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.

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.

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: A Song of Praise

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Come to your altar of personal praise and worship of God (Hab 3:1,2). #WorshipGod #AltarOfPraise

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This is a prayer of Habakkuk sung to the Lord. It is to be sung with instruments (v19). This is intimate union with and worship of our great God. The prophet comes with questions as to how long God will allow evil to prevail (Ch 1).

The prophet then comes to his post to hear God‘s reply. He becomes the prophet minstrel, singing God‘s reply as a song of taunts, a woeful dirge (Ch 2).

Now the prophet minstrel sings a glorious hallelujah chorus. It is a song of praise and worship stemming from his intimate communion with God. Lord, I join the prophet in coming to my own cathedral of private devotion. I lift my heart, hands, and voice in worship of you for all that is mine in redemption. Thank you Lord!

God Quiet? Ask Why!

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May you never fear to ask God honest questions (Hab 1:1–4). #AskGod #HonestQuestionsHonestAnswers

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Here we have the prophet Habakkuk (his name may mean “embracer” or “embraced“ (literally it means to hold in one’s hands). Was Habakkuk the “embracer” of the people to comfort them, or to be an “embracer” of the problem of divine justice in a wicked world? Or was he the “embraced” one who God had chosen as his messenger?

Either way, Habakkuk was God‘s prophet and his message stands as unique among the prophets. His writings are more the record of a dialogue between him and his Creator God. His primary question, as ours is today, why does such evil persist in our world without any consequences?* These first four verses could be internet headlines today. Lord, if I am honest, I must admit that I too wonder just how long before you set this crooked old world straight again?

_________

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

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.

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.

Semblance V. Substance

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May we be people of deep faith and substance (2Ki 23:34-37; Jer 22:13–17). #SubtanceOverSemblance #PursueFaithAndSubstsnce

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

[For whatever reason Jeremiah Chs 21 & 22 are out of sequence. These chapters contain prophecies of the last four kings of Judah. I insert them as a matter of cohesive devotional understanding. This is not a critical analysis, but the best of my understanding in my study]

A second of King Josiah‘s sons was made a puppet vassal-king by Pharaoh Neco. His name was changed to Jehoiakim. He reigned 11 years. He heavily taxed the Hebrew people to pay the tribute demanded by Neco. He was an unjust, greedy, dishonest and ruthless man (Jer 22:13–17). He had Uriah the prophet killed (Jer 26:20-23). He was nothing like his father, Josiah. [You can inherit many things, but you cannot inherit faith and substance]

Jehoiakim indulged himself at the people’s expense. “I will have a magnificent palace,” he said. But Jeremiah said, “A beautiful cedar palace does not make a great king” (Jer 22:15). Semblance: sad substitute for substance (1Sa 16:7). Leadership and authority is not validated in raw power. It is validated in humility of heart (in the home first, then to those with whom one works/serves, finally to the uttermost parts of one’s reach). Lord, may this old sentry always strive for deep faith and substance.

Tribute to a Godly King

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May our nation’s leaders and people humbly follow after God (2Ki 23:25; 2Ch 35:24-25). #FollowHardAfterGod #HumblyFollowAfterGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

“Never before (or since) had there been a king like Josiah.“ Jeremiah also honors Josiah as an extraordinary king; “Josiah was just and right in all his dealings (Jer 22:15,16). Josiah sought God early in his life as a boy (2Ch 34:2,3). He honored the written word of God (2Ki 22:11; 23:2,3). He humbled himself in repentance and turned his heart towards God.

Josiah sought to obey God “with all his heart, soul and might” as recorded in Deuteronomy 6:5. He brought about sweeping reforms in the nation of Judah and pointed the people back to God. Josiah was elevated as the most righteous and highly regarded King ever in Israel. Lord, this king challenges me to the core, to be obedient to you in all my ways, all of my days left on this earth.

Whole-Hearted Worship

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May we worship with wholehearted reverence towards God (2Ch 35:16-19; 2Ki 23:21-23) #WorshipInSpiritAndInTruth

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

It had been centuries since the celebration of Passover had been carried out in such a complete manner; all in accordance with the prescription given by Moses. This means that even the godliest kings of Israel oversaw Passover done merely according to religious custom, ritual and tradition. Not in accordance with Mosaic prescription.

Neither priests, Levites nor people participated wholeheartedly in or viewed Passover with any meaningful reverence; it was a duty. So, this was a Passover to end all Passovers. Josiah, once again, stands head and shoulders above all the other kings of Israel. Lord, may I come in wholehearted worship, lifting holy hands in accordance with the spirit of the law (1Ti. 2:8).

May the spirit of the law (the practice and heart of my worship) inform the prescribed letter of the law (the discipline and manner of my worship).

When Revival Comes

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Let revival renew the life of God in us (2Ch 35:1-6) #Revival #SpiritualAwakening #Repentance

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

After cleansing the land of pagan altars and ridding the land of idolatrous priests, Josiah declared that Passover would be celebrated according to the law of Moses.

Josiah further instructed the priests and levities to carry out their prescribed duties in the refurbished Temple: teach the people of God through his word, instruct those called to serve God, engage with serving God and the people, attend to the sacred business of assisting families coming for worship and observing sacrifices.

It is clear that when revival/renewal of spirit comes, the ministers of God and the people of God get busy with the real work of God. Lord, may revival renew the life of God in me and touch the world around me.

Resolute For God

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May our hearts be resolute in heart felt obedience to God (1Ki 23:4-24; 2Ch 34:33). #ResoluteForGod #StandForRighteousness

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This passage gives in great detail what 2Ch 34:33 describes in just one verse. King Josiah personally oversaw the desecration of every pagan shrine and altar throughout the land of Judah. Altars and monuments to pagan gods were toppled, burned and destroyed. The bones of wicked priest and people were burned on the places where pagan alters had stood.

One monument stood (v16). It was the tombstone of an unnamed “man of God“* who had prophesied over 300 years prior (1Ki 13:2 and 32) that “Josiah“ (named before his birth) would destroy and desecrate this altar at Bethel (2Ki 23:15-18) – a most remarkable prophecy. Josiah did not give mere lip service to repentance and religious reform. He is honored by God for that. Lord, may my heart, the hearts of my children, be so resolute.

_________

* Some suggest that this “man of God from Judah” may have been the Prophet Amos; an interesting supposition.

A Living Example

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Live fully for God; point others to him (2Ch 34:33). #HumblyFollowAfterGod #InfluenceMenForChrist #BeAChristlikeModel

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

King Josiah did everything he could to point the people to God. He renewed his vows to the Covenant of God. He informed the people of the need to follow God alone. He tore down all the idols in the land, to prevent further open worship of pagan gods (no gods). He provided the religious leaders, and the people with a godly model of worship towards God alone the rest of his life.

But, real change of heart cannot be ordered or legislated by law. People must themselves read God’s word and be open to God for genuine change to occur. Our lives should reflect humble obedience to God’s word. Lord, may my life be an example of following Christ. May it be that others are drawn to follow Christ by the life, the words and the actions of me as a sentry for God.

Be Reconciled

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Remain open to the convicting power of God’s word (2Ch 34:19–21). #RepentOfSin #TurnFromSin #TurntoGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

King Josiah‘s response to what he heard as God‘s word to all of Israel was great remorse and conviction. He immediately recognized the sin of his nation. His grief led him to repentance (2Co 7:9-11). He did not cast off his sin, or blame another or excuse it. He owned it.

God‘s word leads us to acknowledge sin, leads us away from sin and expresses sorrow for sin. Conviction of sin causes a desire within us to change. It leads us to turn away from that sin and follow God. God‘s word is powerful to judge the intentions and motives of the heart (Heb 4:12). Lord, may I daily consider my obedience to you, make course corrections in my life and be reconciled with you.

“Crisis of Belief”

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Live victoriously in the tension between two worlds (Jer 20:7–18). #Courage #SpeakTheTruth #BetweenTwoWorlds

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jeremiah stands by faith between two extremes. On the one hand, there are the fires of persecution, ridicule and rejection (vv7-10, 14-18). On the other hand, there is the fire of God‘s message of repentance that is ablaze within him (vv11-13). This Jeremiad gives me a glimpse into the inner conflict one may experience doing the work God has called him/her to do.

Even those closest to us may turn against us. Yet, sandwiched between two despairing emotions is the understanding that to serve God faithfully is far better and safer than to ignore his call. It is what Henry Blackaby calls, a Crisis of Belief.* God will ultimately prevail. We live and stand between two worlds. Lord, may I have the faith and courage to live in this tension.

__________

Know Your Enemy

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Be wise in your understanding as to how Satan operates (Jer 18:18). #ResistSatan #KnowYourEnemy #ListenToGodsWord

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This passage reveals how our enemy, Satan, operates. He can’t stop the man or woman of God from speaking God’s word. So he causes God’s people to doubt and/or ignore God’s word. Look at Genesis 3:1–4.* “Did God really say don’t eat of the fruit?…If you eat the fruit, you won’t die!” So, deceived, man ate the fruit.

Jeremiah’s detractors determined that they would spread lies about him, cause people to doubt what he says. They determined that they can just ignore what Jeremiah says. They said, “Our priests, wisemen and prophets can teach us. We don’t need Jeremiah to tell us what he thinks God is saying.” Lord, make me wise to Satan‘s tactics to throw me off of God’s message.

__________

* Know your enemy: Jhn 8:44; 2Co 11:3,4; Eph 6:10–13; Jas 1:14-16; 1Pe 5:8,9; 1Jn 3:12,13; Rev 12:9,10. God fits the believer for battle: Psm 144:1,2; Eph 6:13-18; Jas 4:7.

God Has A Message For You

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Remain always open to whatever message God speaks to you (Jer 18:1–5). #ThePottersHouse #ListenAndWatchForGod #GodStillSpeaks

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Every week, pastors, teachers and evangelists, who honor God by their message, come to God and pray, “Lord, what is your message to your people this week?“ Then, they open God’s word and listen.

This passage is the minister’s perfect scenario. The Lord spoke to Jeremiah and said go down to the potter’s house and I will speak to you there. Jeremiah obeyed, and God spoke to him through what he saw. God gave him a message.

Thank you Lord, for speaking into the heart and mind of my pastor and our church staff through your Word. Lord, thank you for speaking daily into my own life from your Word and my experiences.

God: First Priority

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Make worship of God your highest priority (Jer 17:19-27). #GodAloneIsWorthyOfOurPraise #LoveGodHeartSoulAndMind #RememberSabbath

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This may be one of the easiest passages in the prophets to understand and interpret. “Remember to keep Sabbath.“ Go read it – Exodus 20:8-11. The issue was and is, not what day of the week to worship God. The issue was and is, not making time in our hearts to stop and reflect on God‘s goodness.

When we put everything else in our lives ahead of God, we disrespect God. For not listening to God, for disrespecting God, Israel paid a heavy price. Babylon destroyed. Jerusalem and the Israelites spent nearly a century in captivity. They were exhorted to return to the Sabboth worship of God under Nehemiah (Neh 13:15–22). I am reminded of the importance of keeping God the highest priority in my life.

Determined to Stand

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Trust in God when people ignore and scoff at your message (Jer 17:14-18). #TrustInGod #StandWithGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jeremiah offers a prayer of lament. He has faithfully carried out God’s mission to call Israel to repentance. But, the people scoff at him. They chide, “Why don’t your predictions come, true?“ The people were arrogant in their treatment of God‘s prophet.

But Jeremiah was undeterred and stood his ground. He then prays not for repentance, but that the Lord would justify him, stand with him. He prays that God would, “bring the predicted day of terror on this people. May it be doubly destructive.“ Lord, may I stand faithful, to do whatever task you call me to; trusting you for the results.

Tapping God’s Aquifer

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May you be rooted deep into the life-giving springs of God (Jer 17:5–8). #EternalSprings #LivingWater #TrustInGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Listen to what God has to say. It is simple: if you are trusting in human strength, turning hearts away from God, you have no hope for the future. Not only that, but your life will be barren of fruit. Your life will be like a dried out uninhabited wilderness.

But if you turn your heart to God and trust in his strength, you will be filled with hope and confidence for the future. Your life will abound with fruit. Any drought will be short-lived, because your roots go down deep into God’s aquifer of sustaining power and life. Lord, may my life sink deeply into the pure spring of the life sustaining power of God.

Every “ONE” Praise God

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Call upon your “ONE” whole heart to speak praises to God (Psm 103:19-22). #EveryOneGivePraiseToGod #LetPraisesRing

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The Psalmist closes this Psalm with a reference to all the hosts of heaven. They stand ready to carry out God’s every command from his throne over heaven and earth. They symbolize God‘s rule from the heavenlies. Everything God has created gives mighty praises to him.

Remember all God has done for you (vv2-6); remember his love and tender mercies to you (vv7–12); revere, honor and obey God – this brings praise to God (vv13-18); do his will (v21). The Psalmist ends as he started. So also, my heart follows suit: “Let all that I am praise the Lord“ (v1).* Lord, I offer my “ONE” whole being in praise to you for all your gracious benefits to me.

* See Psm 103:1,2; Awaken Thanks Giving, Nov 16, 2023, this blog.

Unbridled Compassion

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Trust the unfailing, limitless love and forgiveness of God (Psm 103:11-18). #UnfailingLoveAndForgiveness #UnbridledCompassion

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Speaking of the fear of God, the Psalmist gives us a window into the nature of God’s character. He is more like a loving, compassionate father than a cruel uncaring tyrant (v10). God’s unfailing love (unbridled compassion) has no limits. He is able to discern between the sin and the person. Fear in this sense is to revere, honor, and respect God as one would a father.

God also knows our weakness as compared to his vast power. To be a compassionate dad is to know the limits of one’s power. Unbridled power is hurtful, not helpful. God bridles his Justice (v10). He unbridles his compassion. So, we are able to honor and obey without limits. Lord, you are gracious and compassionate towards me, your oft disobedient child.

Crowned

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Humbly receive God’s crown of love and tender mercies (Psm 103:4) #CrownOfLoveAndMercy

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I am crowned, not with a crown of gold or precious jewels. It is far greater than that. It is a crown woven together with God’s love and tender mercies. That is what God has crowned me with – unconditional love and tender benevolent affection.

God crowns me – he lifts me above all my challenges, my sin, my suffering, my circumstances. God crowns me with life eternal. There is no crown like the crown of God’s love and tender mercies. Lord, I am humbled and strengthened by your love and tender mercies.

Blazing New Trails In Faith

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Blaze new faith trails that are renewed daily in God’s grace (Heb 13:22,25). #WalkInDailyRenewal #FaithRenewedDaily

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This is the final word of our writer. Some may debate the meaning of having “written to you in a few words.“ But the point in the conclusion of this letter is simply this. You have been enlightened to the truth about Christ. It is time for you to move forward in a new way of faith.

Shed the former rituals and traditions of religion and press on into this new frontier of faith in Christ. Do this, knowing that the grace of God and empowerment of Christ (v21) goes ever before you. Lord, may I maintain a fresh forward looking faith for the frontier of every new day before me.

Prayer Cover for Ministers

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Be faithful to pray for your church leaders (Heb 13:18,19). #PrayForChurchLeaders

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

After an exhortation, to heed the words and directions of spiritual (God ordained) leaders, the writer pleads prayer for himself. He is one of those leaders into whose hands God has committed the lives of many souls. He is accountable to God.

He asks prayer for a clear conscience and that he might live just as honorably as he has exhorted these Jewish believers to do. He asks for prayers that he might return speedily to see them. How desperately church leaders need my prayer covering.

Lord, it is this sentry’s honor and responsibility to pray for my church leaders.

At Home in the City of God

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Anticipate your eternal home in the City of God (Heb 13:14). #AtHomeWithChrist #ThisWorldIsNotMyHome

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This Jesus, in whom we put our trust, is no mirage, no flash in the pan. He is the royal Son of God. He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is the royal head of state in the kingdom to come. He rules an eternal City to come, a city he has prepared for those who follow him. (11:10,16). It is the City in which God dwells (Psm 46:4-7). That is our eternal home.

The Apostle John saw this City, made ready to receive its real residents (Rev 21:2). We (followers of Christ) do not abide in this world. We look ahead to a home in the city to come. That is our security in Christ. This whole world will pass away (12:27; Psm 102:25,26); but you oh Lord, perish not. Neither shall we, nor the home, nor the city you have prepared for us.

Lord, this aged sentry is looking forward to his eternal home with Christ in that City where God dwells.

Leaving All Behind

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Leave all behind and follow Christ (Heb 13:13). #LeaveAllAndFollowChrist #NoTurningBack

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

F.F. Bruce paints a clear picture of the meaning of the sin offering of Christ that bore such reproach.* The picture is of Moses who, “considered the stigma that rests on God’s anointed, greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt.“ (11:24-26).

Consider: following the incident of the “golden calf”, Moses pitched his “tent of meeting“ far outside the camp (Exo 33:7). “Camp” stands for the established system of Judaism. “Camp” equaled everything that was comfortable inside the rituals and traditions of Judaism.

Jesus stands outside the camp (the gates of Jerusalem). He was rejected inside that camp. We who follow Christ are called to leave the comfort of the “camp“ in exchange for the greater wealth that exists in Christ “outside the camp.“

On December 28,1968, I took my final step “outside the camp.” All that my flesh desired for the wealth of “Egypt” I left behind for the greater wealth to be had in Christ (Mat 16:24-26).

Lord, having left all behind, I follow you.

* F.F. Bruce – Hebrews Pg. 402–404.

Unashamed Follower

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Follow Christ whatever the cost (Heb 13:11-13). #TakeUpYourCross #Unashamed #FollowJesusNoMatterTheCost

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Rounding off the writer’s point of the supremacy of Christ’s sacrifice, he explains that in the old tabernacle system, an animal was sacrificed for sin “outside the camp” (in the wilderness). It was a place considered “unholy.“ The blood of the sacrifice was then brought into the “holy place“ [inside the camp] for atonement.

So also Christ was sacrificed [slain] “outside the gates“ [of Jerusalem]. He made what was unholy, Holy. His blood was poured out to make his people Holy. He made atonement for the sins of his people at Calvary. It follows that God’s people ought to declare their allegiance to Christ above all others; not be ashamed to bear the disgrace he bore. We leave the old familiar ways, traditions and rituals “inside the camp.” We unashamedly follow Christ.

Lord, may this old sentry continue to follow Christ, whatever the cost.

Deep Surrender

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Find your surrender on the altar of Christ (Heb 13:10,15). #DeepSurrender #ChristOurAltar #SacrificeForSin #ChristOurAtonement

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The writer makes one final reference to Christ as the supreme sacrifice for sin. He is our “ALTAR.” Attaching any idea of ritual performance as validation of salvation (v9) is unacceptable. The old system of animal sacrifice is done away in favor of the once for all time sacrifice of Christ for salvation. F.F. Bruce nails it. “Jesus is the anti-type” of the sacrifices made for sin on the Old Testament day of atonement.

The writer says, “We have an altar.” That is the same as saying, “We have a High Priest“ (8:1). Our altar is Christ. He is the new way for sin’s sacrifice. His sacrifice is the better way of salvation. I am reminded, one more time, to be grounded in grace is to be secure in Jesus. He is my one, my final, sacrifice for sin. I am humbled and eternally grateful. Lord, my only response is deep surrender to Christ (v15).