Dangerous False Narratives

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Be discerning of false and lying leaders (Jer 23:13–15). #GodlySpiritualLeaders #PastorsTeachersProphets #DevotedToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jeremiah compares the prophets in Jerusalem (Judah – southern kingdom) to the Samarian prophets of Israel, the northern kingdom, already judged and gone. These Samarian prophets prophesied in the name of Baal (the Canaanite deity). They were wicked men and lead Israel into all kinds of sin.

Jeremiah saw the prophets of Judah as worse than the their counterparts. They were dishonest, liars, and adulterers on par with the people of Sodom & Gomorrah (symbolizing ultimate depravity). These prophets led the people of Judah into all manner of sin. They would be made to drink of the bitter waters of judgment.

Lord, may I (our nation) be discerning of those who paint a false view of God and the future.

Broken-hearted

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

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.

Restoration Promise

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May we know as a people the joy of the full restoration of God (Jer 27:22). #God’sRestoration #RestorationPromise

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.

Say What??

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Be discerning of those who speak lies and live for their own self interests. (Jer 29:15-23). #BelieveGod #DiscernTruth

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Although God has a “good plan” for his people (vv10–14), to bring them through his discipline, they have a long way to go. But the seers and prophets in their midst were telling them lies and living licentious lives. They sought to silence, Jeremiah (vv26–28). They were giving a false sense of hope.

God will deal harshly with the sin of those who falsely represent God. Part of God‘s “good plan“ includes his discipline. In this case, it will take 70 years to bring his people through that discipline as part of God’s “good plan”. “No one enjoys discipline. But it will produce a good harvest of righteousness in those who are trained by it“ (Heb 12:11).

Lord, may I always speak the truth and live putting others interests ahead of my own (Eph 4:14,15; Phi 2:4).

Last Man Standing…Against God

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

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.

Serious About Sin

[This text requires a slightly longer post]

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May we live our lives in faithful surrender to God (2Ki 24:13-16). #Surrender #ReturnNowToGod #FaithfulForGod #Repent

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Babylonian King, Nebuchadnezzar, took captive Judah’s king, his family and all of the commanders and officials. He also took 7000 of the best most fit soldiers, 1000 craftsman and many more of the royal’s (including Daniel – Dan 1:1,2).* This was by far the largest siege and deportation of people from Jerusalem to Babylon (the second of three).

In all Nebuchadnezzar removed 10,000 people out of Jerusalem and left only the poorest in the land. Finally, he looted all the treasures from king’s palace. He looted, destroyed and burned the Temple and destroyed the walls around Jerusalem.

All of this was in consequence for unrepentant sin.

Know this, God is serious about sin.

Know also that, in loving kindness, God offers salvation to all who will turn to him in repentance. Lord, it is my desire to live my life in faithful surrender to you.

__________

* Be reminded that all of this was an ongoing fulfillment of several prophecies (Isa 39:1-7; Hab 1:5,6,12). God’s word is true and he keeps his word.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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 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.

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 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 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: An Ode (v.5)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Receive, revere, respond to the voice of the Triune Living God; he is not silent (Hab 2:18–20). #GodIsNotSilent #GodSpeaks #TalkToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The prophet minstrel composes his last stanza as received from God; the song of taunts sung by the prophet; a woeful dirge, V.5. It begins with the ludicrous creation of man-made idols that neither speak nor counsel anyone. They neither see nor protect. In absurdity, the people will call out to these deaf, dumb and inanimate idols. But they do not, cannot respond. [Elijah and the prophets of Baal comes to mind – 1Ki 18:26–29; vv36-38]

But God, who speaks and listens is in his holy temple. He stands above and apart from creation. He speaks and the whole world is silent before him in awestruck wonder. How foolish it is to put faith or trust in any creation of my own making. Lord, my hope is in the living, breathing, triune God, who is present and is not silent. He speaks powerfully into the sentry’s life.

Prophet Minstrel: An Ode (v.4)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Never abuse the power of your influence over others (Hab 2:15-17).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The prophet continues his song of taunts; a woeful dirge, v.4. A graphic allegorical lyric depicts Babylon as the host of a drunken, debauched party [drunken debauchery being a Babylonian characteristic]. Her nation neighbors were forced to drink, in a drunken orgy of false promises. Then, as in the parable of “The King With No Clothes,” they were stripped naked of resources, laughed at, mocked and made the fool.*

God says, “Soon it will be your turn, O Babylon, to be disgraced. For the Lord will force you to drink full from his cup of judgment. Your glory will be turned to abject nakedness and shame. You have built towns with wood stripped from the beautiful forests and those towns are filled your murder and terror. Soon it will be you, O Babylon, who is stripped, terrorized and cut down. Your end will come in violent destruction (Pro 24:17,18). The abuse of power and privilege is unconscionable. ”The Lord is in his holy Temple. Let all the earth be silent before him” (2:20).

Lord, may I never abuse my position of influence to torment those within my circle of reach.

_________

* How simple-minded it is to be made to look a fool as the butt of another’s heinous joke. But how much more deranged to be the tormentor of such a fool?

Prophet Minstrel: An Ode (v.1)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Show yourself straight, true, and honest with others (Hab 2:6–8). #Repent #TurnNowToGod #Judgment

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Now the prophet writes as God instructed. It is a lyrical song of taunts, sung by the prophet; a woeful dirge. Verse 1 – Babylon had ill gotten gain through merciless intimidation and extortion. She shall not go unpunished. Her debtor nations will rise up as one against her and plunder her.

Babylon, the victimizer will become the victim. She is seen as trembling violently before her oppressors. She will suffer the penalty of her crimes; reap what she had sown (Pro 22:8; Gal 6:7) and so she did. These words may be applied to all the nations at any time. ”The Lord is in his holy Temple. Let all the earth be silent before him” (2:20)

Lord, defrauding comes to my mind. May I never defraud another. If I have, show me, that I might make it right.

Rapacious Evil

May America turn from her godless path and may righteous faith prevail (Hab 2:4,5). #TheJustLiveByFaith #RapaciousEvil #TurnNowToGod #Repent

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Habakkuk sits pensively with his spiritual ears open to hear how God will answer his questions (1:2–4). The silence is deafening. Then, into the silence, God begins his woeful dirge of condemnation for Babylon. Her rapacity will not go unpunished; judgment will come.

Babylon (even America) is a nation become arrogant, swollen and puffed up like an old toad. Her passions are only for rapacious evil and unrighteousness. She makes a mockery of all that is morally good. She is a godless, corrupt and perverse nation. She is a drunken nation state with an insatiable appetite to enslave all people to government. Judgment is certain. It is already crouching at the door.

In stark contrast stands God’s righteous ones. “The righteous will live [know abundant life] by their steadfast faith [in Jehovah God].” These words sparkle like a jewel shinning through the darkness from deep within an earthen cavern. These words have given hope to God’s righteous ones through the ions of time, from Habakkuk to the Apostle Paul to Martin Luther and beyond.*

Lord, may a righteous faith prevail from deep within my soul; from deep within the soul of America. .

__________

* The Faith of the Righteous

Rom 1:17

Gal 3:11

Heb 10:38