Lord, draw this nation back to You.

Thursday 8-11-2016   Home in Modesto

Scripture Reading:  Jer 7 - 9    John 13

S=Scripture  O=Observation  A=Application  P=Prayer  SOAP for the soul.

S.  Jer 9:23-24 Thus says the LORD: "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight," says the LORD. NKJV

O.  Jeremiah’s prophecies are filled with descriptions of the extreme backsliding of the Jewish people. Among many other atrocities they are burning their helpless babies, sacrificing them on the red hot hands of one of the many gods of their surrounding nations. They have turned their backs on God and are trying to mix the worship of the true God in with their abominations as though He is only one of them.

A.  As I have read through these chapters, I cannot help myself from seeing the name of our nation inserted in those places where Judah and Israel are mentioned.  Only a few decades ago God, the Father and His Son, Jesus, were named with reverence.  But our nation has chosen a leadership which has encouraged our latest generation to forsake all semblance of godliness. 52 million of our unborn babies have been sacrificed to the god of free sex. Israel was hearing harsh words of promised judgment from the preaching of Jeremiah. Can we expect anything less?

P.  Father God, You looked down upon a people that had promised to follow your ways and You blessed them greatly. Then in their prosperity You watched them turn away from You and go after the false gods of other nations and become even more vile than them. I have lived through the best of times in this nation, but now it has officially cast You away. You are no longer welcomed into our courts and our schools. Unless we repent, we are doomed to Your judgment. This morning I cry out in repentance for this nation. God, please pull us out of this deadly dive. Without a miracle, my Christian grandchildren and theirs will suffer isolation and severe persecution. Come rescue Your people, Lord Jesus!  Amen.

Ralph