Read
Judgment on Philistia
4 Gaza and Ashkelon
will be deserted
and left in ruins.
Ashdod will be emptied
in broad daylight,
and Ekron uprooted.
5To you people of Philistia
who live along the coast,
the Lord has this to say:
“I am now your enemy,
and I'll wipe you out!”
6Your seacoast will be changed
into pastureland
and sheep pens.
7The Lord God hasn't forgotten
those survivors in Judah,
and he will help them—
his people will take your land
to use for pasture.
And when evening comes,
they will rest
in houses at Ashkelon.
Judgment on Moab
* 8 The Lord All-Powerful,
the God of Israel, said:
I've heard Moab and Ammon
insult my people
and threaten their nation.
9 And so, I swear by my very life
that Moab and Ammon will end up
like Sodom and Gomorrah—
covered with thornbushes
and salt pits forever.
Then my people who survive
will take their land.
10This is how Moab and Ammon
will at last be repaid
for their pride—
and for sneering at the nation
that belongs to me,
the Lord All-Powerful.
11I will fiercely attack.
Then every god on this earth
will shrink to nothing,
and everyone of every nation
will bow down to me,
right where they are.
Reflect
God did not wake up in a panic this morning, climb out of his cloud bed, and peer down at the earth with sleepy eyes and cry out “Oh my goodness, I forgot all about my people”. God did not have to crank up the volume on speakers connected to his satellite to hear what people are saying. There was no conversation over the breakfast table in the sky between God and Gabriel wondering which consultant they should hire to prepare a report on the status of idolatry and Christianity.
The Lord all-powerful, the God who created this world never sleeps and never slumbers. He hears every conversation, every insult and every humble heartfelt word of worship. He sees the pride, the boasting, the blasphemy and the false gods that people are chasing. Yet he is patient calling for repentance, longing to welcome these wandering souls into his kingdom. Tremble in fear before him, for in his righteousness and justice, the day is near, when in swift judgment God will destroy the oppressors and lift up the oppressed.
The day is coming when every one of these proud and arrogant people will bow their knee and acknowledge that Jesus is Lord. God hasn’t forgotten you! God sees and hears the sinfulness of the world around you. Cleanse yourself from all unrighteousness. Continue to humbly be obedient to your loving heavenly Father. Rest in God’s love in the midst of the turmoil of this world, knowing that God will keep you safe until you rest in God’s kingdom.
Respond
Gracious Father, we praise you that you keep safe those who trust in you. Help us to live our lives in a way that is pleasing in your sight in the midst of the darkness surrounding us so that your name might be glorified. To him who sits on the throne be praise and honour and glory forever and ever Amen.
James Bruyn
Dr. James Bruyn is a bi-vocational visionary leader, writer and speaker who enjoys helping individuals integrate their faith in God with their daily life. James is passionate about connecting the rich promises of our loving Heavenly Father that we find in the Bible, with the joys and challenges of living out our faith in the workplace. James leads a ministry to Christians in the marketplace in Calgary, provides leadership coaching, and consults for the rail industry. Publications: God With Us At Work; Gifted To Do Our Work (Word Alive Press)