Today’s Reading: Jeremiah 2-3; Psalm 50

The Lord, the Mighty One, is God,
and he has spoken;
he has summoned all humanity
from where the sun rises to where it sets.
From Mount Zion, the perfection of beauty,
God shines in glorious radiance.
Our God approaches,
and he is not silent.
Fire devours everything in his way,
and a great storm rages around him.
He calls on the heavens above and earth below
to witness the judgment of his people.
“Bring my faithful people to me—
those who made a covenant with me by giving sacrifices.”
Then let the heavens proclaim his justice,
for God himself will be the judge. – Psalm 50:1-6

To fully understand God’s plans to punish His people, we need to read the book of Jeremiah and the words God spoke to him as he warned the people of what was to come and why it was happening. Let’s look at the heartbreak of our God as He describes the unfaithfulness of the people He has blessed generation after generation and consider how His words apply today:

“I remember how eager you were to please me as a young bride long ago, how you loved me and followed me even through the barren wilderness…

“What did your ancestors find wrong with me
that led them to stray so far from me?
They worshiped worthless idols,
only to become worthless themselves.
They did not ask, ‘Where is the Lord
who brought us safely out of Egypt
and led us through the barren wilderness—
a land of deserts and pits,
a land of drought and death,
where no one lives or even travels?’
“And when I brought you into a fruitful land
to enjoy its bounty and goodness,
you defiled my land and
corrupted the possession I had promised you.” – Jeremiah 2:5-7

“Has any nation ever traded its gods for new ones, even though they are not gods at all? My people have exchanged their glorious God for worthless idols! The heavens are shocked at such a thing and shrink back in horror and dismay,” says the Lord. “For my people have done two evil things: They have abandoned me — the fountain of living water. And they have dug for themselves cracked cisterns that can hold no water at all!” – Jeremiah 2:11-13

“O my people, listen to the words of the Lord!
Have I been like a desert to Israel?
Have I been to them a land of darkness?
Why then do my people say, ‘At last we are free from God!
We don’t need him anymore!’
Does a young woman forget her jewelry,
or a bride her wedding dress?
Yet for years on end
my people have forgotten me.” – Jeremiah 2:31-32

God grieved the rebellion of His people, but He never stopped loving them. Out of His great mercy, God gave Israel this opportunity: Acknowledge your guilt, admit that you rebelled, confess that you refused to listen to my voice, return home and I will bring you back to the land of Israel.

I WILL BRING YOU BACK HOME.

“I would love to treat you as my own children! I want nothing more than to give you this beautiful land – the finest possession in the world. I looked forward to your calling me ‘Father,’ and I wanted you never to turn from me.” – Jeremiah 3:19

These words reveal the heart of God — that He desired to bless His people, but they wanted to find blessings from another source. They rejected God and rebelled against Him, yet He said — “I would love to treat you as my own children!”

Jeremiah’s advice for the people then is also good for us today. Surrender your pride and power. Change your hearts before the Lord; cleanse your heart that you may be saved. Listen to the voice of God calling you back home.

“My wayward children,” says the Lord,
“come back to me, and I will heal your wayward hearts.”
“Yes, we’re coming,” the people reply,
“for you are the Lord our God.” – Jeremiah 3:22

Today’s Reading: Jeremiah 1:13-19; Psalm 32

The calling God had placed on Jeremiah’s life was not an easy one, so God took the time to speak over Jeremiah. And the young prophet heard God’s affirmation — I have known you since you were in your mother’s womb, and I have been preparing you for this moment. I am calling you to be my voice to the people, and I will watch over you as you carry out my instructions.

I WILL WATCH OVER YOU.

Then the Lord spoke to me again and asked, “What do you see now?”
And I replied, “I see a pot of boiling water, spilling from the north.”
“Yes,” the Lord said, “for terror from the north will boil out on the people of this land. – Jeremiah 1:13-14

This word picture the Lord was giving Jeremiah was intense. He had gone from the beauty of the almond tree branch to the harsh reality of a pot of boiling water. Terror was about to be poured out over the people and country Jeremiah loved, and it was his responsibility to relay this message revealing the coming destruction. Knowing the difficulty of this task, God once again assured Jeremiah of both His power and His presence.

“Get up and prepare for action.
Go out and tell them everything I tell you to say.
Do not be afraid of them,
or I will make you look foolish in front of them.
For see, today I have made you strong
like a fortified city that cannot be captured,
like an iron pillar or a bronze wall.
You will stand against the whole land—
the kings, officials, priests, and people of Judah.
They will fight you, but they will fail.
For I am with you, and I will take care of you.
I, the Lord, have spoken!” – Jeremiah 1:17-19

DO NOT BE AFRAID.

Get up.
Prepare for action.
Do not be afraid.
I have made you strong.
You will experience opposition, but they will fail.
For I am with you. I will take care of you.
I will watch over you.

There is so much power in the words the Lord spoke over Jeremiah. I wish I knew how Jeremiah received these words of affirmation. He must have been afraid of what he was being asked to do, because God took the time to ease his fears. He must have been worried about how the people would respond, because God revealed to him that the attempts of his enemies would fail because God was on his side. He was not alone. The God of the Universe was promising to take care of him!

I WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU.

I am so thankful for a God who takes the time to meet us where we are at as He prepares us for what He is calling us to do. He cares about how we are feeling. He cares about what we are grieving, and He takes the time to speak over us. He strengthens us for what is ahead, because He knows us and yet loves us deeply.

What is God calling you to during this season of your life? Is He calling you to accomplish something difficult? Perhaps today’s passage was meant for you. If so, I pray these words will wash over you fresh and new — that you will allow God to show you His power and surround you with His presence.

The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.
I will advise you and watch over you.” – Psalm 32:8

Get up.
Prepare for action.
Do not be afraid.
I have made you strong.
You will experience opposition, but they will fail.
For I am with you. I will take care of you.
I will watch over you.

Today’s Reading: Jeremiah 1:1-12, Psalm 139

Jonah, Amos, Micah, Nahum, Zephaniah, and Habakkuk. God used the faithful obedience of these prophets to make a difference in the lives of His people and their leaders. The obedience of each of these believers had an impact on the king and, in turn, on the entire nation. God called another man to make an impact on His people; he called a young man named Jeremiah.

I KNEW YOU BEFORE I FORMED YOU.

“I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb.
Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.”

“O Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!”

The Lord replied, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!” Then the Lord reached out and touched my mouth and said,

“Look, I have put my words in your mouth!
Today I appoint you to stand up against nations and kingdoms.
Some you must uproot and tear down, destroy and overthrow.
Others you must build up and plant.”

Then the Lord said to me, “Look, Jeremiah! What do you see?”

And I replied, “I see a branch from an almond tree.”

And the Lord said, “That’s right, and it means that I am watching, and I will certainly carry out my plans.” – Jeremiah 1:5-12

I AM WATCHING OVER YOU.

The almond tree branches were among the first to blossom each spring. What the people of Judah were experiencing was only the beginning of all that was about to happen. And in the midst of this turmoil, God had plans to use a young man named Jeremiah to get His message to His people.

Jeremiah felt young and ill-equipped for what God was calling him to do. God confirmed His call on Jeremiah’s life and promised that He would watch over Jeremiah; he would give him the words to say and the credibility to be heard.

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. – 1 Timothy 4:12

Paul’s words to his young intern, Timothy, are similar to God’s words of encouragement to Jeremiah. These same words can fill our hearts with the assurance that God has created us for a purpose and He will equip us for the call. He is in control and desires to carry out His plans through us. He has been active in our life since conception, beautifully forming us into the child of God He created us to be. He knows everything about us, yet chooses to use us to carry out His perfect plan, regardless of our age, gender or education. Let’s recognize God’s hand on our life as we pray the words of the psalmist:

For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
How precious to me are your thoughts, God!
How vast is the sum of them!
Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand—
when I awake, I am still with you. — Psalm 139:13-18

Today’s Reading: Zephaniah, Psalm 1

It was during this time that the prophet Zephaniah was also trying to move God’s people to renew their covenant relationship with God. He spoke of how our jealous God would punish the wicked but how God’s faithful people would enjoy the home He has prepared for them.

“I will sweep away everything from the face of the earth,” says the Lord…
“I will crush Judah and Jerusalem with my fist and destroy every last trace of their Baal worship.
I will put an end to all the idolatrous priests, so that even the memory of them will disappear.
For they go up to their roofs and bow down to the sun, moon and stars.
They claim to follow the Lord, but then they worship Molech, too.
And I will destroy those who used to worship me but no longer do.
They no longer ask for the Lord’s guidance or seek my blessings.”
Stand in silence in the presence of the Sovereign Lord,
for the awesome day of the Lord’s judgment is near. – Zephaniah 1:2,4-7

The United States of America is pulling away from the foundations of faith on which it was built. “In God we Trust” is our motto but now prayer is vanishing from our places of government. There is a pride and self-reliance that has taken the place of yesterday’s humility and calling upon the Lord for strength. There is a call upon our nation to renew our covenant with the Lord.

ASK FOR THE LORD’S GUIDANCE AND SEEK HIS BLESSINGS.

“I will search with lanterns in Jerusalem’s darkest corners to punish those who sit complacent in their sins. They think the Lord will do nothing to them, either good or bad.” – Zephaniah 1:12

What sorrow awaits rebellious, polluted Jerusalem, the city of violence and crime!
No one can tell it anything; it refuses all correction.
It does not trust in the Lord or draw near to its God. – Zephaniah 3:1-2

What can we do? What is God’s call to His people today? Perhaps similar to what He called His people to do in the days of the prophet Zephaniah:

Gather together – yes, gather together, you shameless nation.
Gather before judgment begins, before your time to repent is blown away like chaff.
Act now, before the fierce fury of the Lord falls and the terrible day of the Lord’s anger begins.
Seek the Lord, all who are humble, and follow his commands.
Seek to do what is right and to live humbly.
Perhaps even yet the Lord will protect you – protect you from his anger on the day of destruction. – Zephaniah 2:1-3

GATHER TOGETHER. ACT NOW. SEEK THE LORD TODAY.

Let’s unite our voices in petition and repentance for our nation. Let’s ask the Lord to remain with us and help us to turn the hearts of our nation back to Him. I find these verses encouraging:

But the Lord is still there in the city…
“Cheer up, Zion! Don’t be afraid!
For the Lord your God is living among you.
He is a mighty Savior.
He will take delight in you with gladness.
With his love, he will calm all your fears.
He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” – Zephaniah 3:5a,16-17

God’s message through the prophet Zephaniah is clear and leaves us with a choice. There is judgment for those who claim to follow the Lord but no longer worship Him — for those who no longer ask for the Lord’s guidance or seek His blessings. But when we humble ourselves and trust in the name of the Lord, he delights in us! We are surrounded by His love and our fears are calmed. Not only are we blessed with His presence, He rejoices over us with singing! What an incredible realization! The Lord is with us and He takes delight in us, expressing His joy in song when we trust in Him and humble ourselves in His presence.

SO LET’S TRUST IN HIM AND HUMBLE OURSELVES IN HIS PRESENCE!

Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked,
or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers.
But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night.
They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season.
Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. – Psalm 1:1-3

Lord, we humbly seek you this morning. We seek to do what is right and to live humbly before you, as individuals and as a nation. Lord, forgive us for our pride and self-reliance. Forgive us for saying “In God We Trust” and then failing to lean on you. May your people gather together and unite to give you praise. May your presence in our lives, individually and as the body of Christ, make a difference in our nation. Lord, we pray for revival for our country. Mighty Savior, may you take delight today in your people and sing over us with joy. Amen.

Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 22 -23; 2 Chronicles 34-35

Josiah’s father, King Amon, had been assassinated for his plans to rise against the oppression of the Assyrian nation. The leaders of Judah then killed those who had conspired against and assassinated King Amon, making his eight year old son Josiah the next king.

Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years. He did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight and followed the example of his ancestor David. He did not turn away from doing what was right. – 2 Chronicles 34:1-2

WHAT LEGACY HAS GOD POSITIONED YOU FOR?

Can you imagine being king at only eight years of age? Although his father did what was evil in the eyes of the Lord, Josiah began to seek God at age 16. Four years later, Josiah began to purify the nation of idol worship, destroying the altars along with every idol, Asherah pole, and cast images. He scattered the broken pieces over the graves of those who had sacrificed to the false gods represented by these man-made items.

He led the nation to make repairs to the Temple. Using the money that had been collected by the priests, skilled laborers were hired to restore the Temple. In the process of this renovation, the scroll containing the Book of the Law of the Lord was found and brought to King Josiah.

When the king heard what was written in the Law, he tore his clothes in despair. Then he gave these orders to Hilkiah, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Acbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan the court secretary, and Asaiah the king’s personal adviser: “Go to the Temple and speak to the Lord for me and for all the remnant of Israel and Judah. Inquire about the words written in the scroll that has been found. For the Lord’s great anger has been poured out on us because our ancestors have not obeyed the word of the Lord. We have not been doing everything this scroll says we must do.” – 2 Chronicles 34:19-21

When he read the Book of the Law and heard how God planned to punish His people for their idolatry and unfaithfulness, Josiah grieved the future of his nation. Josiah summoned all the elders and had the Book of the Covenant read aloud, calling the people of Judah to renew their covenant in the presence of God and bring back the celebration of Passover.

WHAT LEGACY HAS GOD POSITIONED YOU FOR?

Josiah held the highest seat of authority in the nation and what he is most known for is leading his country in repentance before God. He had been strategically positioned for such a time as this, and he used his leadership to bring glory to God. The prophet Huldah also used her position to carry out the work of the Lord. Her husband was the keeper of the Temple wardrobe, and the Lord had given her a message for this humble and repentant king:

“This is what the Lord says: I am going to bring disaster on this city and its people. All the words written in the scroll that the king of Judah has read will come true. For my people have abandoned me and offered sacrifices to pagan gods, and I am very angry with them for everything they have done. My anger will burn against this place, and it will not be quenched.” – 2 Kings 22:16-17

But to King Josiah, God had this message: “You were sorry and humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard what I said against this city and its people—that this land would be cursed and become desolate. You tore your clothing in despair and wept before me in repentance. And I have indeed heard you, says the Lord. So I will not send the promised disaster until after you have died and been buried in peace. You will not see the disaster I am going to bring on this city.” – 2 Kings 22:19-20

WHAT LEGACY HAS GOD POSITIONED YOU FOR?

Josiah called all the people together — from the greatest to the least. He himself read the entire Book of the Covenant aloud, then he took his place of authority beside the pillar and renewed the covenant in front of all the people and in the Lord’s presence. He promised to obey the Lord’s commands with all of his heart and soul, and he called on the people to do the same. And on that day, the people of Jerusalem renewed their covenant with the God who had provided for and protected their nation for generations, but who was now leading them through a season of punishment.

God saw the heart of Josiah — that he was genuinely repentant and uniquely humbled before the Lord. He was pleased with the way in which Josiah was diligent in destroying every last trace of idol worship in the nation of Judah, and in bringing His people back to their covenant relationship with God. Josiah was just 26 years old when he boldly did what no other king had ever done before.

The entire ceremony for the Lord’s Passover was completed that day. All the burnt offerings were sacrificed on the altar of the Lord, as King Josiah had commanded. All the Israelites present in Jerusalem celebrated Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread for seven days. Never since the time of the prophet Samuel had there been such a Passover. None of the kings of Israel had ever kept a Passover as Josiah did, involving all the priests and Levites, all the people of Jerusalem, and people from all over Judah and Israel. – 2 Chronicles 35:16-18

WHAT LEGACY HAS GOD POSITIONED YOU FOR?

What bold stance is He calling us to today? God, show us what it means to be truly repentant and genuinely humble before you. We long to be used by you to bring others back to a covenant relationship with you. May you be glorified in all that we say and do today. Amen.

Never before had there been a king like Josiah, who turned to the Lord with all his heart and soul and strength, obeying all the laws of Moses. And there has never been a king like him since. – 2 Kings 23:25

Today’s Reading: Habakkuk 2-3, Psalm 69

I am exhausted from crying for help; my throat is parched. My eyes are swollen with weeping, waiting for my God to help me. – Psalm 69:3

Habakkuk was struggling with God’s plan. God was using the growing strength of the Babylonian nation to punish His people. The Babylonians were taking over much of the region, including Nineveh and the Assyrian nation. This idolatrous nation was growing in power and pressing in on the nation of Judah. With a sincere heart, Habakkuk made his struggles known to God and asked God for answers.

Habakkuk’s prayer:
“O Lord my God, my Holy One, you who are eternal — surely you do not plan to wipe us out?
O Lord, our Rock, you have sent these Babylonians to correct us, to punish us for our many sins.
But you are pure and cannot stand the sight of evil. Will you wink at their treachery?
Should you be silent while the wicked swallow up people more righteous than they?
Are we only fish to be caught and killed? Are we only sea creatures that have no leader?
Must we be strung up on their hooks and caught in their nets while they rejoice and celebrate?
Then they will worship their nets and burn incense in front of them.
‘These nets are the gods who have made us rich!’
Will you let them get away with this forever?
Will they succeed forever in their heartless conquests?
I will climb up on my watchtower and stand at my guardpost.
There I will wait to see what the Lord says and how he will answer my complaint.” – Habakkuk 1:12-2:1

God’s answer: My judgment may seem slow in coming but wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed. Those that are being taken captive will one day taunt and mock their captors as they get what they deserve (2:3,6).

“For as the waters fill the sea, the earth will be filled with an awareness of the glory of the Lord.” – Habakkuk 2:14

Habakkuk responded in song, praising God and praying for mercy for God’s people. Let’s use his song in Habakkuk 3 as we lift our voices to our Sovereign Lord this morning:

Our response: Lord, we have heard all about you and we are filled with awe by your amazing works. In our time of deepest need, help us again just as you have in years past. In your anger, remember your mercy.

We see YOU moving!!! Your brilliant splendor fills the heavens and the earth is filled with your praise. Your coming is as brilliant as the sunrise. Rays of light flash from your hands, where your awesome power is hidden. You are the Eternal One!

Was it in anger that you struck the rivers and parted the sea? Were you displeased with them? No, you were sending your chariots of salvation! Lord, may your action save us and save our nation instead of destroying us for our sins. Oh God, we trust in you!

Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines;
Even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren;
Even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty,
Yet I will rejoice in the Lord!
I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!
The Sovereign Lord is my strength!
He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights. – Habakkuk 3:17-19

The Lord’s promises are pure, like silver refined in a furnace, purified seven times over. – Psalm 12:6

Answer my prayers, O Lord, for your unfailing love is wonderful.
Take care of me, for your mercy is so plentiful. – Psalm 69:16

Today’s Reading: Habakkuk 1; Psalm 22

My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?
Why are you so far away when I groan for help? – Psalm 22:1

As we read the book of Habakkuk, we are listening in on a conversation between the prophet and his God. He dares to ask God some pretty tough questions — Why do you allow injustice, God? Do you even care? Why do you tolerate evil? Are you still in control, Lord? These verses minister to my soul for I have asked some of these same questions.

My questions: Why is sin celebrated? How did sex become such a dominant addiction in our society? When did gender identity become a topic for grade school curriculum? Why aren’t people held accountable when they blatantly lie about someone else or twist the truth for their own benefit? Where is God in all of this? Who is speaking the truth? What hope is there for future generations?

God saw the honest heart of the prophet and took time to give him answers — answers that show our God is sovereign!

How long, O Lord, must I call for help?
But you do not listen!
“Violence is everywhere!” I cry, but you do not come to save.
Must I forever see these evil deeds?
Why must I watch all this misery?
Wherever I look, I see destruction and violence.
I am surrounded by people who love to argue and fight.
The law has become paralyzed, and there is no justice in the courts.
The wicked far outnumber the righteous, so that justice has become perverted. – Habakkuk 1:2-4

Do not stay so far from me, for trouble is near, and no one else can help me. – Psalm 22:11

Have you ever prayed a similar prayer? I definitely have, especially in recent days. Watching the daily news can be aggravating and I ask God where He is at in all of it. I foolishly ask Him to see all of the sorrow and injustice around the world, as if He isn’t already looking. I tell Him my heart is breaking, as if His heart isn’t more affected than mine. I ask Him where He is and if He is listening, as if God doesn’t see all and know all and love more than I am capable of.

“Look around at the nations; look and be amazed!
For I AM DOING SOMETHING in your own day,
something you wouldn’t believe even if someone told you about it.” – Habakkuk 1:5

God’s answer: Look around! There is evidence of my movement all around! I am never without a plan. Don’t try to fix the world around you with your own strength – trust in my power and wisdom. Look for ME and seek MY plan. Be willing to do what I ask you, instead of depending on yourself. Be a part of my plan instead of forcing your own.

Lord, our hearts are breaking this morning over the evidence of evil all around us. We cannot put our hope in government officials, for they make decisions based on their own agendas and redefine what is moral and what is not. We cannot put our hope in people for the epidemic of sinful choices is too great for man to overcome. You are our only hope. Lord, give us eyes to see the woundedness among us but also give us hearts to see your activity all around us. Help us to trust that you are DOING SOMETHING — that you are watching, that you are moving, that you are responding. Lord, hear our cries and give us a willingness to be a part of your solution. Amen.

Praise the Lord, all who fear him!
Honor him…
Show him reverence…
For he has not ignored or belittled the suffering of the needy.
He has not turned his back on them,
but has listened to their cries for help. – Psalm 22:23-24

Today’s Reading: Nahum; Psalm 53

The Lord is a jealous God, filled with vengeance and rage.
He takes revenge on all who oppose him and continues to rage against his enemies!
The Lord is slow to get angry, but his power is great, and he never lets the guilty go unpunished. – Nahum 1:1-3a

God once again sent a message of judgment through his prophets. This time the judgment was against the city of Nineveh, which was part of the country of Assyria. The empire of Assyria had grown strong and left a path of destruction across the land. Israel was one of the many countries that had been defeated and captured by Assyria and now this victor was pressing in on Judah. Nahum’s prophecy against Judah’s enemy came at a good time — a time when they needed to hear that God is powerful, He is paying attention, and He will punish His enemies.

The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him. But he will sweep away his enemies in an overwhelming flood. He will pursue his foes into the darkness of night. – Nahum 1:7-8

The people of Nineveh had repented of their sins after Jonah came to them, but they turned to wickedness again. The prophet Nahum declared God’s judgment on the city — the city that was rich and appeared to the world as beautiful, but was full of evil. Those who were oblivious to its wickedness were also naive to what God was capable of doing.

What sorrow awaits Nineveh, the city of murder and lies!
She is crammed with wealth and is never without victims.
Hear the crack of whips, the rumble of wheels!
Horses’ hooves pound, and charioteers charge past!
There are countless casualties, heaps of bodies – so many bodies that people stumble over them.
All this because Nineveh, the beautiful and faithless city, mistress of deadly charms, enticed the nations with her beauty.
She taught them all her magic, enchanting people everywhere.
“I am your enemy!” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
“And now I will lift your skirts and show all the earth your nakedness and shame.
I will cover you with filth and show the world how vile you really are.
All who see you will shrink back and say, ‘Nineveh lies in ruins. Where are the mourners?’
Does anyone regret your destruction?” – Nahum 3:1-7

Scriptures like this convince me that God will someday put an end to the many industries leaving a path of destruction behind them, industries like pornography, sex-trafficking and abortion. They glamourize themselves and collect their riches, but God sees that they are surrounded by those they have destroyed. He hears the cries of the men and women who have been deceived and lied to. He sees the wounds of those who have been abused and mistreated.

The abortion industry has convinced society to consider abortion as socially acceptable, a good option for women. The government pours money into their pockets. The stench of death surrounds us and the world continues to shout their praises. Pornography no longer lurks in the back room nor is it hidden in the closet. No, it is considered the norm and excuses are made for why it should be ignored. BUT God… God will sweep over his enemies in an overwhelming flood. He will pursue his foes into the darkness of night (1:8).

Will those who do evil never learn?
They eat up my people like bread
and wouldn’t think of praying to God.
Terror will grip them,
terror like they have never known before.
God will scatter the bones of your enemies.
You will put them to shame, for God has rejected them. – Psalm 53:4-5

Lord, we thank you for being a God of power — a God aware of the hurts, pains and injustices of this world. Lord, forgive our nation for allowing and promoting the death of those who cannot defend themselves. Strengthen us to protect those who are mistreated, and equip us to speak your truth to this lost and dying world. Expose evil empires that veil themselves as if to appear beautiful. May those who work in these industries see that you are the only true God and sincerely repent, finding forgiveness in our merciful God. Lord, break our hearts over what breaks yours and calm our troubled souls. Oh God, we trust in you for you are the God of love and the God of justice. Amen.

Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 21, 2 Chronicles 33

Through the life of Hezekiah’s son, Manasseh, we see again that God loves a repentant heart. But to fully understand just how merciful our God is, we need to fully understand just how ugly sin can be; to fully grasp the reach of God’s grace, we must recognize how destructive rebellion against God can become.

Manasseh was 12 years old when he became king; he reigned in Jerusalem for 55 years. He rebuilt the pagan shrines his father had destroyed, and even went so far as to build pagan altars inside of the temple of the Lord. The very place that had been created for God to dwell and be worshiped was now dedicated to the worship of false gods.

Manasseh was so deeply steeped in idolatry that he sacrificed his own sons in the fire (2 Chronicles 33:6). In an attempt to get what he wanted from life, Manasseh killed his own son because he was somehow convinced that his life would be better if he sacrificed the life of his child.

WHAT DOES GOD SAY ABOUT THE ONE WHO ORCHESTRATES THE DEATH OF THEIR OWN CHILDREN?

“If any of them offer their children as a sacrifice to Molech, they must be put to death. The people of the community must stone them to death. I myself will turn against them and cut them off from the community, because they have defiled my sanctuary and brought shame on my holy name by offering their children to Molech. And if the people of the community ignore those who offer their children to Molech and refuse to execute them, I myself will turn against them and their families and will cut them off from the community. This will happen to all who commit spiritual prostitution by worshiping Molech.” – Leviticus 20:2b-5

God’s strong word of warning in these verses was not just directed towards the parent who sacrifices their child, but towards the community who ignores the sin. If child-sacrifice is allowed and not punished, the result of this spiritual prostitution will be felt by the entire nation. If the leadership looks the other way or celebrates the child sacrifice in the name of the individual’s right to do whatever they want with their children, God’s judgment will be felt by all.

Manasseh also aroused God’s anger by practicing sorcery, divination, and witchcraft, consulting with mediums and psychics. He murdered innocent people until the city of Jerusalem was filled from end to end with the blood of those who had been murdered. He caused the people of Judah to sin, leading them to do what God had clearly defined as evil (2 Kings 21:16).

HOW DOES GOD PUNISH THE LEADER WHO ORCHESTRATES THE DEATH OF THEIR OWN PEOPLE?

“King Manasseh of Judah has done many detestable things. He is even more wicked than the Amorites, who lived in this land before Israel. He has caused the people of Judah to sin with his idols. So this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: I will bring such disaster on Jerusalem and Judah that the ears of those who hear about it will tingle with horror. I will judge Jerusalem by the same standard I used for Samaria and the same measure I used for the family of Ahab. I will wipe away the people of Jerusalem as one wipes a dish and turns it upside down. Then I will reject even the remnant of my own people who are left, and I will hand them over as plunder for their enemies. For they have done great evil in my sight and have angered me ever since their ancestors came out of Egypt.” – 2 Kings 21:11-15

The Lord spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they ignored all his warnings. So the Lord sent the commanders of the Assyrian armies, and they took Manasseh prisoner. They put a ring through his nose, bound him in bronze chains, and led him away to Babylon. But while in deep distress, Manasseh sought the Lord his God and SINCERELY humbled himself before the God of his ancestors. – 2 Chronicles 33:10-12

HOW DOES GOD RESPOND TO THE SINNER WHO SINCERELY REPENTS OF THEIR SIN?

Manasseh, one of the most evil kings Judah experienced, cried out to God for forgiveness and God listened. That’s the kind of God we serve — a God who is holy and punishes sin, but who is also merciful and forgiving for those who SINCERELY repent. The prophet Nahum, who we will study tomorrow, helps us understand that our God is both loving and just. God is patient and forgiving but also a holy God who punishes sin. He is calling out to us but we must turn to him; He wants to lavish us with His love and grace, but we must be sincere in our confession of sin and fully commit ourselves to Him.

“I was ready to respond, but no one asked for help.
I was ready to be found, but no one was looking for me.
I said, ‘Here I am, here I am!’
to a nation that did not call on my name.
All day long I opened my arms to a rebellious people.
But they follow their own evil paths
and their own crooked schemes.
All day long they insult me to my face
by worshiping idols in their sacred gardens.
They burn incense on pagan altars.
At night they go out among the graves,
worshiping the dead.
They eat the flesh of pigs
and make stews with other forbidden foods.
Yet they say to each other,
‘Don’t come too close or you will defile me!
I am holier than you!’
These people are a stench in my nostrils,
an acrid smell that never goes away.” — Isaiah 65:1-5

Oh God, may our lives be a pleasant fragrance to you. Give us the courage to speak truth without casting judgment; give us the wisdom to speak of your grace while also drawing others to a place of sincere repentance. Forgive us for turning our back to the sacrifice of your children, and give us the opportunity to influence the turning of this nation back to you. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Isaiah 62-66

When God puts someone in leadership, it is for the good of those being led. To be a leader is to be a “watchman” — to watch for danger and protect others from potential harm. Today we call this risk management. But sometimes leaders get caught up in their own egos and make choices based on what is best for them, instead of what is best for the people or for the organization they are leading. When a watchman loses sight of the role he was meant to play, harm comes to the people he was meant to lead. This puts the country, organization, ministry, congregation or family at risk.

For the leaders of my people —
the Lord’s watchmen, his shepherds –
are blind and ignorant.
They are like silent watchdogs
that give no warning when danger comes.
They love to lie around, sleeping and dreaming.
Like greedy dogs, they are never satisfied.
They are ignorant shepherds,
all following their own path and intent on personal gain.
“Come,” they say, “let’s get some wine and have a party.
Let’s all get drunk.
Then tomorrow we’ll do it again
and have an even bigger party!” – Isaiah 56:10-12

We serve a God who loves a repentant heart, who shows favor to those who humbly ask for forgiveness and submit to God’s leadership instead of making life a party for their own self-gain. He comes to restore the crushed spirit of the humble and revive the courage of those with repentant hearts (Isaiah 57:15). He does not want a false show of repentance. He rejects those who go through the motions — who say the right words and fast for the sake of impressing God (Isaiah 58). God sees the heart and will not be manipulated.

GOD SENT HIS SON TO COME AS A REDEEMER FOR THE TRULY REPENTANT (Isaiah 59).

I will tell of the Lord’s unfailing love.
I will praise the Lord for all he has done.
I will rejoice in his great goodness to Israel,
which he has granted according to his mercy and love.
He said, “They are my very own people.
Surely they will not betray me again.”
And HE BECAME THEIR SAVIOR.
In all their suffering he also suffered,
and he personally rescued them.
He lifted them up and carried them
through all the years. – Isaiah 63:7-9

When you came down long ago,
you did awesome deeds beyond our highest expectations.
And oh, how the mountains quaked!
For since the world began, no ear has heard and no eye has seen
a God like you, who works for those who wait for him! – Isaiah 64:3-4

GOD SENT HIS SON TO COME AS A REDEEMER FOR THE TRULY REPENTANT (Isaiah 59).

The Lord says, “I was ready to respond, but no one asked for help.
I was ready to be found, but no one was looking for me.
I said, ‘Here I am, here I am!’
to a nation that did not call on my name.
All day long I opened my arms to a rebellious people.
But they follow their own evil paths
and their own crooked schemes…” – Isaiah 65:1-2

“I will bless those who have humble and contrite hearts,
who tremble at my word.
But those who choose their own ways —
delighting in their detestable sins —
will not have their offerings accepted…
For when I called, they did not answer.
When I spoke, they did not listen.
They deliberately sinned before my very eyes
and chose to do what they know I despise…” – Isaiah 66:2b-4b

GOD SENT HIS SON TO COME AS A REDEEMER FOR THE TRULY REPENTANT (Isaiah 59).

Lord, we humbly come to you this morning, our Savior and our God. We bow before you with sincere and repentant hearts. Lord, we pray that you would do a work in their hearts today. We are the clay and we long for you to mold us into vessels according to your perfect will. Reveal in us any sinful intentions or prideful attitudes. We long to hear your voice and answer you obediently today. We sit in your presence and listen closely. Lord, we will speak today of your unfailing love; we will praise you for all you have done! We will rejoice in your goodness, your mercy and your love, for you called us your people when you became our Savior. Amen.