Tues.’s Devo - Taking the Mountains

Read: Ezekiel 35:1-36:38; James 1:1-18; Psalm 116:1-19; Proverbs 27:23-27 Mt. Seir was the land of the Edomites who descended from Esau, who hated Jacob. The Edomites had long been enemies of Israel. They continued to kill the Israelites when God had finished punishing them so it is their turn to be destroyed for their wickedness and hatred towards God’s people. They were like Esau who had no fear or regard for God or the promises of God. The whole world will rejoice when they are destroyed. I can’t help compare this to what is happening right now in our land. When we overturn abortion and drain the swamp the whole world is going to rejoice. God told Ezekiel to prophesy to the mountains and prophesy a take over. Instead of being run by other nations, they will be prosperous once again. Mountains stand from institutions: religion, politics, arts and entertainment, education, finances, family, and medical. Once again they would rule these mountains and prosper. God was going to do this not because they deserved it but because he wanted his glory on the earth. He would put a new heart in them and they would have a new spirit - His Spirit. He would then be ready to hear their prayers and increase their numbers. We begin James today. It is amazing to know that he wrote this book right before he was martyred. He had gone to Jerusalem for Passover and was set on a pinnacle of the temple by the scribes and Pharisees. They begged him to restrain the people who were in large numbers embracing Christianity. "Tell us," said they in the presence of the people gathered at the feast, "which is the door of Jesus?" James replied with a loud voice, "Why ask ye me concerning Jesus the Son of man? He sitteth at the right hand of power, and will come again on the clouds of heaven." Many thereupon cried, Hosanna to the Son of David. But James was cast down headlong by the Pharisees; and praying, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do," he was stoned and beaten to death with a fuller's club. (Jamieson, Faust, and Brown Commentary). James begins by enthusiastically telling us to consider it an opportunity for great joy when we are tested with troubles. These tests are the opportunity to let our faith grow so we will be complete, needing nothing. Wisdom is ours for the asking because our daddy is Wisdom. He gives us himself any time we ask. He has placed us all in different social circles, jobs, families, churches, paths so that on our journey, we will influence the people we are to influence. Temptations test our resolve and cause us to call upon God’s grace. It is always there to help us overcome all temptation. God doesn’t tempt us; he gives good gifts that help us in our journey. Lord, may we live our lives so that we receive your gifts and use them to do the work you have destined for us to do. Thank you for your grace to overcome.