Be a reflection of God’s love to others (2Jn 1:1,2). #GodsLove #ReflectChristsLove
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Included in this greeting from John to the “chosen lady“ or “Kyria“, are her children (no mention of a husband – she was likely a widow). John expresses a genuine love towards them (gk:“agape“; that love that emanates from the love of Christ ). This love points also to the truth of knowing Christ.
John points to the fact that all who knew this family loved them as well, in Christ. He speaks also of truth as an eternal truth and it is alive in them as believers. This same truth is alive in all believers. Even today our lives should be an expression of that love to the world. Lord, may I reflect the true light and love of God in Christ to others.
May we show respect for those who make sacrifices to lead (2Jn 1:1). #ShowRespect #EarnRespect
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
This brief letter (more like a note card) is written to “the chosen lady“ (NLT). The Greek here is “eklekte kyria.“ Most translators call her “elect“ or “chosen lady.“ But “kyria“ (transliteration) may also have been a common name. Either way John highly respects this woman (that we shall soon see).
This distinguished woman “Kyria” was certainly a well known figure in the local church. Perhaps even hosting the church in her home (v10). One feels like they know her at the outset. I have known many such women in the churches I’ve attended or served. Lord, may I always show respect to whom and where it is due.
I could spend many days pouring over four chapters of God’s Babylonian judgment on Egypt. However, a search to learn why God would spend so much time explaining these judgments satisfies my understanding:
Egypt’s deeply hurtful, enslavement and oppression of Israel for 400 years;
her extreme pride and self-aggrandizement;
her broken alliance with Israel against Babylon; and
her deeply troubling idolatry.
These judgments are a powerful statement of God‘s sovereignty over the nations. It also serves as a reminder to Israel of the one true God who birthed her and provides for her (29:6,7,9,16,21; 30:8,19,26; 32:28). Lord, may my heart remain humble as I seek you alone.
May we look for ways to reach out to those who reject God (Ezk 29:17-21). #Judgment #ShowMercy #ShowGrace
God speaks to Ezekiel, revealing that it is Babylon who would be his instrument in the destruction of Egypt. Ezekiel even dates this prophecy. Babylon swept through the region bringing judgment on the wickedness of Tyre, Egypt, and Judah. Later God would also destroy Babylon by Cyrus, king of the Persians.
With all this destruction and war it is easy to become cynical, even cheer God on as he destroys his enemies. But I am reminded that it gives God no pleasure to destroy the wicked (Ezk 18:31,32). He would much rather they humbly turn to him and serve him. Lord, may I have a heart of mercy towards those who reject you.
May we never think too highly of ourselves (Ezk 29:1-10). #Judgment
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
EZEKIEL’S FOREBODING PROPHECY OVER EGYPT:
Four words that should send chills up your spine: when God says, “I am your enemy!“ Such were the words of God to the Pharaoh and the people of Egypt. Pharaoh had made of himself a god. He claimed the Nile River was made by him and for himself.
God calls Pharaoh the “monster of the Nile“ (Loch Ness of the Nile). God is about to drag this monster onto dry land and strand him there, food for predators. Egypt will become a wasteland. She will know that Jehovah God rules. Lord, I’m reminded that pride and self-aggrandizement will end in disaster.
Give thanks to God for his mercy, grace and redemption (Jer 31:35-40). #NewCovenant #TheNewWay
We are new creatures in Christ; the old is passed away, the new is come
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The “New Covenant” is not only a premier promise of God, it is a watershed moment in the life of Israel as a nation. I don’t write to belabor the point, but to understand the significance of the inauguration of the “New Covenant.” The old Mosaic Covenant was an external one. It focused on external rituals, washings, and sacrifices as symbolic of righteous living. Israel, over the centuries, had prostituted the sacred by mixing it with what was pagan and immoral. She had lost the symbolic significance of what God had intended. It symbolized what was to come in the person of Christ.
The “New Covenant“, this New Way, would be one of spirit rather than letter. God had never intended to set up an earthly kingdom. It has always been about a spiritual kingdom from heaven. The response to God‘s divine mercy [his steadfast love] would be a worship that springs from the depths of man’s being. Deep and eternal forgiveness would elicit a surge of gratitude from within man’s soul. Fellowship with God would be the result.
Allegiance to this covenant would be motivated not by laws and judgment, but internally by freedom of choice to love and follow after God. This New Way was inaugurated by the sacrificial death of Christ on the cross for the redemption of all men. The Bible teaches, “Whosoever will may come” (Rom 10:13; Rev 22:17 (KJV)). It is a daily living choice.
Lord, thank you that you included me in your plan of redemption.
________
Harrison, R.K., Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries, D. J. Wiseman, editor; Jeremiah and Daniel; Tyndale Press, Downers Grove, Illinois (1973). (pgs. 138-140)
Rejoice in the certainty of God’s promises (Jer 31:35-40). #GoodNews #ThePromise
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Herein lies, the premier reference to God‘s fixed promise to preserve the nation of Israel for all time. There is no nation on earth that has been more maligned, denigrated or persecuted than Israel. Many have tried to eliminate her completely.
Here’s what God says: “I am as likely to reject my people Israel as I am to abolish [all of creation]“ (v36). While Israel’s status as a nation still holds today, she continues to formally reject Christ as Messiah. But in the millennium when Christ returns to reign on earth, she will turn to him in vast numbers.
Lord, I am anticipating the promise of your soon return and the salvation of your people.
May you fully experience the joy of knowing God (Jer 31:31-34). #KnowingGod #GoodNews
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
What good news! Jeremiah introduces the “New Covenant.“ It appears to look forward to the coming of Christ. Not only Judah and Israel will benefit from the New Covenant, so will the Gentiles.
No more law written in stone (Heb 8:6). But the law of God will be inscribed on hearts of flesh. All men will be offered atonement/forgiveness of sin and enjoy a personal relationship with God (Jer 29:11; 32:38-40). Lord, my heart rejoices to be included in the family of God.
Take full responsibility for your sin; repent (Jer 31:29-30) #Repent #TurnNowToGod
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
I cannot pass off God‘s righteous judgment as unjust; that someone else’s sin is somehow to blame for my foolish disregard for God. God had brought judgment against Judah. She was paying the price for her sin, not the sin of her ancestors.
Sin does have the far reaching consequences. But I am never the target of righteous judgment because of someone else’s sin. I am responsible for my thoughts, my words and my actions before God. Lord, may I not ignore your righteous judgment in my life.
May you live long in God’s goodness and mercy (Jer 31:23-28). #GodIsGood #GodIsMerciful #AJustMercy
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
When God disciplines his people, his intent is restoration and reconciliation. Israel and Judah will be restored, their fortunes restored, their land repopulated, and God will meet their every need. A new relationship between God and his children will be established. Nothing will be the same for them.
What follows next will be a discussion of this New Covenant. But for me right now, I am reminded of all the good that God has returned to me in the day of my visitation from God. His goodness and mercy have no end. Lord, may I live daily I. Your goodness and mercy
Trust that a God will do all he says he will on your behalf (Jer 31:16-22). #TrustGod #SurrenderToGod #FollowGodAlone #NoTurningBack
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
I have lived the words of this passage. [if you have not read this passage, I beg you to read it carefully]
The Lord had brought severe discipline in my life. I had turned from the God of my childhood. I had foolishly taken a path that led to shame and dishonor.
I was now “exiled” ten thousand miles away from home and all that was familiar to me. I was in the war torn land of Vietnam and God showed up in my guard tower over the Saigon River.
It was December 28, 1968. While I was standing watch God began to break my heart for the life I’d been living, the sins I’d committed. I knew things had to change. In my brokenness, I was repentant. I pleaded for God to turn my heart back to him and restore me.
God said, “You’re still my son. I have loved you with an everlasting love. I have repeatedly disciplined you, but you have ignored me. I still love you. I will have mercy on you. But you must choose here and now who you will serve and wander no longer. I am going to do a new thing in your life. But this is your last call.“ He said a few other things to me as well.
I surrendered fully to God in the morning watch. The pathway back to God was well marked. I never wandered again from following him. He has been my faithful Savior and friend. He has been faithful to his promise.
Lord, many decades have passed since that night in 1968. I’ve never forgotten our conversation. Though I deserve nothing, you have done and continue to do incredible new things in and through me. I am eternally grateful to you Lord.
Remain truly open to repentance for sin (Jer 31:15). #Repent #TurnNowToGod
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
My study reveals that “Rachel”, Jacob’s wife, was symbolic of the northern tribes of Israel. Because of Israel’s deep and dark sin, Israel was taken captive by the Assyrians. “Ramah“ was a staging area for deportation of the Hebrew captives (Jer 40:1). Further, very many of Rachel‘s offspring populated Ramah. And Rachel was buried in Ramah.
Rachel would have wept bitterly at the sin of Israel and the ultimate demise of her children. This verse is quoted (Mat 2:18) to describe a similar anguish of mothers in the town of Bethlehem. King Herod slaughtered all the male Jewish children under the age of two in a crazed attempt to destroy Jesus.
Lord, may my heart be broken daily at the high cost and consequences of sin.
Trust in the everlasting promises of God (Jer 31:7-14). #GodOfPromise #TrustAlwaysInGod
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
After years of exile, Judah will know restoration. All of of Israel will know reconciliation with God. There will be joy in the streets, shouts of praise. A remnant of repentant Israelites will be returned to their land. No one will be too insignificant for God to restore.
God will be a caring father. This remnant will come from every part of the world. Their path home will be straight and unhindered. He will be a Shepherd to this flock. He will lead them beside quiet streams. Their store houses will be full. Life will be like a well-watered garden. This is the Lord‘s promise. God’s word is full of promises kept, with more yet to come.
Lord, my heart trusts in your everlasting promises.
