Semblance V. Substance

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May we be people of deep faith and substance (2Ki 23:34-37; Jer 22:13–17). #SubtanceOverSemblance #PursueFaithAndSubstsnce

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

[For whatever reason Jeremiah Chs 21 & 22 are out of sequence. These chapters contain prophecies of the last four kings of Judah. I insert them as a matter of cohesive devotional understanding. This is not a critical analysis, but the best of my understanding in my study]

A second of King Josiah‘s sons was made a puppet vassal-king by Pharaoh Neco. His name was changed to Jehoiakim. He reigned 11 years. He heavily taxed the Hebrew people to pay the tribute demanded by Neco. He was an unjust, greedy, dishonest and ruthless man (Jer 22:13–17). He had Uriah the prophet killed (Jer 26:20-23). He was nothing like his father, Josiah. [You can inherit many things, but you cannot inherit faith and substance]

Jehoiakim indulged himself at the people’s expense. “I will have a magnificent palace,” he said. But Jeremiah said, “A beautiful cedar palace does not make a great king” (Jer 22:15). Semblance: sad substitute for substance (1Sa 16:7). Leadership and authority is not validated in raw power. It is validated in humility of heart (in the home first, then to those with whom one works/serves, finally to the uttermost parts of one’s reach). Lord, may this old sentry always strive for deep faith and substance.

National Reckoning Pt2

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May we learn from history, turn quickly to God and know his favor. (Jer 22:6-9). #RepentAndDoWhatIsRight #TurnNowToGod #Repent

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jeremiah, the prophet, continues his prophecy over the rebellious kings and nation of Judah:

The hard reality for God‘s people is, God loves us, but he will severely discipline his own for their sin, disobedience and worship of other gods (who are no–gods). If God is willing to send in the “wreckers“ and dismantle an entire city devoted to him (Jerusalem) and set it afire, what will we today, in America, face for turning our backs on him?

People may one day ask of this great nation America, what was then asked of Jerusalem. “Why did she fall into such disrepair?” The answer will be, because she scoffed at the God who so blessed her and she went after other gods. Lord, teach my heart, remind me of your goodness so that I might not sin against thee.

More to follow.

Jehoahaz Prophecy & Plight

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Strive to understand the works of God in history and the truth of his word (Jer 22:10–12).

Prophecy leading to the plight of Jehoahaz

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

[For whatever reason, Jeremiah Chs 21 & 22 are out of sequence. These chapters contain prophecies of the last four kings of Judah. I insert them as a matter of cohesive devotional understanding. This is not a critical analysis, but the best of my understanding in my study]

This is the word of the Lord, according to the prophecy of Jeremiah. After addressing the leadership in Judah (22:1–9), he prophesies the end and plight of Jehoahaz. Jehoahaz is taken captive by Pharoh Neco. He is deported, exiled, never to return again to Judah (2Ki 23:31-33).

Though the order of these chapters here may be a question, it does not abrogate the truth of God’s word. Lord, may I always seek to understand the works of God in history through your word.

More to follow.

National Reckoning Pt1

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May our leaders and people turn to God and know his blessing (Jer 22:1–5; 2Ki 23:31-33). #RepentAndDoWhatIsRight #TurnNowToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

When Jehoahaz became King of Judah, Jeremiah, the prophet, came to him with a message. It was a simple message for all the kings of Judah:

1) listen to the Lord and may your advisers and the people listen to God;

2) be fair minded, and do what is right;

3) help those who have been cheated and robbed, deliver them from their oppressors;

4) repent of your evil deeds;

5) don’t mistreat the foreigners, orphans and widows in your midst;

6) stop sacrificing, murdering the innocent.

Do these things, and you shall be hailed as a great king. Ignore them and suffer a national reckoning and ignominy. Lord, may the heart of this old sentry and the hearts of our leaders and people be turned to you and know the blessing of God.

More to follow.

You Make Choices; Choices Make You

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Choose to follow after God (2Ki 23:31-33). #ChooseJesus #ChoicesMakeTheMan

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

With the passing of King Josiah comes the fulfillment of the prophecy by Huldah (2Ki 22:18-20; 2Ch 34:26–28). Disaster was about to overtake Judah. Judgment for her sin (the sin of her leaders and people) was on the horizon in Egypt. Neither of Josiah‘s sons were able to curb the sin of Judah – nor did they even desire to.

The first son to succeed Josiah was Jehoahaz. He was anointed as king by the people. He was an evil man. He reigned 90 days. Pharaoh Neco took him prisoner, removed him from power and exiled him just as Jeremiah had predicted (Jer 22:10-12). He died an exile in a foreign land. Heritage does not a righteous man make. Lord, may I always choose to follow Christ.

Tribute to a Godly King

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May our nation’s leaders and people humbly follow after God (2Ki 23:25; 2Ch 35:24-25). #FollowHardAfterGod #HumblyFollowAfterGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

“Never before (or since) had there been a king like Josiah.“ Jeremiah also honors Josiah as an extraordinary king; “Josiah was just and right in all his dealings (Jer 22:15,16). Josiah sought God early in his life as a boy (2Ch 34:2,3). He honored the written word of God (2Ki 22:11; 23:2,3). He humbled himself in repentance and turned his heart towards God.

Josiah sought to obey God “with all his heart, soul and might” as recorded in Deuteronomy 6:5. He brought about sweeping reforms in the nation of Judah and pointed the people back to God. Josiah was elevated as the most righteous and highly regarded King ever in Israel. Lord, this king challenges me to the core, to be obedient to you in all my ways, all of my days left on this earth.

In Times of Crisis

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

When crisis strikes, may we fully rely upon God (2Ch 35:22-24; 2Ki 23:29,30). #NationalCrisis #PersonalCrisis #RelyFullyUponGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The godly King Josiah of Judah, was mortally wounded in battle with the Egyptians. He was wounded by an enemy arrow. He was loaded alive into his chariot, and removed quickly from the battle and taken back to Jerusalem. There he died.

I remember where I was on November 22, 1963 when President John F Kennedy was assassinated.

I watched in horror as Air Force One brought his body back to our nation’s Capital. It is not a stretch for me to imagine how the people of Judah must have felt at the time of Josiah‘s death in their history.

As a minister, I have been called to meet and sit with family members in a hospital emergency waiting room, when they receive the news of the fatal death of a loved one. I have conducted funerals in our military’s National Cemeteries where veterans and active duty soldiers have been laid to rest; they gave their greatest treasure, their lives in service to their country. I have served in the military myself.

Our world is full of dark days. Someone has said, “Long the struggle, hard to fight.” In the midst of bad news and dark national tragedy, we can rejoice just as the family of King Josiah could have done. Why? Because, in the midst of sorrow and grief those who believe in the living God can look forward to seeing the Lord Jesus and their loved ones again. This is the Eternal Hope we have in Christ. Lord, in times of National or personal crisis may I always rely fully upon you.

Ignorance Is Not Bliss

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May our national and religious leaders, the people of our nation seek the whole counsel of God (2Ch 35:20-23). #SeekGod’sCounsel

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

King Josiah followed the Lord God all the days of his life. Yet, his demise in battle was dubious. It was perhaps a battle that needed not to be fought. Pharaoh Necho was headed for battle with an ancient enemy. He sought to take a shortcut through Judah. Josiah, for whatever reason, refused him passage through the land.

Necho told Josiah that “God” told him to go through the land to fight. [Scholars differ as to what “God“ pharaoh was referring; eg. Keil & Delitzsch point out that the word used for “God” here was a generic term]* Nevertheless, Josiah, for all his obedience to God, did not appear to seek God‘s counsel from priest or prophet. His ignorance of any such plan of God may have lead to his demise.**

Lord, in the crucible of life, may I not neglect to seek your counsel.

__________

* Keil and Delitzsch OT Commentary

For even had Pharaoh said [that Jehovah God] in so many words [told him to go through Judah], we could not here think of a divine message made known to him by a prophet, because God is neither called [by Necho] יהוה nor האלהים [the usual Devine ref to God] , but merely אלהים, and so it is only the Godhead in general which is spoken of; and Pharaoh only characterizes his resolution as coming from God, or only says: It was God’s will that Josiah should not hinder him, and strive against him. This Pharaoh might say without having received any special divine revelation, and after the warning had been confirmed by the unfortunate result for Josiah of his war against Necho.

** Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Commentators are not agreed whether it was really a divine commission given him through Jeremiah, or whether he merely used the name of God as an authority that Josiah would not refuse to obey. As [Josiah] could not [have have known] the truth of Necho’s declaration, Josiah did not sin in opposing him; or, if he sinned at all, it was a sin of ignorance. The engagement took place. Josiah was mortally wounded [2Ch 35:23].

Whole-Hearted Worship

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May we worship with wholehearted reverence towards God (2Ch 35:16-19; 2Ki 23:21-23) #WorshipInSpiritAndInTruth

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

It had been centuries since the celebration of Passover had been carried out in such a complete manner; all in accordance with the prescription given by Moses. This means that even the godliest kings of Israel oversaw Passover done merely according to religious custom, ritual and tradition. Not in accordance with Mosaic prescription.

Neither priests, Levites nor people participated wholeheartedly in or viewed Passover with any meaningful reverence; it was a duty. So, this was a Passover to end all Passovers. Josiah, once again, stands head and shoulders above all the other kings of Israel. Lord, may I come in wholehearted worship, lifting holy hands in accordance with the spirit of the law (1Ti. 2:8).

May the spirit of the law (the practice and heart of my worship) inform the prescribed letter of the law (the discipline and manner of my worship).

Revival Spells Generosity

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May you know the joy of giving from a revived heart (2Ch 35:7-9) #TheJoyOfGiving #GivingFromARevivedHeart #TheHeartOfGiving

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Generous giving flows out of revival. Here we see King Josiah leading the way, making provision for Temple sacrifices to carry out Passover. He gave thousands of head of livestock from his personal flocks and herds. His officials, Temple leaders and administrators also made willing contributions.

When men’s hearts are right with God, selfishness has no room. A spirit of giving fills the air. Provision, for God’s work is abundant when revival comes. Joyful giving (2Co 9:7) is one way the revived heart expresses engagement with God. Lord, may my heart always know the joy of giving.

When Revival Comes

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Let revival renew the life of God in us (2Ch 35:1-6) #Revival #SpiritualAwakening #Repentance

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

After cleansing the land of pagan altars and ridding the land of idolatrous priests, Josiah declared that Passover would be celebrated according to the law of Moses.

Josiah further instructed the priests and levities to carry out their prescribed duties in the refurbished Temple: teach the people of God through his word, instruct those called to serve God, engage with serving God and the people, attend to the sacred business of assisting families coming for worship and observing sacrifices.

It is clear that when revival/renewal of spirit comes, the ministers of God and the people of God get busy with the real work of God. Lord, may revival renew the life of God in me and touch the world around me.

Resolute For God

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May our hearts be resolute in heart felt obedience to God (1Ki 23:4-24; 2Ch 34:33). #ResoluteForGod #StandForRighteousness

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This passage gives in great detail what 2Ch 34:33 describes in just one verse. King Josiah personally oversaw the desecration of every pagan shrine and altar throughout the land of Judah. Altars and monuments to pagan gods were toppled, burned and destroyed. The bones of wicked priest and people were burned on the places where pagan alters had stood.

One monument stood (v16). It was the tombstone of an unnamed “man of God“* who had prophesied over 300 years prior (1Ki 13:2 and 32) that “Josiah“ (named before his birth) would destroy and desecrate this altar at Bethel (2Ki 23:15-18) – a most remarkable prophecy. Josiah did not give mere lip service to repentance and religious reform. He is honored by God for that. Lord, may my heart, the hearts of my children, be so resolute.

_________

* Some suggest that this “man of God from Judah” may have been the Prophet Amos; an interesting supposition.

A Living Example

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Live fully for God; point others to him (2Ch 34:33). #HumblyFollowAfterGod #InfluenceMenForChrist #BeAChristlikeModel

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

King Josiah did everything he could to point the people to God. He renewed his vows to the Covenant of God. He informed the people of the need to follow God alone. He tore down all the idols in the land, to prevent further open worship of pagan gods (no gods). He provided the religious leaders, and the people with a godly model of worship towards God alone the rest of his life.

But, real change of heart cannot be ordered or legislated by law. People must themselves read God’s word and be open to God for genuine change to occur. Our lives should reflect humble obedience to God’s word. Lord, may my life be an example of following Christ. May it be that others are drawn to follow Christ by the life, the words and the actions of me as a sentry for God.

Whole-Hearted Pledge

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May we humbly repent, listen to God’s word and pledge to follow him whole-heartedly (2Ch 34:29-32). #PledgeAllegianceToGod #Repent #ReadGod’sWord #FollowGod’sWord

King Josiah Reads the Lost Book of the Law to the People

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

As a result of #1, the Book of the Law being found and #2, the word of the Lord, delivered to King Josiah by the Prophetess Huldah, the King called an assembly of all the people in Judah and Jerusalem. In this assembly, Josiah himself read the Book of the Law to the people.

King Josiah then took his place of authority in the Temple. He pledged himself to obey all the commands of the Lord. Then he called on the people of Judah and Jerusalem to pledge the same. They did so. Lord, I see hope for America (the church and our world) if those in authority will repent, look to your word and commit to follow Christ with a whole heart.

Ambiguity to Luminary

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Remain faithful to God, and his word; be a light for him (2Ch 34:21–28). #RemainFaithfulToGod’sWord #BeALightForGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Huldah was not just the closest prophet to the Temple, but she was highly respected as a woman who spoke for God. She had a luminary gift to teach the word of God (v22). She was a devout woman. Her family served in the temple with honors (v22). Huldah was not afraid to speak for God. Four times she says, “Thus says the Lord.“ (vv23,24,26,27).

Huldah believed God‘s word was the final authority (v24). She had discernment into the need of repentance and she recognized king Josiah’s repentance as genuine (v26,27). All her words, reported to the king, gave him the courage to lead Israel into revival and reform. Lord, I see in Huldah’s words that if I am faithful to your word, I can be used by you to encourage others.

Open Our Eyes

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Lord, open our eyes to a fresh vision of the truths of your word (2Ch 34:18-21) #FreshVision #SendRevival #OpenOurEyes

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

It is not clear in Scripture (2Ch 34:8-21) whether young King Josiah merely knew by verbal tradition of the “Book of the Law;” or if he had a copy, but only a superficial understanding of it. It is more likely that he had never seen a copy of the Law. The kings before him were wicked ungodly men with no interest in God’s word. What is clear is that when the words of the Law were read to Josiah, they brought him to his knees in repentance.

Reading this account in Scripture reminds me of how, at times, we as believers become numb to God’s word. Our familiarity with it makes us tone deaf. For whatever reasons, we neglect God’s word until it no longer has an influence on our lives. Or, we’re engaging in God’s word with a verse we may have read a month ago or a year ago, it suddenly comes alive. The words leap off the page at us with an entirely new meaning. We are suddenly stricken with truth that we had not seen before. It requires and precipitates change. That is the work of the Holy Spirit, the work of revival and awakening. That is what happened to Josiah.

Lord, may we have a fresh vision of the truths of your word. May it lead us individually to repentance. We can then pray with David, “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation And sustain me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners shall be converted and return to You.” (Psm 51:12-13)

Mañana: No Option

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Yield without delay to the conviction of the Holy Spirit (2Ch 34:21). #Repent #TurnFromSin #ConvictionOfSin

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Having heard a reading of the “Book of the Law,“ King Josiah realizes the danger Israel is in because they had not followed God’s prescribed law (Deu 28:15ff). Josiah’s instructions at that point, to the High Priest and other officials, was to go and inquire about the meaning of what had been read to him.

In other words, Josiah said, “Go now and seek counsel from the Prophet. Confirm what had been read to him. Inquire what should be done.” The nearest prophet was Huldah, the Prophetess, who lived near the Temple (v22). Lord, I understand that conviction of sin will lead me to further and quickly inquiry as to what next to do. Do it now, not tomorrow.

Be Reconciled

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Remain open to the convicting power of God’s word (2Ch 34:19–21). #RepentOfSin #TurnFromSin #TurntoGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

King Josiah‘s response to what he heard as God‘s word to all of Israel was great remorse and conviction. He immediately recognized the sin of his nation. His grief led him to repentance (2Co 7:9-11). He did not cast off his sin, or blame another or excuse it. He owned it.

God‘s word leads us to acknowledge sin, leads us away from sin and expresses sorrow for sin. Conviction of sin causes a desire within us to change. It leads us to turn away from that sin and follow God. God‘s word is powerful to judge the intentions and motives of the heart (Heb 4:12). Lord, may I daily consider my obedience to you, make course corrections in my life and be reconciled with you.

God’s Word Stands

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Seek to cherish and honor God‘s word (2Ch 34:14–18). #God’sWordStands #HonorGod’sWord

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

As the restoration of the temple was being carried out the “Book of the Law” (likely Genesis through Deuteronomy) was discovered. Apparently all the books of Moses had been destroyed by previous godless Kings. This sole copy was left in the temple in storage. It was found by Hilkiah, the High Priest. He would have been very aware of its significance.

The “Book” was presented to King Josiah during a routine progress report on the Temple restoration (“Oh, by the way…”). But it was a stunning discovery, and lead ultimately to revival and reform under Josiah. I am reminded of the words, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away” (Mat 24:35). Lord, may I always honor and cherish your holy word.

Road to Awakening

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May the national leaders in America repent and seek after the heart of God; may we see revival and spiritual awakening (2Ch 34:8-13; 2Ki 22:3-7).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

On the surface, this passage seems all very administrative and organizational. But what is apparent here is the heart of a 26-year-old king (of Judah). His heart was for God, even in the face of much pagan worship, and idolatry in the land. He is contemporary with Jeremiah, the Prophet of God (there is a compelling connection between national leadership and religious leaders).

Young King Josiah sees the temple of God (symbol of the presence of God in the national life of Israel) in disrepair. What previous kings had allowed to fall into ruin, Josiah restored. Revival was close at hand. Likewise, if the national leaders in America (any country) would repent, seek God’s face and point the people to God, we would be a better nation. America would have a road to awakening.

Lord, I pray that America might experience another spiritual awakening of national proportions.

Speak Truth

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May you faithfully serve God whether rejected or not (2Ch 34:8). #GoHardForGod #ShowThemJesus #GodAboveAllOthrrs

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jeremiah has undergone serious rejection by the religious leaders and people of Judah for his message of repentance. He will endure more to come. The young king of Judah, Josiah, has been a good king. He, at age 20, took measures to rid Judah of its idle worship and pagan practices (2 Ch 34:3–7).

Now, at age 26, Josiah determines to repair the temple, which had been ignored and left in disrepair from an era of pagan worship. Neither Jeremiah, nor Judah, realized that they were on the brink of a spiritual revival. Who knows the impact Jeremiah may have had on young Josiah. We will never know the impact of our lives on others.

Lord, may my life always reveal the living God.

“Crisis of Belief”

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Live victoriously in the tension between two worlds (Jer 20:7–18). #Courage #SpeakTheTruth #BetweenTwoWorlds

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jeremiah stands by faith between two extremes. On the one hand, there are the fires of persecution, ridicule and rejection (vv7-10, 14-18). On the other hand, there is the fire of God‘s message of repentance that is ablaze within him (vv11-13). This Jeremiad gives me a glimpse into the inner conflict one may experience doing the work God has called him/her to do.

Even those closest to us may turn against us. Yet, sandwiched between two despairing emotions is the understanding that to serve God faithfully is far better and safer than to ignore his call. It is what Henry Blackaby calls, a Crisis of Belief.* God will ultimately prevail. We live and stand between two worlds. Lord, may I have the faith and courage to live in this tension.

__________

Facing Off With God

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May you not be found standing against God’s message or his Messenger (Jer 20:3–6) #ListenToGod #Repent #TurnToGodNow

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Pashhur, Jeremiah‘s Temple priest detractor, is singled out here for judgment on two counts. 1) Standing against God‘s prophet, hindering God‘s message to repent, and 2) falsely prophesying himself the reverse of what God‘s prophet was saying – “Ev’thing will be all right.”

God gives Pashhur a new name (Magor-Missabib, Heb. meaning, “fear round about”). He would be what the name implies. He is destined to be a fright to himself and his supporters. Some will die violent deaths. Others will be carried off into exile and there die (all of which came true under the Babylonian invasions (BC 605–586).

Lord, may it be that I would always honor God’s message and his messenger.

Got Troubles?

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May you know God’s grace & mercy in times of painful struggles (Jer 20:1–6). #Struggles #GotTroubles?

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The day after Jeremiah was arrested, whipped, put in leg irons and locked in torturous stocks; publicly humiliated by Pashhur, he was released. Pashhur was the temple administrator (a priest). He was wrong to do what he did. He was indifferent to Jeremiah’s message. He stood against God in his actions.

[Gamaliel, Paul’s Pharisee mentor, had a thought on this. He intervened for Peter before the Jewish council who intended to kill them (Acts 5:38,39)]

In 50 plus years of ministry I have, at times, felt the backbiting ire, of religious people. It was certainly not to the extent of Jeremih’s pain. But it was enough for me to understand the sorrow and hollow feeling of rejection for simply trying to do the right thing.

In those times, I may not have been perfect in my methods, but I know the intents of my heart were genuinely fixed on doing God’s will (which, by the way, ultimately prevail). Things have been put right with most of those detractors; others, not so much. What I remember in those times is how I learned to rely upon God‘s grace and mercy (Heb 4:16).

Be Not Intimidated

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Speak the truth of man’s sin and God’s forgiveness (Jer19:14–20:2). #NoIntimidation #SpeakTheTruth #GospelOfForgiveness

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jeremiah returns from the city dump of Jerusalem, where he smashed a clay pot before the temple and city leaders. There he prophesied to them the judgment of Judah for her sin (19:1–13).

Upon Jeremiah’s return, he stops in front of the Temple and prophesies the same message of judgment to the people gathered there. For this the Temple authority removes Jeremiah, has him arrested, whipped and put in stocks as a public spectacle.

There will always be naysayers, those who ignore and/or discredit the truth. It may be passive indifference or it may be hostile. The question is always, “How do I handle the truth?” Lord, mat every duty sentry always state the truth of man’s sin and the gospel of forgiveness, no matter the personal cost. May the sentry also be sensitive to the truth him/herself and respond accordingly.

The “Shattering”

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Do not delay to repent of sin (Jer 19:10–13). #DoNotDelayRepentance #TurnNowToGod #Repent

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

After describing the judgment about to befall Judah, Jeremiah shatters the pottery jar he had brought with him. He shatters it into the city dump, also called “Topheth“ (place of burning – place, where sacrifices were burned to idolatrous, pagan gods). The picture Jeremiah portrays in the shattering act symbolizes what God intends for the people of Judah and Jerusalem. They will be shattered as a people “beyond hope of repair.“

“Topheth“ (the city dump) is where the dead bodies of the coming destruction will be buried, until there is no more room. All the houses of the city, including the palace of Judah‘s kings will become as this dump – defiled and unclean beyond all remedy. There is an incalculable danger in the delay of repentance. Hearts are hardened beyond repair.

Lord, may there be no delay in my heart to daily repent of sin.

Monument To Defiance

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May we repent quickly of sin and obey God to avert judgment (Jer 19:7–9). #NoToDefiance #HighCostOfDefiance.

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jeremiah points his delegation of Israelite leaders to the city dump (vv1,2). He explains God‘s plan to destroy the city (Holy City, Jerusalem).* Dead bodies will lie everywhere as food for the birds and wild animals. The rubble will be a monument to Israel’s defiance of God.

People who pass by will look with horror, appalled. The city will be cut off from its food supply and the people will resort to cannibalism to survive. They are driven to utter despair. This is no capricious act of God. The people had been warned.** Lord, the horror of judgment may be averted by repentance and obedience to God’s word.

_________

* History reveals the fulfillment of this prophecy: 586 B.C. and 70 A.D.

** Jer 11:1–8; Lev 26:28-30; Deu 28:53–57; 2Ki 6:24-30; Lam 2:20; 4:10

The Dump

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May we quickly surrender our sinful lives to God (Jer 19:1-6). #ConfessSin #Repent #TurnNowToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God instructed Jeremiah to purchase a clay pot (jar). Then Jeremiah is instructed to call together some of the leaders and priests of Israel and walk to the “valley of Ben Hinnom” just outside the South Gate of the city (the “Potshard Gate” of Jerusalem – also called the “Dung Gate”). This symbolizes the broken relationship to God. This was the city dump. All the refuse of the city went through this gate. Also many sacrifices to pagan gods took place here.

This passage informs us that this valley was the place of grotesque, idol worship and child sacrifice by fire. It pictures the life of sin before God. God’s people are no longer his joy, but a garbage dump of stinking refuse. This valley would soon be called the “Valley of Slaughter“ because of the judgment about to fall on Judah (see also 7:30-33). Lord, could my heart ever be so cold and indifferent to you? Yes, it has been (17:9,10); may it never be so again.

Judgment Will Roll

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Do not ignore the pleadings of God to repent and turn to him (Jer 18:18–23). #TurnNowToGod #RepentAndTurnToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

While the obstinate people of God and their leaders are saying, “Do not listen to Jeremiah’s thunderous words of repentance,“ Jeremiah is saying to God “Listen to their words of evil” towards him. Jeremiah has warned the people of God’s of coming judgment (vv15–17). Their response is to discredit and kill Jeremiah.

Jeremiah‘s prayer is not one of vengeance, for he has earnestly contended for their souls (14:7-9; 19-22). Jeremiah is now praying for protection, because of his faithfulness to deliver the message. He is also praying that God would now allow his stated judgments for sin to roll down on his unrepentant people. Lord, remove any obstinate way within my heart.

Know Your Enemy

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Be wise in your understanding as to how Satan operates (Jer 18:18). #ResistSatan #KnowYourEnemy #ListenToGodsWord

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This passage reveals how our enemy, Satan, operates. He can’t stop the man or woman of God from speaking God’s word. So he causes God’s people to doubt and/or ignore God’s word. Look at Genesis 3:1–4.* “Did God really say don’t eat of the fruit?…If you eat the fruit, you won’t die!” So, deceived, man ate the fruit.

Jeremiah’s detractors determined that they would spread lies about him, cause people to doubt what he says. They determined that they can just ignore what Jeremiah says. They said, “Our priests, wisemen and prophets can teach us. We don’t need Jeremiah to tell us what he thinks God is saying.” Lord, make me wise to Satan‘s tactics to throw me off of God’s message.

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* Know your enemy: Jhn 8:44; 2Co 11:3,4; Eph 6:10–13; Jas 1:14-16; 1Pe 5:8,9; 1Jn 3:12,13; Rev 12:9,10. God fits the believer for battle: Psm 144:1,2; Eph 6:13-18; Jas 4:7.