The resources God has given us to live a thriving life are His Word, Spirit, and People.
Read God’s Word:
Jeremiah 49-50
Act 2: God’s Covenant People
Scene 8: Exile: God Disciplines His People
Background Information: Jeremiah 49-50
Jeremiah writes of the judgment that will befall all of the nations, but he reserves especially harsh judgment for the Babylonian empire. Babylon was an actual place, long known for its rebellion against God. It also became a biblical symbol of human rebellion. The infamous Tower of Babel was, in fac,t the tower in Babylon; it is the same word in Hebrew. Peter referred to Rome as Babylon (1 Peter 5:13). John, writing in the book of Revelation, uses Babylon many times as a symbol of human culture in active rebellion against God. Babylon, as an independent nation, ceased to exist in 539 BC. Babylon, as symbol of humanity in rebellion to God, will exist in various forms until the Lord returns.
“So will Babylon the great city be thrown down with violence and will be found no more.” Revelation 18:21.
The storyline of the Bible points forward to that final day when creation is restored to its proper order in full submission to God. Full submission means just that. Sin is no more; human rebellion is put away forever. Some imagine a kind of God who says, “I think I will just let this whole sin thing go. Sinners sin, it’s just what they do. Oh, come on into heaven, you rascals!” But God’s holiness is not something he can choose to put aside–it is who he is. In the end, sinful humanity can no more exist in his presence than a shadow could exist in full sunlight. His judgment on our sin is necessary, not optional. Christ bore the judgment our sin deserves. In a real sense, every nation is Babylon, existing in a state of rebellion against God. Every nation will, in the end, fall. But from every nation Christ will redeem a people for himself.
After this I looked, and there was a vast multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language, which no one could number, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes with palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: Salvation belongs to our God, who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!
Revelation 7:9-10
Pray:
Praise God for…
Thank God for…
Confess your sins to God
Pray for the Brown family. Yesterday afternoon Bruce went home to be with Jesus. Ask God to provide comfort. Continue to pray for Josie Jefferson. Her sight is improving.
Ask God for… (what else concerns you?)
Reflect:
Write down one passage of scripture that stood out to you today.
Write down why this passage stood out to you.
Engage Community:
Text or call someone now and tell them…
– What you are praying for.
– What stood out from God’s word today.