Seek God for deliverance; trust not your own strength (Jer 51:34-44). #GodOurAvenger
All that is left of Babylon’s temple to her God, Bel
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Judah’s complaint of Babylon’s overwhelming violence against them is taken up by God. He is Judah’s defense, Babylon’s judge; her fate is sealed, Judah is avenged. The cup of God’s judgment will put Babylon into a deep sleep from which she will never awaken. She is finished. Like crashing waves of the sea demolishes sandcastles on the beach (my interp), Babylon is gone.
Babylon’s God Bel is demolished and in her last gasp of life, she will vomit out all the those she has consumed (all the people are freed from her captivity). She will never again be hailed, but only derided. God hears our complaint and takes vengeance on arrogant oppressors in his way, in his time. But God delivers his own. Lord, I take cover in your avenging grace and put no stock in my own strength.
Trust God to carry out his every plan in our lives and for the nations (Jer 51:27-33). #God’sPlan
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Jeremiah continues God’s call to the nations that will rise up against Babylon. The hammer of judgment God used to discipline his people will itself be hammered and broken. All the nations mentioned here were war-like people. God will use them to lay waste to Babylon, deliver his people.
Jeremiah prophesies that all the mighty warriors of Babylon will retreat for cover; offer no resistance. When God’s people realize that Babylon being trampled, they will then know that God’s harvest of judgment had arrived (the 70 year captivity will be over). Lord, except for repentance, there is no rolling back your plan for our lives nor the nations.
Treat any power giving you by God with humility and respect (Jer 51:20-26). #HumbleAuthority #Hammered
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The great and powerful God described in vv15–19 is Jehovah-God. It is he who will be against Babylon. He will utterly destroy Babylon. Not a single stone will be left standing (see also 50:35–38). Babylon was God’s hammer of judgment against the nations. Now God will shatter Babylon and destroy her.
Babylon’s judgment is due to the wrong they did in Zion, desecrating the Temple (vv 24; 50:28; 51:11). Not even one cornerstone will be left upon which to rebuild the city. When men become drunk with power, they go too far. But the power of God can humble such a person or nation abruptly. Lord, may I always treat any power or authority given me with humility and respect for God and for others.
Put your hope in God alone for deliverance (Jer 51:5–6 & 10). #HopeInGodAlone
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Here is one more reminder of God‘s care for Israel and Judah and their vindication. Israel will be free to leave Babylon as God‘s judgment falls. They are instructed to leave quickly. “God‘s people, knowing that [God] has vindicated them, will raise a declarative song of praise in the temple in Zion to recount what he [God] has done.” *
All these words are prophetic and will give God’s remnant of Israel hope to endure their 70 year captivity (the Lord’s discipline) in Babylon. Lord, however, severe my circumstances may be I will put Hope in you for my deliverance.
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* Bible Knowledge Commentary, Old Testament, Jeremiah 51:1-10, Pg 1201.
Lean in to God in times of bitter personal (national) conflict, trials or correction (Jer 50:33,34 – 51:1-5).
There follows here, another declarative statement of God’s intentions to destroy Babylon. She will be blown away like chaff in the wind. Her military will not even draw their first arrow. Their fierce adversary will be swift, mighty, and merciless. It will overwhelm Like a lion’s attack on a lamb.
The king of Babylon will feel great anguish over the approach of the adversary. It will be no vassal state. The Lord of Heaven’s Armies will stir a powerful enemy (Psm 35:10–12) and thoroughly vindicate his people. His people had sinned against him. But still, he is their God, the Holy one of Israel.
Lord, I may lean in to you in times of bitter conflict, trial or correction (personal or national).
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Two things are clear to me in this passage:
1. Any enemy of God‘s people stands no chance against our mighty God. Let the nations beware. He is the mighty force behind the rise and fall of nations.
2. Though God may at times discipline us severely, we may trust him to remain steadfast and long suffering with us. We may lean in to the arms of God in times of personal/national discipline and correction.
Walk and serve humbly before God (Jer 50:33,34; Mic 6:8). #WsakHumblyBeforeGod #GodIsNotMocked
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
This is another reminder of who it is that is bringing destruction to Babylon and the deliverance of Israel from exile. It is none other than “the God of Heaven’s Armies.“
Is the mighty arm of the Lord falling on Babylon because he used her to bring judgment on his people? No. It is because Babylon was arrogant, mocked & defied God; she literately enjoyed watching people suffer. Any who are used of God, for any purpose, must be cautious in the use of their power.
God can raise up and God can take down any leader or any nation, and he will (Dan 2:21; Psm 75:7). Lord, may this sentry always walk humbly before you; may my service to you bring you honor and glory.
Come quickly seeking grace and forgiveness (Jer 50:21–32).#TurnNowToGod #Repent
God’s Hammer, Babylon, Will Be Crushed
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The nations are called up by God to bring judgment on Babylon. Her pride, arrogance, rejection of God and sacrilege to the Temple of God will bring the ire of God and her total destruction.
Two words say it all: “Merathaiam” and “Pekod”, two cities in southern Babylon. In Hebrew, Merathaiam means double rebellion and Pekod means punishment or judgment. The hammer used of God will itself be crushed & shattered (v23).
Because of Babylon’s pride and sacrilege (double rebellion), God will bring judgment and destruction to her. Pride and sacrilege will always lead to a fall. (Pro 16:18). Lord, may I be quick to embrace you and return in humble repentance (1Jn 1:9).
Resolve to act humbly in whatever success given by God (Jer 50:11–16). #WalkHumblyBeforeGod
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
God clarifies his reasons for destroying Babylon. God used Babylon as an instrument to discipline his people (Hab 1:1-11). He is not destroying Babylon for that, but for her prideful hubris over violent attacks on God‘s people. Babylon rejoiced in her wicked and violent ways.
The nations are called to unify and do to Babylon what she had done to others. Proverbs says, “If you gloat over your enemies demise, God will turn his anger on you. God will turn the light of the wicked out“ (Pro 24:17-20). Lord, may I resolve to act humbly in any success that you give me.
“Jeremiah‘s prophecy [Chs 50 & 51] looked beyond the destruction of Babylon in 539 BC to an eschatological destruction that will reverse the fortunes of Israel and Judah. Possibly this prophecy represents a blending of the near and the far. That is, the fall of Babylon and the return of the captives under Zerubbabel [Ezra 2:2; Neh. 7:7; 12:1 ] merged in the prophetic picture with the still future destruction of Babylon and the final restoration of Israel and Judah.
“The destruction of Babylon will be the climax of God‘s judgment on the gentile powers that have oppressed his people and will open the way for the fulfilling of God‘s promises to Israel. Other portions of scripture also point to still future rebuilding of Israel and destruction of Babylon (CF. Zec 5:5-11; Rev Chs 17 & 19). The city of Babylon will be rebuilt only to be destroyed at the end of the tribulation before Christ returns to establish his millennial reign.*
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This blog author has researched the rebuilding of Babylon. It is interesting to note that the ancient city of Babylon rests approximately 55 miles south of Baghdad, Iraq. There is an active movement afoot today to rebuild the city of Babylon. It is, in some measure, designed to attract tourists. But there are certainly more spiritual forces at work here than meet the eye.
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* Walvoord & Zuck. The Bible Knowledge Commentary of the Old Testament. Victor Books, 1985), 1199.
Eagerly anticipate the second coming of Christ (Jer 50:1–10). #Maranatha #ComeLordJesus
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
This is no hidden prophecy. “Tell the whole world, hold nothing back – Babylon (a symbol of evil through time] will fall.” Seventy years later (539 BC), she was conquered by King Cyrus of the Medo-Persian Empire. It is further announced that God‘s people in captivity (exile) to Babylon would be set free. Having been led astray by their shepherds, they would now find their way home to the sheepfold of God’s making.
While much of this came true after 539 BC, some things are yet to be fulfilled. Babylon as a place and as a symbol of evil, was not totally destroyed by King Cyrus. Also, the total surrender of God’s people to God and return to Jerusalem was only partially fulfilled. So there is a blending of the soon to come then and the yet far away events. God’s calendar is still in play today. *
Lord, may our days today see the total fulfillment of all these events –“Maranatha!”…Oh, Lord, come! (Rev 22:20; Phi 3:20; Tit 2:13; et al.).
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* Walvoord & Zuck. The Bible Knowledge Commentary of the Old Testament. Victor Books, 1985), 1199.
Give praise to God as the supreme power of the universe (Jer 50:1–3). #Omnipotence #Omniscience
Sovereign Omnipotence, Omniscience
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The prophecies and historical facts of the ancient city of Babylon are interesting to read and correlate together. In Jeremiah‘s Scroll, read to the Jews early in their exile (captivity) in Babylon, he describes the total destruction and demise of this ancient Middle East power/empire.
Jeremiah chapters 50 and 51 consolidate many of the prophecies he spoke into one document (scroll). God says, “Let the entire known world be notified. Babylon will fall. Her idols, Bel and Marduk, will be shattered, shamed, and disgraced; of no help to Babylon before Jehovah God (51:15–19). He is the sovereign power, source and sustainer of the universe.
Lord, may the heart of the prayer sentry bow in singular praise before your sovereign omnipotence & omniscience.
Expect God‘s message of hope in times of spiritual crisis (Jer 51:62–64). #Changed #HopeInGod
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Oppressors of God’s People Will Sink & Never Rise Again
After Seraiah had read the scroll (Chs 50, 51) he was to summarize what the Lord had said: “Babylon would be utterly destroyed, abandoned forever.” Then, in a final expression of hope for God‘s people, Seraiah was to tie the scroll to a stone and throw it into the Euphrates River. He was to say, “In this same way, Babylon and her people will sink, never to rise again because of the disasters God will bring upon her.“
It is just a stones throw away from understanding the hope that is made clear to God’s people. They will ultimately find favor in God’s eyes again. He will deliver them from their oppressor in due time, CHANGED (see 50:4,5). God’s discipline is not forever, but it is forever intended to bring about the hope of godly change in his people. Lord, start right here with this old sentry.
Expect that God is always at work to speak into the lives of his people, pointing us back to him (Jer 51:59-61). #God’sCanvas #BehindTheVeil #GodIsWorking
Behind the Veil
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Jeremiah Chapters 50 and 51 records the message of the prophet concerning the eventual demise of Babylon. The intention is to encourage the Jews in exile there. This text explains how the message would arrive and be read to the exiles.
A man named Seraiah was a staff officer of King Zedekiah (vassal king to Babylon in Judah). Seraiah would accompany Zedekiah on a trip to Babylon; likely summoned there by King Nebuchadnezzar. Seraiah’s Instructions were to read the scroll prepared by Jeremiah (Chapters 50 and 51) to the Israelites in exile.
From this and other Scripture, I gather that we may expect that God is always working on his canvas, behind the veil of life, to speak truth and encouragement into the hearts of his people. Even when his people are far from him.
Lord, I take heart knowing that, no matter how far I wander, you continue working in my circumstances (even when held captive in my own exile) to point my heart back to you.
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I just have to say that I truly understand the wandering heart. I spent some years doing a lot of wandering myself in my late teens and early 20s. The Lord spoke into my life during those years numerous times, in various degrees of intensity.
Finally, I found myself in exile (like the children of God taken captive and moved to Babylon). My exile was Vietnam. I had no choice. Drafted into the Army, I was literally uprooted and physically moved. It was in Vietnam that God got his message through to me.
While I was in my exile God sent a man named “Smitty” (a fellow soldier) with a message to me, just like he sent “Seraiah” to his people in exile. I will always be forever grateful to God for Smitty. He spoke into my life, just as Seraiah spoke into the life of the Israelite exiles. At one point while in a guard tower (2 -3 AM, December 28, 1968), God turned the light. I heard from him and I began my journey back to God‘s plan and purpose for me. I never looked back.
So, when I say that you can expect God to be working behind the veil of life in order to speak into our lives, I know that not only from Gods word, I know that from experience as well.
Remain, abide, be grounded in God’s word (Jer 23:16-40). #KnowGod’sWord #BeDiscerning #WolvesInSheepsSkin
Let the people beware
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
I am pondering the exhortation of Jeremiah to beware of false prophets. I ask, “How do I know if I am hearing a false prophet?” Jeremiah describes clearly the characteristics of false prophets. So, people beware.
False prophets preach false hope and doctrines (like ignoring the plain truth of Scripture, preaching “new” revelations that are extra-biblical (v16);
false prophets dismiss sin – no repentance required (v17);
Give us spirit-filled leaders who honor God and speak the truth (Jer 23:9–12). #GodlySpiritualLeaders #PastorsTeachersProphetsDevotedToGod
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Following Jeremiah‘s confrontation with Hananiah, an influential but false prophet (Ch 28), he turns his attention from the kings of Judah to the prophets and priests. Jeremiah is heartbroken at the condition of the office of prophet and priest in Judah. They were godless men who polluted and profaned the temple. They maintained a very low view of God. They did not respect God‘s word.
Spiritual and moral adultery was rampant. These so called spiritual leaders carried out their despicable acts even in the temple. God would chase them down. They would be judged for their sin, their detestable ways. Men and women who do not preach the truth will be severely dealt with by God. Lord, may I have the highest view of your word; may we have men and women in spiritual leadership, who speak truth and honor God.
May our nation (people) and her leaders (religious & political) speak the truth of God (Jer 28:15-17). #BeDiscerningOfTruth #SpeakTheTruth #TrustButVerify #TrustGodsWord
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Jeremiah confronted the “prophet” Hananiah with the truth (vv12–14). But here, he tells this false prophet, because he led the people astray from God‘s truth, he would die within that year. Two months later, Hananiah was dead. God is serious about his plans for his people.*
Jeremiah reminds us that the proof of a true prophet is that his prophecies will come to pass (v9; Deu 18:22). By the way, Jeremiah is careful to date this message (v1). There would be no doubt who had spoken God‘s truth. History reveals Jeremiah’s prophecies as true. Those who speak falsely, rebelliously, against God, will be severely judged.
Lord, “may the words of [this old sentry] and the meditations of [his] heart be pleasing unto you” (Psm 19:14).
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* A similar incident occurs in Acts Chapter Five in the early stages of the inauguration of the church. Lying to God’s people is a serious offense.
Have a healthy reverence for God; a discerning heart for truth (Jer 28:5–11). #BeDiscerningOfTruth #TrustButVerify #TrustGodsWord
TRUST BUT VERIFY
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
After Hananiah‘s dramatic “prophetic show,“ Jeremiah turned and walked out of the temple. But before he did, he spoke some well, chosen words:
1) He admitted that it would be good if Judah would only be under Babylonian rule for 24 months; 2) he questioned Hananiah’s claim to be a prophet of God – time would tell [TRUST BUT VERIFY].
Jeremiah spoke wisely and correctly. That is when Hananiah broke the yoke on Jeremiah‘s neck. He then doubled down on his fake “word from God.” He showed no fear of God. Lord, may I always have a healthy respect for you and a discerning heart for truth.
Exercise godly wisdom in the heat of confrontation (Jer 28:1-11). #KnowWhenToHold’em #ShowRestraint #SeekGodlyWisdom
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Another prophet in Judah, Hananiah, confronted Jeremiah publicly in the Temple and before the priests and people. It was dramatic. Hananiah prophesied that the “yoke“ (27:2) of Babylon on the people of God would be removed within two years. All the Temple treasures and people in exile would be returned. Jeremiah had prophesied a 70 year exile (29:10).
To further dramatize his prediction, Hananiah removed the yoke on Jeremiah‘s neck and broke it into pieces. Jeremiah in his own dramatic way and waiting on God’s answer, turned and walked out of the Temple. How many times have I been in a confrontation and pushed back hard “knowing“ that “I” was right; later regretting my words/actions?
Lord, may I exercise godly wisdom in the heat of confrontation. “I got to know when to hold’em..fold’em.”
May we know as a people the joy of the full restoration of God (Jer 27:22). #God’sRestoration #RestorationPromise
RESTORED!
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The Lord does not leave his people without hope. Though judgment may fall upon the land of Judah, the precious implements of worship be removed from the temple in Jerusalem, God promises to restore them to their place (people & worship).
God reveals here that there will be restoration after judgment and discipline has befallen his people. God never leaves us without Hope. America is not without hope. Lord, though this sentry, my beloved country, may feel the pain of your discipline, may I (we) also know joy and hope in the promise of your full restoration.
Give us prayerful pastors and prophets who speak the truth of God. (Jer 27:12-22). #Prayer #PrayingProphets #SpeakTheTruth #PrayingPastors
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
In this passage, Jeremiah is pleading with king Zedekiah to surrender to the king of Babylon. “Why would anyone choose death, war, famine, and disease over life?“ He then pleads his case to the priests and the people. “False prophets are lying to you. If you resist Babylon you will be expelled from the land.”
PRAYER! If these prophets were true prophets of God, says Jeremiah, they would intercede with God that further punishment and calamity be avoided; that further looting of the temple and palaces would be averted. Surrender to the yoke of Babylon would achieve that. But there would be no such prayers. Disaster, as prophesied by Jeremiah, would soon follow.
Lord, may I have the heart of a praying pastor/prophet that would intercede compassionately for the people of God and speak the truth of God to the those in my circle of influence.
Serve God with unmitigated devotion (Jer 27:12–15). #TrustGod #TruthSpeak #YIELDtoGod #Steadfast
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Jeremiah speaks directly to his king (Zedekiah): 1) yield to Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. Do this and you will live; 2) do not listen to the false prophets. They prophesy a false hope for a quick resolution to the threat of the Babylonian take over.
Jeremiah says, “Yield to the yoke of Babylon and live, or face annihilation“. Jeremiah preached faithfully some harsh prophecy. I am moved at the tenacity, Integrity and intensity of Jeremiah‘s devotion to speak the truth in his prophetic ministry. Lord, may I be so moved as Jeremiah with such devotion to your call in my life.
I pray that America might discern and listen to those who speak the truth of God’s word.
Trust God to work all things for our good (Jer 27:2–6). #TrustGod #SurrenderAllToGod #WhomGodChoosesHeUses
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
God instructed Jeremiah to use an object lesson to speak to the ambassadors of five surrounding nations of Judah. “Make a YOKE (symbol of bondage) and fasten it around your neck. Send these men home to their respective kings with the message,* submit to Babylon.“ He also was to remind them that God (not their gods) made the earth and the men and animals that inhabit it. He is all powerful. He exalts whom he chooses.
Babylon at this time was God’s chosen servant and it would, for a time, conquer and control these nations. They should surrender to the YOKE of Babylon’s control, for their own good. These words reveal that God is at work behind-the-scenes for the good of all people – especially his own people. Lord, may I take to heart the words of Romans 8:28 and trust you in “all things”.
This is still true today, for America and all other nations
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* It’s possible that Jeremiah may have sent a YOKE home with each ambassador to reinforce the message to surrender to Babylon.
Acknowledge and surrender to God’s will and plan (Jer 27:1–8). #ISurrenderAll #YesGod
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
God‘s plan for his people was a 70 year exile into Babylon. Babylon was God’s servant in this process. They were conquering all the nations around and including Judah. It is likely that these nations, represented by ambassadors, were in Jerusalem to meet with king Zedekiah (a meeting of the minds) to discuss an overthrow of Babylon.
By God‘s will however, there would be no such plan, enabling his people to escape judgment. God‘s purposes were to lead them into brokenness, repentance and renewed passion to serve him (Jer 29:10-14). Nothing would stand in God‘s way, then or now, of accomplishing those purposes. Lord, I acknowledge your will and surrender my will to you and your plan for me. I acknowledge that you have a plan too, for America. May she listen and surrender.
Neither believe deceitful men nor be deceitful yourself (Jer 29:29–32). #SpeakNoDeceit #BeNotDeceived
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
This is the third of three letters in this chapter. The first two are dealt with in an earlier post.* Zephaniah, the Jewish priest in Babylon, shows Shamala‘s damning letter (the 2nd letter, vv26–28) to Jeremiah. Jeremiah then sends an open letter (3rd letter) to all the exiles in Babylon. In it Shamala’s deceit is condemned by the Lord:
“I did not send this man to you. He has trafficked in deceit; tricked you into believing him. He will be punished. None of his family or descendants will see the good things I have promised to do (vv10-14) – he has led you to rebel against my word.“ The plans of deceitful men will never foil God‘s good plan for his people (see also Ananias and Sopphira in Acts).
Lord, may I neither be deceived nor speak any deliberate deceit myself (Psm 19:7-14).
Stan squarely on the veracity of God‘s word & pray for America (Jer 29:4–10).
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Jeremiah sent a letter to the exiles who were deported following the demise of Judah’a king Jehoiachin and the fall of Jerusalem to Babylon (vv1–4). He told them to prepare for a long stay, 70 years.
Jeremiah also tells them to build houses and plant gardens to sustain themselves. They were to marry, have children, find them spouses and have grandchildren – multiply, not stagnate. They were to work for and pray for the welfare and prosperity of the land in which they were living. They were not to listen to the false prophets telling them any different.
Why listen to Jeremiah? Because all his prophecies came to fruition. So would this one. Lord, may I stand on your word; work for and pray for the welfare of my country.
Be discerning of those who speak contrary to God’s word (Jer 29:1–3,24-28).
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
There are three letters to those in exile in Babylon in this chapter. The first was from Jeremiah, who spoke the truth of God. The second one was from Shemaiah, a false prophet.
Jeremiah‘s letter was full of hope in the midst of God‘s discipline and troubled times. Shemaiah‘s letter Ignores God‘s purposes. He attacks Jeremiah and presses the priest in exile to put Jeremiah in stocks for telling the people they would be in Babylon for a long time. Shemaiah was saying the opposite of what God had said. (Peter had a similar moment with Jesus – See Mat 16:21-23) *
Lord, may I be discerning of those who speak contrary to your word (friend or foe).
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* Sometimes even the best of friends with the best of intentions can lead us down the wrong path. It is incumbent on the child of God to judge all counsel by the word of God.
Pay careful attention to God‘s discipline (Jer 24:5–7). #Father’sHeart #God’sDiscipline
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Whom the Lord loves he disciplines; NOT FUN, but yields the fruit of righteousness (Heb 12:6–11; Pro 3:12,24). Those exiled to Babylon would yet know the blessings of God. The rod of God’s discipline would yield good fruit (“good figs”). Those in Babylon were not enslaved as in Egypt. They had homes, businesses and basic freedoms to live (Daniel became a person of great influence).
Those who ran from God‘s discipline thought the exiled ones were the ones far from God. But incredulously, they were the onesunyielded to God. Those in exile would know the blessings of God (Ezk 11:14–17ff); find their way back to God. Those who ran would know only disgrace. Lord, may I listen to my heavenly Father and know the peaceable fruit of righteousness.
Consider trials as God‘s tools for your growth & strength (Jer 24:1–10).* #Don’tRunFromTrouble #SeekGodInTroubledTimes #GodIsAtWork
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Nebuchadnezzar had overrun Jerusalem, sent Jehoiachin (king of Judah) into exile, installed Zedekiah as his puppet king and deported 10,000 people to Babylon. God now gives Jeremiah a vision of good and bad figs. God is working for our good.
Good figs represent those Israelites exiled to Babylon – not that they themselves were good, but that their hearts would respond wholeheartedly to God. Bad figs represent those who tried to escape God‘s discipline. They ran to Egypt, hoping that would save them. But that was not the case. God‘s blessing would fall to those who endured the exile in Babylon.
Lord, may I view my trials, troubles and challenges, as opportunities to grow, be strengthened and used in greater ways by God.
Do not neglect/reject God‘s long-suffering towards you (2 Ki 24:17–20; 2Ch 36:12–16). #TurnNowToGod #Repent #LastManStanding #God’sLongSuffering
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
As the final days of Judah as a nation close in, the last king of Judah is appointed by the Babylonian king. His name, Zedekiah (Hebrew name – Mattaniah). He was Jehoiachin‘s uncle (brother to his father, Jehoiakim) and a son of the good king Josiah. Zedehiah was the last king of Judah (last man standing). He was an unrighteous and wicked man, like his brother, Jehoiakim.
Zedekiah hardened his heart towards God. All the leaders, priest and people followed his example. Still, in compassion, God sent his prophets again and again. But they were mocked and ridiculed, finally, beyond remedy. Though God knows the outcome of all things, he still had compassion and continued to offer pardon for sin. But the people refused him. Lord, may I not neglect the plain truth of your long-suffering towards me.
May we live our lives in faithful surrender to God (2Ki 24:13-16). #Surrender #ReturnNowToGod #FaithfulForGod #Repent
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Babylonian King, Nebuchadnezzar, took captive Judah’s king, his family and all of the commanders and officials. He also took 7000 of the best most fit soldiers, 1000 craftsman and many more of the royal’s (including Daniel – Dan 1:1,2).* This was by far the largest siege and deportation of people from Jerusalem to Babylon (the second of three).
In all Nebuchadnezzar removed 10,000 people out of Jerusalem and left only the poorest in the land. Finally, he looted all the treasures from king’s palace. He looted, destroyed and burned the Temple and destroyed the walls around Jerusalem.
All of this was in consequence for unrepentant sin.
Know this, God is serious about sin.
Know also that, in loving kindness, God offers salvation to all who will turn to him in repentance. Lord, it is my desire to live my life in faithful surrender to you.
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* Be reminded that all of this was an ongoing fulfillment of several prophecies (Isa 39:1-7; Hab 1:5,6,12). God’s word is true and he keeps his word.
The Prayer Sentry 