Tues.’s Devo - God’s Hand

Read: Jeremiah 51:1-53; Titus 2:1-15; Psalm 99:1-9; Proverbs 26:17 The destroying of Babylon in their time mirrors the destruction of Babylon in Revelations. Babylon means “confusion” and it is the last kingdom to come down. God commanded them to not even spare her best soldiers but to let her army be completely destroyed. God did this to prove that he had not abandoned Israel and Judah but he was still their God, even though their land was filled with sin against him. (That should give us hope about America.) Babylon’s sins were so great that her punishment couldn’t be measured. The Lord would use the Medes to carry out His vengeance on Babylon. “Mede” means “my measure: my garment.” They were God’s hand of judgement. They were his battle ax and sword. The people who crafted the idols were a fraud and their idols were ridiculous lies. All their wicked deeds would be repaid. To Jerusalem, God said he would be their lawyer to plead they case and avenge them. When Babylon falls, the heavens and the earth will rejoice. He warned the people to flee and not stand around to watch. Paul had something to say to Titus for everyone. Teach the older men to have self-control, be respectful and live wisely. Let their faith be filled with love and patience. To the older women he told them to live so that their lives honored God. They were to be examples and teach the younger women how to love their husbands and children. Titus was to teach the young men to live wisely and he was to be an example of the things he taught. Slaves were to obey their masters and do their best work as if they were working for Christ. They must not talk back or steal but be examples of Christ. Jesus gave his life to free us from every kind of sin and cleanse us to make us his very own people who are totally devoted to doing good deeds. The last thing Paul said was to remind Titus that he had the authority to correct them when they needed it. The Church is suppose to discipline the Church. The Lord disciplines the world. Lord, may our lives be living epistles for the world to see what you look like.