God Speaks
The LORD Pronounces Judgment Against Egypt, Philistia and Moab–His Enemies
Verse of the Day: “Do not be afraid, Jacob my servant; do not be dismayed, Israel. I will surely save you out of a distant place, your descendants out of the land of their exile. Jacob will again have peace and security, and no one will make him afraid. Do not be afraid, Jacob my servant, for I am with you,” declares the LORD. Though I completely destroy all the nations among which I scatter you, I will discipline you but only in due measure; I will not let you go entirely unpunished.” [Quotes in the orginal.] (Jeremiah 46:27-28 NIV 2011)
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Watch TBR Day 234
We Respond
Reflection: Consider the following questions regarding Jeremiah 46-48:
1. What does this chapter tell me about God?
2. What does this chapter tell me about the human beings He created?
Here is one possible answer to each of these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit if there are any others for you personally to ponder.
Jeremiah 46
1. God may choose one nation (however ungodly) –Babylon–to punish another nation who has treated His people unfairly–Egypt.
2. Although they will be rescued by the LORD, God’s people’s misbehavior will not go on uncorrected by Him.
Jeremiah 47
1. Once He decides to act, God will be relentless until He has brought His enemies and those of His people to judgment.
2. People are helpless against the LORD’s judgments.
Jeremiah 48
1. Even though God will destroy those oppose Him and oppress His people, when He is finished, the LORD promises to restore them.
2. People (both individuals and nations) will be punished for trusting in their wealth and skill instead of turning to the LORD. In the end they will be ashamed of their idols, their lofty pride, their arrogance, and their haughty hearts.
Prayer:
3. How might I pray regarding Jeremiah 46-48?
O LORD God and Sovereign Judge of all the kingdoms of the earth, You choose what method to use to punish people and/or nations who mistreat Your people. Although You will rescue Your people, LORD, You will not leave us undisciplined. When you decide to act, LORD God, You will be relentless until You have brought Your enemies and those of Your people to judgment. People are helpless against Your judgments, LORD. Even though You will destroy those oppose You and oppress Your people, when it is finished, You, LORD, promise to restore everyone who will accept Your terms of surrender. Both individuals and nations will be punished for trusting in their wealth and skill instead of turning to You, LORD. In the end we all will be ashamed of our idols, our lofty pride, our arrogance, and our haughty hearts. Then we will, throughout eternity, bring You glory, LORD. AMEN
Action: (Ask God, the Holy Spirit, if He wants you to work on one of the suggestions below or something else more personal that He points out.)
4. What action does the LORD want me to take in response to Jeremiah 46-48? With the help of God’s Holy Spirit:
- I will pray for peace to come to Israel and Jerusalem and that God will defeat her enemies and His as He promises.
- I will speak up for the people of God.
- I will ask the Holy Spirit to help me defeat the enemies in my own life–any “idols,” any lofty pride, arrogance, or a haughty heart.
- I will cooperate with the LORD in bringing anyone I consider an enemy to both His judgment and His restoration.
Share: I plan to share what I’ve learned with __________.