October 25th readings

(click on the date above for today's readings)
Jeremiah 48:1-49:22 ~ 2 Timothy 4:1-22
Psalm 95:1-96:13 ~ Proverbs 26:9-12

Jeremiah chapter 48 is not a very happy chapter... at first glance it's tough to figure out what is going on here. Why is God so angry at Moab. I think verses 29 & 30 let us in on why - "We have heard of the pride of Moab, for it is very great. We know of her loftiness, her arrogance, and her haughty heart. I know about her insolence," says the LORD, "but her boasts are false; they accomplish nothing." Sounds like pride and boasting was a major factor here obviously. Along with idol worship as we see in verse 13 - "At last Moab will be ashamed of her idol Chemosh, as Israel was ashamed of her gold calf at Bethel"

I do think we see sadness from God in this judgment upon Moab in verse 31 - "Yes, I wail for Moab; my heart is broken for the men of Kir-hareseth." And ultimate redemption in the last verse, 47, of this chapter - "But in the latter days I will restore the fortunes of Moab," says the LORD."

This chapter may give us the opportunity to pause and reflect on if there are areas in our life where we are boasting? Boasting in prideful ways? Are we arrogant, lofty, displaying a haughty heart toward others?

Chapter 49 does not bring good tidings to the Ammonites or Edomites. Verse 16 again gives us a good look into why this judgment is coming upon Edom - "You are proud that you inspire fear in others. And you are proud because you live in a rock fortress and hide high in the mountains. But don't fool yourselves!" Pride. Again. Pride. Think Pride is something that has been a temptation of humans since our beginning? Think this temptation continues today?

Verse 6 does give the hope of redemption for the Ammonites - "But afterward I will restore the fortunes of the Ammonites," says the LORD." We do not see this hope of redemption for Edom in the verses....

2 Timothy chapter 4 verses 3 & 4 I think give a good warning for each of us today - "For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to right teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever they want to hear. They will reject the truth and follow strange myths." Do we do this? Do we "look for" / "shop around for" teachers that we really like? Teachers that may only tell us what we want to hear? That may not challenge us with truth? That may offer strange myths?

In the close of this 2nd letter to Timothy, we are reading some of Paul's final written words. They are amazing. It's great to see some clear human needs in these closing words in verse 13 - "When you come, be sure to bring the coat I left with Carpus at Troas. Also bring my books, and especially my papers." It's also sad to see how he's been left pretty much alone and abandoned by many. Verse 22 are some beautiful closing words, and it's my prayer for each of you as well tonight in this blog - "May the Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you all."

Psalm 95 verses 4 & 5 remind me of the new Chris Tomlin song "Indescribable" - "He owns the depths of the earth, and even the mightiest mountains are his. The sea belongs to him, for he made it. His hands formed the dry land, too." Have you heard this song by Chris? Very joyful modern day Psalm! You can get it a snippet of the song's audio on his website by clicking here. Or, the lyrics are here. Great tune... And great Psalms of praise in 95 & 95 today!

Proverbs chapter 26, verse 12 again brings us to the pride issue we discussed earlier... "There is more hope for fools than for people who think they are wise." Do we realize where our Wisdom truly comes from?

What verses or insights jumped out for you in today's readings? Please post up in the Comments section below!

Grace,
Mike