Category Archives: Justice / Judgment

Consequences of Sin, Justice / Judgment, Wickedness / Evil

The Illusion of Success in Wickedness (Job 20)

Have you ever encountered individuals who appear to thrive in their wicked ways, seemingly experiencing prolonged success?

It can be perplexing and disheartening to witness.

In Job 20, we explore the insights shared by Job’s friends as they grapple with the notion that the wicked can prosper for an extended period, leading us to consider the ultimate judgment that awaits them in the presence of God.

Reconnect: In the Book of Job, we find ourselves amidst a series of intense dialogues between Job and his friends. Job has been enduring unimaginable suffering, and his friends, including Zophar, have been attempting to explain the reasons behind his trials. Job’s friends continue to hold to the belief that Job’s suffering is a consequence of his sin, leading to their ongoing discussions and debates.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Job 20

Zophar Says, “The Triumph of the Wicked Is Short”

      1Then Zophar the Naamathite answered,

      2“Therefore my disquieting thoughts make me respond,
Even because of my inward agitation.

      3“I listened to the reproof which insults me,
And the spirit of my understanding makes me answer.

      4“Do you know this from of old,
From the establishment of man on earth,

      5That the triumphing of the wicked is short,
And the joy of the godless momentary?

      6“Though his loftiness reaches the heavens,
And his head touches the clouds,

      7He perishes forever like his refuse;
Those who have seen him will say, ‘Where is he?’

      8“He flies away like a dream, and they cannot find him;
Even like a vision of the night he is chased away.

      9“The eye which saw him sees him no longer,
And his place no longer beholds him.

      10“His sons favor the poor,
And his hands give back his wealth.

      11“His bones are full of his youthful vigor,
But it lies down with him in the dust.

      12“Though evil is sweet in his mouth
And he hides it under his tongue,

      13Though he desires it and will not let it go,
But holds it in his mouth,

      14Yet his food in his stomach is changed
To the venom of cobras within him.

      15“He swallows riches,
But will vomit them up;
God will expel them from his belly.

      16“He sucks the poison of cobras;
The viper’s tongue slays him.

      17“He does not look at the streams,
The rivers flowing with honey and curds.

      18“He returns what he has attained
And cannot swallow it;
As to the riches of his trading,
He cannot even enjoy them.

      19“For he has oppressed and forsaken the poor;
He has seized a house which he has not built.

      20“Because he knew no quiet within him,
He does not retain anything he desires.

      21“Nothing remains for him to devour,
Therefore his prosperity does not endure.

      22“In the fullness of his plenty he will be cramped;
The hand of everyone who suffers will come against him.

      23“When he fills his belly,
God will send His fierce anger on him
And will rain it on him while he is eating.

      24“He may flee from the iron weapon,
But the bronze bow will pierce him.

      25“It is drawn forth and comes out of his back,
Even the glittering point from his gall.
Terrors come upon him,

      26Complete darkness is held in reserve for his treasures,
And unfanned fire will devour him;
It will consume the survivor in his tent.

      27“The heavens will reveal his iniquity,
And the earth will rise up against him.

      28“The increase of his house will depart;
His possessions will flow away in the day of His anger.

      29“This is the wicked man’s portion from God,
Even the heritage decreed to him by God.”

Summary Key Points:

  1. Zophar’s Perspective: In Job 20, Zophar offers his perspective on the fate of the wicked. He presents the idea that the wicked may experience periods of success, giving the impression that they thrive in their wickedness.
  2. Apparent Prosperity: Zophar paints a vivid picture of the wicked’s apparent prosperity, describing their opulent lifestyles, flourishing enterprises, and the illusion of sustained triumph.
  3. The Swift Demise: Despite their success, Zophar warns that the wicked will eventually face a sudden and irreversible downfall. He speaks of God’s judgment, which will ultimately overtake them.

Let us reflect on the ongoing discussions in the Book of Job and consider the choices we make in our lives. Have you ever questioned why the wicked seem to prosper? Take a moment to pray for discernment in understanding divine justice and to seek God’s guidance in your own journey.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we come before you seeking wisdom and discernment. Help us understand the complexities of divine justice, especially when we witness the apparent success of the wicked. Guide us in our own choices, and may we trust in your ultimate judgment. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Discussion: Share your thoughts on the challenges posed by the success of the wicked. Have you questioned why it seems that sometimes they thrive?

Engage in discussions with friends and family, and feel free to comment below to share your insights and reflections.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Depression / Discouragement, His Ways Are Not Our Ways, Justice / Judgment, Tribulation

Wrestling with the Unfathomable Ways of God (Job 9)

Have you ever found yourself wrestling with the unfathomable ways of God, seeking understanding amid life’s complexities?

Join us in the transformative verses of Job 9, where Job grapples with the profound mysteries of God’s ways.

Explore the transformative themes of human frailty, the vastness of God’s wisdom, and the enduring pursuit of understanding in the face of life’s uncertainties.

(Summarized and continued after the scripture.)

Quick reconnect: Job is answering his friend Bildad, who spoke in chapter 8 about how God rewards those who are good.

Job 9

Job Says There Is No Arbitrator between God and Man

      1Then Job answered,

      2“In truth I know that this is so;
But how can a man be in the right before God?

      3“If one wished to dispute with Him,
He could not answer Him once in a thousand times.

      4“Wise in heart and mighty in strength,
Who has defied Him without harm?

      5“It is God who removes the mountains, they know not how,
When He overturns them in His anger;

      6Who shakes the earth out of its place,
And its pillars tremble;

      7Who commands the sun not to shine,
And sets a seal upon the stars;

      8Who alone stretches out the heavens
And tramples down the waves of the sea;

      9Who makes the Bear, Orion and the Pleiades,
And the chambers of the south;

      10Who does great things, unfathomable,
And wondrous works without number.

      11“Were He to pass by me, I would not see Him;
Were He to move past me, I would not perceive Him.

      12“Were He to snatch away, who could restrain Him?
Who could say to Him, ‘What are You doing?’

      13“God will not turn back His anger;
Beneath Him crouch the helpers of Rahab.

      14“How then can I answer Him,
And choose my words before Him?

      15“For though I were right, I could not answer;
I would have to implore the mercy of my judge.

      16“If I called and He answered me,
I could not believe that He was listening to my voice.

      17“For He bruises me with a tempest
And multiplies my wounds without cause.

      18“He will not allow me to get my breath,
But saturates me with bitterness.

      19“If it is a matter of power, behold, He is the strong one!
And if it is a matter of justice, who can summon Him?

      20“Though I am righteous, my mouth will condemn me;
Though I am guiltless, He will declare me guilty.

      21“I am guiltless;
I do not take notice of myself;
I despise my life.

      22“It is all one; therefore I say,
‘He destroys the guiltless and the wicked.’

      23“If the scourge kills suddenly,
He mocks the despair of the innocent.

      24“The earth is given into the hand of the wicked;
He covers the faces of its judges.
If it is not He, then who is it?

      25“Now my days are swifter than a runner;
They flee away, they see no good.

      26“They slip by like reed boats,
Like an eagle that swoops on its prey.

      27“Though I say, ‘I will forget my complaint,
I will leave off my sad countenance and be cheerful,’

      28I am afraid of all my pains,
I know that You will not acquit me.

      29“I am accounted wicked,
Why then should I toil in vain?

      30“If I should wash myself with snow
And cleanse my hands with lye,

      31Yet You would plunge me into the pit,
And my own clothes would abhor me.

      32“For He is not a man as I am that I may answer Him,
That we may go to court together.

      33“There is no umpire between us,
Who may lay his hand upon us both.

      34“Let Him remove His rod from me,
And let not dread of Him terrify me.

      35“Then I would speak and not fear Him;
But I am not like that in myself.

Summary of Key Points:

  1. Job’s Lament: Job 9 opens with Job expressing the impossibility of contending with God due to His infinite wisdom and power. The transformative journey begins with Job acknowledging human frailty in the vastness of God’s divine plan.
  2. The Unfathomable Ways of God: A key theme is the transformative realization of the unfathomable ways of God. Job grapples with the mystery of divine sovereignty, highlighting the tension between human understanding and the profound depths of God’s wisdom.
  3. The Search for a Mediator: Job yearns for a mediator, someone who can bridge the gap between God and humanity. This transformative desire reflects the human quest for connection with the divine and the recognition of the need for an intermediary in the face of God’s awe-inspiring nature.
  4. The Paradox of Divine Justice: Job’s proclamation of innocence brings forth the  realization that the traditional understanding of divine justice doesn’t neatly align with his current circumstances. In asserting his guiltlessness, Job grapples with the seeming incongruity between his righteous life and the profound suffering he endures.

    This transformative aspect invites us to ponder the complexities of divine justice in our own lives. How often do we, like Job, face circumstances that challenge our understanding of God’s ways? Job’s bold declaration serves as a powerful reminder that the pursuit of justice and understanding is an integral part of the human experience, even in the face of life’s perplexities.

Let’s reflect on the universal struggle to understand the unfathomable ways of God.

Have you ever grappled with the mysteries of divine sovereignty and sought understanding in the face of life’s uncertainties?

Take a moment for personal reflection and prayer, considering how Job’s journey resonates with your own pursuit of understanding God’s ways.

Share your thoughts with a friend or family member and add to the comments, inviting others into the conversation about the transformative nature of wrestling with the mysteries of our Creator.

Join us, and let’s explore together the profound lessons woven into the fabric of Job 9.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Interceding for Others, Justice / Judgment, Learning To Pray Effectively, Persecution / Glorifying God, Thankfulness

Embracing Endurance in the Face of Adversity (2 Thessalonians 1)

Have you ever found yourself facing the relentless winds of adversity and challenges simply because of your faith?

The emotions that arise in those moments, the weight of persecution, and the toll it takes on your spirit—these are the very sentiments we’ll explore in the enduring words of 2 Thessalonians 1.

Join us on an intimate journey through these verses as we uncover the transformative power of enduring faith, the assurance of God’s justice, and the unwavering hope that sustains us even in the midst of our deepest struggles.

2 Thessalonians 1

Thanksgiving for Faith and Perseverance

      1Paul and Silvanus and Timothy,
To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: 2Grace to you and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

      3We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren, as is only fitting, because your faith is greatly enlarged, and the love of each one of you toward one another grows ever greater; 4therefore, we ourselves speak proudly of you among the churches of God for your perseverance and faith in the midst of all your persecutions and afflictions which you endure. 5This is a plain indication of God’s righteous judgment so that you will be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which indeed you are suffering. 6For after all it is only just for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you, 7and to give relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well when the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, 8dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, 10when He comes to be glorified in His saints on that day, and to be marveled at among all who have believed—for our testimony to you was believed. 11To this end also we pray for you always, that our God will count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power, 12so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Summary of Key Points:

  1. Endurance in Persecution: Paul commends the Thessalonian believers for their steadfastness and faith in the face of persecution and affliction. This chapter highlights the transformative power of endurance, illustrating how their response to adversity becomes a beacon of inspiration.
  2. God’s Righteous Judgment: The passage emphasizes the concept of God’s righteous judgment, assuring believers that justice will be served. Those who endure persecution for their faith will find relief, while those who oppose God will face the consequences of their actions.
  3. A Prayer for Spiritual Growth: Paul offers a prayer for the Thessalonians’ spiritual growth, desiring that their love may abound and their hearts be established. This prayer underscores the transformative impact of love and spiritual maturity, even in the midst of challenges.
  4. The Glorious Return of Christ: The chapter concludes with the anticipation of the glorious return of Christ. Believers are reminded that, ultimately, the challenges and persecutions they face are temporary in light of the eternal hope found in Christ’s second coming.

As we explore the enduring words of 2 Thessalonians 1, let’s reflect on the theme of enduring in the face of persecution.

How can we cultivate a steadfast faith in the midst of challenges?

Take a moment for personal reflection and prayer, considering the transformative power of endurance in your own life. Additionally, share your insights with others, discussing how the assurance of God’s justice and the hope in Christ’s return inspire you to endure.

Join the conversation, and let’s delve into the profound lessons woven into these verses, discovering the strength that comes from unwavering faith in the midst of trials.

I invite you to pray with me.

Heavenly Father,

In adversity, grant us strength to stand firm, anchored in hope and the promise of Christ’s return. May our love abound, and our hearts be established in unwavering faith. Kindle within us enduring love, even in trials. Remind us that our struggles are temporary, but Your promises are eternal. Prepare our hearts for the glorious return of Your Son.

Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you. John

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

His Ways Are Not Our Ways, Hope, Justice / Judgment, Love, Psalms, Seeking God, Wickedness / Evil

Balancing Justice and Love – A Cry for Help Amidst Adversity

Embark on a poignant journey through Psalm 58, where David’s heartfelt cry for justice resounds in the face of pervasive injustice.

Join us as we explore the depths of this psalm, delving into the themes of righteousness, divine judgment, and the unwavering hope that even in the midst of darkness, justice prevails.

Additionally, we’ll draw connections to Matthew 5:38-48, exploring the tension between calling upon the Lord for justice and Christ’s call to love and pray for our enemies.

(Summarized and continued after the scriptures.)

Psalm 58

Prayer for the Punishment of the Wicked.

For the choir director; set to Al-tashheth. A Mikhtam of David.

      1Do you indeed speak righteousness, O gods?
Do you judge uprightly, O sons of men?

      2No, in heart you work unrighteousness;
On earth you weigh out the violence of your hands.

      3The wicked are estranged from the womb;
These who speak lies go astray from birth.

      4They have venom like the venom of a serpent;
Like a deaf cobra that stops up its ear,

      5So that it does not hear the voice of charmers,
Or a skillful caster of spells.

      6O God, shatter their teeth in their mouth;
Break out the fangs of the young lions, O LORD.

      7Let them flow away like water that runs off;
When he aims his arrows, let them be as headless shafts.

      8Let them be as a snail which melts away as it goes along,
Like the miscarriages of a woman which never see the sun.

      9Before your pots can feel the fire of thorns
He will sweep them away with a whirlwind, the green and the burning alike.

      10The righteous will rejoice when he sees the vengeance;
He will wash his feet in the blood of the wicked.

      11And men will say, “Surely there is a reward for the righteous;
Surely there is a God who judges on earth!”

Matthew 5: 38-48

      38“You have heard that it was said, ‘AN EYE FOR AN EYE, AND A TOOTH FOR A TOOTH.’ 39“But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. 40“If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. 41“Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. 42“Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.

      43“You have heard that it was said, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy.’ 44“But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46“For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47“If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48“Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Summary of Key Points:

  1. A Cry for Righteous Judgment: Psalm 58 opens with David’s passionate plea for a just and righteous judgment against the wicked. The psalm becomes a poignant reflection on the human longing for justice in a world marked by injustice.
  2. Divine Judgment and the Righteous Hope: Despite the prevailing injustice, Psalm 58 emphasizes the hope and trust in God’s righteous judgment. David’s confidence in divine justice becomes a beacon of assurance for those who grapple with the apparent triumph of the wicked.
  3. The Consequences of Wickedness: The psalm explores the ultimate fate of the wicked, emphasizing the inevitable consequences of their actions. This reflection on divine justice prompts consideration of the broader implications of one’s choices.
  4. Balancing Justice and Love: Drawing connections to Matthew 5:38-48, we’ll explore the tension between calling upon the Lord for justice and Christ’s radical call to love our enemies. While Psalm 58 reflects the acceptable cry for divine intervention, Matthew 5 challenges us to extend love and prayer even to those who may oppose us.

As we navigate the profound themes of Psalm 58 and its connection to Matthew 5:38-48, let’s reflect on our own yearning for justice in the face of injustice.

How can we maintain hope and trust in God’s righteous judgment while adhering to Christ’s call to love our enemies?

Share your thoughts on the call for justice, the consequences of unrighteous actions, and the transformative power of love and prayer.

Psalm 58 and Matthew 5 invite us to engage in a thoughtful exploration of justice, righteousness, and the enduring hope that, in the end, justice will prevail, not only for our sake but for the redemption of those who oppose us.

Join the conversation, and let’s delve together into the timeless truths embedded in these passages.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you. John

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

All Powerful / King of All, Arrogance, Discipline / Guidance From God, Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Faith / Trusting God, Justice / Judgment, Repenting from Sin, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

Lessons from the Ruin of Babylon for Modern Times (Jeremiah 51)

In the pages of Jeremiah 51, we uncover a fascinating tale of an ancient empire’s rise and fall. But it’s not just a history lesson; it’s a timeless message that speaks to our world today. Discover the surprising relevance of this ancient prophecy for our lives.

Summary of Key Points:

  1. The Pride and Hubris of Empires: Just as Babylon’s pride led to its downfall, nations and individuals today are reminded of the danger of arrogance and tyranny.
  2. The Role of Divine Justice: Jeremiah 51 illustrates the role of divine justice in the course of history, emphasizing the need for righteousness, obedience, and compassion in our actions.
  3. The Power of Faith: In the midst of upheaval and uncertainty, Jeremiah’s message also highlights the power of faith in God to guide us through turbulent times.
  4. The Call for Transformation: The lessons from Babylon’s fall challenge us to examine our own lives and societies, striving for positive change and a commitment to God’s values.

Jeremiah 51 beckons us to look beyond the historical narrative and reflect on the values and principles that still resonate today. As we explore the rise and fall of Babylon, let’s examine our own lives and the world we live in. How can we seek justice, humility, obedience to God, and righteousness in our actions? How can we avoid the pitfalls of pride and arrogance?

Let’s draw inspiration from this ancient text and make a commitment to live by these timeless values. Share your thoughts and be part of the ongoing conversation about the relevance of Jeremiah 51 in our lives today!

Jeremiah 51

Babylon Judged for Sins against Israel

      1Thus says the LORD:
“Behold, I am going to arouse against Babylon
And against the inhabitants of Leb-kamai
The spirit of a destroyer.

      2“I will dispatch foreigners to Babylon that they may winnow her
And may devastate her land;
For on every side they will be opposed to her
In the day of her calamity.

      3“Let not him who bends his bow bend it,
Nor let him rise up in his scale-armor;
So do not spare her young men;
Devote all her army to destruction.

      4“They will fall down slain in the land of the Chaldeans,
And pierced through in their streets.”

      5For neither Israel nor Judah has been forsaken
By his God, the LORD of hosts,
Although their land is full of guilt
Before the Holy One of Israel.

      6Flee from the midst of Babylon,
And each of you save his life!
Do not be destroyed in her punishment,
For this is the LORD’S time of vengeance;
He is going to render recompense to her.

      7Babylon has been a golden cup in the hand of the LORD,
Intoxicating all the earth.
The nations have drunk of her wine;
Therefore the nations are going mad.

      8Suddenly Babylon has fallen and been broken;
Wail over her!
Bring balm for her pain;
Perhaps she may be healed.

      9We applied healing to Babylon, but she was not healed;
Forsake her and let us each go to his own country,
For her judgment has reached to heaven
And towers up to the very skies.

      10The LORD has brought about our vindication;
Come and let us recount in Zion
The work of the LORD our God!

      11Sharpen the arrows, fill the quivers!
The LORD has aroused the spirit of the kings of the Medes,
Because His purpose is against Babylon to destroy it;
For it is the vengeance of the LORD, vengeance for His temple.

      12Lift up a signal against the walls of Babylon;
Post a strong guard,
Station sentries,
Place men in ambush!
For the LORD has both purposed and performed
What He spoke concerning the inhabitants of Babylon.

      13O you who dwell by many waters,
Abundant in treasures,
Your end has come,
The measure of your end.

      14The LORD of hosts has sworn by Himself:
“Surely I will fill you with a population like locusts,
And they will cry out with shouts of victory over you.”

      15It is He who made the earth by His power,
Who established the world by His wisdom,
And by His understanding He stretched out the heavens.

      16When He utters His voice, there is a tumult of waters in the heavens,
And He causes the clouds to ascend from the end of the earth;
He makes lightning for the rain
And brings forth the wind from His storehouses.

      17All mankind is stupid, devoid of knowledge;
Every goldsmith is put to shame by his idols,
For his molten images are deceitful,
And there is no breath in them.

      18They are worthless, a work of mockery;
In the time of their punishment they will perish.

      19The portion of Jacob is not like these;
For the Maker of all is He,
And of the tribe of His inheritance;
The LORD of hosts is His name.

      20He says, “You are My war-club, My weapon of war;
And with you I shatter nations,
And with you I destroy kingdoms.

      21“With you I shatter the horse and his rider,
And with you I shatter the chariot and its rider,

      22And with you I shatter man and woman,
And with you I shatter old man and youth,
And with you I shatter young man and virgin,

      23And with you I shatter the shepherd and his flock,
And with you I shatter the farmer and his team,
And with you I shatter governors and prefects.

      24“But I will repay Babylon and all the inhabitants of Chaldea for all their evil that they have done in Zion before your eyes,” declares the LORD.

      25“Behold, I am against you, O destroying mountain,
Who destroys the whole earth,” declares the LORD,
“And I will stretch out My hand against you,
And roll you down from the crags,
And I will make you a burnt out mountain.

      26“They will not take from you even a stone for a corner
Nor a stone for foundations,
But you will be desolate forever,” declares the LORD.

      27Lift up a signal in the land,
Blow a trumpet among the nations!
Consecrate the nations against her,
Summon against her the kingdoms of Ararat, Minni and Ashkenaz;
Appoint a marshal against her,
Bring up the horses like bristly locusts.

      28Consecrate the nations against her,
The kings of the Medes,
Their governors and all their prefects,
And every land of their dominion.

      29So the land quakes and writhes,
For the purposes of the LORD against Babylon stand,
To make the land of Babylon
A desolation without inhabitants.

      30The mighty men of Babylon have ceased fighting,
They stay in the strongholds;
Their strength is exhausted,
They are becoming like women;
Their dwelling places are set on fire,
The bars of her gates are broken.

      31One courier runs to meet another,
And one messenger to meet another,
To tell the king of Babylon
That his city has been captured from end to end;

      32The fords also have been seized,
And they have burned the marshes with fire,
And the men of war are terrified.

      33For thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel:
“The daughter of Babylon is like a threshing floor
At the time it is stamped firm;
Yet in a little while the time of harvest will come for her.”

      34“Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon has devoured me and crushed me,
He has set me down like an empty vessel;
He has swallowed me like a monster,
He has filled his stomach with my delicacies;
He has washed me away.

      35“May the violence done to me and to my flesh be upon Babylon,”
The inhabitant of Zion will say;
And, “May my blood be upon the inhabitants of Chaldea,”
Jerusalem will say.

36Therefore thus says the LORD,
“Behold, I am going to plead your case
And exact full vengeance for you;
And I will dry up her sea
And make her fountain dry.

      37“Babylon will become a heap of ruins, a haunt of jackals,
An object of horror and hissing, without inhabitants.

      38“They will roar together like young lions,
They will growl like lions’ cubs.

      39“When they become heated up, I will serve them their banquet
And make them drunk, that they may become jubilant
And may sleep a perpetual sleep
And not wake up,” declares the LORD.

      40“I will bring them down like lambs to the slaughter,
Like rams together with male goats.

      41“How Sheshak has been captured,
And the praise of the whole earth been seized!
How Babylon has become an object of horror among the nations!

      42“The sea has come up over Babylon;
She has been engulfed with its tumultuous waves.

      43“Her cities have become an object of horror,
A parched land and a desert,
A land in which no man lives
And through which no son of man passes.

      44“I will punish Bel in Babylon,
And I will make what he has swallowed come out of his mouth;
And the nations will no longer stream to him.
Even the wall of Babylon has fallen down!

      45“Come forth from her midst, My people,
And each of you save yourselves
From the fierce anger of the LORD.

      46“Now so that your heart does not grow faint,
And you are not afraid at the report that will be heard in the land—
For the report will come one year,
And after that another report in another year,
And violence will be in the land
With ruler against ruler—

      47Therefore behold, days are coming
When I will punish the idols of Babylon;
And her whole land will be put to shame
And all her slain will fall in her midst.

      48“Then heaven and earth and all that is in them
Will shout for joy over Babylon,
For the destroyers will come to her from the north,”
Declares the LORD.

      49Indeed Babylon is to fall for the slain of Israel,
As also for Babylon the slain of all the earth have fallen.

      50You who have escaped the sword,
Depart! Do not stay!
Remember the LORD from afar,
And let Jerusalem come to your mind.

      51We are ashamed because we have heard reproach;
Disgrace has covered our faces,
For aliens have entered
The holy places of the LORD’S house.

      52“Therefore behold, the days are coming,” declares the LORD,
“When I will punish her idols,
And the mortally wounded will groan throughout her land.

      53“Though Babylon should ascend to the heavens,
And though she should fortify her lofty stronghold,
From Me destroyers will come to her,” declares the LORD.

      54The sound of an outcry from Babylon,
And of great destruction from the land of the Chaldeans!

      55For the LORD is going to destroy Babylon,
And He will make her loud noise vanish from her.
And their waves will roar like many waters;
The tumult of their voices sounds forth.

      56For the destroyer is coming against her, against Babylon,
And her mighty men will be captured,
Their bows are shattered;
For the LORD is a God of recompense,
He will fully repay.

      57“I will make her princes and her wise men drunk,
Her governors, her prefects and her mighty men,
That they may sleep a perpetual sleep and not wake up,”
Declares the King, whose name is the LORD of hosts.

58Thus says the LORD of hosts,
“The broad wall of Babylon will be completely razed
And her high gates will be set on fire;
So the peoples will toil for nothing,
And the nations become exhausted only for fire.”

      59The message which Jeremiah the prophet commanded Seraiah the son of Neriah, the grandson of Mahseiah, when he went with Zedekiah the king of Judah to Babylon in the fourth year of his reign. (Now Seraiah was quartermaster.) 60So Jeremiah wrote in a single scroll all the calamity which would come upon Babylon, that is, all these words which have been written concerning Babylon. 61Then Jeremiah said to Seraiah, “As soon as you come to Babylon, then see that you read all these words aloud, 62and say, ‘You, O LORD, have promised concerning this place to cut it off, so that there will be nothing dwelling in it, whether man or beast, but it will be a perpetual desolation.’ 63“And as soon as you finish reading this scroll, you will tie a stone to it and throw it into the middle of the Euphrates, 64and say, ‘Just so shall Babylon sink down and not rise again because of the calamity that I am going to bring upon her; and they will become exhausted.’” Thus far are the words of Jeremiah.

Shalom. May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you. Devotion by John in service to Christ

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Discipline / Guidance From God, Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Justice / Judgment, Protector / Deliverer, Repenting from Sin, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

Lessons from the Fall of Babylon for Today (Jeremiah 50)

Explore the ancient prophecies of Jeremiah 50 and uncover their startling relevance to our modern world. Discover how the rise and fall of mighty Babylon holds crucial lessons for us, and see how this chapter’s messages are still echoing through the ages.

Jeremiah 50 beckons us to recognize that the values of justice, humility, and righteousness are not subjective, but they are rooted in the very character of God. As we navigate the complexities of our modern world, it’s essential to turn to the unchanging source of these values. God’s standards offer a solid foundation for our decisions and actions.

Let us take the wisdom from this ancient prophecy to heart, acknowledging God as the ultimate source of these enduring values. In doing so, we can work towards creating a world where justice prevails, humility is celebrated, and righteousness leads the way.

Will we allow God’s values to shape our lives and the world around us?

Jeremiah 50

Prophecy against Babylon

      1The word which the LORD spoke concerning Babylon, the land of the Chaldeans, through Jeremiah the prophet:

      2“Declare and proclaim among the nations.
Proclaim it and lift up a standard.
Do not conceal it but say,
‘Babylon has been captured,
Bel has been put to shame, Marduk has been shattered;
Her images have been put to shame, her idols have been shattered.’

3“For a nation has come up against her out of the north; it will make her land an object of horror, and there will be no inhabitant in it. Both man and beast have wandered off, they have gone away!

      4“In those days and at that time,” declares the LORD, “the sons of Israel will come, both they and the sons of Judah as well; they will go along weeping as they go, and it will be the LORD their God they will seek. 5“They will ask for the way to Zion, turning their faces in its direction; they will come that they may join themselves to the LORD in an everlasting covenant that will not be forgotten.

      6“My people have become lost sheep;
Their shepherds have led them astray.
They have made them turn aside on the mountains;
They have gone along from mountain to hill
And have forgotten their resting place.

      7“All who came upon them have devoured them;
And their adversaries have said, ‘We are not guilty,
Inasmuch as they have sinned against the LORD who is the habitation of righteousness,
Even the LORD, the hope of their fathers.’

      8“Wander away from the midst of Babylon
And go forth from the land of the Chaldeans;
Be also like male goats at the head of the flock.

      9“For behold, I am going to arouse and bring up against Babylon
A horde of great nations from the land of the north,
And they will draw up their battle lines against her;
From there she will be taken captive.
Their arrows will be like an expert warrior
Who does not return empty-handed.

      10“Chaldea will become plunder;
All who plunder her will have enough,” declares the LORD.

      11“Because you are glad, because you are jubilant,
O you who pillage My heritage,
Because you skip about like a threshing heifer
And neigh like stallions,

      12Your mother will be greatly ashamed,
She who gave you birth will be humiliated.
Behold, she will be the least of the nations,
A wilderness, a parched land and a desert.

      13“Because of the indignation of the LORD she will not be inhabited,
But she will be completely desolate;
Everyone who passes by Babylon will be horrified
And will hiss because of all her wounds.

      14“Draw up your battle lines against Babylon on every side,
All you who bend the bow;
Shoot at her, do not be sparing with your arrows,
For she has sinned against the LORD.

      15“Raise your battle cry against her on every side!
She has given herself up, her pillars have fallen,
Her walls have been torn down.
For this is the vengeance of the LORD:
Take vengeance on her;
As she has done to others, so do to her.

      16“Cut off the sower from Babylon
And the one who wields the sickle at the time of harvest;
From before the sword of the oppressor
They will each turn back to his own people
And they will each flee to his own land.

      17“Israel is a scattered flock, the lions have driven them away. The first one who devoured him was the king of Assyria, and this last one who has broken his bones is Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. 18“Therefore thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: ‘Behold, I am going to punish the king of Babylon and his land, just as I punished the king of Assyria. 19‘And I will bring Israel back to his pasture and he will graze on Carmel and Bashan, and his desire will be satisfied in the hill country of Ephraim and Gilead. 20‘In those days and at that time,’ declares the LORD, ‘search will be made for the iniquity of Israel, but there will be none; and for the sins of Judah, but they will not be found; for I will pardon those whom I leave as a remnant.’

      21“Against the land of Merathaim, go up against it,
And against the inhabitants of Pekod.
Slay and utterly destroy them,” declares the LORD,
“And do according to all that I have commanded you.

      22“The noise of battle is in the land,
And great destruction.

      23“How the hammer of the whole earth
Has been cut off and broken!
How Babylon has become
An object of horror among the nations!

      24“I set a snare for you and you were also caught, O Babylon,
While you yourself were not aware;
You have been found and also seized
Because you have engaged in conflict with the LORD.”

      25The LORD has opened His armory
And has brought forth the weapons of His indignation,
For it is a work of the Lord GOD of hosts
In the land of the Chaldeans.

      26Come to her from the farthest border;
Open up her barns,
Pile her up like heaps
And utterly destroy her,
Let nothing be left to her.

      27Put all her young bulls to the sword;
Let them go down to the slaughter!
Woe be upon them, for their day has come,
The time of their punishment.

      28There is a sound of fugitives and refugees from the land of Babylon,
To declare in Zion the vengeance of the LORD our God,
Vengeance for His temple.

      29“Summon many against Babylon,
All those who bend the bow:
Encamp against her on every side,
Let there be no escape.
Repay her according to her work;
According to all that she has done, so do to her;
For she has become arrogant against the LORD,
Against the Holy One of Israel.

      30“Therefore her young men will fall in her streets,
And all her men of war will be silenced in that day,” declares the LORD.

      31“Behold, I am against you, O arrogant one,”
Declares the Lord GOD of hosts,
“For your day has come,
The time when I will punish you.

      32“The arrogant one will stumble and fall
With no one to raise him up;
And I will set fire to his cities
And it will devour all his environs.”

      33Thus says the LORD of hosts,
“The sons of Israel are oppressed,
And the sons of Judah as well;
And all who took them captive have held them fast,
They have refused to let them go.

      34“Their Redeemer is strong, the LORD of hosts is His name;
He will vigorously plead their case
So that He may bring rest to the earth,
But turmoil to the inhabitants of Babylon.

      35“A sword against the Chaldeans,” declares the LORD,
“And against the inhabitants of Babylon
And against her officials and her wise men!

      36“A sword against the oracle priests, and they will become fools!
A sword against her mighty men, and they will be shattered!

      37“A sword against their horses and against their chariots
And against all the foreigners who are in the midst of her,
And they will become women!
A sword against her treasures, and they will be plundered!

      38“A drought on her waters, and they will be dried up!
For it is a land of idols,
And they are mad over fearsome idols.

      39“Therefore the desert creatures will live there along with the jackals;
The ostriches also will live in it,
And it will never again be inhabited
Or dwelt in from generation to generation.

      40“As when God overthrew Sodom
And Gomorrah with its neighbors,” declares the LORD,
“No man will live there,
Nor will any son of man reside in it.

      41“Behold, a people is coming from the north,
And a great nation and many kings
Will be aroused from the remote parts of the earth.

      42“They seize their bow and javelin;
They are cruel and have no mercy.
Their voice roars like the sea;
And they ride on horses,
Marshalled like a man for the battle
Against you, O daughter of Babylon.

      43“The king of Babylon has heard the report about them,
And his hands hang limp;
Distress has gripped him,
Agony like a woman in childbirth.

      44“Behold, one will come up like a lion from the thicket of the Jordan to a perennially watered pasture; for in an instant I will make them run away from it, and whoever is chosen I will appoint over it. For who is like Me, and who will summon Me into court? And who then is the shepherd who can stand before Me?” 45Therefore hear the plan of the LORD which He has planned against Babylon, and His purposes which He has purposed against the land of the Chaldeans: surely they will drag them off, even the little ones of the flock; surely He will make their pasture desolate because of them. 46At the shout, “Babylon has been seized!” the earth is shaken, and an outcry is heard among the nations.

Take some time to humble yourself and pray. Ask God to show you areas in your life where you are not fully submitted to Him and you need to change… then ask for the courage to pursue that change!

If we as individuals and as a nation live in a way that is against God’s call for us, we will be subject to correction from Him.

Shalom. May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you. Devotion by John in service to Christ

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Hope, Justice / Judgment, Merciful, Obeying God, Repenting from Sin, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

Jeremiah 49: A Message of Hope, Redemption, and God’s Judgment

📖 Let’s embark on another journey through the Book of Jeremiah, this time exploring chapter 49. Discover the enduring message of hope, redemption, and the unwavering love of God, along with the solemn reminder of His judgment for those who turn away from Him. Dive into today’s message and be inspired. 🙏

Continuing our exploration of the Book of Jeremiah, we now turn our attention to chapter 49, which contains a message of hope and redemption, but it also carries a solemn warning about God’s judgment for those who turn away from Him. In a world filled with challenges, Jeremiah’s words offer us a profound reminder of God’s love and grace, as well as the consequences of rejecting His ways.

Jeremiah 49:11 (NIV) declares, “Leave your orphans; I will protect their lives. Your widows too can trust in me.”

In this verse, God assures us of His protection and care, especially for the most vulnerable in society. It’s a testament to His unfailing love and the promise of redemption. However, alongside this message of hope, we also find Jeremiah’s proclamation of God’s judgment on those who persist in disobedience.

Jeremiah 49:16 (NIV) serves as a stark reminder, “The terror you inspire and the pride of your heart have deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rocks, who occupy the heights of the hill. Though you build your nest as high as the eagle’s, from there I will bring you down, declares the Lord.”

Call to Action:

  1. Embrace God’s Protection: Just as God promised to protect the orphans and widows, we should embrace His protective love and trust in His providence during challenging times.
  2. Extend Love and Compassion: Reflect God’s love and compassion in your own life. Seek out opportunities to help those who are in need, as God does for the vulnerable.
  3. Redemption and Forgiveness: The message of Jeremiah 49 is a reminder that no matter how difficult our circumstances may be, God offers us redemption and forgiveness. If you’re burdened by guilt or regret, turn to Him in repentance and experience His unending grace.
  4. Acknowledge God’s Judgment: Remember that while God’s love and grace are boundless, His judgment is also a reality. Those who persist in disobedience face the consequences of their choices. It’s a call to self-examination and repentance.
  5. Turn to God: If you’ve strayed from God’s path, now is the time to turn back to Him, seeking forgiveness and reconciliation. His love and mercy are available to all who genuinely seek Him.

Jeremiah 49

Prophecy against Ammon

      1Concerning the sons of Ammon. Thus says the LORD:
“Does Israel have no sons?
Or has he no heirs?
Why then has Malcam taken possession of Gad
And his people settled in its cities?

      2“Therefore behold, the days are coming,” declares the LORD,
“That I will cause a trumpet blast of war to be heard
Against Rabbah of the sons of Ammon;
And it will become a desolate heap,
And her towns will be set on fire.
Then Israel will take possession of his possessors,”
Says the LORD.

      3“Wail, O Heshbon, for Ai has been destroyed!
Cry out, O daughters of Rabbah,
Gird yourselves with sackcloth and lament,
And rush back and forth inside the walls;
For Malcam will go into exile
Together with his priests and his princes.

      4“How boastful you are about the valleys!
Your valley is flowing away,
O backsliding daughter
Who trusts in her treasures, saying,
‘Who will come against me?’

      5“Behold, I am going to bring terror upon you,”
Declares the Lord GOD of hosts,
“From all directions around you;
And each of you will be driven out headlong,
With no one to gather the fugitives together.

      6“But afterward I will restore
The fortunes of the sons of Ammon,”
Declares the LORD.

Prophecy against Edom

7Concerning Edom.
Thus says the LORD of hosts,
“Is there no longer any wisdom in Teman?
Has good counsel been lost to the prudent?
Has their wisdom decayed?

      8“Flee away, turn back, dwell in the depths,
O inhabitants of Dedan,
For I will bring the disaster of Esau upon him
At the time I punish him.

      9“If grape gatherers came to you,
Would they not leave gleanings?
If thieves came by night,
They would destroy only until they had enough.

      10“But I have stripped Esau bare,
I have uncovered his hiding places
So that he will not be able to conceal himself;
His offspring has been destroyed along with his relatives
And his neighbors, and he is no more.

      11“Leave your orphans behind, I will keep them alive;
And let your widows trust in Me.”

      12For thus says the LORD, “Behold, those who were not sentenced to drink the cup will certainly drink it, and are you the one who will be completely acquitted? You will not be acquitted, but you will certainly drink it. 13“For I have sworn by Myself,” declares the LORD, “that Bozrah will become an object of horror, a reproach, a ruin and a curse; and all its cities will become perpetual ruins.”

      14I have heard a message from the LORD,
And an envoy is sent among the nations, saying,
“Gather yourselves together and come against her,
And rise up for battle!”

      15“For behold, I have made you small among the nations,
Despised among men.

      16“As for the terror of you,
The arrogance of your heart has deceived you,
O you who live in the clefts of the rock,
Who occupy the height of the hill.
Though you make your nest as high as an eagle’s,
I will bring you down from there,” declares the LORD.

      17“Edom will become an object of horror; everyone who passes by it will be horrified and will hiss at all its wounds. 18“Like the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah with its neighbors,” says the LORD, “no one will live there, nor will a son of man reside in it. 19“Behold, one will come up like a lion from the thickets of the Jordan against a perennially watered pasture; for in an instant I will make him run away from it, and whoever is chosen I shall appoint over it. For who is like Me, and who will summon Me into court? And who then is the shepherd who can stand against Me?”

      20Therefore hear the plan of the LORD which He has planned against Edom, and His purposes which He has purposed against the inhabitants of Teman: surely they will drag them off, even the little ones of the flock; surely He will make their pasture desolate because of them. 21The earth has quaked at the noise of their downfall. There is an outcry! The noise of it has been heard at the Red Sea. 22Behold, He will mount up and swoop like an eagle and spread out His wings against Bozrah; and the hearts of the mighty men of Edom in that day will be like the heart of a woman in labor.

Prophecy against Damascus

23Concerning Damascus.
“Hamath and Arpad are put to shame,
For they have heard bad news;
They are disheartened.
There is anxiety by the sea,
It cannot be calmed.

      24“Damascus has become helpless;
She has turned away to flee,
And panic has gripped her;
Distress and pangs have taken hold of her
Like a woman in childbirth.

      25“How the city of praise has not been deserted,
The town of My joy!

      26“Therefore, her young men will fall in her streets,
And all the men of war will be silenced in that day,” declares the LORD of hosts.

      27“I will set fire to the wall of Damascus,
And it will devour the fortified towers of Ben-hadad.”

Prophecy against Kedar and Hazor

      28Concerning Kedar and the kingdoms of Hazor, which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon defeated. Thus says the LORD,
“Arise, go up to Kedar
And devastate the men of the east.

      29“They will take away their tents and their flocks;
They will carry off for themselves
Their tent curtains, all their goods and their camels,
And they will call out to one another, ‘Terror on every side!’

      30“Run away, flee! Dwell in the depths,
O inhabitants of Hazor,” declares the LORD;
“For Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon has formed a plan against you
And devised a scheme against you.

      31“Arise, go up against a nation which is at ease,
Which lives securely,” declares the LORD.
“It has no gates or bars;
They dwell alone.

      32“Their camels will become plunder,
And their many cattle for booty,
And I will scatter to all the winds those who cut the corners of their hair;
And I will bring their disaster from every side,” declares the LORD.

      33“Hazor will become a haunt of jackals,
A desolation forever;
No one will live there,
Nor will a son of man reside in it.”

Prophecy against Elam

      34That which came as the word of the LORD to Jeremiah the prophet concerning Elam, at the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah, saying:

      35“Thus says the LORD of hosts,
‘Behold, I am going to break the bow of Elam,
The finest of their might.

      36‘I will bring upon Elam the four winds
From the four ends of heaven,
And will scatter them to all these winds;
And there will be no nation
To which the outcasts of Elam will not go.

      37‘So I will shatter Elam before their enemies
And before those who seek their lives;
And I will bring calamity upon them,
Even My fierce anger,’ declares the LORD,
‘And I will send out the sword after them
Until I have consumed them.

      38‘Then I will set My throne in Elam
And destroy out of it king and princes,’
Declares the LORD.

      39‘But it will come about in the last days
That I will restore the fortunes of Elam,’”
Declares the LORD.

In a world filled with trials and tribulations, Jeremiah 49’s message reminds us that God’s love is unwavering, His promises of hope and redemption are within our reach, but His judgment awaits those who persist in rebellion. Let’s live out these principles in our daily lives, extending love and compassion to others, trusting in God’s enduring protection, and recognizing the importance of obedience to His will.

Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. How do you find hope and redemption in your faith journey, and how can we support one another in embracing these promises while acknowledging God’s righteous judgment?

Shalom. May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you. Devotion by John in service to Christ

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Faith / Trusting God, Justice / Judgment, Obeying God, Repenting from Sin, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

Jeremiah 48: A Reminder to Be Diligent in What God Calls us to Do

📖 Discover how ancient wisdom from the Book of Jeremiah can guide us through life’s challenges and help us emerge stronger! Dive into today’s message and be inspired. 🙏

In the book of Jeremiah, chapter 48, we find valuable insights that can illuminate our path through the trials of life. This chapter prophecies the story of Moab, a nation that would face adversity brought upon them by God.

Jeremiah 48:10 (NIV) says, “A curse on anyone who is lax in doing the Lord’s work! A curse on anyone who keeps their sword from bloodshed!”

This verse reminds us of the importance of being diligent in our faith and in the work that God has called us to do. It speaks to the need for perseverance in our spiritual journey and to be willing to stand up and fight for God among those who stand against Him.

Jeremiah 48

Prophecy against Moab

      1Concerning Moab. Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel,
“Woe to Nebo, for it has been destroyed;
Kiriathaim has been put to shame, it has been captured;
The lofty stronghold has been put to shame and shattered.

      2“There is praise for Moab no longer;
In Heshbon they have devised calamity against her:
‘Come and let us cut her off from being a nation!’
You too, Madmen, will be silenced;
The sword will follow after you.

      3“The sound of an outcry from Horonaim,
‘Devastation and great destruction!’

      4“Moab is broken,
Her little ones have sounded out a cry of distress.

      5“For by the ascent of Luhith
They will ascend with continual weeping;
For at the descent of Horonaim
They have heard the anguished cry of destruction.

      6“Flee, save your lives,
That you may be like a juniper in the wilderness.

      7“For because of your trust in your own achievements and treasures,
Even you yourself will be captured;
And Chemosh will go off into exile
Together with his priests and his princes.

      8“A destroyer will come to every city,
So that no city will escape;
The valley also will be ruined
And the plateau will be destroyed,
As the LORD has said.

      9“Give wings to Moab,
For she will flee away;
And her cities will become a desolation,
Without inhabitants in them.

      10“Cursed be the one who does the LORD’S work negligently,
And cursed be the one who restrains his sword from blood.

      11“Moab has been at ease since his youth;
He has also been undisturbed, like wine on its dregs,
And he has not been emptied from vessel to vessel,
Nor has he gone into exile.
Therefore he retains his flavor,
And his aroma has not changed.

12“Therefore behold, the days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will send to him those who tip vessels, and they will tip him over, and they will empty his vessels and shatter his jars. 13“And Moab will be ashamed of Chemosh, as the house of Israel was ashamed of Bethel, their confidence.

      14“How can you say, ‘We are mighty warriors,
And men valiant for battle’?

      15“Moab has been destroyed and men have gone up to his cities;
His choicest young men have also gone down to the slaughter,”
Declares the King, whose name is the LORD of hosts.

      16“The disaster of Moab will soon come,
And his calamity has swiftly hastened.

      17“Mourn for him, all you who live around him,
Even all of you who know his name;
Say, ‘How has the mighty scepter been broken,
A staff of splendor!’

      18“Come down from your glory
And sit on the parched ground,
O daughter dwelling in Dibon,
For the destroyer of Moab has come up against you,
He has ruined your strongholds.

      19“Stand by the road and keep watch,
O inhabitant of Aroer;
Ask him who flees and her who escapes
And say, ‘What has happened?’

      20“Moab has been put to shame, for it has been shattered.
Wail and cry out;
Declare by the Arnon
That Moab has been destroyed.

      21“Judgment has also come upon the plain, upon Holon, Jahzah and against Mephaath, 22against Dibon, Nebo and Beth-diblathaim, 23against Kiriathaim, Beth-gamul and Beth-meon, 24against Kerioth, Bozrah and all the cities of the land of Moab, far and near. 25“The horn of Moab has been cut off and his arm broken,” declares the LORD. 26“Make him drunk, for he has become arrogant toward the LORD; so Moab will wallow in his vomit, and he also will become a laughingstock. 27“Now was not Israel a laughingstock to you? Or was he caught among thieves? For each time you speak about him you shake your head in scorn.

      28“Leave the cities and dwell among the crags,
O inhabitants of Moab,
And be like a dove that nests
Beyond the mouth of the chasm.

      29“We have heard of the pride of Moab—he is very proud—
Of his haughtiness, his pride, his arrogance and his self-exaltation.

      30“I know his fury,” declares the LORD,
“But it is futile;
His idle boasts have accomplished nothing.

      31“Therefore I will wail for Moab,
Even for all Moab will I cry out;
I will moan for the men of Kir-heres.

      32“More than the weeping for Jazer
I will weep for you, O vine of Sibmah!
Your tendrils stretched across the sea,
They reached to the sea of Jazer;
Upon your summer fruits and your grape harvest
The destroyer has fallen.

      33“So gladness and joy are taken away
From the fruitful field, even from the land of Moab.
And I have made the wine to cease from the wine presses;
No one will tread them with shouting,
The shouting will not be shouts of joy.

34“From the outcry at Heshbon even to Elealeh, even to Jahaz they have raised their voice, from Zoar even to Horonaim and to Eglath-shelishiyah; for even the waters of Nimrim will become desolate. 35“I will make an end of Moab,” declares the LORD, “the one who offers sacrifice on the high place and the one who burns incense to his gods.

      36“Therefore My heart wails for Moab like flutes; My heart also wails like flutes for the men of Kir-heres. Therefore they have lost the abundance it produced. 37“For every head is bald and every beard cut short; there are gashes on all the hands and sackcloth on the loins. 38“On all the housetops of Moab and in its streets there is lamentation everywhere; for I have broken Moab like an undesirable vessel,” declares the LORD. 39“How shattered it is! How they have wailed! How Moab has turned his back—he is ashamed! So Moab will become a laughingstock and an object of terror to all around him.”

      40For thus says the LORD:
“Behold, one will fly swiftly like an eagle
And spread out his wings against Moab.

      41“Kerioth has been captured
And the strongholds have been seized,
So the hearts of the mighty men of Moab in that day
Will be like the heart of a woman in labor.

      42“Moab will be destroyed from being a people
Because he has become arrogant toward the LORD.

      43“Terror, pit and snare are coming upon you,
O inhabitant of Moab,” declares the LORD.

      44“The one who flees from the terror
Will fall into the pit,
And the one who climbs up out of the pit
Will be caught in the snare;
For I shall bring upon her, even upon Moab,
The year of their punishment,” declares the LORD.

      45“In the shadow of Heshbon
The fugitives stand without strength;
For a fire has gone forth from Heshbon
And a flame from the midst of Sihon,
And it has devoured the forehead of Moab
And the scalps of the riotous revelers.

      46“Woe to you, Moab!
The people of Chemosh have perished;
For your sons have been taken away captive
And your daughters into captivity.

      47“Yet I will restore the fortunes of Moab
In the latter days,” declares the LORD.
Thus far the judgment on Moab.

Call to Action:

  1. Diligence in Faith: Let’s commit ourselves to be diligent in our faith, not only in times of ease but especially when faced with adversity. Trust that God is with us, and His work continues through us.
  2. Overcoming Challenges: Just as Moab faced challenges, we, too, encounter obstacles on our path. Seek strength and guidance in prayer and reflection, knowing that God can bring triumph from trials.
  3. Helping Others: Don’t withhold your “sword” of assistance when others are in need. Extend your hand to those facing difficulties, reflecting the love and compassion of Christ.
  4. Stay in the Word: Dive deeper into the scriptures, like Jeremiah 48, for timeless wisdom to navigate life’s complexities.

Let’s apply these teachings from Jeremiah 48 to our lives today, finding strength in adversity, and working diligently in God’s service. Remember, challenges are opportunities for growth. 🌱

Let’s discuss your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. How have you found strength in adversity, and how can we support each other on this journey of faith?

Blessings, [Your Name]

User
add in emphasis that even though God brought judgment on moab, in verse 47 he promises restoration in the future. we can take hope in the fact that God is a god of restoration and we should ask forgiveness and repent of any wrong we are doing or have done.

Call to Action:

  1. Diligence in Faith: Let’s commit ourselves to be diligent in our faith, not only in times of ease but especially when faced with adversity. Trust that God is with us, and His work continues through us.
  2. Overcoming Challenges: Just as Moab faced challenges, we, too, encounter obstacles on our path. Seek strength and guidance in prayer and reflection, knowing that God can bring triumph from trials.
  3. Hope in Restoration: Remember that God is a God of restoration. Take hope in the promise of restoration for Moab, and recognize that God offers forgiveness and a fresh start to all who turn to Him in repentance.
  4. Seek Forgiveness and Repentance: If there is any wrongdoing or sin in your life, now is the time to seek God’s forgiveness and turn away from it. His grace is abundant, and He offers us a path to restoration.

Let’s apply these teachings from Jeremiah 48 to our lives today, finding strength in adversity, and working diligently in God’s service while placing our hope in His promise of restoration. Challenges are opportunities for growth, and God’s love and mercy are boundless. 🌱

Let’s discuss your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. How have you found strength in adversity, and how can we support each other on this journey of faith and restoration?

Shalom. May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

 

All Powerful / King of All, Discipline / Guidance From God, Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Fear / Reverence for God, Justice / Judgment, Repenting from Sin, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

The Sins of the People Can Lead to Destruction of a Nation

Jeremiah 40:13 through Jeremiah 41 contains an account of events that occurred during a tumultuous time in ancient history. While the context of this passage is specific to the fall of Jerusalem and its aftermath, there is a central themes that can be applied to our lives today.

Consequences of Sin: The events leading up to the fall of Jerusalem were a result of the Israelites’ disobedience and sin. This passage reminds us of the consequences of our actions and the importance of living a righteous life. In our lives today, we should be mindful of the choices we make and their potential consequences.

The challenges and trials Jerusalem and its people endured did not stop with Babylonian conquest. There continued to be further strife and conflict even after Babylon took control. Many people continued to be hurt due to the sin and rebellion of the people against God.

Jeremiah 40:13-16

 13Now Johanan the son of Kareah and all the commanders of the forces that were in the field came to Gedaliah at Mizpah 14and said to him, “Are you well aware that Baalis the king of the sons of Ammon has sent Ishmael the son of Nethaniah to take your life?” But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam did not believe them. 15Then Johanan the son of Kareah spoke secretly to Gedaliah in Mizpah, saying, “Let me go and kill Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and not a man will know! Why should he take your life, so that all the Jews who are gathered to you would be scattered and the remnant of Judah would perish?” 16But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam said to Johanan the son of Kareah, “Do not do this thing, for you are telling a lie about Ishmael.”

Jeremiah 41

Gedaliah Is Murdered

      1In the seventh month Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, the son of Elishama, of the royal family and one of the chief officers of the king, along with ten men, came to Mizpah to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam. While they were eating bread together there in Mizpah, 2Ishmael the son of Nethaniah and the ten men who were with him arose and struck down Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, with the sword and put to death the one whom the king of Babylon had appointed over the land. 3Ishmael also struck down all the Jews who were with him, that is with Gedaliah at Mizpah, and the Chaldeans who were found there, the men of war.

      4Now it happened on the next day after the killing of Gedaliah, when no one knew about it, 5that eighty men came from Shechem, from Shiloh, and from Samaria with their beards shaved off and their clothes torn and their bodies gashed, having grain offerings and incense in their hands to bring to the house of the LORD. 6Then Ishmael the son of Nethaniah went out from Mizpah to meet them, weeping as he went; and as he met them, he said to them, “Come to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam!” 7Yet it turned out that as soon as they came inside the city, Ishmael the son of Nethaniah and the men that were with him slaughtered them and cast them into the cistern. 8But ten men who were found among them said to Ishmael, “Do not put us to death; for we have stores of wheat, barley, oil and honey hidden in the field.” So he refrained and did not put them to death along with their companions.

      9Now as for the cistern where Ishmael had cast all the corpses of the men whom he had struck down because of Gedaliah, it was the one that King Asa had made on account of Baasha, king of Israel; Ishmael the son of Nethaniah filled it with the slain. 10Then Ishmael took captive all the remnant of the people who were in Mizpah, the king’s daughters and all the people who were left in Mizpah, whom Nebuzaradan the captain of the bodyguard had put under the charge of Gedaliah the son of Ahikam; thus Ishmael the son of Nethaniah took them captive and proceeded to cross over to the sons of Ammon.

Johanan Rescues the People

      11But Johanan the son of Kareah and all the commanders of the forces that were with him heard of all the evil that Ishmael the son of Nethaniah had done. 12So they took all the men and went to fight with Ishmael the son of Nethaniah and they found him by the great pool that is in Gibeon. 13Now as soon as all the people who were with Ishmael saw Johanan the son of Kareah and the commanders of the forces that were with him, they were glad. 14So all the people whom Ishmael had taken captive from Mizpah turned around and came back, and went to Johanan the son of Kareah. 15But Ishmael the son of Nethaniah escaped from Johanan with eight men and went to the sons of Ammon. 16Then Johanan the son of Kareah and all the commanders of the forces that were with him took from Mizpah all the remnant of the people whom he had recovered from Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, after he had struck down Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, that is, the men who were soldiers, the women, the children, and the eunuchs, whom he had brought back from Gibeon. 17And they went and stayed in Geruth Chimham, which is beside Bethlehem, in order to proceed into Egypt 18because of the Chaldeans; for they were afraid of them, since Ishmael the son of Nethaniah had struck down Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, whom the king of Babylon had appointed over the land.

We will not likely face an army conquering our cities and towns. However, we are definitely facing a time where the sinful and rebellious attitudes of the people against God are leading our nation down a bad path filled with malice and apathy toward God and His instructions for us.

Seek God’s help to identify areas in your life where you need to make a change and submit to Him again. Where do you need to stand up and join with other followers of Christ to resist the sinful nature of our nation and the path it is on. Do not sit by and accept it as our nation continues to degrade and move farther from God. Stand up. Get involved. Take action. Also, pray for communities, cities, states, and our nation and for the leaders.

Shalom. Devotion by John in service to Christ

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Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Father / Yahweh, Justice / Judgment, Obeying God, Psalms, Salvation

God Is Both Judge and Salvation

God judges those who fail to follow His commands to hold them accountable but shows salvation to those who order their steps according to His ways with thanksgiving!

Prayerfully reflect… which are you?

Psalm 50

God the Judge of the Righteous and the Wicked.

A Psalm of Asaph.

1The Mighty One, God, the LORD, has spoken,
And summoned the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting.

      2Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty,
God has shone forth.

      3May our God come and not keep silence;
Fire devours before Him,
And it is very tempestuous around Him.

      4He summons the heavens above,
And the earth, to judge His people:

      5“Gather My godly ones to Me,
Those who have made a covenant with Me by sacrifice.”

      6And the heavens declare His righteousness,
For God Himself is judge.

Selah.

      7“Hear, O My people, and I will speak;
O Israel, I will testify against you;
I am God, your God.

      8“I do not reprove you for your sacrifices,
And your burnt offerings are continually before Me.

      9“I shall take no young bull out of your house
Nor male goats out of your folds.

      10“For every beast of the forest is Mine,
The cattle on a thousand hills.

      11“I know every bird of the mountains,
And everything that moves in the field is Mine.

      12“If I were hungry I would not tell you,
For the world is Mine, and all it contains.

      13“Shall I eat the flesh of bulls
Or drink the blood of male goats?

      14“Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving
And pay your vows to the Most High;

      15Call upon Me in the day of trouble;
I shall rescue you, and you will honor Me.”

      16But to the wicked God says,
“What right have you to tell of My statutes
And to take My covenant in your mouth?

      17“For you hate discipline,
And you cast My words behind you.

      18“When you see a thief, you are pleased with him,
And you associate with adulterers.

      19“You let your mouth loose in evil
And your tongue frames deceit.

      20“You sit and speak against your brother;
You slander your own mother’s son.

      21“These things you have done and I kept silence;
You thought that I was just like you;
I will reprove you and state the case in order before your eyes.

      22“Now consider this, you who forget God,
Or I will tear you in pieces, and there will be none to deliver.

      23“He who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving honors Me;
And to him who orders his way aright
I shall show the salvation of God.”

God judges those who fail to follow His commands to hold them accountable but shows salvation to those who order their steps according to His ways with thanksgiving!

Prayerfully reflect… which are you?

If you don’t like the answer, turn to Him more today! He is always ready to receive us.

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Have you submitted your life to Jesus Christ? If you die today, do you know for sure that you would be with God in heaven? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.