Fri.’s Devo - God’s Judgment on Nations

Read: Jeremiah 48:1-29:22; 2 Timothy 4:1-22; Psalm 95:1-96:13; Proverbs 26:9-12 Today we have the list of nations God was judging. Moab and Ammon were the sons Lot had by his own daughters. Moab was a city and a mountain. They had joined with the Chaldeans to destroy Judea. Neuchadnezzar attacked the Moabites five years after they destroyed Jerusalem, Egypt and Ammon. All the great cities of the Moabites are mentioned that God was judging and there was no mercy even for the infants. They trusted in their wealth and skill but it would not be enough to keep them from being hauled off into exile and all their towns destroyed. They worshiped the god Chemosh - the destroyer and subduer. It would not save them. *** Verse 20 tells us that not only the mountainous regions mentioned before, but the plaines will also be conquered. A list of towns is given that judgment will be poured out on. *** The major sin of Moab was their pride and arrogance. They had never been in exile and always able to defend themselves. This would all come to an end and instead of joy and feasting there would be mourning and sorrow. Their pride would be turned to shame. But, God promised to restore their fortunes in the days to come. *** Next, God had a message to the Ammonites. They worshipped Molech the child-sacrificing god. Their land was to the east of Gad and Reuben and they grabbed the land when Judah was taken into exile by Nebuchadnezzar. They helped him against Judah and Jerusalem and rejoiced when they fell. Then Nebuchadnezzar came and destroyed them also. Their god, Molech was hauled off to Babylon and it could not save them. *** No one would help them, but God said he would restore their fortunes in the days to come. *** The message to Edom was one of destruction also. Edom’s founder was Esau. They would be judged, but God did say he would protect the orphans and widows who depend on Him for help as all the adult males will be killed. They had been deceived by their pride and the fear they put on others. They lived in the rocks of Petra which was an extraordinary fortress. *** Their destruction would be like the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and God would appoint their leader and he wouldn’t be able to oppose what God wanted. *** Paul also warns of God’s judgment when He comes to set up his kingdom on earth. He spoke of the time when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching but will look for teachers to tell them what they want to hear. *** Paul tells Timothy not to be afraid to suffer for the Lord. A crown of righteousness is awaiting those who fight the good fight of faith. Demas deserted him because he loved the things of this life. He warned Timothy of the coppersmith, Alexander who fought against the cause of the gospel. *** Paul stood alone against many opposers, but it gave him opportunity to preach the truth to the Gentiles. He was grateful for that. *** Lord, you are coming to judge the earth with justice and the nations with truth. May we stand before you in the righteousness and salvation Christ purchased for us. May all the nations recognize your glory and strength.