Our Example Matters

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

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.

Actions = Consequences

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

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.

Legacy Matters*

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

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.

Remain Faithful To God

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

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.

Having Peace With God

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

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.

Last Act of Defiance

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

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.

Eternal Plan

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Remain faithful to Jesus, the eternal King (Jer 36:30). #RemainFaithful #BelieveInJesus

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The notes on this verse (Life Application Study Bible) point out that wicked King Jehoiakim ended the mortal human beings who were descended directly from David. Jehoiachin, Jehoiakim’s son, sat for 90 days on the throne and then his uncle Zedekiah became king (not a descendent of David).

But less than 600 years later, the eternal King and Messiah, Jesus, came as a direct descendent of David. He came to save his people from their sins (Mat 1:21). Even the entire world might be saved through him; become children of God (Jhn 1:11-13) In the midst of tragedy and disobedience God never loses sight of his eternal plan.

May this old sentry remain faithful to Jesus, the living King and my lord.

Storm Warning

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Heed the warning signs of sin’s consequences (Jer 36:26–32). #WarningSigns #StormWarning #SinHasConsequences

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.

A Sure Word

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Humbly bow in obedience and allegiance to God‘s word (Jer 36:27-29,32 ) #God’sWordIsEternal #ObeyGod’sWord #God’sWordIsTruth

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

King Jehoiakim did not like what God had to say in Jeremiah‘s scroll of prophecies. He did not want to hear about sin and repentance, or hear about Babylon’s destruction of Judah and Jerusalem. So he burned the scroll containing God‘s word. But God‘s word will stand (Psm 119:89; Mat 24:35).

Men can burn God‘s word, reject it, ignore it and trash it, but they cannot destroy it. God‘s word is indestructible and eternal in the heavens. God‘s word is truth (Jhn 17:17) and it is living (Heb 4:12). It is a sure and certain word. Lord, I do not stand in judgment of your word, it stands in judgment of me.

DEFIANT!

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

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.

Truth Confronts

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Hear God’s word and heed God’s word (Jer 36:8-20). #God’sWord #Truth #TurnNowToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Soon after Jeremiah told Baruch to read the scroll (all the prophetic messages dictated by Jeremiah —v2,4) publicly at the Temple, Baruch complied. God‘s word had its effect. A high official in the Temple, stunned at what he heard, reported to other Temple officials. A private reading in their presence was requested.

Baruch complied with their request. The officials were in a state of alarm at the destruction predicted by Jeremiah. They also would have understood that repentance would avert disaster. Babylon was also closing in on Judah as prophesied in the scrolls. The officials went immediately to report to the King.

Lord, your word will always bring me to a crossroads, a crisis of belief; I must choose to accept or reject.

A Bride, A Heavenly Prince

I had been reading from Psalms to precious bride, Dianne, nearly every day during her decline in health. On the day that she passed into the arms of her heavenly Prince I was reading Psalm 45 to her.

The verses that really jumped out at me as I read were verses 10-15 (especially 13-15):

In context I believe the writer is likely speaking of Israel; but the church as well may be in view.

Psalm 45:10-15 (NLT)

10 Listen to me, O royal daughter; take to heart what I say.

[Nothing in this world compares to what you shall see] *

honor him, for he is your lord.

12 The princess of Tyre will shower you with gifts.

The wealthy will beg your favor.

11 For your royal husband delights in your beauty;

*Oh, how she is lavishly received by the King*

13 The bride, a princess, looks glorious

in her golden gown.

14 In her beautiful robes, she is led to the [Prince of Peace],

accompanied by her bridesmaids.

15 What a joyful and enthusiastic procession

as they enter the king’s palace!

Oh, how she is lavishly received by the king. How he delights in her beauty. The bride, glorious in her golden gown, is led to the king. There is a joyful procession as she enters in.

I could not have known at the moment I read those verses that this would be Dianne’s day of exaltation. As I read it, I wept. For I had visions of my beloved being escorted into the King’s glorious palace so bright, just as the church collectively, Christ’s beautiful bride, will certainly arrive one day. It absolutely took my breathe away.

________________

* My interpretation of “Forget your people and your family far away.” It is as Jesus said in Matthew 19:29, “And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or property, for my sake, will receive a hundred times as much in return and will inherit eternal life.”

Compelled

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Speak God’s word that others might be COMPELLED to repent towards God (Jer 36:5–7).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

At this point, over 20 years into the prophetic ministry of Jeremiah (25:3) he is banned, restricted from entering into the Temple. So, he instructs Baruch (his scribe) to go to the Temple on the “day of fasting” and read the scroll he has written as dictated by Jeremiah (v1,2). He was to read it out loud in the hearing of those come to fast and pray.

Jeremiah further expresses God‘s sentiment about it to Baruch. Perhaps the people will hear and be COMPELLED to turn from their sin and ask God‘s forgiveness before it is too late (v7; also v3). [see 0pen Our Eyes, this blog) Lord, may I take every opportunity to speak God’s word, that others might be COMPELLED to repent towards God.

A Radiant Faith

I’m writing to share with you that my bride of 53 years (in August), passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus, her heavenly Prince between 9:30 and 10:00 pm, July 4 (Her day of independence from this old world).

Diagnosed in 2011, she battled Alzheimer’s for some 14 years.

Dianne deeply loved her family, friends and faith family. Her heart for people and her Lord has stood the test of time.

I moved her to memory care last November ‘23. Five months later (Apr) she experienced a sudden and steep decline. After nursing her back to some modicum of heath, she suffered another decline last week. She would not recover from that.

Never complaining once in these few months, her faith remained strong. Her faith remained radiant all the way to the end.

Signs of Destruction

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May we in America not neglect a sincere repentance (Jer 36:5–7). #Repent #ReturnToGod #NationalRepentance

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The dating of this chapter (“the fourth year of Jehoiakim’s reign in Judah“ – v1) is significant. The Babylonians had already taken over Palestine* and had enforced their will on Judah. Jehoiakim was already paying tribute (taxes) to Nebuchadnezzar. Jerusalem and the land around it had not yet been destroyed. But signs of destruction were present. Jeremiah’s prophecies were unfolding.

The day of fasting mentioned here would have been an important event, as it was being held in response to a national emergency. Babylonian incursions into the territory, would have certainly triggered such a religious act. But a sincere fast would also include genuine repentance. That would not happen (v24). Lord, how can we not repent at so grave a time as we face today.**

* The Babylonian incursion into Palestine would have been today’s equivalent of Russia annexing Crimea and threatening Ukraine.

** Today our world order is shifting. America, though still fairly strong, is becoming less influential and more vulnerable to attacks on many fronts. China, Russia, Iran and N Korea (especially China) present significant threats to democracy and free societies. Anyone who can read the news has to be able to see that.

Things that are weakening the United States of America today are crime, immorality, illegal immigration, weak leadership, revolutionary ideologies, national disunity and vitriol, declining education, a weakening of the family, et all. These are the things that are making America more vulnerable to those hostile towards her way of life.

Eyes On The Prize

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Remain always faithful to whatever life task God calls you too (Jer 45:1-5). #EyesOnThePrize #BeFaithful #RunYourRace.

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Baruch, Jeremiah‘s amanuensis had become disaffected with his work. He began to feel sorry for himself; probably thought he had thrown away a lot of years working for an unpopular prophet. Probably felt he was getting no respect. He took his eyes off the prize.

Jeremiah exhorts Baruch, a servant of God: “Do not seek greater things for yourself.” Get your eyes off yourself. Get your eyes back on the prize, the upward call in Christ Jesus (Phi 3:12-14). Run the race God calls you to run. Do it heartily and faithfully. God will reward you. Lord, may this sentry remain ever faithful to your call.

God of Compassion

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Heed God’s written word as his loving appeal to seek him (Jer 36:1-4) #GodOfMercy #Compassion #God’sWord

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

After 23 years of preaching (Jer 25:3), God instructs Jeremiah to write down every message he has preached to Israel and Judah. [That’s a lot of sermon notes]. So, Jeremiah dictated his messages to his secretary Baruch.

God explains why Jeremiah should write down his messages. “Perhaps the people of Judah will repent when they hear again [all the judgments against them]. Then I will be able to forgive their sins and wrongdoings“ (v3).

God continues to show mercy and compassion for sinful people. He is never willing for any to perish (2Pe 3:9). It is his desire for people to trust and follow after him and live an abundant life (Jhn 10:10). Lord, I am reminded that your compassions never fails us and they are new every morning (Lam 3:22,23).

Lesson of the Recabites

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Remain steadfast and devoted to God and his word (Jer 35:12-19). #SteadfastObedience #Judgment #Recabites #Devoted

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jeremiah chapter 35 draws a contrast between the Recabites and Judah. For 300 years this Israelite tribe firmly stood by their ancestor, Johanadab’s “man-made” command, not to drink wine nor assimilate into the culture of the time; they remained nomads. But Judah could not, would not, remain true to the very words, commands, of God.

The result was Judah would be judged and the Recabites would be blessed with descendants that would serve God. It is God‘s desire that his people live in obedience and steadfast devotion to him. Lord, may my life honor you by steadfast devotion and obedience to you.

Nowhere to Run or Hide

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

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?

Cup of Wrath

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

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).

70 Year Exile: Significance (Prt 3of3)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Put your hope in the reliability of God‘s word (Jer 25:11–14). #WakeUpAmerica #God’sWordIsTrue #TrustGodToJudgeSin

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.

70 Year Exile: Significance (Prt 2of3)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Respect God‘s discipline; fulfill his plan (Jer 25:11–14). #ForOurGood #GodDisciplinesHisLovedOnes #God’sDiscipline

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Another significant thing that can be said for the announcement of the 70 years of captivity is that it gives hope to those faithful to God. The godly remnant can take heart knowing that God‘s anger would not last forever. The joy of the bridegroom, the prosperity of the land would return. His mercy and grace endure forever (Jer 33:11). (See also Psm 30:5; 103:8-11; 136:1–3; Mic 7:18)

The godly would be able to endure the coming devastation (God‘s discipline) with patience, knowing that this discipline is for their greater good and well-being (Heb 12:10-13). They would not turn against God, but to him in greater love and devotion. God‘s discipline in our lives serves to make us more devoted followers. Lord, give this old sentry a healthy respect for your discipline in my life.

70 Year Exile: Significance (Prt 1of3)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Be alert to the commands of God (Jer 25:11). #SinsConsequences #GodHasHisReasons #ListenWhenGodSpeaks

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Seventy years of captivity in Babylon: three things may be said about the 70 years. First, because the people of God ignored the command to let the land rest every seven years (Lev 25:3-5), God would punish them. He would destroy his people and send them into exile. Seventy years represents the years the land did not get its Sabbath rest (Lev26:33–35).

So, for their sin against God (idolatry), their sin against each other, (moral breakdown) and their sin against the land, the people of God suffered loss, devastation and honor. Lord, your judgments are complete and righteous. May I always be alert to and follow your commands.

When God Turns The Lights Out

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Pray for those who refuse to listen to God; America! You listening? (Jer 25:7-11). #TurnNowToGod #Repent #ListenToGod

Because Judah would not listen to God and continued in her sin, God would deputize king Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon to destroy Judah and the surrounding nations. All of them, godless, indifferent and/or hostile to God (Rom 1).

God turned the lights out on the joy of every day life, business prosperity and the safety of one’s own home. The entire land of Judah and the surrounding nations would be laid waste. All would end up serving the Babylonians for 70 years. God would make of these nations a horror and ruin them forever. And so God did just as he said.

Lord, any sin or rebellion in this old sentry’s heart will not go unnoticed or unchecked. Repentance starts with me.

Ignore God at Your Own Peril

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

When God confronts sin in your life, do not ignore him; confess it and live (Jer 25:1-7). #AgreeWithGod #ConfessSin #Repent #TurnNowToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

There is a second message in this text; 1) be faithful to proclaim God‘s message and 2) be open to what God says about your sin and repent.

When Elijah confronted king Ahab with his sin, Ahab humbled himself before God (1Ki 21:25–29). Disaster was postponed. The prophet Nathan, confronted king David over his sin. David confessed and repented (Psm 51:7–14). God forgave David and used him. God sent many prophets to Israel and Judah. He confronted them with their sin and idolatry. But the people of God would not listen to him (Jer 25:7).

Scripture says, “Today if you hear God‘s voice, do not harden your heart…” (Heb 3:15). Elsewhere scripture beckons us to bring our broken self to God (Pro 29:1; Psm 66:17-20) and fall into his open arms. When God confronts us with our sin, repentance is the only response. If we ignore God’s word to us we will face certain dyer repercussions.

Lord, may this sentry’s heart always be open to your scrutiny; may I turn quickly to you in humble repentance.

It’s Time!

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Be not deterred from sharing God‘s message of salvation (Jer 25:1–4). #GoodNews #StandFast #MissionMakeDisciples #MessageTurnToGod.

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Time has now come, as warned by Jeremiah. God’s judgment was about to fall on the nation of Judah, for her sin and idolatry. We know from this text and the prophet Habakkuk that Babylon would be God‘s instrument of that judgment (v9; Hab 1:6). Jeremiah had been warning the people of this for twenty-three years.

Imagine preaching for 23 years the same basic message with no response. God’s people continued in their indifference and even hostility towards the message and the messenger. Other prophets of God in that day receive the same treatment. Lord, may I be as faithful to the message and mission (Mat 28:19,20) as Jeremiah was to his message and mission. ITS TIME!

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 5)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May we live joyfully and as sure-footed as the hind in the rocky craggy places of life (Hab 3:16-19). #Surefooted #SongOfDeliverance #GodsJudgmentsAreCertain #ClimbTheHeightsWithGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Sing the song of deliverance. I begin my watch today at the end of this passage (verse 19). The prophet minstrel instructs the choir director to accompany the foregoing prayer with music (with instruments). Why? Because God‘s righteous ones are able to sing with joy in the midst of trouble, heartache and crisis.

For God’s righteous ones, joy and praise are centered on the promises of the sovereign God of heaven and not on our circumstances. God’s judgments, and timing of such, are certain. They will happen without fail. In the meantime we wait patiently on him. And like the hind scaling the high and craggy mountain cliffs, so God has given this old sentry a surefooted reliance upon him.

___________

See the Christian classic, Hinds’ Feet On High Places, Hannah Hurnard, published in 1955.

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.

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