Sun.’s Devo - Furthering the Kingdom

Read: Jeremiah 48:1-49:22; 2 Timothy 4:1-22; Psalms 95:1-96:13; Proverbs 26:9-12 God gave Jeremiah messages from him to all the nations. He started with Moab, Ammon and Edom. Both of them are in what is now Jordan. It is to the east of Israel. The Moabites worshipped the Chemosh - the destroyer, subduer, or fish-god. They were known as mighty warriors and they had never gone into exile or been destroyed but God said that they would be soon be destroyed because they rebelled against the Lord and ridiculed the people of Israel. It would no longer be a nation because it boasted against the Lord. As the caused people to flee in terror from them, they will now do the same. The land of the Ammonites was land that was allowed to Gad and yet the people of Gad had all left it and not occupied their inheritance. God was going to destroy it and then give it back to Israel. Edom was last which was named for Jacob’s brother, Esau. Edom would be punished because Esau had despised God and his own brother, Jacob. The people there were known for their wisdom, but man’s wisdom is foolishness to God. It was about to be stripped bare. Paul finished his letter encouraging Timothy to keep preaching the Word of God, patiently correcting, rebuking and encouraging the people until Christ comes back. He told him not to fear suffering like he had because a crown of righteousness was awaiting those who poured out their lives for the sake of Christ. Paul longed for Timothy to come and encourage him. He had had his first trial before the judge and all his friends had abandoned him. Only God stood with him and he was able to tell his story and preach the gospel. Lord, may our lives be as Paul’s who considered suffering for Christ a small price to pay in order to fulfill his destiny and pour out his life to further the kingdom of God.