Know the godly and godless by their fruits

Friday, December 17, 2010
Devotions: Ps 40, 51, 54; Isa 10:5-19; 2 Pet 2:17-22; Mt 11:2-15

God is teaching me to wait patiently for Him; at His own time, He will lift me from the mire, put a new song in my mouth, and use me to encourage many to trust YHWH. Blessed are all who put our trust in God; Lord, You have multiplied your wondrous deeds to us. You have given me an open ear and an open heart. You are teaching me patience and obedience and genuine humility. In these, I am a slow learner. But I will continue to speak of Your kindness and patience and generosity and power. Evils surround me and block my sight; but I will trust You to deliver me, YHWH. May all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You. Have mercy, Lord; I know my transgressions; wash me thoroughly and cleanse me from my sins. You desire inward integrity, truth in the inner parts; so empty me from wrong and fill me with joy and gladness; mend and heal, and blot out my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart and an upright spirit within me; keep me near You, God of my salvation, and my tongue will sing aloud of Your deliverance. Let my mouth show forth Your priase; my broken, contrite heart You will not despise, Holy God! God has delivered me from every trouble, and I look in triumph on my enemies.

Assyria was God's rod of discipline against the godless nations and people who ignored or betrayed Him. He judged Jerusalem as He had judged Damascus and Samaria. And after chastening His own people and His holy city, God turned His punishment against the arrogant king of Assyria and his pride. He arrogated to himself credit for his victories—when it was the work of YHWH. Tools should not boast over the workman who wields them; God's servants should not take credit for the work God does through them! God makes His servants flames of fire to consume their enemies, and leaves little or nothing after wreaking His wrath on His enemies.

Peter's critique of false prophets continued: They are waterless springs, storm-driven mists, and they are bound for nether gloom. With loud boasting and licentious hearts, they entice mortals to sin and error. They promise freedom, who are themselves slaves of corruption. And if mortals return to slavery and corruption after knowing the truth and power of our Lord and Savior Jesus the Messiah, the latter state is worse than the first. Better ignorance than backsliding! They embody the foul proverbs: a dog returns to its vomit, and a sow is washed only to wallow in the mire.

As he languished in prison, John sent two disciples to inquire of Jesus, 'Are you He Who is to come, or should be look for another?' Jesus answered, and told them to tell John what they could see and hear directly: 'The blind receive their sight; the lame walk; lepers are cleansed; the deaf hear; the dead are raised to life and the poor have the good news preached to them. Blessed are they who take no offense because of Me.' Then Jesus turned to the crowds and spoke about John: 'What did you go out into the wilderness to behold? A reed shaken by the wind? No—then why did you go out? To see a man clothed in fine raiment? No—look, those in fine clothes dwell in king's palaces. So why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet! John is the one of whom was written: "Behold, I send My messenger ahead of You, who will prepare Your way before You." I tell you truly, none greater than John the Baptizer has arisen among those born of women. Yet the one who is least in heaven's kingdom is greater than John! From John's day until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and men of violence take it by force. Whoever has ears, let him hear!'