God’s Heart For His People
BRD REFLECTIONS
Jeremiah 47, 48 and Psalm 50 (NIV)
(NIV)
(Rosalia Mahendran, Pastoral Team Member, Wesley Filipino Fellowship, Crisis Relief Wesley and Safe@Wesley)
READ:
Jeremiah 47, 48 and Psalm 50 (NIV)
Focusing on Jeremiah 48 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
The Lord of the Heavenly Armies, the God of Israel pronounced judgment on Moab. He will lay to waste, capture and shatter the cities of Moab (v1-9). He will destroy Moab (v15). The strength of Moab will be cut off and his arm will be broken (v25); He will make their boasting futile (v30). The gladness and rejoicing will be gone in the fruitful land (v33). There will be wailing and mourning in Moab (v38). Moab will become an object of ridicule and terror will surround the land (v39). Fire will devour the land (v45). Those who follow Chemosh will perish and the sons and daughters will go into captivity and exile (v46).
What Moab did? Moab trusts in her deeds and riches (v7); proud to be strong warriors and soldier ready (v14); treats Israel with contempt (v27); haughty, arrogant, insolent and conceited (v29); and worships another god (v13). Moab exalted herself against the LORD (v42).
With the prophecy pronounced on Moab, Jeremiah cries and wails for the people and land of Moab.
Jeremiah ends this chapter with the promise of restoration in v47, “But I’ll restore the fortunes of Moab in the latter days,” declares the LORD.
APPLY:
- The God that I worship is the Lord of the Heavenly Armies. Many nations if not all, value their armies. I read about countries setting aside more budget to strengthen their defence capability and establishing alliances with powerful countries who have mighty armies and advanced powerful weaponry and technology. I think on many occasions, the Almighty God who commands the heavenly armies is blanked out in the big picture of safety, security and protection of the land and people in the world. He is disregarded as leaders and armies lift up themselves.
- There are many reasons that Moab incurred God’s judgement. One of them is that Moab trusted in her deeds and riches. Sometimes the clockwork efficiency in which tasks are accomplished at home, in the office and in the community at large is amazing. I can just be proud that things are just working well and falling into place. In such a state, am I missing the hand of God and esteeming self rather than God?
- Jeremiah reflects the heart of God when he pronounced God’s judgment on Moab and at the same time wails and cries for Moab for the destruction that is about to come. He also brings comfort and hope by proclaiming restoration. I hope to reflect God’s heart (just, loving and merciful) among the people I am serving.
DO:
- I will remember that my God is powerful in comparison to the armies in this world. He commands the heavenly armies who uphold peace and carry out God’s goodwill and purposes. In Him I put my trust.
- I will celebrate the progress and prosperity of Singapore and be mindful that God the Almighty has poured out His blessings, anointing and favour on Singapore and her people. In Him I am thankful.
- I will guard my heart from being calloused and insensitive so as to, by the grace of God, feel God’s heart for the people that I am serving.
PRAY:
Lord of the Heavenly Armies, I worship you. You are Almighty. You are God who brings judgement to rebellious nations and God who restores too the fortunes of your people. No armies in this world can win against you. You are victorious. You overcome death. You are my Saviour. In you I trust. Forgive me for my conceitedness and trust in what I have. Let me give you the praise and thanksgiving that is due to you. Keep my heart sensitive to what is in your heart. Let me walk closely with you and do your will. In Christ’s name. Amen.
