loving God – Be Still…

Zechariah 5:1-4 – It’s a Bird…It’s a Plane…

Read Zechariah 5:1-4

No, it’s a flying scroll! This scroll was huge, the height of a 3-story building and the width is comparable to a midsize sedan. Zechariah’s visions continue to shed light on God’s plans and intentions. On this scroll, God had written his words of judgment for the corrupt people.

It seems that stealing and swearing falsely are the two offenses that need to be mitigated. Stealing would symbolize harming another person in any way, and those who swear falsely are those who have dishonored God. I imagine the words were in “large print” for all to read. This curse was upon all who had broken the covenant.

Jeremiah 51:1-19 – Vindicated

Read Jeremiah 51:1-19

With the fall of Babylon, those Israelites in captivity seem to have been vindicated from their guilt. Those same Israelites and the generations before them had been defiant and rebellious toward God. Their punishment for this behavior is about to end as God now crushes Babylon! I’m hopeful those in exile were repentant.

Recalling these words would give hope to those living in captivity. “For the Lord of Heaven’s Armies has not abandoned Israel and Judah. He is still their God, even though their land was filled with sin against the Holy One of Israel.” Have you ever felt abandoned by someone you loved or trusted? Scars from that experience run deep. It’s good to know that no matter what, our heavenly Father never abandons us. We are never alone through whatever worldly strife we may encounter. Praise be to God!

2 Samuel 22:21-28 – Our Reward

Read 2 Samuel 22:21-28

golden trophy with light shining on it against red backdrop with lots of arrows pointing upward

We know that our salvation does not come from anything we do, but what God does. But that doesn’t mean that we’re never rewarded for our behavior this side of heaven. The poetry of David’s song here calls that out!

“The Lord rewarded me for doing right; he restored me because of my innocence.” Despite the human failings we’ve seen David experience, he has sought after God and God’s will for his life. Seeing his own weakness and sinfulness helps us come to grips with our own. God will use even us, imperfect and all!