesus of Nazareth, Mary Magdalene is sometimes referred to as Mary of Magdala.

We know that Mary was a woman of means since she is mentioned as one of the women who financially supported Jesus and His twelve disciples as they went on through one town and village after another, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God (see Luke 8:3).

We know that Mary is mentioned more often than the other female followers of Jesus and is usually first on the list.

Mary…and Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, and Susanna, and many others, who ministered to them out of their own resources. (Luke 8:2, 3 NRSVUE)

We know that Mary endured the torment of seven demons until they were cast out by Jesus.

Mary…from whom seven demons had gone out (Luke 8:2 NRSVUE)

We know that Mary ardently followed Jesus in Galilee and ministered to Him.

Among them were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome, who followed him when he was in Galilee and ministered to him (Mark 15:40-41 NRSVUE)

We know that Mary was an eyewitness to the crucifixion of Jesus.

Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. (John 19:25 NRSVUE)

We know that Mary was first to see the resurrected Christ.

Now after he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. (Mark 16:9 NRSVUE)

But did you know that Mary was actually called Magdalene? She was called Magdalene instead of Mary, like a home name. I have a friend named Corinne, but she’s called Sally and my friend Giselle is called Candace at home. So, Magdalene was probably her nickname. It is clearly stated in Luke 8:2: Mary, called Magdalene (NRSVUE) and in another version, Mary, who was called Magdalene (ERV).

But why?

Now, we know that Mary’s commitment and loyalty were unshakable; while others scattered, she remained stoic to the cause. Mary was no shirker; she was a dedicated follower devoted to her Rabbi right up until what was thought to be the end.

Without fear, she went to the tomb where she bravely responded to the “gardener”, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” (John 20:15 NRSVUE).

Mary was a courageous woman who overcame her demons; given the first apostolic charge by Jesus to announce His resurrection, she was a strong woman who stood her ground against those skeptical of her claim; she was a revolutionary who was instrumental in the formation of the early church.

So, it’s no wonder she was called Magdalene.

You see, beloved, Magdalene isn’t just a reference to a place, it’s derived from the Greek word “magdala”, a transliteration of the Hebrew and Aramaic, “migdala”, it is a word which means “tower” – Mary was called Tower.

It’s a play on words to not only inform where she was from but an apt expression of who she was.

Of all the disciples, Mary was the Tower, Mary was literally Magdalene. The Magdalene is our example of what true discipleship looks like.

Amen †

Shelley Johnson “A play on words: Magdalene” © 2026 October 20, 2026

 

 

Wings

 

There are references to wings all through the Bible.

A songwriter named Bob Ferguson wrote a song in 1958; the chorus went like this,

If I had the wings of a dove
If I had the wings of a dove
Well, I would fly, fly away, fly away
And be at rest

Some of you might remember this catchy chorus but did you know that these words are in the Bible? 

These words were taken from Psalm 55, a psalm King David wrote while experiencing a wave of anguish because of the betrayal of his most trusted advisor, Ahithophel, who joined forces with Absalom to revolt against his father David, which is a whole other sordid story for another day.

The king wrote,

Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest (v 6 NIV)

Other references to wings can be found in Psalm 36:7 (NIV),

How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.

And the all too familiar Psalm 91:4 states,

He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge;

In Deuteronomy 32:11, Moses assures the Israelites of God’s care,

He shielded him and cared for him…like an eagle that stirs up its nest and hovers over its young, that spreads its wings to catch them and carries them aloft. (NIV)

When Ruth went to the threshing floor, Boaz asked, “Who are you?” She said, “I am Ruth, your servant girl. Spread your cover [or the corner of your garment; or your wings] over me…” (Ruth 3:9 EXB)

And before that in chapter 2, verse 12, Boaz had said to her,

May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge. (NIV)

These verses barely touch the proverbial tip of the iceberg when it comes to wings related references. You would notice that they’re mostly referring to protection, that’s what wings symbolize in most of Scripture.

Psalm 18:10 and 139:9 describe the wind and the dawn as having wings to demonstrate God’s swiftness and accessibility.

But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings – Malachi 4:2 (ESV)

Malachi delivered this messianic prophecy; it’s a play on words foretelling the promise of healing of the faithful.

Then [And look/behold,] a woman who had been bleeding for twelve years [probably a chronic menstrual disorder] came behind Jesus and touched the edge [or tassels see Numbers 15:38-39] of his coat [cloak; garment] – Matthew 9:20 (EXB)

This woman whose faith made her well, would have touched the tassels of Jesus’ outer garment which, according to Numbers 15:38-39, were placed on the corner of your garment; or your wings, like Boaz’s garment in Ruth 3:9.

It is interesting to note that the Hebrew word “kanaph” meaning “corner” and “wing”, is used in both Malachi 4:2 and Matthew 9:20. There’s healing in those wings!

Jesus, grieving over Jerusalem, lamented,

Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. – Matthew 23:37 (NIV)

Beloved, these are but a few instances of wings contained in the Bible; there are many more references to wings, some are literal, but most are figurative.

So, when you read the Bible and you come across the word wings, research for yourself what it means in context, that you may have a better understanding of the Word.

Here’s one more,

those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. – Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)

Amen †

Shelley Johnson “Wings” © 2026 October 19, 2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

God’s Mercy

 

1 Peter 1:3 (NLT), as it is written,

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead”

God’s mercy is a wonderful blessing, and though it is free, it still cost a great price – death on a cross. Jesus’ death was by far the greatest demonstration of God’s mercy toward an undeserving sinful people.

The truth is, we are all in need of God’s mercy every day of our lives. Some believe that they can do things to earn God’s mercy but that is not true. We are not required to perform any deeds in order to earn mercy.

God is merciful to us because He loves us so much that He gave His only Son as a perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world. But to those who reject Jesus Christ as Saviour God’s mercy is not promised.

Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. – John 3:18 (NIV)

We must understand that God offered Jesus to die in our place because of His great mercy, and now we can receive new birth through believing, accepting and confessing Jesus Christ as Saviour.

Beloved, God’s mercy is given to you afresh each day when you trust Jesus Christ for your salvation.

Great is Thy faithfulness

Great is Thy faithfulness

Morning by morning new mercies I see

All I have needed Thy hand hath provided

Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me

(Lyrics and Music by Thomas Chisholm / W.M. Runyan)

 

Amen †

 

Shelley Johnson “God’s Mercy” ©2013 (4-Oct-13) revisited October 19, 2026

 

The GOAT

 

Everybody wants to be the GOAT – the Greatest Of All Time. People beam with delight and strut with pride on being named or referred to as the GOAT.

In Jesus’ day, there were two brothers, disciples James and John, who wanted to be in positions of greatness and said to Jesus,

“Let us share the great honor you will have as king. Let one of us sit at your right side and the other at your left.” – Mark 10:37 (ERV)

Jesus responded in verse 38,

“You don’t understand what you are asking. Can you drink from the cup that I must drink from? Can you be baptized with the same baptism that I must go through?”

Sometimes we ask to be elevated but we don’t understand what we are asking for, we don’t understand what it takes to hold such a position.

When my brother and I were young children, he told me something I have never forgotten. He said to me, “Never wish for what other people have because you do not know what they had to go through to get it.” Those were wise words out of the mouth of a pre-teen boy.

These sons of Zebedee hadn’t a clue of what Jesus would have to go through. They did not understand the price Jesus would have to pay.

Recently I’ve listened to certain celebrities speaking about the things they were forced to endure for fame, to be labelled the GOAT. Some have quit the business because being the greatest wasn’t worth it – the price was too great.

In their ignorance, James and John were undaunted, responding to Jesus’ questions with a resounding, “Yes, we can!” (v 39 ERV).

At another time, just after Jesus shared the last supper with His disciples, the question of greatness again showed its head.

Within minutes they were bickering over who of them would end up the greatest – Luke 22:24 (MSG)

Everybody wants to be great and being great at what you do isn’t a bad thing, but when it is saturated in pride is when there’s a problem.

In both instances, that saturation was very evident to Jesus, so He had to bring His disciples down many notches.

To James and John, Jesus said, Whoever wants to be great must become a servant. (Mark 10:43 MSG) and to the larger group, the greatest one among you must be like the youngest, and the leader must be like the servant. (Luke 22:26 GNT).

Pride must never be left to bloom; it must always be nipped in the bud. James 4:6, quoting Proverbs 3:34 says,

As the scripture says, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (GNT)

Too many of us yearn to be the GOAT; it’s just as prevalent in the church as it is outside the church. Everybody’s vying for a label of one kind or another. Mind you, nothing is wrong with having aspirations, but humility must play a part.

Jesus said to the disciples,

Who is greater, the one who sits down to eat or the one who serves? The one who sits down, of course. But I am among you as one who serves. – Luke 22:27 (GNT)

Jesus also told them that the leader must be like the servant (v 26).

For all those who like to be known as the GOAT, do you know what the goat symbolizes in Scripture?

The goat is symbolic of the nature of sin. Leviticus 16:7-10 describes a ritual which was performed on the Day of Atonement where two goats had sin “imparted” to them to atone for the sins of the people.

The goat also symbolized a demon, and the goat was symbolic of the Greek general and emperor, Alexander the Great and his empire.

The goat could represent one who was ready to fight against God and Jesus said that on Judgment Day, the goats will be separated from the sheep, that is the unrighteous from the righteous.

Then he will turn to the ‘goats,’ the ones on his left, and say, ‘Get out, worthless goats! You’re good for nothing but the fires of hell. – Matthew 25:41 (MSG)

Still want to be the GOAT?

Beloved, Jesus Christ said,

The thief comes only in order to steal, kill, and destroy. I have come in order that you might have life—life in all its fullness. (John 10:10 GNT)

The goat, as sin, steals, kills and destroys you spiritually, while life in all its fullness is to be found, not on the basis of status, but by humility, discipleship, service and in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen †

Shelley Johnson “The GOAT” © 2026 October 17, 2026