These chapters speak about how the Lord brought about the fall of Jerusalem as he had declared because of the evil deeds that the kings and the people had committed.
The Babylonians attacked the city and it was all handed over to King Nebuchadnezzar. The glory of the Lord’s temple had been destroyed and King of Persia reigned
God is a God of second chances!
23 "This is what Cyrus king of Persia says:
" 'The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and he has appointed me to build a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah. Anyone of his people among you—may the LORD his God be with him, and let him go up.' "
HE ultimately wants to set His people free! Moving the king’s heart, He put it in his heart to allow the people of God who wanted to rebuild the temple of God in Jerusalem to return.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Jeremiah 38 - 40, Psalms 74, 79 (18th August) - Ivy
Jeremiah 38-40
The officials didn’t like what Jeremiah prophesized over Jerusalem and asked King Zedekiah to have him locked away. However upon hearing that Jeremiah may die, King Zedekiah asked to see Jeremiah. King Zedekiah probably pondered over what Jeremiah prophesized. I thought it was pretty humble of King Zedekiah to ask Jeremiah not to hide any truths from him. Jeremiah told King Zedekiah that he is to surrender himself to Babylonian King. And if he did, his life and entire family will be save. However King Zedekiah did not obey the word of the Lord and he saw his family die before his own eyes and also had his eyes put out and bound with shackles and taken to Babylon.
However, instead of persecuting Jeremiah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon gave orders to his guards to look after Jeremiah, not to harm him and do whatever he asks. At that time, God spoke again Jeremiah and told him to prophesize Ebed-Melech the Cushite. Jeremiah gave invitation to the commander of guard to follow him and be freed from the chains of his wrist. It could signify to be free from having to kill? But King Nebuchadnezzar just told Jeremiah to go to live see Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan and live amongst the people.
Being a prophet, not only does Jeremiah have the anointing from God but also the wisdom and protection. Despite being in a tough situation where his life is at risk, Jeremiah obeyed God to prophesized over the kings. However it also seems that Jeremiah is calm about being taken captive. How could he be so calm? How did he have the audacity to speak over the kings? How was he so sure that he would not be killed?
I guess the answer would have to be, he knew the very heart of God. He knew God’s plans for him. He knew the promises of God and did not waiver. He places his life at the altar of God and he knows his purpose and mission is to serve and deliver God’s message.
Do you know your purpose? Do you know what your life is made for? Or are you lost and do not know what is ahead of you? Would u grab hold of God today and seek him for His purpose for you until the day he reveals them to you? Would you trust the Lord like Jeremiah that He will bring you through all trials and persecutions?
Would you claim the promises of Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Psalm 74
This is a prayer to plead God to intervene in their country’s situation. A call for God’s hands to deliver them from their enemies.
Psalm 79
Verse 6:
Pour out your wrath on the nations that do not acknowledge you,
on the kingdoms that do not call on your name.
The psalmist must have seen the sins which the Godless nations commit and ask that God’s wrath come upon them. We may think, aiyoh, why so bad har? Cursing other nations?? I believe then other kingdoms must have been so sinful and so unrepentant that only a disaster will cause a change of heart. And sometimes, it really takes a calamity or disasters for God to be clearly seen by man.
Verse 9: Help us, O God our Savior, for the glory of your name;
deliver us and forgive our sins for your name's sake….
Verse 13: Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will praise you forever;
from generation to generation we will recount your praise.
See how the psalmist ask the Lord to cleanse his people of their sins and deliver them. So that his people will praise the name of the Lord from generations to generations.
Would you pray for your family? Friends? Colleagues? Our land? Our neighbours? Could you pray that God would be reveals in all situations and that the heart of the Godless will turn to him? May our generations down be able to see the goodness of our good Lord and give praise from many generations down!
The officials didn’t like what Jeremiah prophesized over Jerusalem and asked King Zedekiah to have him locked away. However upon hearing that Jeremiah may die, King Zedekiah asked to see Jeremiah. King Zedekiah probably pondered over what Jeremiah prophesized. I thought it was pretty humble of King Zedekiah to ask Jeremiah not to hide any truths from him. Jeremiah told King Zedekiah that he is to surrender himself to Babylonian King. And if he did, his life and entire family will be save. However King Zedekiah did not obey the word of the Lord and he saw his family die before his own eyes and also had his eyes put out and bound with shackles and taken to Babylon.
However, instead of persecuting Jeremiah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon gave orders to his guards to look after Jeremiah, not to harm him and do whatever he asks. At that time, God spoke again Jeremiah and told him to prophesize Ebed-Melech the Cushite. Jeremiah gave invitation to the commander of guard to follow him and be freed from the chains of his wrist. It could signify to be free from having to kill? But King Nebuchadnezzar just told Jeremiah to go to live see Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan and live amongst the people.
Being a prophet, not only does Jeremiah have the anointing from God but also the wisdom and protection. Despite being in a tough situation where his life is at risk, Jeremiah obeyed God to prophesized over the kings. However it also seems that Jeremiah is calm about being taken captive. How could he be so calm? How did he have the audacity to speak over the kings? How was he so sure that he would not be killed?
I guess the answer would have to be, he knew the very heart of God. He knew God’s plans for him. He knew the promises of God and did not waiver. He places his life at the altar of God and he knows his purpose and mission is to serve and deliver God’s message.
Do you know your purpose? Do you know what your life is made for? Or are you lost and do not know what is ahead of you? Would u grab hold of God today and seek him for His purpose for you until the day he reveals them to you? Would you trust the Lord like Jeremiah that He will bring you through all trials and persecutions?
Would you claim the promises of Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Psalm 74
This is a prayer to plead God to intervene in their country’s situation. A call for God’s hands to deliver them from their enemies.
Psalm 79
Verse 6:
Pour out your wrath on the nations that do not acknowledge you,
on the kingdoms that do not call on your name.
The psalmist must have seen the sins which the Godless nations commit and ask that God’s wrath come upon them. We may think, aiyoh, why so bad har? Cursing other nations?? I believe then other kingdoms must have been so sinful and so unrepentant that only a disaster will cause a change of heart. And sometimes, it really takes a calamity or disasters for God to be clearly seen by man.
Verse 9: Help us, O God our Savior, for the glory of your name;
deliver us and forgive our sins for your name's sake….
Verse 13: Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will praise you forever;
from generation to generation we will recount your praise.
See how the psalmist ask the Lord to cleanse his people of their sins and deliver them. So that his people will praise the name of the Lord from generations to generations.
Would you pray for your family? Friends? Colleagues? Our land? Our neighbours? Could you pray that God would be reveals in all situations and that the heart of the Godless will turn to him? May our generations down be able to see the goodness of our good Lord and give praise from many generations down!
Friday, August 17, 2007
Jeremiah 35 - 37 (17th August) - Sylvia
The Recabites
The Recabites were obedient people who listened to evey commands that their forefather, Jonadab had laid upon them. As compared tot he men of Judah and the people of Jerusalem, they did not take heed of the commands set upon them. The Recabites were greatly blessed because of their obedience.
How often in our lives have we always not taken heed of our spiritual leader's advice / gone against our parents? We want to rebel and not obey just because we don't agree with other's advice, even when its often for our own good.
Jehoiakim Burns Jeremiah's Scroll
The Lord had spoken to Jeremiah about His people, so that they would turn back when they heard about what God would do should they still refuse to repent. As Bamch read out what Jeremiah had dictated, the officials overheard him ad reported the matter to the king.
The king and his attendants were neither remorseful nor fearful. Because of this unrepentance, the king and his people would be punished with disasters inflicted upon them as decreed by God.
Jeremiah in Prison
Jeremiah got thrown in prison as he tried to go to the territory of Benjamin to get his share of the property. He got mistaken to be a traitor, about to run to the Babylonians.
Thank God that King Zedekiah was not that cruel and ruthless to thrown Jeremiah back in jail for a crime he did not commit. Instead, he showed mercy and Jeremiah was placed in the guard's courtyard and given bread.
The Recabites were obedient people who listened to evey commands that their forefather, Jonadab had laid upon them. As compared tot he men of Judah and the people of Jerusalem, they did not take heed of the commands set upon them. The Recabites were greatly blessed because of their obedience.
How often in our lives have we always not taken heed of our spiritual leader's advice / gone against our parents? We want to rebel and not obey just because we don't agree with other's advice, even when its often for our own good.
Jehoiakim Burns Jeremiah's Scroll
The Lord had spoken to Jeremiah about His people, so that they would turn back when they heard about what God would do should they still refuse to repent. As Bamch read out what Jeremiah had dictated, the officials overheard him ad reported the matter to the king.
The king and his attendants were neither remorseful nor fearful. Because of this unrepentance, the king and his people would be punished with disasters inflicted upon them as decreed by God.
Jeremiah in Prison
Jeremiah got thrown in prison as he tried to go to the territory of Benjamin to get his share of the property. He got mistaken to be a traitor, about to run to the Babylonians.
Thank God that King Zedekiah was not that cruel and ruthless to thrown Jeremiah back in jail for a crime he did not commit. Instead, he showed mercy and Jeremiah was placed in the guard's courtyard and given bread.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Jeremiah 32 - 34 (16th August) - Xiao Woon
Jeremiah 32
Jeremiah was imprisoned because he prophesied that the Lord is about to hand Jerusalem over to the king of Babylon, and he will take it.
The Lord sent him a message and said that Jeremiah’s cousin Hanamel will sell his field at Anathoth to him. It indeed happened and Jeremiah bought the field. He then told Baruch to keep both the sealed and unsealed deeds in a pottery jar as the Lord says that someday people will again own property in that land and will buy and sell houses and vineyards and fields.
Jeremiah prayed to the Lord and the Lord gave him a prediction of the fall of Jerusalem. They have done much evil in God’s sight and God’s determined to get rid of them. However, He promised that He will restore them back to the same city and let them live in peace and safety.
Our sins have consequences. The sins of the people of Jerusalem have caused calamities to come upon them. However our Lord has so much compassion on His people. Despite everything that they have done, He still intends to restore them back and give them a good life someday.
Jeremiah 33
Verse 3: Ask me and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come.
We can ask God for a vision or revelation. He will show to us because He promised in this verse=)
God promised that the time will come when He will heal Jerusalem’s wounds and give it prosperity and true peace. He will restore them to their land and have mercy on them.
Isn’t it great to know that the Lord our God loves us so much? Yes, each and every one of us. He loves us very deeply. Let us also love God the same=)
Jeremiah 34
King Zedekiah made a covenant with the people, proclaiming freedom for the slaves. He had ordered all the people to free their Hebrew slaves, but changed their minds later and forced them to be slaves again.
They broke their covenant with God and God is going to cut them apart and destroy them.
God takes covenants very seriously. He is a faithful God who keeps to His promises and covenants with us. He does not joke about promises and covenants. Thus, as we make a covenant or a promise to God, let us also be faithful to what we promised or covenanted with him=)
Jeremiah was imprisoned because he prophesied that the Lord is about to hand Jerusalem over to the king of Babylon, and he will take it.
The Lord sent him a message and said that Jeremiah’s cousin Hanamel will sell his field at Anathoth to him. It indeed happened and Jeremiah bought the field. He then told Baruch to keep both the sealed and unsealed deeds in a pottery jar as the Lord says that someday people will again own property in that land and will buy and sell houses and vineyards and fields.
Jeremiah prayed to the Lord and the Lord gave him a prediction of the fall of Jerusalem. They have done much evil in God’s sight and God’s determined to get rid of them. However, He promised that He will restore them back to the same city and let them live in peace and safety.
Our sins have consequences. The sins of the people of Jerusalem have caused calamities to come upon them. However our Lord has so much compassion on His people. Despite everything that they have done, He still intends to restore them back and give them a good life someday.
Jeremiah 33
Verse 3: Ask me and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come.
We can ask God for a vision or revelation. He will show to us because He promised in this verse=)
God promised that the time will come when He will heal Jerusalem’s wounds and give it prosperity and true peace. He will restore them to their land and have mercy on them.
Isn’t it great to know that the Lord our God loves us so much? Yes, each and every one of us. He loves us very deeply. Let us also love God the same=)
Jeremiah 34
King Zedekiah made a covenant with the people, proclaiming freedom for the slaves. He had ordered all the people to free their Hebrew slaves, but changed their minds later and forced them to be slaves again.
They broke their covenant with God and God is going to cut them apart and destroy them.
God takes covenants very seriously. He is a faithful God who keeps to His promises and covenants with us. He does not joke about promises and covenants. Thus, as we make a covenant or a promise to God, let us also be faithful to what we promised or covenanted with him=)
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Jeremiah 30 - 31 (15th August) - Junming
Not because of what we've done, but because of who God is.
Only by His grace alone are we saved.
In the chapters preceding Jer 30, God spoke through Jeremiah that judgment would befall His chosen people Israel, and they would be delivered into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. But in Jer 30 and 31, God promised restoration, without any condition!
Jer 30:22 ''So you will be my people, and i will be your God.''
Jer 31:33 ''I will be their God, and they will be my people.''
God does not forsake us no matter what. In 30:11, He says He will not completely destroy us, but will discipline us justly.
Jer 31:3 ''I have loved you with an EVERLASTING love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness''
Indeed God loves us with a love that endures through all circumstances. His love reaches out even to those who curse and deny Him. His love is unconditional. He loves us not because of who we are but because of who He is. He is love. [1Jhn 4:16] He does not just love us, HE IS LOVE! And by doing anything else but that would contradict his very own nature.
Jer 31:9 ''They will come with weeping, they will pray as i bring them back. I will lead them beside streams of water on a level path where they will not stumble, because I am Israel's father, and Ephraim is my firstborn son.''
Verse after verse, God affirms His unconditional love for us. Nothing we do will make him love us any less! He loves because He has chosen us. Let this be a truth we take into our daily lives, knowing that God loves us. Rest in the knowledge that He holds our hands and is pleased with us=) But remember, He leaves no sin unpunished. So if you're far, come back. He'll always be there for you. And why all the unconditional love?
Not because of what we've done, but because of who God is.
Only by His grace alone are we saved.
In the chapters preceding Jer 30, God spoke through Jeremiah that judgment would befall His chosen people Israel, and they would be delivered into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. But in Jer 30 and 31, God promised restoration, without any condition!
Jer 30:22 ''So you will be my people, and i will be your God.''
Jer 31:33 ''I will be their God, and they will be my people.''
God does not forsake us no matter what. In 30:11, He says He will not completely destroy us, but will discipline us justly.
Jer 31:3 ''I have loved you with an EVERLASTING love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness''
Indeed God loves us with a love that endures through all circumstances. His love reaches out even to those who curse and deny Him. His love is unconditional. He loves us not because of who we are but because of who He is. He is love. [1Jhn 4:16] He does not just love us, HE IS LOVE! And by doing anything else but that would contradict his very own nature.
Jer 31:9 ''They will come with weeping, they will pray as i bring them back. I will lead them beside streams of water on a level path where they will not stumble, because I am Israel's father, and Ephraim is my firstborn son.''
Verse after verse, God affirms His unconditional love for us. Nothing we do will make him love us any less! He loves because He has chosen us. Let this be a truth we take into our daily lives, knowing that God loves us. Rest in the knowledge that He holds our hands and is pleased with us=) But remember, He leaves no sin unpunished. So if you're far, come back. He'll always be there for you. And why all the unconditional love?
Not because of what we've done, but because of who God is.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Jeremiah 26 - 29 (14th August) - Sky
Jeremiah 26
Jeremiah lived in a time of false prophets, as they assured the people of God’s continued blessing and protection, Jeremiah prophesized destruction. Accustomed to hearing the words they wanted to hear, the people could not tolerate Jeremiah’s message of calamity and judgment, threatening him with death.
But GOD honored Jeremiah for saying what had to be said, regardless of the cost, and intervened to turn the crowd around.
Does GOD Change his plans? Its shows one thing about our Father, HIS mercy triumphs over judgment.
Jeremiah 27
Something interesting happen in this chapter, GOD handed the countries over to his servant Nebuchadnezzar King of Babylon, asking them to submit to him
Why did GOD call a pagan King his servant?
The Babylonians were neither more righteous nor deserving than the other nations, but they fit God’s purpose.
His ways maybe surprising or perplexing. But when we cannot trace HIS hand, we can always trust HIS heart.
Jeremiah 28
As Hananiah prophesized assurance of prosperity to the people. Jeremiah prophesized a message of doom. By contrast, it opposed the tide of popular opinion.
In V5-6, Jeremiah was probable being sarcastic to Hananiah’s reply. But he genuinely wanted the temple and the nation to be restored.
Jeremiah was bothered by false prophets, because as they claimed to speak for GOD, the false prophets held and enormous potential influence. Jeremiah recognized that, left unchecked, they could push the entire nation further away from GOD. Besides, Jeremiah is God’s spokesperson =)
Jeremiah 29
I believe after reading this chapter, what catch me most was Jeremiah 29:11 which I believe most of us have heard before.
“ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord,” plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
I believe this verse has a different impact in each of our lives. We are always encouraged by this verse, especially in difficult times, because GOD does not forget his people despite appearances to the contrary. And we know… simply GOD understands what we have to go through.
In V26 Jeremiah ends this chapter in an insightful manner. Eccentric as they often were in behavior, true prophets were set apart from lunatic by the ultimate fulfillment of their message.
And that’s why till today, some people still consider Christ as a madman, until his ultimate fulfillment of his Love comes.
Jeremiah lived in a time of false prophets, as they assured the people of God’s continued blessing and protection, Jeremiah prophesized destruction. Accustomed to hearing the words they wanted to hear, the people could not tolerate Jeremiah’s message of calamity and judgment, threatening him with death.
But GOD honored Jeremiah for saying what had to be said, regardless of the cost, and intervened to turn the crowd around.
Does GOD Change his plans? Its shows one thing about our Father, HIS mercy triumphs over judgment.
Jeremiah 27
Something interesting happen in this chapter, GOD handed the countries over to his servant Nebuchadnezzar King of Babylon, asking them to submit to him
Why did GOD call a pagan King his servant?
The Babylonians were neither more righteous nor deserving than the other nations, but they fit God’s purpose.
His ways maybe surprising or perplexing. But when we cannot trace HIS hand, we can always trust HIS heart.
Jeremiah 28
As Hananiah prophesized assurance of prosperity to the people. Jeremiah prophesized a message of doom. By contrast, it opposed the tide of popular opinion.
In V5-6, Jeremiah was probable being sarcastic to Hananiah’s reply. But he genuinely wanted the temple and the nation to be restored.
Jeremiah was bothered by false prophets, because as they claimed to speak for GOD, the false prophets held and enormous potential influence. Jeremiah recognized that, left unchecked, they could push the entire nation further away from GOD. Besides, Jeremiah is God’s spokesperson =)
Jeremiah 29
I believe after reading this chapter, what catch me most was Jeremiah 29:11 which I believe most of us have heard before.
“ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord,” plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
I believe this verse has a different impact in each of our lives. We are always encouraged by this verse, especially in difficult times, because GOD does not forget his people despite appearances to the contrary. And we know… simply GOD understands what we have to go through.
In V26 Jeremiah ends this chapter in an insightful manner. Eccentric as they often were in behavior, true prophets were set apart from lunatic by the ultimate fulfillment of their message.
And that’s why till today, some people still consider Christ as a madman, until his ultimate fulfillment of his Love comes.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Jeremiah 23-25 (13th July) - Crystal
Jeremiah 23
The first part of chapter 23 speaks of how the Lord will deal with those who did not look after His sheep. God will take away the sheep and leave them in the care of others. Have you left your sheep wandering? Be it your cell members or people that God has placed in your life to take care of, e.g. your siblings.
In the rest of the chapter, it talks about false and lying prophets. God’s anger against them will not turn back, what He has in mind, He will accomplish it. In verse 24 “Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see him?" declares the LORD. "Do not I fill heaven and earth?" declares the LORD.” This verse tells us that no matter where you go, where you hide, God will still find you. There is no secret that God doesn’t know. It depends on you whether you would sit down and have a chat with Him. I believe, God will give you direction from there.
Jeremiah 24
God uses figs to explain to Jeremiah the situation of Judah and how God is going to deal with them. The good figs are the exiles, they are those who God will protect and watch over. The ones who will fight for God’s Kingdom. For the bad figs, God will destroy them totally. He will uproot their sins and throw them off. Just like the bad figs, they cannot be eaten. Do you want to be a good fig or a bad fig? If you want to be a good fig, pick out all the rotten part of yourself and allow His forgiveness to flow in. Let Him cleanse you. Fight for Him till the end.
Jeremiah 25
God pour down his wrath against Judah. Before He punished Judah, He sent His people to warn them against sinning. However, the people of Judah did not take it to heart. Once again, He told them not to worship other gods except Him. His words have gone into deaf ears, God does not tolerate unholiness, He gave Judah many opportunities to turn back to Him but they refused and continue in their evil ways.
God uses people around us to speak to us, to guard our hearts from sinning. Do you only take in good comments from people? Consider those who rebuke in love, sometimes it might hurt but do not let those words fall on hard soil.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Jeremiah 18 - 22 (12th August) - Vivien
Jeremiah 18
Are you moldable? In this chapter, God revealed to Jeremiah a revelation through a potter shaping clay. God is our potter. He already has a good plan in mind how He wanted to shape us. However if you choose to be rebellious, He can put all good things to an end. Thank God, that He always gives second chances.
In verse 8, “and if that nation I warned repents of its evil, then I will relent and not inflict on it the disaster I had planned.”
But in verse 10, it says that if we do evil in His sight and disobey Him, He will reconsider His good intention for us.
The Israelites actually made plans against Jeremiah, because the words that Jeremiah sent to them were unpleasant to their ears.
Come to think of it, it really takes a lot of boldness and faith to be a prophet, especially for Jeremiah. Jeremiah was just a messenger of God, but the people of Israel choose not to deny what he has said and intend to get rid of him. Servants of God, persevere! Do what pleases God and not Man. This kind of reminded me of the Korean Christians who were martyred. Like Stephen in Acts 7:58 though he was stoned for no good reason, that had impacted Apostle Paul in some ways, so similar I believe that they will not die in vain, God has a plan and the “Apostle Paul” effect will come next!
Here is something that may be more relevant to us. Do we run away or reject or find excuses to deny teachings that you know is for our good, but it requires you to sacrifice something. For example, your leader tells you that it does not please God when you stop attending cell group because of work. So are you going to be obedient and stop work immediately on Sundays? Or are you going to ignore and deny that you are doing fine without attending cell since you have been attending service faithfully every Sunday? Are we going to choose to be like the Israelites?
Verse 19 –23: Jeremiah must have felt rejected and fed up with the reaction of the people. So he cried out to God to stand with him, in anger and despondency I guess.
Jeremiah 19 - 20
God responded to Jeremiah’s cry, and instructed him to buy the clay jar and declare to the people the bad news to them. What happened next? He was beaten up and locked up for a day. When he was released, Jeremiah continued to prophesize, not being afraid that he would be beaten up again.
It’s not easy to be a Jeremiah. After the accusations and beatings that he had gotten he complained to God, saying that God has tricked him and he had let God tricked him. He was nearing to throw in the white flag. But he didn’t. He knew that he is weak but God is strong, and he chose to continue to praise God. He cursed his birth, instead of blaming his tragedy on God. God knows our limit, and every thought matters to Him. He understands that we need to complain to not drive ourselves crazy. And so Jeremiah’s Complaint was recorded in the Bible. However, after complaining we need to come back to God and surrender whatever problems we are facing, and recognize that He is in control.
Jeremiah 21
When trouble came for Israel, King Zedekiah called for Jeremiah to inquire of the LORD, hoping that God would perform some miracles. Gosh… what kind of attitude is this! King Zedekiah was just trying his luck to see maybe God could perform magic for Israel… v2b“… Perhaps the LORD will perform wonders for us as in times past so that he [Nebuchadnezzar] will withdraw from us.” Is this the kind of respect for God?
God is really slow to anger. How did God react? Read carefully the words used. v4: “… I am about to turn against you…” & v8: “… See, I am setting before you the way of life and the way of death.” & v12: “… ‘Administer justice every morning; rescue from the hand of his oppressor the one who has been robbed, or my wrath will break out and burn like fire…’” God is still giving second chances…
Thank you God, for you are merciful. We should be like Him too. Always leave a second chance for others, and if others don’t grab the second chance we know that they are courting their own trouble.
Jeremiah 22
God reminded the king of Judah the role of a king. And God might love him, but if he has done evil in the eyes of God, God would still punish.
“As sure as I am the living God ‘-God's Decree-’ even if you, Jehoiachin son of Jehoiakim king of Judah, were the signet ring on my right hand, I'd pull you off and give you to those who are out to kill you...” v24-25 (The Message)
This is how just and fair our God is.
Ultimately, God’s heart is with the weak. God never forgets them, so we should not too!
Are you moldable? In this chapter, God revealed to Jeremiah a revelation through a potter shaping clay. God is our potter. He already has a good plan in mind how He wanted to shape us. However if you choose to be rebellious, He can put all good things to an end. Thank God, that He always gives second chances.
In verse 8, “and if that nation I warned repents of its evil, then I will relent and not inflict on it the disaster I had planned.”
But in verse 10, it says that if we do evil in His sight and disobey Him, He will reconsider His good intention for us.
The Israelites actually made plans against Jeremiah, because the words that Jeremiah sent to them were unpleasant to their ears.
Come to think of it, it really takes a lot of boldness and faith to be a prophet, especially for Jeremiah. Jeremiah was just a messenger of God, but the people of Israel choose not to deny what he has said and intend to get rid of him. Servants of God, persevere! Do what pleases God and not Man. This kind of reminded me of the Korean Christians who were martyred. Like Stephen in Acts 7:58 though he was stoned for no good reason, that had impacted Apostle Paul in some ways, so similar I believe that they will not die in vain, God has a plan and the “Apostle Paul” effect will come next!
Here is something that may be more relevant to us. Do we run away or reject or find excuses to deny teachings that you know is for our good, but it requires you to sacrifice something. For example, your leader tells you that it does not please God when you stop attending cell group because of work. So are you going to be obedient and stop work immediately on Sundays? Or are you going to ignore and deny that you are doing fine without attending cell since you have been attending service faithfully every Sunday? Are we going to choose to be like the Israelites?
Verse 19 –23: Jeremiah must have felt rejected and fed up with the reaction of the people. So he cried out to God to stand with him, in anger and despondency I guess.
Jeremiah 19 - 20
God responded to Jeremiah’s cry, and instructed him to buy the clay jar and declare to the people the bad news to them. What happened next? He was beaten up and locked up for a day. When he was released, Jeremiah continued to prophesize, not being afraid that he would be beaten up again.
It’s not easy to be a Jeremiah. After the accusations and beatings that he had gotten he complained to God, saying that God has tricked him and he had let God tricked him. He was nearing to throw in the white flag. But he didn’t. He knew that he is weak but God is strong, and he chose to continue to praise God. He cursed his birth, instead of blaming his tragedy on God. God knows our limit, and every thought matters to Him. He understands that we need to complain to not drive ourselves crazy. And so Jeremiah’s Complaint was recorded in the Bible. However, after complaining we need to come back to God and surrender whatever problems we are facing, and recognize that He is in control.
Jeremiah 21
When trouble came for Israel, King Zedekiah called for Jeremiah to inquire of the LORD, hoping that God would perform some miracles. Gosh… what kind of attitude is this! King Zedekiah was just trying his luck to see maybe God could perform magic for Israel… v2b“… Perhaps the LORD will perform wonders for us as in times past so that he [Nebuchadnezzar] will withdraw from us.” Is this the kind of respect for God?
God is really slow to anger. How did God react? Read carefully the words used. v4: “… I am about to turn against you…” & v8: “… See, I am setting before you the way of life and the way of death.” & v12: “… ‘Administer justice every morning; rescue from the hand of his oppressor the one who has been robbed, or my wrath will break out and burn like fire…’” God is still giving second chances…
Thank you God, for you are merciful. We should be like Him too. Always leave a second chance for others, and if others don’t grab the second chance we know that they are courting their own trouble.
Jeremiah 22
God reminded the king of Judah the role of a king. And God might love him, but if he has done evil in the eyes of God, God would still punish.
“As sure as I am the living God ‘-God's Decree-’ even if you, Jehoiachin son of Jehoiakim king of Judah, were the signet ring on my right hand, I'd pull you off and give you to those who are out to kill you...” v24-25 (The Message)
This is how just and fair our God is.
Ultimately, God’s heart is with the weak. God never forgets them, so we should not too!
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Jeremiah 14 - 17 (11th August) - Stephanie
In Jeremiah 14, the Lord continues to talk about the sins of Judah. Jeremiah continues to intercede and plead for the people. But God is firm and says this, “Do not pray for the well-being of this people. Although they fast, I will not listen to their cry; though they offer burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Instead, I will destroy them with the sword, famine and plague.” The Lord also warns that lying prophets will perish by sword and famine because they had been prophesying in His name, saying that “No sword or famine will touch this land,” when the Lord had not sent them.
In Jeremiah 15, we see the Lord continuing to be firm on His judgment. There is even the mention of the Lord saying this, “Even if Moses and Samuel were to stand before me, my heart would not go out to this people.” Jeremiah, however, receives a promise for himself i.e. the Lord will save Jeremiah from the hands of the wicked and redeem him from the grasp of the cruel despite of His judgment on the people of this land.
In Jeremiah 16, the Lord tells Jeremiah not to marry or have children, not to mourn or show sympathy at the houses where funerals are being held because the people born in this land will die of deadly diseases and because the Lord has withdrawn His blessing, love and pity from the people.
The gist of Jeremiah 17 seems to be in these verses - “Cursed in the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the Lord.” (v5) "But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” (v7-8)
Let’s just take a moment to ponder upon some questions: -
• Are there any “drought conditions” that you may be facing today?
• Do you find it easier to trust someone or something else besides God to see you through these “drought conditions”?
Respond to the Lord in prayer and surrender these “drought conditions” to Him. Renew your trust in the Lord and ask that His “living water” refresh you. Pray for yourself that you will be that tree that does not fear heat, whose leaves are forever green. Because only then, you need not have to worry, for you will know that despite any seasonal changes, be it drought or famine, you will continue to grow, prosper and be fruitful in your due season. (also read Psalm 1:1-3)
And finally, do remember and note that it is important to keep the Sabbath day holy by not doing any work on it i.e. also to say that praising, worshiping, learning about God and having fellowship with your spiritual family at Sunday service is important and should always be an item-to-do on your weekly priority list.
In Jeremiah 15, we see the Lord continuing to be firm on His judgment. There is even the mention of the Lord saying this, “Even if Moses and Samuel were to stand before me, my heart would not go out to this people.” Jeremiah, however, receives a promise for himself i.e. the Lord will save Jeremiah from the hands of the wicked and redeem him from the grasp of the cruel despite of His judgment on the people of this land.
In Jeremiah 16, the Lord tells Jeremiah not to marry or have children, not to mourn or show sympathy at the houses where funerals are being held because the people born in this land will die of deadly diseases and because the Lord has withdrawn His blessing, love and pity from the people.
The gist of Jeremiah 17 seems to be in these verses - “Cursed in the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the Lord.” (v5) "But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” (v7-8)
Let’s just take a moment to ponder upon some questions: -
• Are there any “drought conditions” that you may be facing today?
• Do you find it easier to trust someone or something else besides God to see you through these “drought conditions”?
Respond to the Lord in prayer and surrender these “drought conditions” to Him. Renew your trust in the Lord and ask that His “living water” refresh you. Pray for yourself that you will be that tree that does not fear heat, whose leaves are forever green. Because only then, you need not have to worry, for you will know that despite any seasonal changes, be it drought or famine, you will continue to grow, prosper and be fruitful in your due season. (also read Psalm 1:1-3)
And finally, do remember and note that it is important to keep the Sabbath day holy by not doing any work on it i.e. also to say that praising, worshiping, learning about God and having fellowship with your spiritual family at Sunday service is important and should always be an item-to-do on your weekly priority list.
Friday, August 10, 2007
Jeremiah 10 - 13 (10th August) - Sylvia
Jeremiah 10
God and Idols
"Do not learn the ways of the nations or be terrified by signs in the sky, though the nations are terrified by them. For the customs of the peoples are worthless; they cut a tree out of the forest, and a craftsman shapes it with his chisel
They adorn it with silver and gold: they fasten it with hammer and nails so it will not totter. Like a scarecrow in a melon patch, their idols cannot speak; they must be carried because they cannot walk.
Do not fear them; they can do no harm nor can they do any good." v2-7
God's word is so clear - not to look to false idols and worship them, even being superstitious to the point of seeing things in the sky and taking them to be signs?
How many of us often read those astronomy and horoscopes, that will predict how our day/week/month will be like?
God says not to believe in these kind of false idols. They are after all MAN-made, they can neither speak nor move. Let's not wait until we bear the brunt of God's wrath before regretting and repenting.
Jeremiah's Prayer
We have heard of Jabez prayer where its about blessings for ourselves.
"Oh Lord, .... bless me, enlarge my territory, ... Your hand be over me.. keep me from harm"
Jeremiah's Prayer is a tad different. Its more like a prayer of repentance, also pleading with God to punish the people and nations who have turned away from Him.
"I know, O Lord, that a man's life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps. Correct me, Lord, but only with justice - not in your anger, lest you reduce me to nothing. Pour out your wrath on the nations that do not acknowledge you, on the peoples who do not call on your name. For they have devoured Jacob; they have devoured him completely and destroyed his homeland." v23-25
Jeremiah 11
The Covenant is Broken
Any covenant that we make with God is very serious. Its a promise we make in God's holy presence. We should never break any promises that we make with Him.
See what the Lord says to the people who break their covenant with Him,
"Cursed is the man who does not obey the terms of the covenant - the terms I commanded your forefathers, to give them a land flowing with milk and honey - the land that you possess today."
To be cursed by His Highest Himself is such a disaster, so scary. I wouldn't want that to happen to me or my loved ones.
Jeremiah 12
Jeremiah's Complaint / God's Answer
Jeremiah complains to God about to why the wicked prosper and seem to live comfortably, even as they do not have God in thier hearts.
God then replies if jeremiah competes with people of same or lowers standard then he is, if he remains in a comfortable position, how will he be able to handle and manage the deceitful and tough challenges that will come his way.
The hardships that we go through are God's way of moulding us, for more challenges that will come our way, so that we will be tough and ready for battle!
Jeremiah 13
A Linen Belt
Our God is so amazing. He can use a simple item like a linen belt to show His plans.
A new linen belt is clean and untouched by impurities. However, when it gets exposed to the dirty elements in a filthy environment, it becomes ruined and useless.
Same how it applies to us, we become worthless and completely useless when we do not walk in God's ways and instead turn to worship other gods.
God and Idols
"Do not learn the ways of the nations or be terrified by signs in the sky, though the nations are terrified by them. For the customs of the peoples are worthless; they cut a tree out of the forest, and a craftsman shapes it with his chisel
They adorn it with silver and gold: they fasten it with hammer and nails so it will not totter. Like a scarecrow in a melon patch, their idols cannot speak; they must be carried because they cannot walk.
Do not fear them; they can do no harm nor can they do any good." v2-7
God's word is so clear - not to look to false idols and worship them, even being superstitious to the point of seeing things in the sky and taking them to be signs?
How many of us often read those astronomy and horoscopes, that will predict how our day/week/month will be like?
God says not to believe in these kind of false idols. They are after all MAN-made, they can neither speak nor move. Let's not wait until we bear the brunt of God's wrath before regretting and repenting.
Jeremiah's Prayer
We have heard of Jabez prayer where its about blessings for ourselves.
"Oh Lord, .... bless me, enlarge my territory, ... Your hand be over me.. keep me from harm"
Jeremiah's Prayer is a tad different. Its more like a prayer of repentance, also pleading with God to punish the people and nations who have turned away from Him.
"I know, O Lord, that a man's life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps. Correct me, Lord, but only with justice - not in your anger, lest you reduce me to nothing. Pour out your wrath on the nations that do not acknowledge you, on the peoples who do not call on your name. For they have devoured Jacob; they have devoured him completely and destroyed his homeland." v23-25
Jeremiah 11
The Covenant is Broken
Any covenant that we make with God is very serious. Its a promise we make in God's holy presence. We should never break any promises that we make with Him.
See what the Lord says to the people who break their covenant with Him,
"Cursed is the man who does not obey the terms of the covenant - the terms I commanded your forefathers, to give them a land flowing with milk and honey - the land that you possess today."
To be cursed by His Highest Himself is such a disaster, so scary. I wouldn't want that to happen to me or my loved ones.
Jeremiah 12
Jeremiah's Complaint / God's Answer
Jeremiah complains to God about to why the wicked prosper and seem to live comfortably, even as they do not have God in thier hearts.
God then replies if jeremiah competes with people of same or lowers standard then he is, if he remains in a comfortable position, how will he be able to handle and manage the deceitful and tough challenges that will come his way.
The hardships that we go through are God's way of moulding us, for more challenges that will come our way, so that we will be tough and ready for battle!
Jeremiah 13
A Linen Belt
Our God is so amazing. He can use a simple item like a linen belt to show His plans.
A new linen belt is clean and untouched by impurities. However, when it gets exposed to the dirty elements in a filthy environment, it becomes ruined and useless.
Same how it applies to us, we become worthless and completely useless when we do not walk in God's ways and instead turn to worship other gods.
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Jeremiah 7 - 9 (9th August) - Li Juan
False Religion Worthless
Worshipping false gods does not only mean “religion other Christianity”. One can claim to believe in Christ, yet still go after things of the world; such as believing in self, doing things by our own judgment and basing on intuition rather than being sensitive to the spirit, materialism, fame, power etc. “Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be my people. Walk in all the ways I command you, that it may go well with you.” ( Jer 7:23)
The Valley of Slaughter / Sin and Punishment
There will come a day whereby all who sin will be punished accordingly. Those who refused to return from their wayward paths, those who do not repent of their wickedness, those who followed their own stubborn hearts. God will punish and destroy them. At times when you sin you might think “no one knows”, but God sees all that you are doing (both good and bad) and knows your every thought and desire of your heart. If there is anything you are guilty of, repent and ask God for forgiveness now, before its too late.
Worshipping false gods does not only mean “religion other Christianity”. One can claim to believe in Christ, yet still go after things of the world; such as believing in self, doing things by our own judgment and basing on intuition rather than being sensitive to the spirit, materialism, fame, power etc. “Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be my people. Walk in all the ways I command you, that it may go well with you.” ( Jer 7:23)
The Valley of Slaughter / Sin and Punishment
There will come a day whereby all who sin will be punished accordingly. Those who refused to return from their wayward paths, those who do not repent of their wickedness, those who followed their own stubborn hearts. God will punish and destroy them. At times when you sin you might think “no one knows”, but God sees all that you are doing (both good and bad) and knows your every thought and desire of your heart. If there is anything you are guilty of, repent and ask God for forgiveness now, before its too late.
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Jeremiah 4 - 6 (8th August) - Sylvia
Jeremiah 4
God is calling the people of Judah and Jerusalem to come back to Him, for those who have strayed, for those who worshipped false gods. He warns of the punishments that will befall the people, how their towns will be destroyed and the people will cry out but He won't hear their cries.
Jeremiah 5
Not a single person in Jerusalem is right in the eyes of the Lord. Even as God provided for all thier needs, they took advantage of His love and sinned, visiting prostitues, lusting after each other's wives. They even have the nerve to speak against God.
God warns that even as He destroys, He wont't destroy it completely, instead allowing His people to have to serve foreigners in another land. Its like a kind of torture. Imagine, someone just keeps torturing you, slowly causing pain at a time, but not going all the way to kill you.
Jeremiah 6
This is the time when Jerusalem starts to be under attack. God warns of an army coming from the north, where they are cruel and show no mercy for anyone. They will attack the people of Jerusalem till they cry out for mercy, but God will not hear their voices.
v30 "They are called rejected silver, because the Lord has rejected them"
It breaks God's heart when we do evil, when we sin. Imagine, why would God want to destroy the own things that He has painstakingly and thoughtfully created. The earth, the heavens and the skies, and us. Simply because when we sin, all that he has created goes to nought.
When we refuse to come back, when we are stubborn and want to continue in our ways.
Isn't it scary to read how God who sent Jesus to die for us who also allow us to suffer and be tortured, rejecting us because we pushed the limits and backslided time after time, refusing to heed His words?
Lesson for all to learn:
Don't push God's limits, don't test Him no matter how merciful our God is.
God is calling the people of Judah and Jerusalem to come back to Him, for those who have strayed, for those who worshipped false gods. He warns of the punishments that will befall the people, how their towns will be destroyed and the people will cry out but He won't hear their cries.
Jeremiah 5
Not a single person in Jerusalem is right in the eyes of the Lord. Even as God provided for all thier needs, they took advantage of His love and sinned, visiting prostitues, lusting after each other's wives. They even have the nerve to speak against God.
God warns that even as He destroys, He wont't destroy it completely, instead allowing His people to have to serve foreigners in another land. Its like a kind of torture. Imagine, someone just keeps torturing you, slowly causing pain at a time, but not going all the way to kill you.
Jeremiah 6
This is the time when Jerusalem starts to be under attack. God warns of an army coming from the north, where they are cruel and show no mercy for anyone. They will attack the people of Jerusalem till they cry out for mercy, but God will not hear their voices.
v30 "They are called rejected silver, because the Lord has rejected them"
It breaks God's heart when we do evil, when we sin. Imagine, why would God want to destroy the own things that He has painstakingly and thoughtfully created. The earth, the heavens and the skies, and us. Simply because when we sin, all that he has created goes to nought.
When we refuse to come back, when we are stubborn and want to continue in our ways.
Isn't it scary to read how God who sent Jesus to die for us who also allow us to suffer and be tortured, rejecting us because we pushed the limits and backslided time after time, refusing to heed His words?
Lesson for all to learn:
Don't push God's limits, don't test Him no matter how merciful our God is.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Jeremiah 1-3 (7th August) – Crystal
God choose Jeremiah to be the pivot to transform God’s people in Jerusalem. He called to Jeremiah and affirms him of His choice. Verse 5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." Claim this verse for yourself. God has chosen you to be where you are now. He knew you before you were called to the earth and he set us apart for His kingdom. If you have ever doubted your existence, turn to God now and ask him for his affirmation and signs. Persevere and He will answer your prayers.
Jeremiah too doubted his ability that he was the chosen one to bring a breakthrough in the lives of others because he was young; God gave him an injection of faith and courage. Verse 7 But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a child.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. 8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD. God is telling you now that He is with you and do not be afraid of the giants in your life. God has already torn them down, take the step of faith and walk in obedience.
Jeremiah 2
The word of the Lord came upon Jeremiah. He commanded Jeremiah to proclaim His words to Jerusalem. It was a long “letter’ to His people. In His words, God mention that He remembers the devotion of Israel when she gave herself to love God and God only. After which, He point out the different areas that Israel had sinned against God esp in the area of worshipping idols. God was really disappointed and angry. Our God is a jealous God. He will not allow us to compromise in His commands. Sometimes we tend to bargain or play with God’s rules and feels that it’s okay. But remember, our God is a Holy and perfect God. He will not allow anything that fall short of His standards. Is there anything that you have compromise or have allowed open doors for sins to come in?
God remembers our good, He too remembers the sins we have done. However, He gave Israel a second chance, so will He give it to you if you turn 180 degrees around and look 45 degree to Him. Jesus has already taken all upon Himself. What have you got to lose giving your life to Him? What more when He is the one who created you. Not part of your life/heart, but He wants the whole of it.
Jeremiah 3
God used the illustration of the relationship of a husband and wife to describe Israel and Him. God as the husband gave Himself to love Israel, yet Israel became unfaithful and sinned against God. With an unfailing love for His wife, God gave them many chances to repent and He longed to see Israel return to Him. As I read this chapter I thank God for His love for me just like Israel. I was a backslider, but I can always feel His love and presence during this period of unfaithfulness. God loves you and the backsliders around you too. Take courage and be that light that God can use to guide them back to God. I experienced this myself, my good friend was a fervent Christian and God used her to bring me back. You can be that light.
As God mention the sins of Israel, God brought in Judah too. God was even angrier with Judah because Judah saw God’s work with Israel and yet did not repent but follow her footsteps. When you choose to sin, not only it will affect your own life but will also stumble people around you especially your own brothers and sisters. Do a self check, is there anything that you have done that is against your good conscience? Things that might stumble your spiritual family members and caused them to sin? Be a good testimony today.
Monday, August 06, 2007
Zephaniah 1 - 3 (6th August) - Weiling
Theme and Message
The intent of the author was to announce to Judah God’s approaching judgment. His main theme was the coming of the day of the Lord, when God would severely punish the nations. He portrays the stark horror of that ordeal, but also makes it clear that God will yet be merciful towards His people.
God’s judgment would come upon those who worship idols; those who turned back from following the Lord; those who did not seek Him (1: 5, 6); those who commit acts of violence and deceit (1: 9); and those who are “stagnant in spirit” (1: 12).
We need to check if we are growing in our walk with God. If we are not growing and progressing, then we may have become lukewarm or complacent; thinking that we are still okay when we are not. We may feel that God is faraway or indifferent and will not act (“…who say in their hearts, ‘The Lord will not go good or evil!’”). We may begin to lose the fear of God.
God had sent many people to Judah calling for repentance, but the words fell on deaf words. Judah was ripe for judgment. Zeph 1 – 3: 8 depict the Day of the Lord, His judgment, coming on Judah and the nations. Zephaniah’s advice (2: 3) was for the people to humble themselves and seek God.
Indeed, God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble. In Zeph 3: 11-12, God says that He will “… remove… proud, exulting ones, and you will never again be haughty” but that He will leave a remnant that is humble and they will find refuge in the name of the Lord. God will be like a victorious warrior, exulting over His people with joy, rejoicing over them with shouts of joy.
The intent of the author was to announce to Judah God’s approaching judgment. His main theme was the coming of the day of the Lord, when God would severely punish the nations. He portrays the stark horror of that ordeal, but also makes it clear that God will yet be merciful towards His people.
God’s judgment would come upon those who worship idols; those who turned back from following the Lord; those who did not seek Him (1: 5, 6); those who commit acts of violence and deceit (1: 9); and those who are “stagnant in spirit” (1: 12).
We need to check if we are growing in our walk with God. If we are not growing and progressing, then we may have become lukewarm or complacent; thinking that we are still okay when we are not. We may feel that God is faraway or indifferent and will not act (“…who say in their hearts, ‘The Lord will not go good or evil!’”). We may begin to lose the fear of God.
God had sent many people to Judah calling for repentance, but the words fell on deaf words. Judah was ripe for judgment. Zeph 1 – 3: 8 depict the Day of the Lord, His judgment, coming on Judah and the nations. Zephaniah’s advice (2: 3) was for the people to humble themselves and seek God.
Indeed, God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble. In Zeph 3: 11-12, God says that He will “… remove… proud, exulting ones, and you will never again be haughty” but that He will leave a remnant that is humble and they will find refuge in the name of the Lord. God will be like a victorious warrior, exulting over His people with joy, rejoicing over them with shouts of joy.
Sunday, August 05, 2007
2 Kings 22 - 23, 2 Chronicles 34 - 35 (5th August) - Benjamin
From these few chapters, we see Josiah’s faithfulness with the Lord. This is especially so when the Book of the Law is found as we see in 2 Ki 22-8 and 2 Chr 34-14. He was quick to response and take remedial actions. The Lord honored his faithfulness as can be seen in 2 Ki 22-19-20 and 2 Chr 24:27-28.
A learning point for us here is that, when man or woman of God conveys God’s message to you, what’s your response? Do you recognize it and take immediate steps to redeem yourself? Or do you say yes but leave the matter to grow mouldy? Worse still, you just choose to ignore the message and try to argue your way out of it with your so-called reasons. I guess at the end of the day, it depends on how you want God to honor you in your actions and words.
Josiah took all the necessary actions to remove all forms of idolatry in the land he rules and things that are not holy and righteous in the eyes of the Lord. He even restored the celebration of the Passover which has not been practiced for a long time since.
Are there areas of your life that you need some detergent to wipe clean? Don’t delay the necessary actions that you have to take to get right with God. Also, in your walk with God, are there any areas that need restoration? Perhaps your daily quiet time that you have been neglecting, or your monthly tithing, or maybe your fellowship with your family in Christ? Take time to reflect upon all these and come before the Lord to ask for forgiveness.
A learning point for us here is that, when man or woman of God conveys God’s message to you, what’s your response? Do you recognize it and take immediate steps to redeem yourself? Or do you say yes but leave the matter to grow mouldy? Worse still, you just choose to ignore the message and try to argue your way out of it with your so-called reasons. I guess at the end of the day, it depends on how you want God to honor you in your actions and words.
Josiah took all the necessary actions to remove all forms of idolatry in the land he rules and things that are not holy and righteous in the eyes of the Lord. He even restored the celebration of the Passover which has not been practiced for a long time since.
Are there areas of your life that you need some detergent to wipe clean? Don’t delay the necessary actions that you have to take to get right with God. Also, in your walk with God, are there any areas that need restoration? Perhaps your daily quiet time that you have been neglecting, or your monthly tithing, or maybe your fellowship with your family in Christ? Take time to reflect upon all these and come before the Lord to ask for forgiveness.
Saturday, August 04, 2007
Nahum 1 - 3 (4th August) - Junming
The city of Nineveh shouldn't be unfamiliar to most of us. It was the city that Jonah went to via a very unusual route. Boat, stomach of a big fish, the big fish's vomit, and finally by foot. He could have skipped the first 3 modes of transport if he had opted to obey God, when he first called. But God gave him a second chance, and he made good and brought Nineveh to repent and reconcile to God, and God's wrath against the powerful city subsided.
About a 100 years on, Nineveh(which is the capital of Assyria by the way) had gone back to their sinful ways. They have become(or maybe they always were) a powerful city, and their soldiers are extremely brutal(Nah 3:1-4). The NIV version of the book actually ends with the 3 words, ''your endless cruelty''. Thus, we can imagine that the surrounding nations must be absolutely terrified of Assyria.
Imagine bringing the gospel to Iraq now. Many of us would buy a plane ticket to USA. I imagine God would then have to send a big bird when you're thrown out of the plane. Not Nahum. At least the bible didn't record that he ran away. This man of huge faith wrote about the destruction of the great city of Nineveh. Although nothing is written about him bringing the letter into that city, he obviously addressed the bulk of the letter to the Assyrians. What are the risks involved? Would we do the same if God called us to?
Nahum 1
The first half of the chapter talks about God's kindness while the second half talks about his sterness. Perhaps verse 3 would be a good summary verse for this chapter and even the book.
''The LORD is slow to anger and great in power; the LORD will not leave the guilty unpunished.''
Thanks be to Daddy for his patience with us! But if he leaves us unpunished, will we ever learn? If he leaves us unpunished, will we become good testimonies and shining lights for the lost? He loves us, and he punishes because of his love and his anger against sin.
Another verse that stuck out was verse 7,
''The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.''
Do we feel that our circumstances are beyond us? Trust in God. He is the one who permitted the devil to put these circumstances into our lives! Those who are in difficulties now, may it be strained relationships, stressful workload, financial problems, health problems etc.. God cares. Trust in Him.
God gave me another perspective to this verse too. ''A refuge in times of trouble.'' In times of victory and joy? Do we still remember that the LORD is good? God once gave me a revelation when i took a bus. How many of us actually talk to the bus drivers who send us to and from school and work each day? Perhaps only when encounter difficulties. Our ez-link card runs out of money, the machine is spoilt, etc..
''Uncle, how much?''
''Uncle, machine spoil.''
Do we ever say things like,
''Uncle, good morning!''
''Uncle, have a great day today!''
Seek God always. In times of trouble and tears, pray. In times of jubilee and celebration, remember God and give thanks.
Nahum 2
This chapter talks about how God would proceed to bring about the downfall of the great capital city of Assyria. Swap the word Nineveh with your own name. Imagine the terror. Let's repent and walk right with God, today.
Nahum 3
Verses 1-4 talks about the sins of Nineveh, while the remaining verses talks about Nineveh's end, never to be rebuilt again.
Nah 1:3
''The LORD is slow to anger and great in power; the LORD will not leave the guilty unpunished.''
Let's not take God's grace for granted=)
About a 100 years on, Nineveh(which is the capital of Assyria by the way) had gone back to their sinful ways. They have become(or maybe they always were) a powerful city, and their soldiers are extremely brutal(Nah 3:1-4). The NIV version of the book actually ends with the 3 words, ''your endless cruelty''. Thus, we can imagine that the surrounding nations must be absolutely terrified of Assyria.
Imagine bringing the gospel to Iraq now. Many of us would buy a plane ticket to USA. I imagine God would then have to send a big bird when you're thrown out of the plane. Not Nahum. At least the bible didn't record that he ran away. This man of huge faith wrote about the destruction of the great city of Nineveh. Although nothing is written about him bringing the letter into that city, he obviously addressed the bulk of the letter to the Assyrians. What are the risks involved? Would we do the same if God called us to?
Nahum 1
The first half of the chapter talks about God's kindness while the second half talks about his sterness. Perhaps verse 3 would be a good summary verse for this chapter and even the book.
''The LORD is slow to anger and great in power; the LORD will not leave the guilty unpunished.''
Thanks be to Daddy for his patience with us! But if he leaves us unpunished, will we ever learn? If he leaves us unpunished, will we become good testimonies and shining lights for the lost? He loves us, and he punishes because of his love and his anger against sin.
Another verse that stuck out was verse 7,
''The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.''
Do we feel that our circumstances are beyond us? Trust in God. He is the one who permitted the devil to put these circumstances into our lives! Those who are in difficulties now, may it be strained relationships, stressful workload, financial problems, health problems etc.. God cares. Trust in Him.
God gave me another perspective to this verse too. ''A refuge in times of trouble.'' In times of victory and joy? Do we still remember that the LORD is good? God once gave me a revelation when i took a bus. How many of us actually talk to the bus drivers who send us to and from school and work each day? Perhaps only when encounter difficulties. Our ez-link card runs out of money, the machine is spoilt, etc..
''Uncle, how much?''
''Uncle, machine spoil.''
Do we ever say things like,
''Uncle, good morning!''
''Uncle, have a great day today!''
Seek God always. In times of trouble and tears, pray. In times of jubilee and celebration, remember God and give thanks.
Nahum 2
This chapter talks about how God would proceed to bring about the downfall of the great capital city of Assyria. Swap the word Nineveh with your own name. Imagine the terror. Let's repent and walk right with God, today.
Nahum 3
Verses 1-4 talks about the sins of Nineveh, while the remaining verses talks about Nineveh's end, never to be rebuilt again.
Nah 1:3
''The LORD is slow to anger and great in power; the LORD will not leave the guilty unpunished.''
Let's not take God's grace for granted=)
Friday, August 03, 2007
2 Chronicles 32 - 33 (3rd August) - Xiao Woon
2 Chronicles 32
King Sennacherib of Assyria invaded Judah. King Hezekiah encouraged the people when he realized that King Sennacherib intended to attack Jerusalem too. King Sennacherib threatened Jerusalem and said that their God will not rescue them. Then King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz cried out in prayer to God in heaven and the Lord sent an angel and destroyed the Assyrian army and King Sennacherib was also killed.
There was peace throughout the land and King Hezekiah became highly respected.
King Hezekiah became deathly ill and when God healed him, he did not respond to the kindness shown him and became proud. However when he repented, God’s anger did not fall on him and the people.
King Sennacherib is like satan. Just when we are encouraged, he comes in to destroy our positive thoughts by saying stuff to destroy our faith and trust in the Lord. Let us be careful not to fall into the devil’s trap and to constantly encourage and renew ourselves with the Holy Spirit=)
Also, see that whenever we repent, God never fails to forgive. However, God knows our heart and knows whether we are sincere in repenting of our ways.
2 Chronicles 33
Hezekiah’s son Manasseh became king when Hezekiah died and he did evil in the Lord’s sight. Manasseh ignored God’s warnings so God made him prisoner.
12 But while in deep distress, Manasseh sought the Lord his God and sincerely humbled himself before the God of his ancestors. 13 And when he prayed, the Lord listened to him and was moved by his request. So the Lord brought Manasseh back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh finally realized that the Lord alone is God!
It is never too late to seek God and to repent of our ways. When Manasseh prayed, God listened to him and was moved by his request. God loves us very much and will listen to us. No matter how much wrong we have done, He is ALWAYS ready to forgive and His love for us never changes. God listens carefully to each and every one of our prayer requests and is moved and things happen in the spiritual realm. So pray and believe=)
King Sennacherib of Assyria invaded Judah. King Hezekiah encouraged the people when he realized that King Sennacherib intended to attack Jerusalem too. King Sennacherib threatened Jerusalem and said that their God will not rescue them. Then King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz cried out in prayer to God in heaven and the Lord sent an angel and destroyed the Assyrian army and King Sennacherib was also killed.
There was peace throughout the land and King Hezekiah became highly respected.
King Hezekiah became deathly ill and when God healed him, he did not respond to the kindness shown him and became proud. However when he repented, God’s anger did not fall on him and the people.
King Sennacherib is like satan. Just when we are encouraged, he comes in to destroy our positive thoughts by saying stuff to destroy our faith and trust in the Lord. Let us be careful not to fall into the devil’s trap and to constantly encourage and renew ourselves with the Holy Spirit=)
Also, see that whenever we repent, God never fails to forgive. However, God knows our heart and knows whether we are sincere in repenting of our ways.
2 Chronicles 33
Hezekiah’s son Manasseh became king when Hezekiah died and he did evil in the Lord’s sight. Manasseh ignored God’s warnings so God made him prisoner.
12 But while in deep distress, Manasseh sought the Lord his God and sincerely humbled himself before the God of his ancestors. 13 And when he prayed, the Lord listened to him and was moved by his request. So the Lord brought Manasseh back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh finally realized that the Lord alone is God!
It is never too late to seek God and to repent of our ways. When Manasseh prayed, God listened to him and was moved by his request. God loves us very much and will listen to us. No matter how much wrong we have done, He is ALWAYS ready to forgive and His love for us never changes. God listens carefully to each and every one of our prayer requests and is moved and things happen in the spiritual realm. So pray and believe=)
Thursday, August 02, 2007
2 Kings 20 - 21 (2nd August) - Sky
2 Kings 20
In this chapter we experience a miracle, Hezekiah a godly king is about to face death. He wept bitterly and prayed. Was he afraid of death? No, Israelites considered a long life to be a sign of God’s favor. Death in mid-life was therefore thought to show God’s judgment. Hezekiah seemed to hint at this view when he prayed, reminding God of how he had faithfully served HIM all his life. It wasn’t the idea of death that Hezekiah struggled with, but with the thought of being judged after a life of devotion to God’s service.
Hezekiah would not have been healed unless first he had prayed. Prayers moved God’s hand to intervene, in this case was Hezekiah’s illness
After being healed, Hezekiah showed the Babylons everything that he had. Both politics and pride may have motivated this display to impress his potential ally.
2 Kings 21
In this chapter u see the backsliding of the Kings and nation once again.
Manasseh succeeded his father Hezekiah as king, doing evil in the eyes of the Lord. He worshipped and brought idols to the Lord’s temple which brought disaster to Jerusalem.
Amon succeeded his father Manasseh as king, doing evil in the eyes of the Lord. He worshipped idols and brought upon his own death.
As u see the cycles of sin repeated in the ages, but that cycle still exists in our lives in and every one of us. Its how we choose to break out from it that separates us and the kings of past.
In this chapter we experience a miracle, Hezekiah a godly king is about to face death. He wept bitterly and prayed. Was he afraid of death? No, Israelites considered a long life to be a sign of God’s favor. Death in mid-life was therefore thought to show God’s judgment. Hezekiah seemed to hint at this view when he prayed, reminding God of how he had faithfully served HIM all his life. It wasn’t the idea of death that Hezekiah struggled with, but with the thought of being judged after a life of devotion to God’s service.
Hezekiah would not have been healed unless first he had prayed. Prayers moved God’s hand to intervene, in this case was Hezekiah’s illness
After being healed, Hezekiah showed the Babylons everything that he had. Both politics and pride may have motivated this display to impress his potential ally.
2 Kings 21
In this chapter u see the backsliding of the Kings and nation once again.
Manasseh succeeded his father Hezekiah as king, doing evil in the eyes of the Lord. He worshipped and brought idols to the Lord’s temple which brought disaster to Jerusalem.
Amon succeeded his father Manasseh as king, doing evil in the eyes of the Lord. He worshipped idols and brought upon his own death.
As u see the cycles of sin repeated in the ages, but that cycle still exists in our lives in and every one of us. Its how we choose to break out from it that separates us and the kings of past.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Isaiah 64 - 66 (1st August) - Kelvin
Isaiah 64 -66
The chapters cover God's response to the people.
During this time, the Word of God, as proclaimed by Isaiah, had been ignored and now God spoke through him these pitiful words:
"I have spread out My hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts" (Isaiah 65:2).
Although God had reached out to them, they had not responded to Him. They had gone their own ways.
The Lord continued: "I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears (dread, terrors) upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spoke, they did not hear: but they did evil before Mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not" (66:4).
God also mention something to the small minority who remained faithful then, as well as to the minority of faithful today that He will bless and ensure that peace will flow to you like a river.(Isaiah 66:5-12)
Thus, people, God is a God who has always been present throughout the centuries and we may not be born to see the past but in our modern world today, God is still present! Remain in Him and He will remain in you.
The chapters cover God's response to the people.
During this time, the Word of God, as proclaimed by Isaiah, had been ignored and now God spoke through him these pitiful words:
"I have spread out My hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts" (Isaiah 65:2).
Although God had reached out to them, they had not responded to Him. They had gone their own ways.
The Lord continued: "I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears (dread, terrors) upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spoke, they did not hear: but they did evil before Mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not" (66:4).
God also mention something to the small minority who remained faithful then, as well as to the minority of faithful today that He will bless and ensure that peace will flow to you like a river.(Isaiah 66:5-12)
Thus, people, God is a God who has always been present throughout the centuries and we may not be born to see the past but in our modern world today, God is still present! Remain in Him and He will remain in you.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Isaiah 59 - 63 (31st July) - Weiling
Isaiah 59
On Unanswered Prayers
It was like darkness all around even as you sought to look for light. You try to find a way out but there is none in sight. You are so frustrated and irritated you growl like a bear and snap at people around you. You feel so low and depressed that you moan and weep. You wonder where salvation and justice is.
Perhaps you remember a time when you felt that or perhaps you are going through a time like this now. When you pray to God and it feels as if He does not hear or maybe the circumstances seem so impossible that you feel that there can’t be a miracle; that God can’t help. While God sometimes wants to teach us to wait and persevere and sometimes trust Him for a better answer than what we are seeking; it is good to also reflect on our lives and to ask God if there is iniquity/ unconfessed sin in our lives.
For we see in v2 that our iniquities will create a wedge between us and God and hide His face from us so that He does not hear. In 1 Peter 3:12 it says, “For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the LORD is against those who do evil.” And also in Ps 66:18, “If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear”.
All acts of rebellion and disobedience to God are considered sin. Sins of “commission,” are those overt acts which are done in disobedience. However, sins of “omission,” are those things we don’t do in obedience, but know we should (James 4:17). The remedy for all sin is to confess it to God, forsake it, and ask Him to forgive you (1 John 1:9).
But ultimately God’s character is one of a champion of justice who sees it as “displeasing” when there is no justice. He will come as a Redeemer to Zion “and to those who turn from transgression in Jacob...”
Isaiah 60
Of Hope and Light – A Rebuilt Nation
Chapter 59 spoke of the groaning of Judah when they looked for light but all is darkness and they groped around like the blind, not seeing. But what hope there is now! Chapter 60 begins with the Lord calling to His people “Arise, shine, for your light has come!” “…the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you”. Such hope, such a picture of God’s glory this chapter paints. And God does this so that “nations will come to your light and kings to the brightness of your dawn” and that His name will be glorified. The nations around Judah know that people of Judah are the people of the God of Jacob. And God’s name is glorified when the city is glorified.
However, God often had to discipline Judah because they were unfaithful to Him. But a day is coming when it will not be the sun and moon that brings light “…for the Lord will be your everlasting light and your God will be your glory… and your days of sorrow will end”.
Isaiah 61
Of the Lord’s Favour – Rebuilt People
It is heartening to know that God’s heart is tender towards the poor, the brokenhearted and the people in bondage that He wants to comfort them and turn their mourning into praising. It is also awesome to know that God wants to use us as part of His rescue plan to proclaim that this is the year of the Lord’s favour! to them, so that they can trade their ashes and brokenness into a crown of beauty.
Isaiah 62
Of a New Name – Renewed Fellowship
What is in a name? When our parents named us, the name carried with it our parents’ hopes and aspirations for us. We may also have earned nick-names along the way because of our characteristics. For example, your family may affectionately call you “pig” because you were chubby growing up. Our names may also be representative of our past.
Jabez was named thus because of the past pain his mother suffered while bearing him. All in all, names are special because they are associated with us and are representative of us. And while none of us would name ourselves “Lonely”, “Forsaken”, “Failure” or “Stupid”, some of these words are what we have began to associate ourselves with because we feel this way so often.
We brand ourselves with these “names” and sometimes it feels like we’ll always be this way. “How can things change?” “How can I change?” But today the Lord is telling you that you are not forsaken that He is seeking you out and he will change your name; to give you a hope and a future, to let you know His hopes and aspirations for you, to let you know that you are beautiful and so very precious. After all, we usually only name things that are precious to us.
When God gave me my baptism name Amanda (meaning worthy of love or beloved), it was to tell me that He will always love me. Even when I’m hungry or thirsty, my name remains. Even when I’m smelly or dirty, my name remains. And so God’s love for us will remain, always unchanging.
I Will Change Your Name
I will change your name
You shall no longer be called
Wounded, outcast, lonely or afraid
I will change your name
Your new name shall be
Confidence, joyfulness
Overcoming one
Faithfulness friend of God
One who seeks My face
Confidence, joyfulness
Overcoming one
Faithfulness friend of God
One who seeks My face
Isaiah 63
Of God’s Day of Vengeance AND Redemption
The theme and message of Isaiah is the full dimension of God’s judgment and salvation. The awful judgment to be unleashed on Israel and all who defy God is called “the day of the Lord”. The Lord’s kingdom on earth, with its righteous Ruler and his righteous subjects, is the goal toward which the book of Isaiah steadily moves. The restored earth and the restored people will then conform to the divine ideal, and all will result in the praise and glory of the Holy One of Israel.
Just as we know God is compassionate, let us not forget that God is also a holy and just God. He will mete our vengeance and redemption, judgment and salvation. In Chapter 63 from verse 7 onwards, we see the people of Judah recounting God’s mercies, a God who too was distressed when they were distressed, who lifted them up and carried them all the days of old (v.9). We see the people of Judah crying out to God to remember how He used to lead them and to return once again, after they “rebelled and grieved his Holy Spirit”. Let us not grieve the Holy Spirit, a God who would let Himself feel what we feel.
On Unanswered Prayers
It was like darkness all around even as you sought to look for light. You try to find a way out but there is none in sight. You are so frustrated and irritated you growl like a bear and snap at people around you. You feel so low and depressed that you moan and weep. You wonder where salvation and justice is.
Perhaps you remember a time when you felt that or perhaps you are going through a time like this now. When you pray to God and it feels as if He does not hear or maybe the circumstances seem so impossible that you feel that there can’t be a miracle; that God can’t help. While God sometimes wants to teach us to wait and persevere and sometimes trust Him for a better answer than what we are seeking; it is good to also reflect on our lives and to ask God if there is iniquity/ unconfessed sin in our lives.
For we see in v2 that our iniquities will create a wedge between us and God and hide His face from us so that He does not hear. In 1 Peter 3:12 it says, “For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the LORD is against those who do evil.” And also in Ps 66:18, “If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear”.
All acts of rebellion and disobedience to God are considered sin. Sins of “commission,” are those overt acts which are done in disobedience. However, sins of “omission,” are those things we don’t do in obedience, but know we should (James 4:17). The remedy for all sin is to confess it to God, forsake it, and ask Him to forgive you (1 John 1:9).
But ultimately God’s character is one of a champion of justice who sees it as “displeasing” when there is no justice. He will come as a Redeemer to Zion “and to those who turn from transgression in Jacob...”
Isaiah 60
Of Hope and Light – A Rebuilt Nation
Chapter 59 spoke of the groaning of Judah when they looked for light but all is darkness and they groped around like the blind, not seeing. But what hope there is now! Chapter 60 begins with the Lord calling to His people “Arise, shine, for your light has come!” “…the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you”. Such hope, such a picture of God’s glory this chapter paints. And God does this so that “nations will come to your light and kings to the brightness of your dawn” and that His name will be glorified. The nations around Judah know that people of Judah are the people of the God of Jacob. And God’s name is glorified when the city is glorified.
However, God often had to discipline Judah because they were unfaithful to Him. But a day is coming when it will not be the sun and moon that brings light “…for the Lord will be your everlasting light and your God will be your glory… and your days of sorrow will end”.
Isaiah 61
Of the Lord’s Favour – Rebuilt People
It is heartening to know that God’s heart is tender towards the poor, the brokenhearted and the people in bondage that He wants to comfort them and turn their mourning into praising. It is also awesome to know that God wants to use us as part of His rescue plan to proclaim that this is the year of the Lord’s favour! to them, so that they can trade their ashes and brokenness into a crown of beauty.
Isaiah 62
Of a New Name – Renewed Fellowship
What is in a name? When our parents named us, the name carried with it our parents’ hopes and aspirations for us. We may also have earned nick-names along the way because of our characteristics. For example, your family may affectionately call you “pig” because you were chubby growing up. Our names may also be representative of our past.
Jabez was named thus because of the past pain his mother suffered while bearing him. All in all, names are special because they are associated with us and are representative of us. And while none of us would name ourselves “Lonely”, “Forsaken”, “Failure” or “Stupid”, some of these words are what we have began to associate ourselves with because we feel this way so often.
We brand ourselves with these “names” and sometimes it feels like we’ll always be this way. “How can things change?” “How can I change?” But today the Lord is telling you that you are not forsaken that He is seeking you out and he will change your name; to give you a hope and a future, to let you know His hopes and aspirations for you, to let you know that you are beautiful and so very precious. After all, we usually only name things that are precious to us.
When God gave me my baptism name Amanda (meaning worthy of love or beloved), it was to tell me that He will always love me. Even when I’m hungry or thirsty, my name remains. Even when I’m smelly or dirty, my name remains. And so God’s love for us will remain, always unchanging.
I Will Change Your Name
I will change your name
You shall no longer be called
Wounded, outcast, lonely or afraid
I will change your name
Your new name shall be
Confidence, joyfulness
Overcoming one
Faithfulness friend of God
One who seeks My face
Confidence, joyfulness
Overcoming one
Faithfulness friend of God
One who seeks My face
Isaiah 63
Of God’s Day of Vengeance AND Redemption
The theme and message of Isaiah is the full dimension of God’s judgment and salvation. The awful judgment to be unleashed on Israel and all who defy God is called “the day of the Lord”. The Lord’s kingdom on earth, with its righteous Ruler and his righteous subjects, is the goal toward which the book of Isaiah steadily moves. The restored earth and the restored people will then conform to the divine ideal, and all will result in the praise and glory of the Holy One of Israel.
Just as we know God is compassionate, let us not forget that God is also a holy and just God. He will mete our vengeance and redemption, judgment and salvation. In Chapter 63 from verse 7 onwards, we see the people of Judah recounting God’s mercies, a God who too was distressed when they were distressed, who lifted them up and carried them all the days of old (v.9). We see the people of Judah crying out to God to remember how He used to lead them and to return once again, after they “rebelled and grieved his Holy Spirit”. Let us not grieve the Holy Spirit, a God who would let Himself feel what we feel.
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