May we live joyfully and as sure-footed as the hind in the rocky craggy places of life (Hab 3:16-19). #Surefooted #SongOfDeliverance #GodsJudgmentsAreCertain #ClimbTheHeightsWithGod
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Sing the song of deliverance. I begin my watch today at the end of this passage (verse 19). The prophet minstrel instructs the choir director to accompany the foregoing prayer with music (with instruments). Why? Because God‘s righteous ones are able to sing with joy in the midst of trouble, heartache and crisis.
For God’s righteous ones, joy and praise are centered on the promises of the sovereign God of heaven and not on our circumstances. God’s judgments, and timing of such, are certain. They will happen without fail. In the meantime we wait patiently on him. And like the hind scaling the high and craggy mountain cliffs, so God has given this old sentry a surefooted reliance upon him.
___________
See the Christian classic, Hinds’ Feet On High Places, Hannah Hurnard, published in 1955.
Give praise to God for his radiant splendor and certain glorious coming (Hab 3:3). #TheComingOneTrueGod #ExaltTheComingChrist #TheGloryOfGod #Redemption
View From The Watchtower
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
After Hsbakkuk’s opening petition (for revival and mercy) praise is his response to all that God had shown him. No more questions. Only praise. Just as the watchmen sits high above the camp looking, watching for activity on the horizon, so Habakkuk sees in the distance a theophany of the glorious and radiant splendor of the coming one true God.
Habakkuk’s imagery recalls a great and glorious event in Israel’s history (deliverance from Egypt). Moses describes God as coming in glory to establish his nation at Mount Sinai in Teman and Mt Paran in the region of Edom (Deu 33:1,2). God appears to Habakkuk in the same glorious light and regal splendor. He will come to deliver Israel again and judge Babylon for her godlessness.
“SELAH!” (A musical term for a symbol crash or trumpets to blow; stop and let those preceding words sink into your heart and mind). Lord, what an amazing sight to behold. From Habakkuk’s watchtower to mine I see through his eyes the glory of God‘s certain coming in power. The sentry joins him in giving praise to God for his certain coming in radiant glory.
________________
Consider Ezekiel’s description of God’s glory (Ezk 1:28; 10:4; 43:2):
1:28 Like the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud on the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness all around.
Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard the voice of one speaking.
10:4 And the glory of the LORD went up from the cherub to the threshold of the house, and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was filled with the brightness of the glory of the LORD.
43:2 And behold, the glory of the God of Israel was coming from the east. And the sound of his coming was like the sound of many waters, and the earth shone with his glory.
The Apostle John’s description of God’s glory (Rev 18:1; 21:11; 21:23):
18:1 After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was made bright with his glory.
21:11 having the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal.
21:23 And the city phas no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for qthe glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb.
May you embrace a righteous compassionate God; may America turn now to God. May God send awakening and be merciful in judgment (Hab 3:2). #WorshipGod #AltarOfPraise #RunToGod #Awakening #TurnNowToGod #Repent #Revival
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Habakkuk has heard God‘s reply to his heartfelt questions – why evil prevails. He is astounded and awestruck at God’s mighty work. He now enters into intimate communion with God in prayer. Presumably, he is still in his “watchtower“; that place of seeking. Like Job, he concludes “I have heard all about you, Lord. I am filled with awe at what I see” (see Job 42:5,6).
The prophet sings his song of prayer admitting the deep need of the people. This is the only petition in this prayer. 1) “Help us Lord, as you have before [send revival] …and 2) In your anger, show mercy.“
If we know that God won’t allow evil to persist forever; if we know that God will ultimately rain down judgment on godless nations, would this not be an appropriate petition to God in our day concerning America? Absolutely!
There is but one place to go in times of trouble. That is to our righteous and compassionate God. Lord, you are fierce in your righteousness judgments, but I am not afraid to embrace you.
May America turn from her godless path and may righteous faith prevail (Hab 2:4,5). #TheJustLiveByFaith #RapaciousEvil #TurnNowToGod #Repent
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Habakkuk sits pensively with his spiritual ears open to hear how God will answer his questions (1:2–4). The silence is deafening. Then, into the silence, God begins his woeful dirge of condemnation for Babylon. Her rapacity will not go unpunished; judgment will come.
Babylon (even America) is a nation become arrogant, swollen and puffed up like an old toad. Her passions are only for rapacious evil and unrighteousness. She makes a mockery of all that is morally good. She is a godless, corrupt and perverse nation. She is a drunken nation state with an insatiable appetite to enslave all people to government. Judgment is certain. It is already crouching at the door.
In stark contrast stands God’s righteous ones. “The righteous will live [know abundant life] by their steadfast faith [in Jehovah God].” These words sparkle like a jewel shinning through the darkness from deep within an earthen cavern. These words have given hope to God’s righteous ones through the ions of time, from Habakkuk to the Apostle Paul to Martin Luther and beyond.*
Lord, may a righteous faith prevail from deep within my soul; from deep within the soul of America. .
May evil find judgment at the hand of God (Hab 1:1–4). #Revival #Prayer #Awakening #America #GlobalAwakening #Repentance
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
What Habakkuk sees in the vision he received from God is the state of society in his day. He sees what others might see even in our day. They are Prompts to PRAY!. “Violence is everywhere I look. It goes on and on, unchecked. PRAY! The evil running rampant in our streets creates havoc and misery for its victims. PRAY! People argue and fight at the least provocation. PRAY!
Where is the law? Nowhere. It is paralyzed. PRAY! There is no justice in corrupt courtrooms. PRAY! The wicked outnumber the righteous and justice is perverted. PRAY!” So, we too ask, “Lord, how long must we cry out for help; when will justice fall?” Lord, the press of evil begs the urgent prayer of this sentry on the wall; that God might judge the wicked and spare the righteous. PRAY!
May you never fear to ask God honest questions (Hab 1:1–4). #AskGod #HonestQuestionsHonestAnswers
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Here we have the prophet Habakkuk (his name may mean “embracer” or “embraced“ (literally it means to hold in one’s hands). Was Habakkuk the “embracer” of the people to comfort them, or to be an “embracer” of the problem of divine justice in a wicked world? Or was he the “embraced” one who God had chosen as his messenger?
Either way, Habakkuk was God‘s prophet and his message stands as unique among the prophets. His writings are more the record of a dialogue between him and his Creator God. His primary question, as ours is today, why does such evil persist in our world without any consequences?* These first four verses could be internet headlines today. Lord, if I am honest, I must admit that I too wonder just how long before you set this crooked old world straight again?
_________
* The Bible Knowledge Commentary on Habakkuk, Pgs 1505-1507.
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.
Choose to follow after God (2Ki 23:31-33). #ChooseJesus #ChoicesMakeTheMan
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
We Make Choices; Those Choices Make Us
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
May you faithfully serve God whether rejected or not (2Ch 34:8). #GoHardForGod #ShowThemJesus #GodAboveAllOthrrs
SPEAK TRUTH
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.
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.
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).
Remain always open to whatever message God speaks to you (Jer 18:1–5). #ThePottersHouse #ListenAndWatchForGod #GodStillSpeaks
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Every week, pastors, teachers and evangelists, who honor God by their message, come to God and pray, “Lord, what is your message to your people this week?“ Then, they open God’s word and listen.
This passage is the minister’s perfect scenario. The Lord spoke to Jeremiah and said go down to the potter’s house and I will speak to you there. Jeremiah obeyed, and God spoke to him through what he saw. God gave him a message.
Thank you Lord, for speaking into the heart and mind of my pastor and our church staff through your Word. Lord, thank you for speaking daily into my own life from your Word and my experiences.
Trust in God when people ignore and scoff at your message (Jer 17:14-18). #TrustInGod #StandWithGod
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Jeremiah offers a prayer of lament. He has faithfully carried out God’s mission to call Israel to repentance. But, the people scoff at him. They chide, “Why don’t your predictions come, true?“ The people were arrogant in their treatment of God‘s prophet.
But Jeremiah was undeterred and stood his ground. He then prays not for repentance, but that the Lord would justify him, stand with him. He prays that God would, “bring the predicted day of terror on this people. May it be doubly destructive.“ Lord, may I stand faithful, to do whatever task you call me to; trusting you for the results.
Give thanks for God’s unfailing justice, mercy, and love (Psm 103:6–10). #UndeservedFavor #UnfailingLoveAndMercy
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Who is this God of tender mercies towards men (vv1-5)? He is the God who gives. He gives righteousness, puts men in good stead with him (1Co 1:30; 2Co 5:21; Jer 33:15). He gives justice to the oppressed, making men right with each other. He is the God who reveals who he is. He did so with Moses (Exo 20:1,2; 33:13–20) and his people.
God is the God of all compassion and mercy, long-suffering, full of unfailing, unconditional love. He is the God who mitigates his actions towards sinful men by his mercy. He does not give us all that we deserve for sin (grace). Lord, I may count on your promises to forever wash and cleanse me from all sin.
Humbly receive God’s crown of love and tender mercies (Psm 103:4) #CrownOfLoveAndMercy
A Crown Preferred
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
I am crowned, not with a crown of gold or precious jewels. It is far greater than that. It is a crown woven together with God’s love and tender mercies. That is what God has crowned me with – unconditional love and tender benevolent affection.
God crowns me – he lifts me above all my challenges, my sin, my suffering, my circumstances. God crowns me with life eternal. There is no crown like the crown of God’s love and tender mercies. Lord, I am humbled and strengthened by your love and tender mercies.
Blaze new faith trails that are renewed daily in God’s grace (Heb 13:22,25). #WalkInDailyRenewal #FaithRenewedDaily
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
This is the final word of our writer. Some may debate the meaning of having “written to you in a few words.“ But the point in the conclusion of this letter is simply this. You have been enlightened to the truth about Christ. It is time for you to move forward in a new way of faith.
Shed the former rituals and traditions of religion and press on into this new frontier of faith in Christ. Do this, knowing that the grace of God and empowerment of Christ (v21) goes ever before you. Lord, may I maintain a fresh forward looking faith for the frontier of every new day before me.
Keep your charge to influence all people for Christ (Heb 13:20,21). #AChargeToKeep #GospelOfPeace
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Here is the benediction which closes the book of Hebrews, “May God‘s peace…“ Our world is in turmoil as never before. Men often despair of hope. Many suffer and tire of wars, rebellion and violence. Ours is a broken world. Nothing will set it straight but “God‘s perfect peace.“
The benediction is a charge to God’s people (that’s us), the purveyors of the message of God’s peace. Jesus, the “Shepherd,“ brings the peace of God to men’s thirsty souls.
Our call is certain. Our marching orders are clear. Our equipping and empowerment is ratified by God to impact our world for good. We please him in the process. All glory to Christ forever.
Lord, may I keep my charge to take the Gospel of Peace to all in my sphere of influence.
Anticipate your eternal home in the City of God (Heb 13:14). #AtHomeWithChrist #ThisWorldIsNotMyHome
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
This Jesus, in whom we put our trust, is no mirage, no flash in the pan. He is the royal Son of God. He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is the royal head of state in the kingdom to come. He rules an eternal City to come, a city he has prepared for those who follow him. (11:10,16). It is the City in which God dwells (Psm 46:4-7). That is our eternal home.
The Apostle John saw this City, made ready to receive its real residents (Rev 21:2). We (followers of Christ) do not abide in this world. We look ahead to a home in the city to come. That is our security in Christ. This whole world will pass away (12:27; Psm 102:25,26); but you oh Lord, perish not. Neither shall we, nor the home, nor the city you have prepared for us.
Lord, this aged sentry is looking forward to his eternal home with Christ in that City where God dwells.
Leave all behind and follow Christ (Heb 13:13). #LeaveAllAndFollowChrist #NoTurningBack
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
F.F. Bruce paints a clear picture of the meaning of the sin offering of Christ that bore such reproach.* The picture is of Moses who, “considered the stigma that rests on God’s anointed, greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt.“ (11:24-26).
Consider: following the incident of the “golden calf”, Moses pitched his “tent of meeting“ far outside the camp (Exo 33:7). “Camp” stands for the established system of Judaism. “Camp” equaled everything that was comfortable inside the rituals and traditions of Judaism.
Jesus stands outside the camp (the gates of Jerusalem). He was rejected inside that camp. We who follow Christ are called to leave the comfort of the “camp“ in exchange for the greater wealth that exists in Christ “outside the camp.“
Find your surrender on the altar of Christ (Heb 13:10,15). #DeepSurrender #ChristOurAltar #SacrificeForSin #ChristOurAtonement
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The writer makes one final reference to Christ as the supreme sacrifice for sin. He is our “ALTAR.” Attaching any idea of ritual performance as validation of salvation (v9) is unacceptable. The old system of animal sacrifice is done away in favor of the once for all time sacrifice of Christ for salvation. F.F. Bruce nails it. “Jesus is the anti-type” of the sacrifices made for sin on the Old Testament day of atonement.
The writer says, “We have an altar.” That is the same as saying, “We have a High Priest“ (8:1). Our altar is Christ. He is the new way for sin’s sacrifice. His sacrifice is the better way of salvation. I am reminded, one more time, to be grounded in grace is to be secure in Jesus. He is my one, my final, sacrifice for sin. I am humbled and eternally grateful. Lord, my only response is deep surrender to Christ (v15).
May hearts be firmly established in the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ (Heb 13:9). #GraceAlone
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:
Verse eight links the exhortation to emulate faithful leaders who have taught truth from God‘s word (v7), with the notion of being deceived by “strange doctrines“ (v8). (Note: Gal 1:9). God‘s word will never change (Mat 24:35; 1Pe 1:23–25). Neither will the sacrifice and life teachings of Christ ever change.
To entertain some strange new teachings that center on keeping certain rules and rituals (or any other teachings, doctrines and philosophies of this world) will profit us nothing (Heb 9:10; Rom 14:17; 1Co 8:1). The heart (seat of spiritual understanding) must be grounded in the grace of God. There is no other standing with Christ.
Father, keep my heart firmly grounded in the grace of Christ.
Strive to be a proactive witness pointing others to Christ (Heb 13:1-6). #WalkingPoint
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Reading these verses leads me to my responsibility as a believer, a follower of Christ. My faith in Christ is lived out in every day circumstances. I am responsible to not just stay in the church, worshiping God onto myself. I am called to “go”, to point others to Christ.
It is my responsibility to be God’s witness in the world. It is my responsibility to explain by my life and by my witness, the consequences of ignoring so great a salvation (Heb 2:3). I am a “point man” leading others to a just and righteous God. Lord, may I use whatever platform you have given me to point men to Christ.
Oh, that you might listen to God and obey (Heb 12:25–28). #ListenToGod #RevereAndObeyGod
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
A final warning is issued by our writer. God rules from above heaven and earth (Psm 113:4–6). Listen to God’s voice. Don’t do as the ancient Hebrews did. Though God’s voice thundered, they ignored his voice (3:7-12). They did not escape judgment.
When God spoke from Mount Sinai, the earth quaked. The promise here is that when God speaks again (and he will) “everything that can be shaken (heaven and earth – all things created) will be shaken”…destroyed. All that will remain is that which isUNSHAKEABLE – God’s word, God’s salvation and God’s kingdom. Lord, I am listening. May the nations listen to your voice and turn to you before it is too late.
May you grasp the depth of God’s mercy, love and grace (Heb 12:18–24). #GodsLoveAndMercy #TheOpenDoorToGod
Mount Zion / Mount Sinai
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
There is a world of difference between the flaming holiness and terrifying righteousness of the God of Israel (represented here by Mount Sinai – vv18–21) and the gracious merciful hand of the same God who reaches out in love to save (represented here by Mount Zion – vv22-24). The contrast is clear. God is Holy and Righteous. Yet, in his love and mercy, he cleared the way for ALL to come to him.
“Vive la Différence”
All men may come to God, not in fear and trembling, but in confidence and joy, knowing that Jesus (represented in all the symbolism of the temple) has cleared the way. The Holiness demanded in salvation is attainable through Christ Jesus and his shed blood on the cross. Lord, my heart and spirit cry out to grasp the depths of such mercy and grace.
