May we laud and yield to our holy & loving Heavenly Father (Ezk5:5,6). #WorshipTheLord #GivePraiseToGod #ServeTheLordGladly
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
As clear a representation as chapter four of Ezekiel is of God‘s judgment on Judah, chapter five gives further definition to Judah’s destruction.
God had placed Judah at the center of the Nations. She was to be an example of God‘s great interest and engagement with all the nations; an influence for godly living. But she rebelled. She lost touch with the Holy, she became even more wicked than her surrounding nations. She refused to follow after God. Her attitude and actions would now come under God’s discipline.
The words of Jesus even decry the pain God feels for his rebellious people (Mat 23:37–39). Lord, may I ever be in touch with the Holy One.
May your living choice be a life well lived for Christ (Ezk 4:16,17). #TheLivingChoice #LifeInChrist
The Desolation of Jerusalem by Babylon
Morning Watch Notes:
The point of Ezekiel‘s “living prophecy“ was to symbolize the Israelites living in exile in Babylon, that God’s people were indeed undergoing the discipline of the Lord.
The self imposed rationing of bread and water by Ezekiel was ordered by God. It characterized the devastation of the Israelites’ homeland (Lam 1:11; 2:11-12,19; 4:4-5,9). There should be no question that God was allowing the demise of Judah as result of her decades of sin (Lam 4:12,13; 5:15-18). This Ezekiel would preach and demonstrate God’s judgment through his living model prophecy.Lord, may my heart remain purely focused on a life well lived for you.
Five to six days into my reading of Ezekiel, I had to stop and ask myself the question, “How do I apply what I am hearing God say to me? Where do I fit myself in these messages from God?” I had to stop and consider these few following thoughts:
If I am able to say that I am a man who is essentially following God‘s direction, I might be able to say that I relate to Ezekiel (or to some remnant of the godly, who are left in Jerusalem). But, if I must say that I am a man who has essentially been or currently am being disobedient, then I must relate to God’s rebellious people.
WHO DO I THINK AM I?
If I relate with Ezekiel, then it is a matter of obedience for me. I must continue to have daily conversations with God, listen to what he tells me in his word and then boldly carry out his instructions, no matter how difficult. I must ask, “Am I willing to follow God? How far would I go to proclaim God‘s truth?”
If I relate to those who have been disobedient to God, then I must stare into these prophetic words of Ezekiel, hear the truth of what God tells me about my sin/defilement, repent and turn back to him or suffer the consequences. Here I must ask, “Am I recalcitrant? How far have I gone, how far am I willing to go into sin before yielding to God‘s truth?“
WHERE DO I THINK I AM?
At times, I may come close to following Ezekiel‘s example. But I have certainly also had my times of extreme wayward behavior. God has had to deal harshly with me.
If I am honest, I would have to put myself in between the two ends of this spectrum – somewhere between obedient and recalcitrant. The questions for me daily are, “Where do I want to be on that spectrum? Am I seeking after righteousness? What am I willing to do to get there? Does God still communicate with me and I with him?” If I am still on speaking terms with God then there is still hope, mercy and grace for me.
This is all tied to that process we call “sanctification”. So, I am always in a state of growth. If I am sincerely walking in the Spirit I am not fulfilling the desires of the sinful nature (Gal 5:16-17). I am always growing and moving upward not down, forward not back. “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (ICo 15:57).
May we experience a deep consciousness and rejection of sin (Ezk 4:8-13). #Repentance #TurnFullyTogod #DoNotIgnoreSin
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
During the times of Ezekiel‘s prophesying, he will be tied/bound with rope portraying Israel’s captivity. There will be no escape until the days of their destruction are complete. He is again a “living prophecy“ to the people.
To prepare for his living prophecy scene, he is to gather specified ingredients to bake bread periodically during his days of interaction with prophetic preaching (vv4–6). He is to bake the bread over human dung and eat it (vv12). Detestable in the eyes of Jews! This was to portray how God’s people will suffer defilement in their days of captivity in a gentile land of profane people (Babylon).
Lord, these readings lead me to a deep consciousness and rejection of sin’s misery.
May we understand how deeply sin grieves the heart of God (Ezk 4:4-6).
#God’sGriefOverSin #RepentOfSin
The symbolism, revolving around the facts and meaning of “390 days” and “40 days” (a day for every year of sin), are very difficult historically, textually and interpretively. Biblical scholars don’t all agree. What is clear is that both Israel and Judah have committed deeply grievous sins against God (made clear in v3) for a long time.
For this purpose Ezekiel portrays Israel as having borne the consequence of their sin (symbolically). The weight their sin is understood as heavily on them as Ezekiel lays down: first on one side for “390 days” (head pointed north towards Israel) then, “40 days” on the other (head pointed south towards Judah).
What is portrayed here is the seriousness of sin against God. It further shows the lengths to which God will go to convey his deep anguish, concern over and correction of sin. Lord, may this old sentry’s heart remain steadfast in its stand against personal sin.
Let not the siege of sin and disobedience put a barrier between you and God (Ezk 4:3). #FullSurrender #Repentance
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
I have to remind myself as I read Ezekiel, the prophet is not addressing residents of Jerusalem. He is addressing citizens of Judah (Jerusalem) who have already been removed and deported to Babylon. False prophets have been telling them this season of captivity would be short-lived. Not so! (Jer 29:8-11)
The iron griddle in v3, placed between Ezekiel and his clay model city under siege, symbolizes the severity of the siege against the hearts of Jerusalem and the impregnable barrier between them and God because of sin (Isa 59:2). Jerusalem would cry out to God, but get no answer. The city would eventually fall.
Lord, there is no bargaining, no deal to be had with you. Only my full surrender and reverent obedience will suffice.
May our eyes be opened to the sin that so besets us (Ezk 4:1-3).
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
[This is the first of many object lessons given to us by Ezekiel. It reveals judgment for sin against Jerusalem. Picture it as a Play-Doh war zone]
Ezekiel places a clay brick with a map of Jerusalem etched on it. He molds a wall around the brick; toy soldiers surround the brick with siege ramps and battering rams. Then Ezekiel places in iron griddle between himself and the Play-Doh city under siege.
The point here is that no wayward sinful heart can escape from the city. The image demonstrates how harsh the siege against Jerusalem will be. It pictures a warning to the people of Israel.
Jesus spoke in parables. Often the prophets spoke through object lessons. All were done to make a spiritual point about God‘s love and plans for man. God always intends to break the wayward heart because he is merciful. Lord, open our (my) eyes to your merciful warnings concerning the siege of sin and judgment.
May you listen when God speaks; speak when he directs (Ezk 3:17-21). #DeliverGod’sMessage #ListenWhenGodSpeaks
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
God has issued his call to Ezekiel to the prophetic ministry. He is to be a “watchman” over Israel. God instructs Ezekiel to speak without delay, any message that God gives him. It matters not whether the message is to the wicked or to the righteous who have stumbled. Ezekiel is to tell them to turn to God or suffer the consequences; even death.
God informs Ezekiel that he is responsible for getting the message out. If he does, and the people listen and repent, they will be saved, as well as Ezekiel. If Ezekiel does not tell them, they will die in their sin and God will hold Ezekiel accountable for not delivering the message. Lord, may I listen when you speak to me and speak if you so direct me; lives will depend upon it.
May we walk the walk before we talk. (Ezk 3:10,11) #WalkTheWalkB4UTalk #DoWhatYouSay #CastingStones
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Advice to any student of scripture: God says, “Let all my words sink deep into your own heart first (recall Ezk 3:1-3). Listen to my words carefully for yourself. Then go to the people and say this is what the Sovereign Lord says.“ Especially teachers and preachers take note. “Let him or her without sin cast the first stone” (Jhn 8:7).
Before you go expounding and exhorting, make certain that you yourself have listened to God’s message with a heart turned towards obedience. Do this before telling others what God says they are to do (1Co 9:27). Lord, as a dad, granddad and minister of the gospel, may I be first to listen and respond to the truth of Scripture.
Give thanks for God‘s word to man (Ezk 2:9,10). #TheWordOfGod #GodSpeaksByHisWord
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
At this point in Ezekiel‘s massive vision, a great hand reaches down with a scroll and hands it to him. On it is inscribed God‘s message to be delivered by Ezekiel to the nation of Israel/Judah. It is the word of the Lord.
The message is not only one of mournful pronouncements of doom for Israel’s continued sin and rebellion. It is full to the brim of such words. So much so that the inscription was written on both sides – a highly unusual practice. This is God’s word to men.
Lord, thank you for your word, so complete, honest and true.
Stand up, listen to God, follow fearlessly, speak boldly (Ezk 2:1-10). #GodSpeaks #StandWalkRun
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
These verses capture the very moment of God‘s call of Ezekiel. All of this happens at once: God speaks, “Stand up – I want to speak to you.” As God speaks, Ezekiel’s spirit is energized to stand upright. He is prompted to listen.
God speaks again, “I am sending you to a stubborn, hard-hearted nation. Do not fear nor be dismayed. They may not listen, but they will know that a prophet of God has been among them. Open your mouth and eat what I give you.” A hand reached down to Ezekiel with a scroll for him to eat and he ate.
Lord, I remember the day you called me. I remember a subsequent day when you refined my vision. You filled my heart with your message. I still walk in that call today.
May sin lead us to brokenness, repentance, confession & renewal (1Jn 3:4-10). #Repentance #Confession #Brokenness #Renewal
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
If one is a true believer (has repented of sin and trusted Christ as Savior), that one will not continue in sin. Are believers sinless? Obviously not. There is only one sinless, Jesus, and he died on the cross for the forgiveness of our sin. To say one “believes” but continues in sin is spiritual malpractice.
What John is saying here is that true believers will not go on practicing sin as a habit or lifestyle. They are not indifferent to God‘s moral law. When a believer sins, he/she is broken, sensitive to the conviction of the Holy Spirit and confesses that sin. “God is faithful to forgive our sin and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1Jn 1:9).
Lord, thank you for a heart to follow Christ; for loving me through my failures.
Trust Christ’s sacrifice for all sin and forgiveness (1Jn 2:1,2). #ChristOurAdvocate
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The aged apostle John addresses his readers fondly, as a loving father would to his children. Of course his desire is that they not sin. What father would not wish that for his children? But he knows also that no one is immune to sin.
So, John wants his readers to know that when sin does enter into a life, there is hope. Jesus Christ advocates for us based on his death sacrifice for sin. His defense never rests. Our God hears his plea and forgives all sin based on Christ’s righteousness in us (1Co 1:30; 2Co 5:21). Lord, I may trust my eternal counselor who is my advocate with God.
Remain open to the conviction of God’s Holy Spirit (1Jn 1:8-10). #ConfessAllKnownSin #BeRightWithGod #PracticeTheTruth #ListenToTheSpirit
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
It may seem odd that some might claim that they have no sin, now that they have trusted Christ. But some were doing exactly that. That is delusional. It calls God a liar and ignores God’s word. Christians do not become sinless at the point of salvation. But neither do they still desire to continue in sin.
Christians are not perfect. I need only to look into my own heart to know that. Walking in the light does not mean sinless perfection. It means that my heart is always open to the scrutiny of the Spirit of God. When some sin is there exposed, I agree with God and confess it. Christ forgives the sin and cleanses me from all wickedness.
Lord, at risk here is this sentry’s closeness with you, as “darkness” tries to edged out the light. But my relationship with God in Christ is secure and never in question.
Do not let shame, pride, fear or guilt prevent you from returning home to God (Jer 51:50,51).
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
God’s people are directed by God to return to their homeland at the fall of Babylon (vv45,50). But they are mortified, ashamed and disgraced because foreigners and aliens had desecrated the Temple of God in Jerusalem. They felt so ashamed (v51).
“Yes, but God.“ What God says to them in essence is I am coming to deliver (v52). Don’t be paralyzed by shame. Though you may feel far from God, he is closer to you than you think. Turn your eyes on God. Set your gaze on your homeland. (v50). The way home is to repent, turn your heart towards him again and he will see you through. He will do a work of revival in you.
__________
WHY WOULD ANYONE NOT RECEIVE SO COMPASSIONATE A LOVE AS THE FATHER OFFERS?
S H A M E ! F E A R ! P R I D E !
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Adam and Eve reacted to their sin and disobedience towards God, not by humbly seeking God to admit guilt. But in their newly acquired shame, pride, guilt and fear (having eaten of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good & Evil) they tried to cover up their sin. They thought they could hide from God (Gen 3). They thought they could outsmart God and somehow avoid accountability.
The Psalmist felt shame (Psm 73): ”Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside. I was so foolish and ignorant— I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you” [but God reminded him of his compassions]. The Psalmist continues, “You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth“ (Psm 73:21-22,24-25 NLT).
Paul says there is no disappointment in Jesus (Rom 10:11).
______
In Jeremiah 51:50-51, God essentially explains how to defeat shame. The children of Israel were in captivity in Babylon. God through Jeremiah tells them to return home to Jerusalem when Babylon falls. But the children of Israel express shame that the temple in Jerusalem was desecrated on their watch.
in these two verses God is saying, THE WAY HOME IS…
1) don’t be paralyzed by shame, pride, guilt and fear,
2) turn your eyes on God [on Jesus],
3) set your face to your homeland [set your eyes on your future glory] and…
4) though you feel far from God, he is closer than you think.
Turn to him now. There is hope. Ask God’s forgiveness for sin. Invite him to take his rightful place in your heart. Then follow him…all The Way Home.
Trust God to exact perfect judgment on his people’s oppressors (Jer 51:50-58). #TorchedAndBurned #WagesOfSin #Judgment #BabylonHasFallen
Babylon has fallen
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
As Jeremiah concludes his writing of the Scroll to the Hebrew captives in Babylon, he acknowledges their shame and discouragement for the desecration of the Temple. “Yes, but;” the Lord reminds them again that he will destroy Babylon, her God (v52), her military (V56), her officers, counselors, captains and warriors (v57). The Lord will repay in full.
Babylon remains today
All the mighty of Babylon will be put to sleep, never wake up again. The builders of the great city of Babylon and its fortresses will be mere kindling. The King, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will torch and burn her to the ground. Lord, I rely upon you to deliver your people and repay the oppressors of your people fully for their sin.*
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* The wages of sin is eternal death, destruction and separation from God, but the gift of God is eternal life, deliverance from death, destruction and separation from God” (Rom 6:23).
May God’s sentries on the American wall “Stand Faithfully, Watch Vigilantly, Pray Earnestly, Speak/Act Boldly” to warn of approaching hoofbeats (Jer 51:45-50). #ApprochingHoofbeats #StormWarning
APPROACHING HOOFBEATS
Morning Watch: Extended
It would be foolish to declare the words of Jeremiah 51:45-50 as prophecy over America. That is not the context. However, it would also be foolish not to take a lesson from history. Especially when I see these very same things happening in America. It is a wake up call!!!
This is what the sentry on the wall, the American wall, ought to be doing – pointing to the signs of God’s impending judgment and crying out a warning of the approaching hoofbeats of an overwhelming adversary being sent by God himself.
In 2024 is America headed for judgment? There are signs to be read:
1. Rumors arise every year of growing adversarial threats. (China, Russia, North Korea, Iran).
2. There is violence and lawlessness in our streets, judicial oversight is falling apart.
3. Leaders in government fight against each other (interagency fighting, federal and state governments fighting, congressional fighting).
4. America will certainly see her great idols fall (great institutions of science, education, her military complex, financial markets, false religions, et.al).
5. I would humbly add to this list the demise of the family unit and the breakdown of morality.
It is the ultimate hubristic and godless mind that could think such a society could survive.
Consider the words of Christ who said, “Fools, you can read signs of weather, but you don’t know how to interpret the present times” (Luke 12:56). You don’t have to be a prophet to read the signs of our times.
The sentry on the wall has standing orders: Stand Faithfully, Watch Vigilantly, Pray Earnestly, Speak/Act Boldly (ISA 62:6; NEH 4:16-18;Hos 8:1-4).
But I don’t come to this passage with some pessimistic fatalism. I come to this passage with some excitement about the future. May we see either a GREAT AWAKENING that sweeps thousands into the Kingdom of a God and/or a GREAT EXIT in the second coming of Christ.
May this great nation of America return to God before it is too late (Jer 51:6-14). #ReturnNowToGod #Repent
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Any nation, any city, yea, any person who thinks they can commit sacrilege towards God, can commit arrogance towards God, should think again. Before you know it, greatness can become a vapor. America could learn a lesson from Babylon (Isa 26:9). Babylon’s enemies were found, swarming her streets and shouting triumph over her.
America’s greatness is being squandered. Criminals, illegal aliens and terrorist are streaming in and swarming in and through the streets of America. Her systems of law, order, justice and moral sensibilities are being crushed. Only God knows the outcome. Will America’s “thread of life be cut” (v13)?
Lord, may we as a people in America turn to you before it is too late (note v9).
Resolve to act humbly in whatever success given by God (Jer 50:11–16). #WalkHumblyBeforeGod
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
God clarifies his reasons for destroying Babylon. God used Babylon as an instrument to discipline his people (Hab 1:1-11). He is not destroying Babylon for that, but for her prideful hubris over violent attacks on God‘s people. Babylon rejoiced in her wicked and violent ways.
The nations are called to unify and do to Babylon what she had done to others. Proverbs says, “If you gloat over your enemies demise, God will turn his anger on you. God will turn the light of the wicked out“ (Pro 24:17-20). Lord, may I resolve to act humbly in any success that you give me.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Trust God with all of your future (Jer 29:10-14). #TrustGod #BelieveGod #AFutureAndAHope
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
This may be one of the most hope filled passages in the Old Testament. God’s people are given assurance of deliverance, in spite of their dire circumstances. God will not forget his people. His plan is purposeful, and his discipline will achieve its desired outcome.
God‘s people will once again call Upon him. He will be found and present with them. He will restore their fortune and return them to their land, and so he did. Our God is a God of purpose and hope. Lord, I am encouraged about my own future by the words of this passage.
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.
The Prayer Sentry 