~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
Jeremiah 48:1-49:22 ~ 2 Timothy 4:1-22
Psalm 95:1-96:13 ~ Proverbs 26:9-12
Old Testament - 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 28 - 30 let us in on why: "You people of Moab, flee from your cities and towns! Live in the caves like doves that nest in the clefts of the rocks. 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." This map below will give you a quick snapshot of the location of the Ammonites and Edomites from today's readings:
New Testament - We wrap up Paul's second letter to Timothy today! Titus is up tomorrow! 2 Timothy chapter 4 verses 3 & 4 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? (okay, so this animated teacher guy below is probably a solid teacher - I came across a scary image of false teachers with a wolf growling as one image option for below... but I just kind of liked this guy better for some reason today. Wow... here I am shopping around for my teacher! This guy below is probably telling me what I want to hear! :) Okay, I'll put up the scary wolf image below too!)
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 basic 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 Paul'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: "May the Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you all." Indeed. Grace...
Psalms - Psalm 95 verses 4 & 5 remind me of the 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 view the song's lyrics here. Great tune... And great Psalms of praise in 95 & 95 today! Bible.org's commentary on Psalm 95 titled "A Warning about Worship" is at this link.
Wow.. Psalm 96 today is amazing! I love verse 1: "Sing a new song to the LORD! Let the whole earth sing to the LORD!" Is there a new song God is asking you to sing to him these days? Will you sing this new song to God? And I love the imagery in verse 12: "Let the fields and their crops burst forth with joy! Let the trees of the forest rustle with praise."
Proverbs - Today in Proverbs 26:12 we read: “Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.” This is an impactful verse for me. It reminds me of the need for true humility in our lives – and realizing where true wisdom comes from in our lives – God. Are we sometimes wise in our own eyes? If so, could this lead to trouble? Do you ever pray to God to keep you humble? Do you joyfully accept being humble in your life at all times? Will you pray to God to give you the strength to remain humble?
Comments from you - What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
God bless,
Mike
Jeremiah 48:1-49:22
Interesting proposition with the three nations: Moab, Ammon, and Edom. All three have a blood relationship with Israel and Judah. Moab and Ammon are descendent from Lot, Abraham’s nephew; they are from an incestuous relationship. Edom is the brother of Jacob/Israel [As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.
(Rom 9:13)] but they are not considered God’s people. God does not have grandchildren, nieces or nephews or third cousins twice removed. God has only had His People, Israel/Judah, and children, sons and daughters, all those who call on His Name and are saved.
Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: but he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also. Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life, (1Jo 2:23-25)
Grace and peace,
Ramona
Posted by: Ramona | October 25, 2006 at 11:39 AM