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.
_________
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).
______________
* 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).
_________
* 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.
__________
* 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.
Exercise humble contrition before God (Jer 22:24–30). #SinHasConsequences #Repent
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The second prophecy in Play at this point in Judah‘s history is Jeremiah‘s earlier prophecy about the demise of Jahoiachin (Jehoiakim’s son). He and his mother would be taken prisoner and deported along with many others to Babylon. There Jahoiachin, his children and his mother would die. None of his descendants would sit on the throne of David. He may as well have been childless.
Some wondered, “Why would God do such a thing?” (v 28). It was for sin (2Ki 24:9). Number one, no one is so important that God would tolerate their sin; no matter how highly thought of they may be. Second, “earth“ or “land“ is repeated three times. This emphasizes God’s sovereignty over all the affairs of earth.
Lord, I must double down on the importance of living a life of contrition before my Creator.
Exercise wisdom and humility in relationships (2Ki 24:12–16; Isa 39:1–7). #ActionsEqualConsequences #ThinkFirst
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Two prophecies are in play in these passages concerning the captivity of Jerusalem by Babylon. One is found in Isaiah 39:1–7. Jehoiachin’s great great great grandfather, King Hezakiah, had revealed all his treasures to the then prince of Babylon, 100 years earlier. The prophet Isaiah warned Hezekiah not to trust Babylon – “One day she would rise against Jerusalem and strip her of all her wealth and take captive all her sons“.
Hezekiah was one of Israel’s more faithful kings. But his pride in that moment with the prince of Babylon indirectly contributed to the Babylonian rise to power 100 years later. Our actions have long-term consequences. Lord, give me wisdom and humility throughout my days that I might be a blessing to my friends and family and not a curse.
Be inspired by GODLY examples of faith; be one yourself (2Ki 24:6–12). #Legacy #LegacyMatters
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
After the death of Johoiakim his son, Johoiachin, became king of Judah. He was 18 years of age. He reigned for 90 days. In that short time he proved that he was just as wicked as his father. Jehoiakim‘s legacy to his son was arrogance, immorality, self aggrandizement, and rebellion.
Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, was not going to tolerate any further rebellion in Judah (already under Babylonian control). So he laid siege to Jerusalem. Jehoiachin and his mother were both taken prisoner and deported to Babylon. They never returned to Judah again. Lord, may I leave a legacy that inspires faithfulness to God.
________
* Legacy is a robust influencer for good or bad. The root word of legacy is “legate”: an envoy, emissary or ambassador; one appointed to represent another.
EXAMPLE: The apostle Paul said, ”we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, ‘Come back to God!’ “ (2Co 5:19-20)
All that said, I define legacy as, an ambassador of inspiration after I am dead and gone.
Resolve to remain faithful to God in all your ways (Jer 22:18-23; 2Ki 24:5,6) #RetunToGod #Repent
Jehoiakim’s Unceremonious Death and Burial
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Following the prophecies of the destruction of Judah’s enemies (Jer Chs 48 & 49), we read Jeremiah’s prophecy of the final days of king Jehoiakim. It’s not a pretty picture. He would not live to see his enemies destroyed.
No one will mourn Jehoiakim’s death. His body will be dragged to the city dump and unceremoniously discarded like an old mule. He was warned multiple times of his need to repent and turn back to God. But he would not listen. For this he went down in shame and disgrace just a Jeremiah said.*
Lord, may this old sentry remain faithful to the Lord my God; may America’s leaders lead us to follow God.
_________
* According to Jewish historian, Josephus, Jehoiakim’s demise is confirmed. He writes that Nebuchadnezzar [King of Babylon] slew Jehoiakim along with high-ranking officers and then commanded Jehoiakim’s body “to be thrown before the walls, without any burial.” Jeremiah’s prophecy is fulfilled.
May we (America) resolve to walk humbly before God (Jer 48:1-49:39 as selected). #WalkHumblyWithGod #BeJustAndMerciful
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Jeremiah chapters 48 and 49 name the nations and cities around Judah to be judged and destroyed (Moab- 48:1, Ammon- 49:1, Edom- 49:7, Damascus- 49:23, Kedar/Hazor- 49:28 and Elam- 49:34).*
Scripture does not explain the specific sins of each nation. A few sins in these nations do take center stage: godlessness, idolatry, pride/arrogance and harassment of Israel. None will be spared who pridefully stick their finger in God’s eye and consider themselves beyond reproach. The key to living at peace with God is to “be just and merciful to others to live humbly before him (Mic 6:8).
Lord, may I (may the American people) be resolved to follow faithfully and walk humbly before you.
_________
* Moab, Ammon and Elam are prophesied some sort of restoration. Commentators mostly agree that these and similar promises of mercy after judgment are chiefly to be understood as the conversion of the Gentiles under the gospel.
Remain surrendered in your heart to God (2Ki 24:1–5). #RepentAndReturnToGod #FullSurrenderToGod
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Johoiakim, king of Judah, has defiantly burned the scroll containing Jeremiah‘s prophecy (Jer 36:21,26–32). He is destined to live out his days as a king in conflict. He loses his ally Egypt – defeated by Babylon. As a result, Judah and the nations around her become vassal states of Babylon.
After three years, Johoiakim defiantly rebels against Nebuchadnezzar. Babylon is quick to respond through new proxy nations they control and put the rebellion down (first of three invasions; captives, including Johoiakim, were deported to Babylon). All this happened just as God promised through the prophets due to the sins of Manasseh (2Ki 21:10–16). Johoiakim returned and died in Jerusalem, but had no royal burial (Jer 22:18,19).
Men foolishly think that they can defy God without consequence. Lord, may I always know a surrendered heart to you.
Heed the warning signs of sin’s consequences (Jer 36:26–32). #WarningSigns #StormWarning #SinHasConsequences
STORM WARNING
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
After the defiant Jehoiakim had burned the scroll of Jeremiah‘s prophecies he ordered Jeremiah and his scribe Baruch to be arrested. But God had hidden them and they were not found. After that, the Lord spoke to Jeremiah another message:
“Write the scroll again. Inform the king, “You did not like what the scroll said regarding the king of Babylon who would destroy Judah completely. Now this is what I [the Lord] say about you, king of Judah. You will have no heirs to succeed you on the throne of David. Your body will be unburied and exposed to the elements (Jer 22:17-19). I will pour out disaster on Judah just as I have promised. For neither you nor my people would listen to my warnings.”
Lord, may every sentry recognize that there will be grave consequences for sin.
Respect & revere God’s word; repent & return to God (Jer 36:20-26). #Repent #ReturnToGod #RespectGod’sWord
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
“DEFIANT!“ That is the only word that comes to my mind reading this passage. The king of Judah listened to the reading of Jeremiah‘s prophecies against Judah. Then, section by section, as it was read, he DEFIANTLY cut the scroll and put it in a fire pot…burned it completely up.
Frighteningly, no one present in his court showed any remorse or repentance for sin. Three officials from the Temple briefly protested, but to no avail. Jehoiakim‘s actions revealed his attitude toward God, DEFIANT! It would not end well for him or the nation of Judah.
Lord, may I respect and revere your word, repent where convicted and return to you.
Be warned and alert, God will judge sin (Jer 25:34-38). #NowhereToRunNowhereToHide #God’sJudgmentIsCertain #TurnNowToGod
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Jeremiah continues the metaphor of a lion attacking the shepherd’s flocks. The shepherds (leaders of godless nations) look on helplessly. They are left weeping, broken, for their loss of power, wealth, and prestige. Their peaceful pasture lands (source of power and wealth) are laid waste by God‘s judgment. Their fortunes and lives are decimated (Luke 12:18–20 comes to mind). Their resources provide no means of escape.
The lion of Judah has left his den and is stalking and devouring those who stand against him. God‘s fierce anger will not be denied. The nations shepherds are powerless before Jehovah God. Lord, this sentry is awake and alert; no godless nation, leader, people or individual will escape God’s anger and judgment of sin. America, are you taking notes?
May you never abandon God (Jer 25:15–29). #TurnNowToGod #Repent
The imagery of the cup of God, filled and running over the brim, speaks of the wrath of God. All the known nations of Jeremiah‘s time (all named here) will be made to drink of this cup. They would be falling down as a drunken sot, and throwing up. That is, they would be fully overcome by God‘s judgment, as did occur at the hands of Babylon.
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Judgment here begins with Judah. It ends with judgment on Babylon. She would be left in the ashes of history. God states in verse 29, “If I punish Jerusalem, the city that bears my name, shall I let go unpunished the sin, corruption, and perversion of every other nation?” NO! None will escape God’s judgment. AMERICA TODAY NEEDS REVIVAL AND AWAKENING. Lord, when we abandon you and refuse to return to you, we may surely know your abandonment of us (Pro 1:24-33; Dan9:5,6; Rom 1:28,29; 1Th 5:19-22).
Put your hope in the reliability of God‘s word (Jer 25:11–14). #WakeUpAmerica #God’sWordIsTrue #TrustGodToJudgeSin
70 Years: On The Clock Of Destruction
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
One last point can be made on the significance of Israel’s 70 year exile: Babylon is on the clock for destruction. God says he will punish Babylon for her sin, godless cruelty, moral perversion and lawlessness. Babylon will be no more, gone forever as a nation. The prophecies of her destruction are written by Jeremiah in chapters 50 and 51.
Babylon will become the slave to the many nations they conquered and enslaved. She will be punished in proportion to the suffering she perpetrated on others. Seventy years later, in 537 BC under King Cyrus, the Persians conquered Babylon (see Daniel 5:22-31). Babylon would never be heard from again. God’s judgments are reliable, thorough and on-time.
Will God deal with godless nations? Absolutely! Should America be concerned? Absolutely! Lord, I may put my complete hope in the truth and reliability of your word.
The Prayer Sentry 