Prophecy Fulfilled

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Have an abiding faith in the reliability of God‘s word; he does what he says (2Ki 24:1,7; 2Ch 36:6,7).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Sometime following the end of Habakkuk’s written prophecies (605 BC) Judah was overtaken by Babylon. Jehoiakim was king of Judah (2Ki 24:1). Judah became a vessel state. Babylon later seized Jerusalem, bound Jehoiakim and removed him to Babylon (2Ch 36:6).

The first captives were taken from Judah to Babylon. This began Jeremiah‘s prophecy that God‘s people would go into 70 years of captivity (Jer 25:11). Egypt at the time was an ally to Judah, but Babylon had already defeated her (2Ki 24:7). Egypt was of no help to Judah. It is clear, when God moves in judgment, there is no turning back. Lord, I can fully rely on your word. Your word is sure.

Song From The Watchtower (Ver 4)

No force on earth can stand against our righteous God

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Give God praise for his protective hand on his own; may the soul of America be turned to giving thanks for God’s protective hand on her (Hab 3:12-15).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In this ode, the prophet minstrel sees a vision of God, thrashing the nations for their godless, idolatrous attitudes and immoral behavior (vv 8-10) God will do to Babylon what he did to Egypt. God‘s motive is to crush evil and deliver his own. Reference to the “anointed“ is a reference to the coming Messiah. Saving his oft erring people also preserves the coming Anointed One, Christ.

Thinking Israel would be sitting ducks at the Red Sea, Pharaoh and his army of charioteers were thrown into panic, disarray and death (Exo 14:23-28). “Selah“ following these remarks means, stop and think about what was just spoken. Lord, you are a force to reckon with when it comes to protecting your righteous ones. As one of yours, I know that I am eternally secure in your care.

Song From The Watchtower (Ver 3)

Even nature is awestruck by the mighty Power of God.

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

View God with the honor and respect due him (Hab 3:8–11). #HonorGod #GodsJudgment #GodsDeliverance

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Was God angry when he struck the rivers and parted the sea (references to God‘s judgment on Egypt & deliverance of his people*). The answer is, “No, God was not angry with the seas.“ He was sending judgment on the godless and salvation to his people. So here, God is bringing down judgment on Babylon and will deliver his people from captivity.

God is seen here as brandishing his bow and mighty arrows (symbols of power). The mountains writhe like a woman with birth pangs. The deep (oceans) lift “hands” in awe. The sun and moon stand still before God‘s mighty power. His arrows strike their intended target. His glittering spear flashes before him.

One thing is clear. God’s might and power is clearly unmatched by any other power, even the mighty forces of nature. When God moves in deliverance or judgment he does so with great force and power. Lord, I acknowledge your mighty power to judge to deliver.

_____________

* Nile River (Exo 7:20,21); Red Sea (Exo 14:21-28); Jordan River (Jos 3:14-17).

Song From The Watchtower (Ver 2b)

All Praise To The All Powerful God.

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Stand fast in trial; trust in, rely upon God‘s promises (Hab 3:3–7). #JudgmentWillCome #GodJudgesTheNations #StandFastInTrial #GodOmnipotant

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

What does the watchman see from his post? He sees the Lord coming in splendor and brilliance as a sunrise. From his hands he emits flashes of light, symbol of devine power. Pestilence and plagues go before him devouring everything in sight (as against Egypt and Assyria)*. God judges the wicked. The nations tremble before his power and all knowing eyes. Judgment will come for godless nations and peoples.

The eternal One shatters and levels everything men thought were everlasting. It is a terror for them to be confronted with such power. The watchman sees the coming judgment of Babylon (and it did); lawlessness, terror and evil will find its end in the judgment of God. America would do well to heed the lessons of nations judged by God (eg. Egypt, Assyria, Babylon).

Lord, this old sentry will stand fast through trials in awe of God‘s omniscience, presence, and power.

____________

* As in the 10 plagues of Egypt – Exodus 5-12; as in the Israel’s defeat of Assyria – 2Ch 32:22

Song From The Watchtower (Ver 2)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Give praise to God for his radiant splendor and certain glorious coming (Hab 3:3). #TheComingOneTrueGod #ExaltTheComingChrist #TheGloryOfGod #Redemption

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.

Song From The Watchtower (Ver 1)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

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.

Prophet Minstrel: An Ode (v.5)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Receive, revere, respond to the voice of the Triune Living God; he is not silent (Hab 2:18–20). #GodIsNotSilent #GodSpeaks #TalkToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The prophet minstrel composes his last stanza as received from God; the song of taunts sung by the prophet; a woeful dirge, V.5. It begins with the ludicrous creation of man-made idols that neither speak nor counsel anyone. They neither see nor protect. In absurdity, the people will call out to these deaf, dumb and inanimate idols. But they do not, cannot respond. [Elijah and the prophets of Baal comes to mind – 1Ki 18:26–29; vv36-38]

But God, who speaks and listens is in his holy temple. He stands above and apart from creation. He speaks and the whole world is silent before him in awestruck wonder. How foolish it is to put faith or trust in any creation of my own making. Lord, my hope is in the living, breathing, triune God, who is present and is not silent. He speaks powerfully into the sentry’s life.

Prophet Minstrel: An Ode (v.4)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Never abuse the power of your influence over others (Hab 2:15-17).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The prophet continues his song of taunts; a woeful dirge, v.4. A graphic allegorical lyric depicts Babylon as the host of a drunken, debauched party [drunken debauchery being a Babylonian characteristic]. Her nation neighbors were forced to drink, in a drunken orgy of false promises. Then, as in the parable of “The King With No Clothes,” they were stripped naked of resources, laughed at, mocked and made the fool.*

God says, “Soon it will be your turn, O Babylon, to be disgraced. For the Lord will force you to drink full from his cup of judgment. Your glory will be turned to abject nakedness and shame. You have built towns with wood stripped from the beautiful forests and those towns are filled your murder and terror. Soon it will be you, O Babylon, who is stripped, terrorized and cut down. Your end will come in violent destruction (Pro 24:17,18). The abuse of power and privilege is unconscionable. ”The Lord is in his holy Temple. Let all the earth be silent before him” (2:20).

Lord, may I never abuse my position of influence to torment those within my circle of reach.

_________

* How simple-minded it is to be made to look a fool as the butt of another’s heinous joke. But how much more deranged to be the tormentor of such a fool?

Prophet Minstrel: An Ode (v.3)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Put your hope in the coming glory of Christ (Hab 2:12-14). #HopeInChtist #TheComingKingdom #ChristTheKing

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The prophet sings his song of taunts: a woeful dirge, v.3. Babylonian plunder, pride and perversity stand as witness against her. Murder, bloodshed, and oppression built her cities. Yet they will soon be a pile of ashes at the hands of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. Here the dirge offers signs of hope for the terrorized.

Babylon’s tiny piece of history will dissolve quickly in a sea of God‘s glory that will one day, conquer the nations and cover the earth (Psm 72:19; Isa 11:9). No nation who exists by tyranny, oppression, and bloodshed will be left standing in the coming age of Christ (Mat 24:30,31; 2Th 1:7–10; Rev 19:19–21). ”The Lord is in his holy Temple. Let all the earth be silent before him” (2:20).
‭‭

Lord, the old sentry’s hope is lifted by the promise of God’s coming kingdom and his glory that will cover the earth.

Prophet Minstrel: An Ode (v.2)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Bridle any form of intemperance: be humble (Hab 2:9-11). #Repent #TurnNowToGod #Judgment

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The prophet continues his lyrical song of taunts; a woeful dirge, Verse 2 – Here, find we, the lofty haughty heart which seeks to immortalize its own power. Like the eagle, Babylon attempts to build her nest (wealth and palaces) high above earth’s fray. She seeks to make herself impregnable.

But Babylon’s murderous heart is her shame, not her glory. She will be cut off. The stones and timber obtained by dishonest and rapacious cruelty cry out as witness against her. Soon this nation, and any other nation that thrives on cruelty toward others, will itself be cut down. No matter how impregnable she thinks she is. ”The Lord is in his holy Temple. Let all the earth be silent before him” (2:20)

Lord, self-aggrandizement can never be seen as honorable. May my heart humbly bridle any such attitudes and surrender to God‘s glory.

Prophet Minstrel: An Ode (v.1)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Show yourself straight, true, and honest with others (Hab 2:6–8). #Repent #TurnNowToGod #Judgment

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Now the prophet writes as God instructed. It is a lyrical song of taunts, sung by the prophet; a woeful dirge. Verse 1 – Babylon had ill gotten gain through merciless intimidation and extortion. She shall not go unpunished. Her debtor nations will rise up as one against her and plunder her.

Babylon, the victimizer will become the victim. She is seen as trembling violently before her oppressors. She will suffer the penalty of her crimes; reap what she had sown (Pro 22:8; Gal 6:7) and so she did. These words may be applied to all the nations at any time. ”The Lord is in his holy Temple. Let all the earth be silent before him” (2:20)

Lord, defrauding comes to my mind. May I never defraud another. If I have, show me, that I might make it right.

Rapacious Evil

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. .

__________

* The Faith of the Righteous

Rom 1:17

Gal 3:11

Heb 10:38

It Will Come!

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Patiently wait on the trustworthy judgments of God (Hab 2:2,3). #JudgmentWillCome #TrustworthyJudgment

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God speaks to the watchman in the watchtower. He holds nothing back. “Write it down plainly Habakkuk, so that the messenger and the message is clearly understood by those who listen.” God is not like dumb idols crafted by men, who cannot speak – he hears and he answers (v18).

God assures the prophet that the vision of the future will surely come, be fully fulfilled. Though it may seem slow in coming, patiently wait for it. Sin will not go unpunished. The storm clouds of judgment are gathering and will rain down at the appointed time. Lord, waiting while sin and evil abound is hard. But we shall soon see the glory of God‘s righteous judgment. IT WILL COME!!

Deeply Stained Within

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May we be deeply moved in waves of contrition and repentance for our own sin & rebellion (Hab 1:6-11). #Repent #TurnNowToGod #America #TheNations

MORNING WATCH NOTES (and extended subscript to the nations):

This is the horrific vision that God gave the prophet, Habakkuk. A pagan nation of cruel violent people (Babylon) will descend on Judah like a blazing relentless desert wind. This godless nation will gobble up other nations as well, having their way with whatever cruelty they wish.

The war horses of Babylon run like the cheetah and are more fierce than ravenous wolves. Their charioteers charge from a far off and swoop down like eagles, picking off and devour their unsuspecting prey. They scoop up captives as they go. No one is safe. They scoff kings & princes; laugh at their fortresses and walls. Then, like the wind, they are gone, leaving behind nothing but a sweltering desolate landscape.

But God tells the prophet, Babylon was not innocent for having been God‘s instrument. NO! They went beyond all restraint to their own destruction. They were deeply guilty and flawed because they viewed their own strength was their God.

Lord, the prayer sentries, the watchmen on the walls, must sit dumbfounded with the prophet and consider what horrific plan lay ahead for Judah. Would God, could God, do such a thing (vv12-16)?

May this Sentry be moved to waves of contrition and repentance for my own deep sin.

________

SUBSCRIPT TO THE NATIONS:

I ask what will be in store for my own great nation (America) and her great allies. Where will pride in our own strength, our arrogant disregard of God and our distain of justice bring us? Is there any nation on earth today that God may be raising up to do to us what Babylon did to Judah and the ancients?

That is not a far fetched question. Consider China, Russia, Iran and North Korea. All of these are mentioned in one way or another in prophecies of these end times.

A local pastor spoke recently and reminded his congregation of how the nations viewed the nation of Israel after her 70 years of captivity in Babylon.

”When the Lord brought back his exiles to Jerusalem, it was like a dream! We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, “What amazing things the Lord has done for them.” (Psm 126:1-2)

“The other nations were amazed” to see how God had blessed Israel.

There was a day when the nations would have looked upon America and said, “What amazing things the Lord has done for them.” But today that light has grown dim and the nations laugh at us. Mock us. Scorn us. America has left the God of her fathers. May the Lord send sweeping revival across this land like a fast moving prairie fire. May there be an awakening of national one global proportions.

______

Perhaps the prophet Habakkuk and those righteous who were with him, like we today, could find some comfort in the words of Israel’s king, David, the Psalmist:

”But the Lord is in his holy Temple; the Lord still rules from heaven. He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth. The Lord examines both the righteous and the wicked. He hates those who love violence…

[…no matter who: Babylon, China, Russia, Iran; AMERICA, GREAT BRITAIN and others are not without their own history of violence]

“[God] will rain down blazing coals and burning sulfur on the wicked, punishing them with scorching winds.

[If God spared not his own chose people from judgment and correction, how safe are those without God’s covering of mercy and grace?]

[But our] righteous Lord loves justice. The virtuous will see his face.“ (Psm 11:4-7)

________

GOD PROMISES TO SHOW HIS FACE TO THOSE WHO ARE HIS RIGHTEOUS ONES, WHO CHOOSE VIRTUE

Did God Exalt Evil?

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May we turn daily and acknowledge God, our gracious Sovereign (Hab 1:6) #AcknowledgeGodAsSovereign #GodExaltsNations #GodAbandonsNations #RighteousnessExaltsANation #SinDestroysANation

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

So what is so “astounding“ about God‘s vision to Habakkuk? Well, God says, incredibly, that he has raised up a nation of cruel and violent people. EVIL: did God make this nation cruel and violent? NO! He elevated this nation on the world stage (Job 12:23). Men are cruel, violent and evil because of the lust and greed in their own fallen hearts (John 3:18-20).

This nation, Babylon (also a key metaphor of evil throughout much of Bible prophecy – Dan 2:36-39; Rev 18:2,3) and its king, did not acknowledge God as its source of strength. They attributed their wealth, might and power to their own strength and ability. Instead of blessing the world, they became a curse to the world. Ultimately God would cast them off as well.

[William Grunall states in his classic, The Christian In Complete Armour, “Sometimes [God] allows an opposing force to arise, so that at precisely the right moment he can raise up a more magnificent pillar of remembrance to himself. This pillar will stand in the very ruins of that which contested [God’s] power. Thus, when he intervenes, all must say, “Almighty Power was here“ Pg.46]

It is foolish to ignore and disrespect a gracious God, who exalts men and nations. Lord, may I (may America) daily acknowledge you as my (and our) Sovereign.

God’s Infinite Vision

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Place your faith in the eternal wisdom and plans of God (Hab 1:6). #InfinitVision #PlanOfTheAges #GodIsSovereign

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Here is the vision that will astound, even terrify, Habakkuk and the people of God (v5). God has been infinitely at work to raise up a nation (a pagan, gentile nation), Babylon, to rain down judgment on Judah. Habakkuk, in his short life and span of prophetic call, is just arriving to where God has been for generations.

God has been long suffering, not willing that any should perish. God is ready to curb his judgment at the first sign of repentance. But now the time has come (2Pe 3:9,10). Habakkuk will be one of the last trumpet calls to repent. God was right. Habakkuk could not believe it (vv12,13). God is eternally at work in the affairs of men (Job 12:21-24). Lord, I may fully trust in your infinite plan for the nations, for my good and your glory.

Extraordinary Evil; Extraordinary Judgment

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Pray expecting the unexpected from God in his judgment of evil (Hab 1:5). #ExpectTheUnexpected #PrepareToBeAstounded

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God has stirred up the heart of the prophet toward the evil God sees. The prophet has asked the right questions of God (vv2–4) and he is a ready recorder of God‘s answers. God says, “Hold onto your Ram’s horn Habakkuk (my translation). You are not going to believe what I am doing, even now as you speak with me. You will be astounded.”

Extraordinary evil requires extraordinary acts of God. Do we see extraordinary acts of evil in our day? Is God still sovereign? Strap on your seatbelt. God is still in the business of extraordinary acts. His acts in judgment are certainly already in progress. Judgment on the nations (on America) will look nothing like we might expect. Instead, we may be astounded at what God does and how he does it.

Lord, the heart of this old sentry pounds in expectation for the unexpected in our day, something no one could have conceived of happening.

Evil: Prompts For Prayer

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

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!

Soul Ablaze In Prayer

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May hearts be set ablaze in prayer for revival and awakening (Hab 1:1–4). #Revival #Prayer #Awakening #America #GlobalAwakening

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Who learns more quickly, the student who is uninterested in a subject, or the student who is inquisitive and asks questions about the subject? Just so, who would pray more effectively, the person told he must pray, or the person who knows the call of God to intercede? This is Habakkuk.

J. Edwin Orr (authority on revival*) says, “Whenever God is ready to do something new with his people, he always sets them to praying.“ Look again at verse one. It is God who sends the questions that stir the prophet’s heart and sets him ablaze in prayer.

The questions that burn in the heart of Habakkuk are the questions God intends to use to set the prophet’s heart ablaze in prayer for his people. Lord set my heart and soul on fire in prayer for revival, awakening and restoration.

________

* For those interested: J. Edwin Orr on Revival

Embracing A World In Crisis

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May the darkness of sin around us lead us to pray for the justice and mercy of God (Hab 1:1; 3:2). #DeepIntercessions #TheWorldInCrisis

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Habakkuk is a prophet of God who shows up sometime prior to the Babylonian captivity of the Jews. He is a contemporary of Jeremiah. Nothing more is known of him. There is however, some wide agreement that he may have been a musician of the Levitical office (see 3:19). Further, his writings resemble the literary style of the psalms.*

Habakkuk often sounds more like David pouring out his heart to God than a preacher raining down judgment on the people. He is more poet than prophet. The darkness of sin running rampant in our world, should bring God‘s people to a deeper place of repentance and devotion to him. Lord, Habakkuk calls me to think more deeply on the state of our world and to plead for God’s justice and mercy (3:2).

________

* The Bible Knowledge Commentary on Habakkuk, Pgs 1505-1507.

Ignore God? Perilous!

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Turn now to God from any godless way (Jer 47:1-7) #TurnNowToGod #Repent #IgnoringGodIsPerilous

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

A lot has been written and a lot can be said of the history between Israel and the Philistines.* The Philistines have always been a thorn in Israel’s side; even to this day with Palestinians and Gaza. Israel should have driven them from the land in the Exodus. (Exo 23:31-33; Jos 13:1–3). They did not and they worshipped pagan Philistine gods.

This prophecy of Jeremiah intensifies God’s intention to judge any godless people. The message is the same for the Philistines and every other nation – repent and turn to God while there is still time (Nineveh is a good example – Jon 1:1,2) Lord, every lawless, godless act will be judged. The time to turn is now. For me to ignore God comes at great risk.

_______

* History of the Philistines, Palestinians and Israel. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Philistine-people

https://www.gotquestions.org/Israel-Philistines.html

Can’t Outsmart God

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Run not from God, but run to him (Jer 46:27,28) #RunToGod #Repent #TurnTowardsGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Judah, having taken Egypt as an ally, will find herself exposed to a new and greater threat. Was she wrong to take Egypt as an ally? No. But thinking she could avoid her judgment by putting her trust and hope in another other than God was foolish thinking.

The prophecies of Judah being overrun by Babylon, are now a certain possibility. God will route Judah and send her into exile for her sin and rebellion against God. But God will eventually return her to her land. This is a promise. Lord, no matter how I try to manipulate my welfare, you always work things out to your glory and my greater good.

Crosshairs of Judgment

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Rely on Jehovah God alone and not any false gods or carnal self reliance (Jer 46:1–26). #TrustJehovahGodAlone #TurnNowToGod #repent

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In the reigning days of wicked King Jehoiakim, Jeremiah announces judgment, not only on Judah, but on the surrounding nations as well. Babylon is on the rise. Egypt is about to fall, leaving Babylon as the reigning superpower. Hear the words of judgment on Egypt for her pride, arrogance and reliance upon her military night.

“The Lord of Heaven’s Armies says, ‘I will punish [Egypt] and all her so-called gods, her rulers, and all those who follow those false gods.’” Yet God is merciful to all people, and yet at some point in the future, Egypt shall recover. Lord, I will put my trust in no other God but Jehovah.

______

Is the handwriting on the wall America? – Billy Graham

A Cup Running Over

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Come quickly in humble repentance and surrender to God (Jer 25:15,16) #TheCupOfJudgment #TurnNowToGod #Repent

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In the closing days of the reign of Jehoiakim of Judah, Jeremiah pronounces judgment on the nations. God will use godless nations to bring judgment on his people for their sin and indifference towards God. But the godless shall not escape the judgment of God for their sin, pride and arrogance. They too, will be devastated, some never to rise again.

God’s anger with the nations is like a cup filled to the brim and running over. None will escape judgment – save only those who turn in repentance to God from the road of sin they travel (v5).

AMERICA SHOULD HEED THE WORDS OF JUDGMENT SPOKEN BY JEREMIAH

NO ONE IS SBOVE THE RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENTS OF GOD.

Lord, the life of this old sentry was changed forever when I turned off the road of sin I was traveling and got onto your “highway of holiness” (Isa 35:8,9). *

ALL PRAISE TO THE LORD

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* See my testimony blog post: Window of Opportunity

Truth Speak

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Embrace, be faithful and courageous to speak the truth of God (Jer 26:1–11). #SpeakTheTruth #CourageToSpeakForGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Standing in front of the temple, Jeremiah spoke the truth of the disaster about to fall on the temple and Jerusalem. He said exactly what God told him to say. When he had finished, the priests, the prophets, and the people present began to taunt him and ridicule him. They wanted to kill him.

When the officials in the palace heard about it, they rushed to the temple and decided to hold court right then and there. They would try Jeremiah for treason – the priests and the prophets were witnesses against him. It is clear that when you speak for God, the message may not be popular. But speak you must! Lord, may I always have courage to speak the truth of God no matter the consequences.

The End of Godlessness

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May we run from godlessness and rebellion (2Ki 24:17-20 through 25:1-7). #ReturnToGod #RunFromGodlessness #FollowHardAfterGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Nebuchadnezzar had installed Zedekiah as a puppet king in Judah. He was Johoiachin‘s uncle, the third son of godly king Josiah of Judah. He was a godless man, like his brother, the former king, Jehoiakim. His reign will not end well.

After a two year Babylonian siege against Jerusalem, Zedekiah fled the city. Babylonians pursued him and caught him. Zedekiah’s troops deserted him and scattered. Zedekiah and his sons all died unspeakable and cruel deaths at the hands of the Babylonians.

So It was just as Jeremiah said, “These things happened because of the Lord’s anger against the people of Jerusalem and Judah, until he finally banished them from his presence, and sent them into exile” (24:20). Lord, may the heart of the sentry on the wall be kept from the folly of godlessness and rebellion.

Fighting God; Bad Idea

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Do not delay to repent and follow God (Jer 21:8-14). #Repent #TurnNowToGod #ChooseLifeChooseGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

[For whatever reason 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]

Jeremiah continues his message to the unrepentant King Zedekiah. There is no way out of the judgment of God for the sin of he and his people. God says, “If you stay and fight the Babylonians, you will die. Surrender and live; that will be your reward.”* God will not put up with sinful disobedience indefinitely (Gen 6:3).

Still, to repent and do good remains an option. Change, do justice to the people, help the oppressed. The king must change, lead the nation to change. God warns again, “I will personally fight against you…punish you for your sinfulness. I will light the fire of judgment.“ Lord, my best options are always to reverence you, humbly repent and seek your face.

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* God spoke similar words to me on December 28, 1968, in a guard tower over the Saigon River, “You must make a choice. You can of go home in a body bag or you can repent and go home serving me. The choice is yours and the time is now.” I could no longer continue to make a mockery of the faith. I could no longer live with one foot in the Faith and one foot in the world. I could no longer serve two masters. I chose the later, and I never looked back.“

https://theprayersentry.com/2023/03/23/window-of-opportunity/

Time’s Running Out

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Move with haste to repentance, while there is still time (Jer 21:1–7). #Repent #TurnNowToGod #ChooseLife #TimeIsRunningOut

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The days of Josiah have passed. Judah was on a path of destruction as predicted by Huldah the prophetess (2Ki 22:18–20; 2Ch 34:26–28). King Zedekiah shows no sign of repentance but “begs“ Jeremiah to speak with the Lord, that he might deliver Judah from the Babylonians. The following is what God said through Jeremiah.

“Your weapons will be useless against Babylon. I myself [God] will fight against you. I will send plagues. I will hand King Zedekiah over to Babylon. They will show no mercy, pity or compassion”. If God is for us who can stand against us? But if God is against us who can stand before him? Lord, my indifference to sin will only lead to God’s hand of discipline.

More to follow.

National Reckoning Pt4

NONE TOO BIG TO FAIL

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Be wholehearted in your surrender & devotion to the Lord (Jer 22:24-30). #NoneTooBigToFail #WholeheartedSurrender #WholeheartedDevotion

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This is the prophecy and plight of Jehoiachin (verb structure here implies the prophetic). He was as evil/wicked as his father Jehoiakim (2Ki 24:9). Jeremiah delivers God’s word to Jehoiachin. The Lord will abandon him to his enemy the Babylonians. He will die in exile.

“Signet ring” here does not imply some quality of character. God is simply saying, “Even if you were as valuable as a jeweled ring, I would still cast you off.” Why? Because of Jehoiachin’s evil nature. He may as well be “childless.” None of his lineage would ever succeeded him on the throne. There are just simply none too big to fail. That includes my great country, America.

Lord, may my and my nation’s surrender and devotion to you always be wholehearted.

Prosperity Lost

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Honor God in your days of prosperity, while his blessing is upon you (Jer 22:18-23). #HonorGodInProsperity #RememberTheGoodnessOfGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Having described the reign of Jehoiakim as godless and self-indulgent (2Ki, 23:34–37; Jer 22:13–17), Jeremiah prophesies his plight. Jehoiakim will go down in ignominy. No one will mourn for him (as they did for his father Josiah).

His body will be ingloriously dragged to the city dump, like a dead animal (a “donkey”). It will be discarded as refuse.

Then, as Judah’s allies are slowly eliminated (by Babylon), Jeremiah tells the people of Judah to mourn for the terrible fate that is about to come upon them. They had been warned of this in their days of prosperity, but they snubbed their nose at God. God is good to remind us of our responsibility as a blessed people and nation (America). Lord, may we turn and honor you before all prosperity is lost.

More to follow.