Read Reflect Sometimes the sequence of verses in Proverbs makes it seem that the author did some random cut and pasting. You’d be forgiven for thinking that about today’s reading. It swings back and forth from dire warnings about bad personal behavior to the implications of corrupt actions by ruling elites. Few if any of […]
Read More consequences, Holy Spirit
Read Reflect It is never easy to face the consequences of a bad choice, particularly when we have been warned ahead of time. Such is the case with the people of Judah to whom Jeremiah gives God’s message here. Jeremiah reminds them of God’s warning in the Sinai covenant/agreement made shortly after the exodus of […]
Read More consequences, disobedience, God chose usMy sister has taken up pottery and to my amazement can take a lump of clay, manipulate it thoroughly and shape it into a wonderful bowl on her potter’s wheel. And when she spots an imperfection or fails to produce the shape she has in mind, she starts over. She is always in control.
Read More potter, consequences, choices, claySoft clay can be shaped and molded; fired clay can be broken and shattered!
In chapter 18 a potter was using soft and malleable clay to make a pot but here in chapter 19 Jeremiah picks up the finished product from the potter: a cured and fired clay jar.
Read More worship, obedience, consequences, time runs outRead Reflect Most of us are not in a position of authority like King Solomon, where we sit and judge cases brought before us day by day. However there is plenty in this passage that we can apply to our daily lives. Fairness is important in every situation, but it really takes centre stage when […]
Read More consequences, fairness, truthHave you ever sung “Onward Christian Soldiers?” One of the stanzas reminds us, “Crowns and thrones may perish, kingdoms rise and wane…” Some of us are more interested in politics than others. We’re all living in kingdoms that are either rising or waning in their strength.
Read More consequences, lifestyle, convictionsRead Reflect Ezekiel does some rather strange actions (4:1-8; 5:1-2) in presenting the prophetic messages. But full clarity of meaning does not come until Ezekiel verbally explains (5:3-13) his bizarre actions. The miniature city with the toy soldiers is none other than Jerusalem, which will be besieged by the Babylonians. The hair symbolized the inhabitants […]
Read More punishment, consequences, rébellionGod is very patient in putting up with our sins. Often he does not allow the consequences of our sins to come upon us immediately after we have done something wrong (2 Peter 3:9-10). Yet that delay does not mean that a reckoning will not come. Even though the Lord is patient, there comes a point when God has had enough of the wrongdoings of his people.
Read More repentance, punishment, consequences, sin
Have you ever been so sure someone could rescue you by speaking up on your behalf that you started your request with words of praise and thanks?
That’s how the Psalmist begins: “O God, whom I praise! Do not remain silent.”
Read More consequences, blessing, words