Promise Made, Promise Kept

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Put faith in all the promises of God (Ezk 11:17-20). #PromiseMadePromiseKept #GodIsFaithful

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This passage is a prophesy of the return of those Israelites exiled to Babylon back to Jerusalem (538, 539 BC) after King Cyrus of Persia conquered Babylon. The Old Testament books of Ezra and Nehemiah record one of those returns.

But this passage also has eschatological meaning. It points to spiritual renewal. The word “spirit“ in verse 19 could also be translated “Spirit,“ as in God‘s Holy Spirit. Whereas, God‘s Spirit would indwell certain people at certain times for certain work, this is a reference to an indwelling of the Spirit in all Believers. This was inaugurated after the death of Christ (Acts 1:4-8; 2:1-4,7). Full restoration of Israel in their hearts toward God will come to full fruition in the millennium when Jesus Returns (Isa49:6-18).

Lord, may I have faith your word as promises made, promises kept and promises yet to be fulfilled.

United in Purpose

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May we order the many parts of our lives in unity with God’s purposes (Ezk 1:5-9). #UnitedInPurpose #ManyPartsOneWill

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The vision of Ezekiel is here further described. The four beings (cherubs) looked human in their form. Each being had four faces and four wings. Their legs were straight. Each being had human hands under their lower wings. Their feet were like the hooves of a calf – were bright shining light polished brand bronze.

The upper wings stretched out and touched the wings of the other being, forming a square shape. The beings darted (v14) about in any direction without turning and did so according to the movement of the spirit within them (v12). The unity in this vision is clear. There are many parts, all of which move in unity according to the spirit within them. Lord, may I order my life in unity with your will and purposes.

Trafficking In Deceit

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

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).

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* See Standing on Truth, this blog, Aug 15, 2024.